while Israel fights on multiple fronts there is another enemy that is worrying its people it is climate change. A new survey from the National Institute for climate policy research at Ben-Gurion University in Israel's Beer-Sheva has found that the majority of the Israeli public is concerned about climate change. Watch in for more details!

Majority Of Israeli Public Concerned Of Climate Change: Survey

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) kicks off on Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together heads of state and government leaders to address the escalating climate crisis and explore solutions. Watch this report for more details!

UN's COP29 Climate Change Summit Begins in Azerbaijan

Private jet travel plays a key role in polluting the environment, so much so that these aircraft used by the super-rich end up polluting hundreds of times more than an average person. According to a new study, carbon pollution from private jets has soared in the past five years.

Soaring Carbon Pollution From Private Jets

The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has declared that 2024 is “virtually certain” to set a record as the hottest year globally, beating 2023's record as the world's warmest since records began.

This comes just before the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, where leaders will push for significant funding boosts to combat climate change.

<h2>The hottest year on record</h2>

C3S data from January to October shows global temperatures climbing so steeply that only an unlikely, drastic cooling in the last months could prevent 2024 from setting a new high.

Talking to Reuters, C3S Director Carlo Buontempo said, “The fundamental, underpinning cause of this year's record is climate change.”

Also read | <a class="WlydOe" data-sb="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/world-will-lose-50-heritage-sites-till-2050-because-of-climate-change-predict-experts-753153&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiA3p6a18mJAxULzDgGHSv5JyEQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE&amp;usg=AOvVaw1qqOPNez43hPvex3k1Qzb7" data-ved="2ahUKEwiA3p6a18mJAxULzDgGHSv5JyEQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/world-will-lose-50-heritage-sites-till-2050-because-of-climate-change-predict-experts-753153" jsname="YKoRaf">World will lose 50 heritage sites till 2050 because of climate change, predict experts</a> 

“The climate is warming, generally,” Buontempo noted, “It's warming in all continents, in all ocean basins. So we are bound to see those records being broken”.

For the first time, Earth in 2024 will cross the 1.5&nbsp;°C warming threshold compared to the 1850-1990 pre-industrial levels. This milestone—once considered a distant risk—is now effectively here, warn scientists.

"It's basically around the corner now," Buontempo said.

Climate scientist Sonia Seneviratne from ETH Zurich said she was not surprised by the fact that we were close to reaching the milestone. Echoing the urgency of COP29, she warned that the world's limited actions on carbon emissions are endangering the Paris Agreement’s targets, originally set to prevent average warming from exceeding 1.5&nbsp;°C by 2030.

Also read | <a class="WlydOe" data-sb="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/september-becomes-second-warmest-month-on-record-globally-eu-climate-monitor-765666&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiA3p6a18mJAxULzDgGHSv5JyEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kLglrslc5VoXIbdYtDSst" data-ved="2ahUKEwiA3p6a18mJAxULzDgGHSv5JyEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/september-becomes-second-warmest-month-on-record-globally-eu-climate-monitor-765666" jsname="YKoRaf">September becomes second-warmest month on record globally: EU climate monitor</a> 

“The limits that were set in the Paris Agreement are starting to crumble given the too-slow pace of climate action across the world,” Seneviratne said.

The temperature spikes this year have contributed to intense and devastating events worldwide. October alone saw catastrophic flash floods in Spain, raging wildfires in Peru, and severe flooding in Bangladesh that destroyed over a million tons of rice, sending food prices soaring. In the US, Hurricane Milton was similarly exacerbated by human-driven climate change.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has declared that 2024 is “virtually certain” to set a record as the hottest year globally, beating 2023's record as the world's warmest since records began.

