cold

When the cold arrives and we turn on the Christmas lights, something worries those who have solar panels

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When Christmas approaches and the first waves of cold begin to seep through the buildings, Spain turns on its lights again. Streets, balconies and living rooms light up as temperatures drop in winter particularly unstable. But, along with this luminous ritual, a new question has arisen in many homes: can Christmas lights, climbing reindeer or LED garlands interfere with the solar panels that already occupy thousands of balconies and rooftops? The doubt is understandable. For years it has been repeated that shadows are the number one enemy of solar energy, leading to the belief that any object—no matter how small—could ruin production. But the reality is much less dramatic. The coexistence between self-consumption and Christmas decoration is today simple, safe and with practically no impact on the generation. “Lights bordering a solar panel are usually not a problem,” Alejandro Diego Rosell explains to Xatakaenergy consultant and professor specialized in photovoltaics. “The panel isn’t that picky… as long as you don’t cover their face.” A thin LED garland, a light cable passing over it or a spot light “generate minimal or directly negligible loss.” The only scenario to avoid is opaque, large or rigid objects that cast harsh shadows for many hours, or those that physically rest on the glass of the panel. Not due to electrical risk, but for safety and durability: wind, weight and scratches can damage the surface. Not even a slight shadow. To understand why these minor shadows are no longer a relevant problem, it is worth looking at how the panels have evolved. Héctor de Lama, technical director of the Spanish Photovoltaic Union (UNEF), He sums it up to Xataka like this: “A large part of the current panels are monocrystalline split-cell panels. This innovation allows that, if a part of the panel is covered, the performance of the entire module is not lost. In previous panels, if an area was covered, you lost almost all production.” In other words, modern modules work in independent halves and support partial shading much better, especially if they are narrow, discontinuous or moving shadows, such as those generated by LED strips or light decorations. Even so, de Lama clarifies that completely covering a panel can significantly affect “depending on how the circuits are connected and whether they contain optimizers.” In fact, Diego agrees with the idea, but takes it to everyday ground with humor: “Santa Claus hanging from the balcony, acrobatic reindeer, Three Wise Men rappelling… All of this falls into the category of emotionally necessary but technically harmless decoration.” And the invoice? A lot of noise, very little expense. Although many households associate Christmas lights with an increase in electricity consumption, the real impact is minimal. According to energy expert Iván Terrón, interviewed by El Españolthe cost is surprisingly low: “Even if they are on 24 hours a day, LED Christmas lights cost very little. All together they cost about the same as running a washing machine.” Starting from an average price of €0.14/kWh, Terrón estimates that keeping them on for a whole month is around 5 euros. The data from Selectra, a media specialized in energy consumption, offer an even more precise breakdown: 100 LED lights consume 5 W. In 33 days, at 6 hours a day, that is equivalent to 0.99 kWh, that is, about 0.10 euros. An equivalent incandescent garland – already rare – can reach 1.23 euros in the same period. Even in indexed or PVPC rates, where it is advisable to avoid the most expensive hours (between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.), the impact remains symbolic. For those who want to optimize thoroughly, early morning usually offers the lowest prices; But in practical terms, the cost of Christmas lights is practically irrelevant. Christmas and self-consumption: coexistence without surprises. In a meteorologically hectic winter and with millions of households more attentive than ever to the price of electricity, any doubt about self-consumption generates concern. But in this case, the technical evidence is clear: the usual Christmas lights and decorations do not damage the solar panels, do not compromise the installation and have almost no economic impact. The final recommendation is as simple as it is poetic: let the lights illuminate your home and let the panels continue to see the sky. With common sense and modern technology, the magic of Christmas and the sun can coexist without a shadow of conflict. Image | Unsplash and FreePik Xataka | Vigo represents its consecration, but the journey of Christmas lights begins in another Spanish town: Puente Genil

AEMET has released its prediction for winter and confirms the trend that is no longer an anomaly: a winter “without cold”

