Business leaders now face unprecedented pressure as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt operations across the world. A recent survey of 1000 CEOs found that 81% are redefining their strategies to ensure success in an ever-changing business environment. Despite the challenges, CEOs remain confident that they will be able to guide their companies through the crisis and remain committed to long-term growth. The survey also highlighted the importance of resilience, technology and quick decision-making in developing strategies for the future.
A new study reveals that the upcoming solar maximum could disrupt the natural homing-style navigation of migrating birds. These animals rely on the Earth’s magnetic field to guide them each year, and the solar flares associated with the upcoming solar maximum could scramble their internal compasses. Though humans are unlikely to experience any impacts from this, it could have serious implications for migrating bird populations around the globe.
Space weather can affect more than just our technology – a new study shows geomagnetic storms caused by solar winds can disrupt the ability of migratory birds to effectively navigate. The shifting magnetic fields disorient the birds, causing them to arrive later than planned at their winter nesting sites. As solar activity increases and more of these storms occur, the birds’ navigation and survival may be threatened.
Solar flares are powerful eruptions of radiation which can disrupt radio communication and cause blackouts. They can be particularly damaging to satellites and astronauts in space, and the risk of disruption increases when the Earth is in the path of a solar storm. While a solar flare itself is rarely powerful enough to pose a danger to life on Earth, its consequences can stretch many days or even weeks.