The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has declared that 2024 is “virtually certain” to set a record as the hottest year globally, beating 2023's record as the world's warmest since records began. This comes just before the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, where leaders will push for significant funding boosts to combat climate change. The hottest year on record C3S data from January to October shows global temperatures climbing so steeply that only an unlikely, drastic cooling in the last months could prevent 2024 from setting a new high. Talking to Reuters, C3S Director Carlo Buontempo said, “The fundamental, underpinning cause of this year's record is climate change.” Also read | World will lose 50 heritage sites till 2050 because of climate change, predict experts “The climate is warming, generally,” Buontempo noted, “It's warming in all continents, in all ocean basins. So we are bound to see those records being broken”. For the first time, Earth in 2024 will cross the 1.5 °C warming threshold compared to the 1850-1990 pre-industrial levels. This milestone—once considered a distant risk—is now effectively here, warn scientists. "It's basically around the corner now," Buontempo said. Climate scientist Sonia Seneviratne from ETH Zurich said she was not surprised by the fact that we were close to reaching the milestone. Echoing the urgency of COP29, she warned that the world's limited actions on carbon emissions are endangering the Paris Agreement’s targets, originally set to prevent average warming from exceeding 1.5 °C by 2030. Also read | September becomes second-warmest month on record globally: EU climate monitor “The limits that were set in the Paris Agreement are starting to crumble given the too-slow pace of climate action across the world,” Seneviratne said. The temperature spikes this year have contributed to intense and devastating events worldwide. October alone saw catastrophic flash floods in Spain, raging wildfires in Peru, and severe flooding in Bangladesh that destroyed over a million tons of rice, sending food prices soaring. In the US, Hurricane Milton was similarly exacerbated by human-driven climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

2024 on track to be hottest year in history, says EU climate monitor ahead of COP29

Spain races to find survivors as flood death toll rises to 158. Flash floods hit parts of Spain on Wednesday, devastating communities in Valencia. Residents describe ‘nightmare’ scenes, ‘We all know someone who has died’. Flash flooding ripped through parts of eastern Spain, destroyed buildings and infrastructure. Watch to know more!

Spain Floods: Rescuers Scramble To Find Survivors As Death Toll Soars To 158 | WION Originals

A report on the health links with climate change has found that people around the world are experiencing more days of Health threatening temperatures while extreme weather, tree cover loss and air pollution from the burning of coal oil and gas is increasingly jeopardized health outcomes. Watch to know more.

Health Risk From Excessive Heat In India

Senegalese women took to the streets of Dakar demanding protection of Senegal’s resources and calling for a decarbonized future. Some 50 climate activists hit the streets of the Senegalese capital, To demand climate justice ahead of cop29 in a march that has been held annually since 2021, But that organizers say is particularly pertinent this year.

Senegalese: Dozens of Climate Activists Hit the Streets

Super typhoon Kong-Rey made landfall on Taiwan as one of the most powerful storms to hit the island in years. It triggered heavy rains and strong winds across the island. Watch this report to know more.

Typhoon Kong-Rey: One-Day Holiday Declared On Thursday

Earth is heating up and climate change is threatening its existence. But, we might not be the only world in the cosmos to inflict this horror upon ourselves. As per a new model, an advanced alien civilisation can destroy its planet because of climate change in less than 1,000 years. This, the researchers say stands true even if they are using renewable sources of energy.

The new research has been posted to the preprint database arXiv and is being peer-reviewed.

The study touts that any civilisation that is experiencing massive technological growth and energy consumption, would heat up its planet and make it uninhabitable in less than 1,000 years. This is irrespective of its energy sources, since no matter what they use, there would be inevitable leakage in the form of heat, as predicted by the laws of thermodynamics.&nbsp;

The scientists conducting the study noticed that human energy use had witnessed a major increase since the 1800s. In 2023 alone, about 180,000 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy was used, almost the same amount of energy that hits Earth from the sun.

Gas and coal are the major sources of this energy, and are heating up the planet. However, even if wind and solar power were creating this energy, the planet would continue to become hotter since the population would also keep increasing, consequently pushing up the demand for more energy.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/universe-might-die-in-a-long-freeze-when-everything-halts-and-withers-away-770332">Universe might die in a long freeze, when everything halts and withers away</a>

<h2>Planets will always eventually heat up</h2>

Manasvi Lingam, an astrophysicist at Florida Tech and a co-author of the study, told Live Science that the team applied the second law of thermodynamics to this problem. According to this law, no energy system is perfect and some amount of energy will always escape the system. This escaped energy will cause a planet to heat up over time.