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Although we can keep in mind that winter does not begin until next December 21, coinciding with the winter solsticefor meteorology now we have started with the station from today. A season in which we could all expect a great spell of polar cold to be at home with a blanket and watching a series on television. But the AEMET has lowered these forecasts taking into account to what we experienced in previous years. Via a post on X The AEMET has welcomed this new winter 2025-2026, but with bad news behind it: it will be much warmer than usual with a high probability. We are not talking about individual “summer” days, but rather a robust statistical signal that covers the entire quarter (December-January-February). What we used to call an anomaly, the data are beginning to call the norm: winter in Spain is fading. Heat map. AEMET’s seasonal prediction It doesn’t leave much room for doubt. According to probabilistic models, the average temperature will be in the warm zone throughout the country. Specifically, for the AEMET the eastern peninsula and the Balearic Islands have a probability of a much warmer winter that exceeds 70%. In the case of the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, this is where the “zero zone” of this warming will be found, with a very pronounced thermal increase with respect to its normal values. In the rest of the peninsula, the probability is around 50%, which continues to be a sign that points to having a winter that is as normal as possible with respect to what we have seen in previous years. The rain. If in terms of temperatures it seems that we are not going to have very good news with a high probability, in terms of precipitation it seems that we must be optimistic. A priori, the models suggest that we will not have an extremely dry winter but nor will it be too wet. And the rainfall seems to be close to the average, although with great variability. Not all months of this winter will rain in the same way, emphasizing especially the second half of winter, that is, the end of January and February, where the models point to the arrival of dynamic phases with fronts and storms. This is something that may fit with studies on the loss of sea ice in the Arctic, which alters atmospheric circulation and may lead to much more “wet or variable” winters in the Iberian Peninsula, breaking the patterns that we saw in our environment. 28 days of “no winter”. To understand why the AEMET is so sure of this forecast, you have to look in the rearview mirror. The most recent reportslike Climate Central, already warned that last winter Spain experienced an average of 28 days with temperatures above the historical average. To do this, experts focus on reducing the days where we have temperatures below zero with a sharp drop in the days where there is frost. Furthermore, cities like Valencia are seeing how urban centers are turning into ovens even in the middle of winter. And it is a serious danger, as the CLIVAR-Spain report warns that this amplification of warming and the alteration of winter variability pose a critical challenge for our ecosystems, which need rest from the winter cold for their biological cycles. Goodbye to the historic cold. What AEMET is telling us with this forecast for 2025-2026 is that the atmosphere in Spain has more and more accumulated energy. Studies by Funcas and analysis by AEMET itself corroborate that the decrease in snow coverage and the increase in warm episodes are not temporary, but in the end they are the reality we face. We are facing a scenario where winters do not disappear, but they do “soften” until they become unrecognizable compared to those of three decades ago. If you have thermal clothing prepared for this year, it is possible that, except for occasional episodes of storms in February, it will stay in the closet. Images | Thomas Holmes Immo Wegmann In Xataka | “Three days of pure cold”: while the world looks at the polar vortex, bad news accumulates for AEMET

BYD pours cold water on its hypothetical factory in Spain

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BYD does not have a plan on the table to open a factory in our country. At least, that is what Alberto de Aza, general director of BYD for Spain and Portugal, maintains, who in an interview with EFE has stated that the company is focused on its Hungarian factory. According to De Aza, there are neither production problems nor are there intentions to open a plant in Spain. BYD is interested in Spain. Spain has sounded strong on two occasions to be the home of a BYD car production plant for Europe. He did it first in 2023 when it was learned that the company was touring Europe looking for a location to a factory. Before the end of that same year, we knew that Hungary had been chosen. Now, information has suggested that BYD is once again studying the opening of a factory. And, according to ReutersSpain was once again one of the first candidates. Its operating costs and good performance in the country seemed to be two incentives to take into account for the future. There are no plans. That is what Alberto de Aza, general director of BYD for Spain and Portugal, answered in an interview with EFE. The head of the company in our country has indicated that “there is no specific plan at this time to implement a production center in Spain.” The response is a bucket of cold water to the information that indicated that Spain was the first on the starting line of this new race. In fact, just a few days ago the Generalitat of Catalonia confirmed that they had held conversations with company representatives. And shortly before, in October, the De Aza spoke of Spain as “an ideal place” to expand the company’s European manufacturing. For now, Hungary. At the moment, BYD seems to be focused on opening its plant in Hungary. Everything indicates that “you’ll see later.” And the company has started very strongly in our country but a good part of the European market is resisting. The commitment to plug-in hybrids at attractive prices, such as the BYD Atto 2 DM-i It is confirmation that they try to find solutions and alternatives. To this we must add that the company has faced some complications related to its Hungarian plant. The first is whether you are using enough local employees. The second is whether it is going to create a sufficiently dense industrial network around it. complicated lace. BYD is not the only company that is in the eye of the European Union for how they manufacture (in this case, hope to manufacture) their cars on European soil. At the moment, electric cars coming from China are taxed with specific tariffs for each company but not so with plug-in hybrids. To avoid this specific and general tariff (10% on imports arriving from China), Chinese manufacturers talk about producing in Europe. However, the European Union closely monitors how these cars are manufactured. And there is talk of producing vehicles using almost assembled kits that arrive in Europe by boat and are given the finishing touches on European soil. Something like if a puzzle of 1,000 pieces arrived assembled without joining four large groups of them. This, European regulators assure, might not be enough to skip tariffs. It is a practice that already has delayed the arrival of the electric Omoda 5 to the Barcelona factory, for example. Spain, why? To the above we must add a detail: Spain has moved into a complicated game of balance with China. In addition to the fact that our country offers lower operating costs (labor or energy) to manufacturers compared to other European nations, the truth is that there is another point of view. In the final approval of tariffs on Chinese electric cars, Spain veered from a resounding “yes” to abstention. Shortly after its application, it was leaked that the Chinese State had ordered its manufacturers stop all investments in the countries that supported those tariffs. Italy, for example, would have been one of the most affected countries. Since then, it has been leaked that BYD was interested in Spain to house a new European factory. But also CATL reached an agreement with Stellantis to launch a battery production plant in Aragon. It is no coincidence that Spain has pampered its relations with China lately. Photo | Mercedes and Xataka In Xataka | “They assemble Chinese cars with Chinese components and Chinese personnel”: the EU is beginning to suspect the manufacturers’ plants

the arctic cold returns this week

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You only have to look at the thermometers to be tempted to think that the “polar cold episode” has passed. And it would be logical to think so: temperatures have risen in almost the entire peninsula and this Monday a storm is sweeping the peninsula and leaving water in the entire northwestern quadrant. However, it is a tremendous mistake. And we don’t say it, AEMET says it. What is going to happen? As I say, according to the Agency“throughout the last week of November, masses of cold air will arrive again from high latitudes.” But the issue is more nuanced than it seems: the rain is going to persist until Wednesday-Thursday and, through the door that this storm will open, a mass of arctic air is going to burst through. What comes next is complicated. After all, this “polar” episode has been a little more moderate than expected, but only by a matter of luck. Finally, meteorological chance moved the intrusion of air to the east and the result speaks for itself. Last week (TropicalTidBits) As explained M. Herrerawhat you see in the image is colder than in January in the central Mediterranean and warmer than in July in the eastern Mediterranean. If that finger of cold air had drifted further toward our position, we would have had a much worse time. Logical uncertainties. What we know is that “the last week of November will be colder than usual for the time of year in most of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.” But there are many factors at play. We do not know for sure what the real impact will be. There are things we do know. Because as we know, this type of cold air intrusion does not have much rain associated with it and, behind that front“it looks like we will be back in meteorological misery for a few days.” This makes for a bad end to November and a beginning to December that doesn’t look good at all. Above all, because the shadow of sudden stratospheric warming still there. In fact, during these days, the surprise has been that the warming has been very very strong and, although the consequences are not clear (they never are), the possibility that we will experience a very cold blow in December. Be that as it may, the main problem remains the same as always: yes, the rains of recent weeks They have helped us increase the dammed waterbut the trend is very worrying (we are using water much faster than in previous years) and if the winter is bad, the spring is going to be complicated. And a lot. Image | TropicalTidBits In Xataka | The two most important weather models in the world are discussing whether Santander is going to freeze next week. And the cold is winning