The team found that as this energy leakage builds up more and more, the planet will eventually overheat to a point where it is no longer habitable. More and more energy creation will lead to disastrous levels of climate change and only needs less than 1,000 years from the start of energy production.

Scientists also cite this as a reason why they cannot find life elsewhere in the universe. They say that 1,000 years pass in the blink of an eye in cosmic terms, considering planets like Earth take hundreds of millions of years to become habitable.&nbsp;

<h2>So what is the solution?</h2>

The team suggests a civilisation should choose equilibrium and flatline its growth. Living in "harmony with its surroundings", a species and its descendants "could survive maybe up to a billion years," Lingham said.

Earth is heating up and climate change is threatening its existence. But, we might not be the only world in the cosmos to inflict this horror upon ourselves. As per a new model, an advanced alien civilisation can destroy its planet because of climate change in less than 1,000 years.

Earth is heating up and climate change is threatening its existence. But, we might not be the only world in the cosmos to inflict this horror upon ourselves. As per a new model, an advanced alien civilisation can destroy its planet because of climate change in less than 1,000 years. This, the researchers say stands true even if they are using renewable sources of energy. The new research has been posted to the preprint database arXiv and is being peer-reviewed. The study touts that any civilisation that is experiencing massive technological growth and energy consumption, would heat up its planet and make it uninhabitable in less than 1,000 years. This is irrespective of its energy sources, since no matter what they use, there would be inevitable leakage in the form of heat, as predicted by the laws of thermodynamics. The scientists conducting the study noticed that human energy use had witnessed a major increase since the 1800s. In 2023 alone, about 180,000 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy was used, almost the same amount of energy that hits Earth from the sun. Gas and coal are the major sources of this energy, and are heating up the planet. However, even if wind and solar power were creating this energy, the planet would continue to become hotter since the population would also keep increasing, consequently pushing up the demand for more energy. Also Read: Universe might die in a long freeze, when everything halts and withers away Planets will always eventually heat up Manasvi Lingam, an astrophysicist at Florida Tech and a co-author of the study, told Live Science that the team applied the second law of thermodynamics to this problem. According to this law, no energy system is perfect and some amount of energy will always escape the system. This escaped energy will cause a planet to heat up over time. The team found that as this energy leakage builds up more and more, the planet will eventually overheat to a point where it is no longer habitable. More and more energy creation will lead to disastrous levels of climate change and only needs less than 1,000 years from the start of energy production. Scientists also cite this as a reason why they cannot find life elsewhere in the universe. They say that 1,000 years pass in the blink of an eye in cosmic terms, considering planets like Earth take hundreds of millions of years to become habitable. So what is the solution? The team suggests a civilisation should choose equilibrium and flatline its growth. Living in "harmony with its surroundings", a species and its descendants "could survive maybe up to a billion years," Lingham said.

It's hard to find life in universe because every civilisation likely kills itself within 1,000 years

A new Volcanic era has emerged in Southwest Iceland and upended many lives in its wake. Despite the violent and long-lasting nature of these eruptions, it might hold the key for a new future. An audacious plan is underway to drill directly into a magma chamber, hundreds of miles Northeast at a volcanic caldera called Krafla. This is to source clean energy that can power people’s lives.

Iceland's Volcanoes Erupt After 800 Years: A New Source for Clean Energy?

U.S. nonprofit Climate United unveiled plans on Tuesday to invest up to USD 250 million in what would become America's largest single purchase of electric semi-trucks. The ambitious project aims to deploy as many as 500 zero-emission vehicles over the next three years, specifically targeting California's bustling port operations.

The program addresses a critical environmental mandate: California's requirement that approximately 33,000 drayage trucks—vehicles that transport containers to and from seaports—must achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2035. Climate United's intervention comes at a crucial time, as electric heavy-duty trucks currently represent less than 1% of the total U.S. trucking fleet.

Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United, emphasised the economic barriers facing smaller operators: "High upfront costs make it difficult for independent owner-operators and small fleets to transition to all-electric." The initiative aims to overcome this obstacle by offering attractive lease rates to truckers serving California's ports, making the transition to electric vehicles more financially feasible for smaller operations.

The Maryland-based nonprofit has outlined a clear timeline, with initial orders scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. In a move that aligns with domestic manufacturing priorities, Climate United will prioritise Class 8 trucks assembled in the United States using domestically produced components.

Several manufacturers are already active in this space, with companies like Volvo Trucks North America, BYD, and Kenworth currently operating electric trucks at California ports, including the nation's busiest seaport complex in Los Angeles and Long Beach. This existing presence provides a foundation for the program's expansion.

The initiative's funding comes from a substantial USD 6.97 billion grant provided by the National Clean Investment Fund, operating under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund established by President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. This significant financial backing demonstrates the federal government's commitment to accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles in the commercial sector.

A crucial aspect of the program is its partnership with Forum Mobility, which is developing charging infrastructure at California ports and along major freight routes. Jacqueline Torres, a vice president at Forum Mobility, highlighted the significance of this coordinated approach: "For so long, this has been the story of the chicken and the egg. You can't have the trucks before you have the charging, and you can't have the charging before you have the trucks. This program brings both of those together."

The initiative addresses multiple challenges simultaneously: the environmental impact of port operations, the financial barriers to electric vehicle adoption, and the need for comprehensive charging infrastructure. By providing both the vehicles and ensuring access to charging facilities, the program offers a holistic solution to the complex challenge of decarbonizing port operations.

This investment comes at a critical time for California's ports, which play a vital role in national and international commerce while contributing significantly to local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to electric drainage trucks could substantially reduce both local air pollutants and carbon emissions, improving air quality in port-adjacent communities while advancing climate goals.

The scale of this investment could also help accelerate the broader adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles by demonstrating their viability in demanding port operations. Success in this environment could encourage similar transitions in other sectors of the trucking industry, potentially catalysing a wider shift toward zero-emission commercial vehicles.

U.S. nonprofit Climate United unveiled plans on Tuesday to invest up to USD 250 million in what would become America's largest single purchase of electric semi-trucks.

U.S. nonprofit Climate United unveiled plans on Tuesday to invest up to USD 250 million in what would become America's largest single purchase of electric semi-trucks. The ambitious project aims to deploy as many as 500 zero-emission vehicles over the next three years, specifically targeting California's bustling port operations. The program addresses a critical environmental mandate: California's requirement that approximately 33,000 drayage trucks—vehicles that transport containers to and from seaports—must achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2035. Climate United's intervention comes at a crucial time, as electric heavy-duty trucks currently represent less than 1% of the total U.S. trucking fleet. Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United, emphasised the economic barriers facing smaller operators: "High upfront costs make it difficult for independent owner-operators and small fleets to transition to all-electric." The initiative aims to overcome this obstacle by offering attractive lease rates to truckers serving California's ports, making the transition to electric vehicles more financially feasible for smaller operations. The Maryland-based nonprofit has outlined a clear timeline, with initial orders scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. In a move that aligns with domestic manufacturing priorities, Climate United will prioritise Class 8 trucks assembled in the United States using domestically produced components. Several manufacturers are already active in this space, with companies like Volvo Trucks North America, BYD, and Kenworth currently operating electric trucks at California ports, including the nation's busiest seaport complex in Los Angeles and Long Beach. This existing presence provides a foundation for the program's expansion. The initiative's funding comes from a substantial USD 6.97 billion grant provided by the National Clean Investment Fund, operating under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund established by President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. This significant financial backing demonstrates the federal government's commitment to accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles in the commercial sector. A crucial aspect of the program is its partnership with Forum Mobility, which is developing charging infrastructure at California ports and along major freight routes. Jacqueline Torres, a vice president at Forum Mobility, highlighted the significance of this coordinated approach: "For so long, this has been the story of the chicken and the egg. You can't have the trucks before you have the charging, and you can't have the charging before you have the trucks. This program brings both of those together." The initiative addresses multiple challenges simultaneously: the environmental impact of port operations, the financial barriers to electric vehicle adoption, and the need for comprehensive charging infrastructure. By providing both the vehicles and ensuring access to charging facilities, the program offers a holistic solution to the complex challenge of decarbonizing port operations. This investment comes at a critical time for California's ports, which play a vital role in national and international commerce while contributing significantly to local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to electric drainage trucks could substantially reduce both local air pollutants and carbon emissions, improving air quality in port-adjacent communities while advancing climate goals. The scale of this investment could also help accelerate the broader adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles by demonstrating their viability in demanding port operations. Success in this environment could encourage similar transitions in other sectors of the trucking industry, potentially catalysing a wider shift toward zero-emission commercial vehicles.