The two most important weather models in the world are discussing whether Santander is going to freeze next week. And the cold is winning

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Where has all the cold gone? So far this fall (with the sole exception of Siberia), temperatures have been relatively mild on all continents. And it seems that the situation is going to continue like this: it is true that the forecasts speak of a progressive decrease in temperatures in the southeast of Canada, the eastern United States and northern Europe; but no model paints a scenario that is particularly cold (except some very long term prediction). However, all eyes are on the polar vortex. If the models are right, it is very possible that the vortex will experience an unprecedented disturbance in November, leading to an interesting weather period starting in December. “There is no way this is fulfilled.” While November continues with its strange meteorology, the models draw increasingly strange scenarios. At this point in the week, we cannot rule out that on the 18th and 19th we have a more than considerable winter storm with the ‘beast from the east‘looming over Western Europe. In the next few hours we will have a war between models: The American marks a cold entry on Santander, the European said no. Little by little, the two seem to be converging towards a cold scene. It’s too early to say, but in a very few hours the daisy will be shedding its leaves. Anyway, the central issue is that all of this is minute sin. The breaking of the vortex. Except for that event in the middle of next week, autumn will continue to be very warm and mild on almost all continents. However, this could change if sudden stratospheric warming appears. That is, the vortex breaks. Sudden stratospheric warming? To understand it simply, we have to remember that the atmosphere is a kind of “lasagna of air layers” and each of them follows its own logic. That is, they work quite differently and independently. As far as it affects us: the circulation of air in the troposphere (the one closest to the surface) and the circulation in the stratosphere (the layer directly above) are related, yes; But, in general terms, they each do their own thing. During the “sudden stratospheric warming“, a part of the troposphere warms rapidly and, as a consequence, invades the stratosphere, causing a profound alteration of the circulation at high altitude. That is, for a few days, everything turns upside down. And what happens? The most common consequence of this is that the polar vortex weakens and may break down. The polar (arctic) vortex is a current of air that runs from west to east around the north pole and contains cold air at high latitudes. When this current is strong and stable, preventing it from flowing towards places like Spain. If the vortex It destabilizes and its winds lose strength (due to, for example, “sudden warming”), it is relatively common for cold air masses to escape on their way south. What if it doesn’t break? In reality, the vortex does not even need to break. It only needs to move from the Arctic region to lower latitudes. By moving a huge mass of cold air with it, the result is always very similar: an icy cold that can turn any country upside down (even the best prepared ones). And that seems to be what we are going to see. It’s hard to know if it will affect us or not, but there’s no doubt that the late fall weather is getting “interesting.” Image | Meteociel In Xataka | The last hope of winter in Spain is desperate, but increasingly possible: the breaking of the polar vortex

It is a gigantic jug of cold water for Spain

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Production of the current Citroën C4 and C4 in The Automotive Tribunewill move to Kenitra, in Morocco. It is a hard blow for automobile production in our country. what has happened. According to “solvent sources” cited in this specialized newspaper, the new generation of these vehicles will begin production in December 2029 at the Stellantis plant in Morocco. The company has not confirmed the date, but has indicated that “the C4, like any other vehicle, has a life and production cycle, but that does not mean that the factory does not have other possible projects on the table that guarantee its viability.” New platform, new strategy. This fourth generation of the C4 and C4 X will be mounted on the platform STLA Small —the last of that family— and will foreseeably start at the end of 2029. This platform has already been awarded to the Vigo and Zaragoza plants, but in a official announcement January 2025, those responsible for Stellantis pointed out that “the Madrid plant will have a future in Villaverde beyond the current Citroën C4, for which the Group is working on several scenarios that will be communicated in due time.” Villaverde’s future is uncertain. The future of the Stellantis plant in Villaverde (Madrid) now seems more uncertain than ever. The company has not given details about that future, but several hypotheses are being considered. On Autoblog they point out that the group plans to transform this plant into a satellite structure of the Figueruelas plant (Zaragoza), as the one in Mangualde (Portugal) is in Vigo. That would see the adoption of the STLA Small platform dedicated to compact electric vehicles. But there are favorable comments. At least if we pay attention to the statements that Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, made a year ago expanding. He then commented that “Madrid is a very good example of a factory that over the last ten years has made a great transformation to improve costs, quality and performance.” The then CEO of Citroën, Thierry Koslas—relieved this summer by Xavier Chardon—agreed with these assessments, stating that this plant “is taken as a reference in costs and quality.” The same thing already happened in Italy. In summer we already reported how Stellantis had announced an investment of 1.2 billion euros in Morocco to expand the production capacity of its plant in Kenitra. The objective: to be able to produce 535,000 cars a year there, which would place it at the level of Vigo. The company already produces the Citroen AMI either Fiat Topolinoand the latter, by the way, began their journey with controversy. Stellantis, which has historical brands like Fiat or Alfa Romeo, has gone leaving aside car production in the transalpine country. Why Morocco. The transfer of the manufacturing process to Morocco seems to respond to the search for a stronger presence in the Mediterranean region and also in its intention to increase its competitiveness. Or what is the same: rationalize production costs and capacities. The European industry is moving towards countries with lower labor costs, less strict regulations and greater tax advantages, and Stellantis is no exception. Already in 2022 they had invested 300 million euros to update the Kenitra plant and introduce the Smart Car platform. Morocco is positioning itself as a rival to beat when it comes to manufacturing cars at a very low price, and even China is taking note. In Xataka | Europe has been filled with Stellantis cars that are not selling. And Madrid and Zaragoza will pay the consequences

the questions you have sent us (and their answers) about this air conditioning for cold and alor

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We will respond to your doubts about the FreshIN FTAan air conditioner that is used for cold, but also for heat and to purify the air. We have been testing it for several days, and now we bring you a video with all the answers to the questions that you have been sending us about it to our Instagram profile. TCL FreshIN Q&A Air conditioners are devices that can have a lot of technology and innovation. We begin the video by answering your questions about what exactly that technological term FreshIN means, clarifying that they are devices designed for improve efficiency spending less energy and increasing the feeling of comfort. The device has one of the most efficient energy ratings, with grades of A+++ for cooling and heating modes. It also has inverter technology and smart ecological mode. Regarding the comfort functions, a characteristic that it has and is not so common is that able to renew the air bringing in fresh air and expelling air from the house… as it could be with a bad smell. This air has up to four layers with filters to ensure that what enters is clean. We also clarify doubts about the installation, since you can request that a company come to your house to do it if you cannot. In addition, we tell you what its dimensions are and the space it occupies. We also take advantage of the video to answer questions about its maintenance, and we focus on its smart features. Just because, you can control the air from your mobile in addition to the remote control, and the device connects to your home WiFi. Using it from your mobile will allow you program it or activate it from your mobile whenever you want, even choosing the temperature you want to have at all times. The app makes everything much easier to understand. But the best thing is that you watch the full video to see all the answers we give to the questions you have sent us. This content is a collaboration and sponsorship between Xataka and the brand, but there is no agreement on the script or the selection of the topics. The editorial content is created entirely by Xataka.

Leroy Merlin’s Black Friday has started with offers to prepare us against the cold and rain