Landmark USD 250 million investment aims to revolutionise California port trucking with electric fleet

The melting of the Arctic sea has set alarm bells ringing, climate scientists say it could make Europe shiver besides disrupting ocean circulation. Watch the full report to know more.

Increased Freshwater Inflow Can Disrupt Ocean Circulation: Study

The climate change is reshaping the landscape in Iceland and even the forces deep beneath it. Watch the story to know more.

Melting Glaciers Raise Eruption Risk Worldwide

Current climate policies will result in global warming of over 3 Degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to a United Nations report. The annual emissions gap report has found that the world faces as much as 3.1 Degrees Celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100, if governments do not take greater action on slashing planet-warming emissions.

UN Report: Climate to Warm by 3.1°C Without Greater Action

A University team in Chile has built a 3D printed concrete home that they say is Latin America's first such building. Experts say that it needs to be adapted to the Chillian reality to deal with earthquakes. Watch this report to know more.

'Seed Home' To Adapt To Variety Of Climates

Greece is one of the world's largest chestnut producers but after months of searing heat and drought, most have not ripened. The chestnut harvest in Greece is expected to drop to about 15,000 tonnes in 2024 because of the extreme weather, half the average over the past five years.

Greece: Months of Searing Heat Harms Greece's Chestnut Produce

The United Nations released a report on Thursday stating that the current climate policies of all countries will result in an increase in global warming of more than 3 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.&nbsp;

The report also mentioned that the increase in global warming is twice the rise which was agreed to nearly ten years ago. The annual Emissions Gap report released by the UN keeps an account of the promises made by countries to control climate change compared with what is actually needed, stating that global temperature could rise by 3.1 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100. This also shows the government’s shortfall in the commitment to control the climate.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-dana-makes-landfall-in-indias-odisha-over-600000-people-evacuated-to-shelters-till-now-770508">Cyclone Dana makes landfall in Odisha, over 600k evacuated to shelters so far</a>

In 2015, several countries signed the Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius to avoid dangerous impacts.&nbsp;

The United Nations Environment Programme said to keep global temperature under 1.5 degrees celsius, emissions have to fall 42 per cent by 2023, compared to the levels in 2019. To limit global warming under 2 degrees celsius, emissions should fall by 28 per cent by 2030.

As Reuters cited, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech on Thursday, "We're teetering on a planetary tightrope”. He added, "Either leaders bridge the emissions gap, or we plunge headlong into climate disaster".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-border-row-disengagement-of-troops-begins-in-eastern-ladakhs-demchok-depsang-770520">India-China border row: Disengagement of troops begins in Demchok, Depsang</a>

The emission report stated that global greenhouse gas emissions increased by 1.3 per cent between the years 2022 and 2023, reaching a new record equivalent to 57.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide. The report also found that if the countries stick to their current commitments, global temperature will still increase between 2.6 degrees celsius and 2.8 degrees celsius by the next century.&nbsp;

As Reuters cited, Anne Olhoff, the report's chief scientific editor, said, &nbsp;"If we look at the progress towards 2030 targets, especially of the G20 member states ... they have not made a lot of progress towards their current climate targets for 2030."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United Nations released a report on Thursday stating that the current climate policies of all countries will result in an increase in global warming of more than 3 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.

The United Nations released a report on Thursday stating that the current climate policies of all countries will result in an increase in global warming of more than 3 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The report also mentioned that the increase in global warming is twice the rise which was agreed to nearly ten years ago. The annual Emissions Gap report released by the UN keeps an account of the promises made by countries to control climate change compared with what is actually needed, stating that global temperature could rise by 3.1 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100. This also shows the government’s shortfall in the commitment to control the climate. Also Read | Cyclone Dana makes landfall in Odisha, over 600k evacuated to shelters so far In 2015, several countries signed the Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius to avoid dangerous impacts. The United Nations Environment Programme said to keep global temperature under 1.5 degrees celsius, emissions have to fall 42 per cent by 2023, compared to the levels in 2019. To limit global warming under 2 degrees celsius, emissions should fall by 28 per cent by 2030. As Reuters cited, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech on Thursday, "We're teetering on a planetary tightrope”. He added, "Either leaders bridge the emissions gap, or we plunge headlong into climate disaster". Also Read | India-China border row: Disengagement of troops begins in Demchok, Depsang The emission report stated that global greenhouse gas emissions increased by 1.3 per cent between the years 2022 and 2023, reaching a new record equivalent to 57.1 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide. The report also found that if the countries stick to their current commitments, global temperature will still increase between 2.6 degrees celsius and 2.8 degrees celsius by the next century. As Reuters cited, Anne Olhoff, the report's chief scientific editor, said, "If we look at the progress towards 2030 targets, especially of the G20 member states ... they have not made a lot of progress towards their current climate targets for 2030." (With inputs from agencies)

Climate Change: UN report warns global temperature to increase by 3.1 C without proper action 

BMW has ignited a debate over whether so-called "carbon culprits" like internal combustion engine cars can actually become climate champions...

Can Gas Cars Become Climate Champions?

Warmer temperatures are making life harder for butterflies in Greece, home to some 237 species. Food is scarcer, flowering periods are shorter, and experts now suspect the butterflies may be getting smaller.....

Climate Change Threatens Greece's Butterflies

Nearly 200 countries will be debating how they can save nature from the current rapid rate of destruction at the UN biodiversity Summit also known as COP 16 in the Colombian city of Cali. Watch in for more details!

COP16 Biodiversity Summit: 200 Countries To Take Part In Debate During Biodiversity Summit

Diamonds to the rescue! A girl's best friend can also save the planet from overheating caused by climate change. A team of climatologists, meteorologists, and Earth scientists suggests that even though it might seem odd, this might become a reality someday.

The researchers explored the potential of diamond dust that can be released from an aeroplane into the atmosphere as a potential solution to reverse global warming.

Earth is heating up and experts suggest it might have already reached a point of no return. Drastic measures need to be taken to dramatically cool down the planet and simply curbing greenhouse gas emissions might not help.&nbsp;

Scientists worldwide agree that injecting aerosols into the atmosphere can help solve the problem as it can reflect sunlight and excess heat back into space. Sulfur dioxide, which naturally occurs in the atmosphere from volcanic eruptions, has been the frontrunner in this race.

However, it comes with its side effects and can cause acid rain across the world, damage the ozone layer, and also cause unpredictable weather changes in the lower atmosphere.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/flying-saucer-or-cloud-strange-pet-feature-reappears-in-same-spot-in-new-zealand-769792">Flying saucer or cloud? Strange 'pet' feature reappears in same spot in New Zealand</a>

So they were forced to look for other viable options. Experts conducted a study in the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science at ETH Zurich where they created a 3D climate model to know the impacts of different types of aerosols.

They evaluated their interaction with light and heat, their longevity in the air, their potential to group together, and how they would eventually fall back to Earth.