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November is the month of Black Friday, an event where most stores (if not all) take the opportunity to launch offers of all kinds. This makes many people wait until these dates to renew or buy new devices and electronics, something that may not be good for us if we need it. The cold and the rain are already knocking at our door and we have something to protect ourselves with on offer thanks to Leroy Merlin and his Black Fridaynow available. If we take a look, we have discounts of up to 40% on items for bathrooms, kitchens, floors and yes, also in heating. The promo has many interesting offers, but to make your task a little easier, we leave you a selection of some of the most interesting: Electric towel radiator by 119 eurosideal for heating the bathroom and drying towels quickly this winter. Fluid thermal emitter by 259 eurosenough to heat medium-sized areas and with WiFi connectivity. Electronic paraffin stove by 179 eurosideal for heating spaces of up to 40 square meters without work. Quartz electric stove by 9.50 eurosa very economical solution for small rooms. Ceiling fan without light by 149 eurosan option with heat mode that we can also use in summer. Electric towel radiator If we are looking for a solution for the bathroom, this towel radiator could fit us very well. It is made of stainless steel and black, and also has 500 W of power. It has a digital screen and measures 107 x 54 x 4 centimeters. It is recommended for an area of ​​6 square meters and we can get it for 119 eurosa good discount if we take into account that Its normal price is 215 euros. Electric towel radiator NTW 11B 500W black The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Fluid thermal emitter For rooms between 15 and 19 square meters, this fluid thermal emitter may fit us well. It has 1,500 W of power and WiFi connectivityso we can control it remotely. It can be programmed, it has an electronic thermostat and a system that detects if we have any windows open in the area. Its price right now is 259 euros. Neo 1500W Wifi fluid thermal emitter The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Electronic paraffin stove This electronic paraffin stove is a good alternative for large rooms if we seek not to do work. With a 5.4 liter tank, its autonomy offers approximately 65 hours of operation. It has a timer, saving mode, electronic thermostat and several different speeds. Right now it’s coming out 179 eurosso we would be saving 40 euros compared to its usual price. TOYOTOMI LC-30 Electronic Paraffin Stove The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Quartz electric stove The most economical solution of all is given to us by this electric stove. It is ideal if we are looking to heat a small roomIn addition, it can be easily moved between different rooms in the house as needed. It has 800 W of power, anti-tip safety system and overheating protection. comes out for 9.50 euros. QUARTZ VER electric stove 800 w power The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Ceiling fan without light This ceiling fan gives us a very interesting alternative due to its versatility, since it will serve us both in the cold and in summer. It has a reverse system that helps distribute hot air in the room, which can allow us to save on heating. It is designed for rooms of approximately 20 square meters and comes out 149 euros. Arte Confort Areia Silent DC Outdoor Ceiling Fan Without Light Black 132 cm The price could vary. We earn commission from these links Some of the links in this article are affiliated and may provide a benefit to Xataka. In case of non-availability, offers may vary. Images | Leroy Merlin In Xataka | Which heater to buy: the best models based on power, use cases and price In Xataka | Best quality-price air conditioning. Which one to buy and six recommended models from just over 300 euros

Ukraine has struck Russia a blow to two “amphibious” relics of the cold war. And then he has shown it on video

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On October 18, 1960, from the Taganrog airfield, the Soviet Union presented the world with its first flight The Beriev Be-12an amphibious plane designed to perform underwater and maritime patrol missions that over time was expanding its abilities. In fact, Russia continued to keep several models used in the invasion of Ukraine. Until a few days ago. The attack against a relic. The scene took place September 21when Kamikaze drones Ukrainians reached the Kacha air base, in the Crimea occupied, attacking two of the very scarce be-12 amphibians of the Russian Navy and a MI-8 helicopter. The disseminated images By the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense they show the direct impact on one of these devices (identified With number 08) and reinforce the idea that it is the first confirmed attack against this type of aircraft, known In Russia as chaika (Gaviota) and by NATO with the name in a mail key. The action was claimed by the Special Unit “Ghost” of Ukrainian intelligence, underlining the increasingly relevant role of drones in the campaign against infrastructures and military assets in Crimea. The importance of B2-12. As we said at the beginning, the BE-12 was conceived in the sixties as an anti-submarine platform. Lost that main function decades ago, although kept in service in search and rescue configurations and, above all, as a maritime patrol to detect unmanned Ukrainian boats that Hostigan to the Black Sea fleet. With just Six registered devices In 2023 and only four or five in the operational state, the destruction or damage of two of them could mean the reduction to half of the active fleet. Although one of the specimens achieved could have already been out of service, even in that case it was valuable as a source of spare partsa critical resource to prolong the life of the model. The pressure in Crimea. Since the summer of 2022, the BE-12 have been frequently operating On the Crimea coastacting as support in the detection of unmanned vessels, recognition commands and Ukrainian special operations divers. The drone campaign of Ukraine surface, which began with suicidal models and has resulted in reusable platforms capable of launch FPV drones or even gunners, has weakened To the roller and forced fleet the construction of hardened shelters in air bases Like Belbek. The loss of specialized aerial patrols aggravates Russian vulnerability in this scenario, where early intelligence and detection are vital. The sunset of an airplane. The BE-12 has survived multiple stages of obsolescence, from the dissolution of the USSR to its Official withdrawal in 1992re -giving prominence after Crimea Annexation in 2014. However, without substantial modernizations, it lacks viability in an air environment disputed and can only perform secondary missions under conditions of Russian superiority. Its apparent final, precipitated by Ukrainian drones, symbolizes how a war marked by autonomous systems and precision attacks is dismantling the last vestiges of Soviet aviation in the region. Strategic consequences. If you want also, the attack against the BE-12 He fits the Ukrainian strategy to deprive Russia of surveillance and control capacities in the Black Sea, weakening the operating margin of the enclave fleet and undermine military logistics in the Peninsula. Beyond the tactical blow, the action reflects the War transition Towards a scenario in which cheap, autonomous and difficult to counteract systems are able to neutralize expensive and scarce platforms, accelerating Russian wear and questioning Moscow’s ability to keep an increasingly naval aviation operational relic dependent. Image | Commander, US Naval Forces Europe-Africa/US 6th FleetUkrainian Ministry of Defense In Xataka | Two hidden Russian soldiers wrote something unpublished to a drone. That day in Ukraine changed the rules of wars In Xataka | Italy, Germany, Sweden and Finland have done something that seemed unthinkable: throw their fighters in search of Russian airplanes