<h2>Diamonds can save the planet, but will prove costly</h2>

They found seven candidates that could solve the problem - calcite, diamond, aluminium, silicon carbide, anatase, rutile, and sulfur dioxide, were put to the test. Diamond dust emerged as the surprising winner.

Diamond dust was found to reflect the most light and heat in the experiment. The dust could also remain aloft for suitable lengths of time and was less likely to clump together to retain heat.&nbsp;

The added bonus was that it would not create acid rain because it&nbsp;is chemically inert.&nbsp;

However, considering it is diamonds, the solution comes with a huge price tag. The model recommends that Earth can be cooled down by approximately 1.6°C in 45 years if about five million tonnes of synthetic diamond dust is injected into the atmosphere every year. This exercise would cost a whopping $200 trillion.&nbsp;

The process also has significant technological and logistical challenges. Current manufacturing technologies and infrastructure are not apt for the scenario and need to advance manifold to create and synthesise the diamond dust on such a massive scale.&nbsp;

To deploy the diamond dust every year means having a specialised aircraft or spacecraft to release the particles at the requisite altitude globally.&nbsp;

Diamonds to the rescue! A girl's best friend can also save the planet from overheating caused by climate change. A team of climatologists, meteorologists, and Earth scientists suggests that even though it might seem odd, this might become a reality someday.

Diamonds to the rescue! A girl's best friend can also save the planet from overheating caused by climate change. A team of climatologists, meteorologists, and Earth scientists suggests that even though it might seem odd, this might become a reality someday. The researchers explored the potential of diamond dust that can be released from an aeroplane into the atmosphere as a potential solution to reverse global warming. Earth is heating up and experts suggest it might have already reached a point of no return. Drastic measures need to be taken to dramatically cool down the planet and simply curbing greenhouse gas emissions might not help. Scientists worldwide agree that injecting aerosols into the atmosphere can help solve the problem as it can reflect sunlight and excess heat back into space. Sulfur dioxide, which naturally occurs in the atmosphere from volcanic eruptions, has been the frontrunner in this race. However, it comes with its side effects and can cause acid rain across the world, damage the ozone layer, and also cause unpredictable weather changes in the lower atmosphere. Also Read: Flying saucer or cloud? Strange 'pet' feature reappears in same spot in New Zealand So they were forced to look for other viable options. Experts conducted a study in the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science at ETH Zurich where they created a 3D climate model to know the impacts of different types of aerosols. They evaluated their interaction with light and heat, their longevity in the air, their potential to group together, and how they would eventually fall back to Earth. Diamonds can save the planet, but will prove costly They found seven candidates that could solve the problem - calcite, diamond, aluminium, silicon carbide, anatase, rutile, and sulfur dioxide, were put to the test. Diamond dust emerged as the surprising winner. Diamond dust was found to reflect the most light and heat in the experiment. The dust could also remain aloft for suitable lengths of time and was less likely to clump together to retain heat. The added bonus was that it would not create acid rain because it is chemically inert. However, considering it is diamonds, the solution comes with a huge price tag. The model recommends that Earth can be cooled down by approximately 1.6°C in 45 years if about five million tonnes of synthetic diamond dust is injected into the atmosphere every year. This exercise would cost a whopping $200 trillion. The process also has significant technological and logistical challenges. Current manufacturing technologies and infrastructure are not apt for the scenario and need to advance manifold to create and synthesise the diamond dust on such a massive scale. To deploy the diamond dust every year means having a specialised aircraft or spacecraft to release the particles at the requisite altitude globally.

Scientists tout diamond dust, a $200 trillion solution, to cool down Earth

As the day nears when Americans will vote to choose their next president on November 5, 2024, the battle between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is turning intense. While questions on their positions on the economy, immigration, foreign affairs, and gun policy take the main stage for the campaigns, climate change remains a less talked about topic.

Even though climate change is often talked about, it is not one of the top concerns for the voters ahead of&nbsp;the 2024 US presidential elections. According to a Gallup survey, less than 5 per cent of Americans believe climate change and the environment are among the important issues the country is facing.