The Arctic cold was the ideal barrier against invasive species. Now that barrier is falling

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The Arctic Ocean is one of the hot points as far as climate change is concerned. Separated from the surface by polar ice, this ocean is a place with its own characteristics that go beyond its icy temperature. The barrier falls. A new study headed by researchers at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) He has found evidence of the arrival of an invasive species of Percebe to the waters of the Canadian Antarctic. This has led the team to conclude that the barrier that previously represented the low temperatures of the polar ocean is falling. Amphibalanus Impherevisus. The species in question is a type of Balánido sometimes known as bay’s percebe (Amphibalanus Impherevisus). These crustaceans are disturbed in a distant way with the common perclabes (Cornucopia policipes), but its presence is considered a problem and not A food source. The species has already become a regular of the waters of Europe and the Pacific Ocean, where it causes problems when attached to ships, pipes and infrastructure of different types. However, until now it had remained absent in the waters of the Canadian Arctic. EADN. The detection of the invasive species was carried out thanks to the study of the bars coding of the Environmental DNA (Edna). Living beings are leaving our genetic imprint in our environment: detached cells, waste and other biological remains. This technique allows to detect the presence of a species (or several) without finding a single specimen, only through environmental samples, in this case, water. The details of the study were Published in an article In the magazine Global Change Biology. Climate change, the great suspect. The Arctic is one of the regions most affected by climate change. There are two factors, both related to the increase in temperatures in this region, which have contributed to the expansion of this percebe. The first factor is the increase in maritime traffic of the Arctic associated with the thaw and the opening of new routes. Generally, the team explains, these invasive species usually arrive in the ships of the ships or in their ballast tanks. The second factor is that the waters of the Canadian Arctic no longer present such hostile conditions for the proliferation of foreign species. “Climate change is really in the nucleus of this problem. The ships are increasing in number because the reduction of sea ice has opened new nautical routes. It adds to this that the invasive species that the ships bring to the Arctic also are more likely to survive and establish populations due to the warmest temperatures of the water,” explained in a press release Elizabeth Boyse, who led the study. An issue to clarify. According to the team responsible for the study, there are still details to corroborate with respect to the spread of this species in the Canadian Arctic, starting to know if the DNA detected responded to larvae in transit or a more stable and fruitful population. To know this type of detail, it will be necessary to complement the study with other techniques, such as direct observation of animals. In Xataka | A group of Dutch came up with watering the Arctic could be a good antidote against thaw. It is working Image | Ansgar Walk, CC by-SA 3.0

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