<h2>Why should climate change be an important issue?</h2>

Climate change is the shift in average temperatures and weather conditions mainly caused by human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, harmful emissions, and deforestation. Climate change is the leading reason behind extreme weather conditions that we are witnessing today such as increasing heatwaves, wildfires, floods, droughts, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.

According to researchers, Hurricane Milton, which caused devastation and claimed around 25 lives after it made landfall in Florida on October 10, intensified due to climate change. At least 251 people lost their lives due to Hurricane Helene, which struck the same region two weeks before Milton. Over 300 people have died due to hurricanes in the US this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/florida-reels-from-hurricane-milton-10-dead-millions-left-without-power-766469">Florida reels from Hurricane Milton: 10 dead, millions left without power</a>

Rise in temperature is another recurring pattern observed due to climate change, with heat waves lasting weeks and making life unbearable for many. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, over 1,300 deaths are recorded per year in the US due to extreme heat. This year, the highest temperature recorded was 53.9 degrees Celsius (129 degrees Fahrenheit) at Death Valley, California, on July 7.

These extreme weather conditions are, no doubt, a by-product of climate change, which is increasingly posing a threat to life. This calls for climate policies that can help reduce the effects of climate change and avert such disasters.

<h2>Where do Trump and Kamala stand on climate and energy policies?</h2>

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have strikingly different views on climate policies. While Harris considers climate change an "existential threat"&nbsp;and joined President Joe Biden’s take on the climate policies, Trump has called it a "hoax" and dismissed the pressing issue.

While both candidates advocate utilising energy sources to boost the economy and keep challenging each other on their policies, neither has given a detailed plan for their climate and energy policies.

<h3>Climate policies</h3>

During his presidential term from 2017 to 2021, Trump reversed hundreds of policies laid during US President Barack Obama’s term which focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting wetlands in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-presidential-election-2024-check-what-key-issues-driving-the-polls-where-do-harris-and-trump-stand-on-them-767314">US Presidential Election 2024: What key issues are driving the polls? Where do Harris and Trump stand on them?</a>

<h3>Paris Agreement</h3>

During his tenure, Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 Paris Agreement, a global agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature increase. However, Biden rejoined the agreement, a decision that Harris supports. Trump has said he will once again pull out of the agreement if he wins the 2024 US presidential elections.

<h3>Inflation Reduction Act</h3>

The Biden-Harris administration has brought the largest investment in policy related to climate, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The $370 billion bill focuses on reducing emissions, promoting electric vehicles, and providing tax credits and subsidies for clean energy projects. According to Harris, her policies created 800,000 new manufacturing jobs during her term as vice president.

However, Trump says she has lost jobs while focusing on renewable energy sources and calls their policies a "green new scam". Rather, he focuses on expanding the fossil fuel industry, which he believes will bring down inflation, generate more jobs, and reduce foreign dependency.

<h3>Fossil fuels</h3>

Fracking, a technique for extracting oil and gas, has raised issues for the environment as it contributes to greenhouse emissions and potential water contamination. Harris previously called for a ban on fracking, but her views have shifted on it.

"My position is clear: we must invest in diverse energy sources to decrease our reliance on foreign oil,"&nbsp;she said in a recent presidential debate.

On the other hand, Trump has remained firm on his views on utilising fossil fuels and increasing the production of oil with his mantra "drill, baby, drill"&nbsp;and "unleash American energy".

As the day nears when Americans will vote to choose their next president on November 5, 2024, the battle between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is turning intense.

As the day nears when Americans will vote to choose their next president on November 5, 2024, the battle between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is turning intense. While questions on their positions on the economy, immigration, foreign affairs, and gun policy take the main stage for the campaigns, climate change remains a less talked about topic. Even though climate change is often talked about, it is not one of the top concerns for the voters ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections. According to a Gallup survey, less than 5 per cent of Americans believe climate change and the environment are among the important issues the country is facing. Why should climate change be an important issue? Climate change is the shift in average temperatures and weather conditions mainly caused by human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, harmful emissions, and deforestation. Climate change is the leading reason behind extreme weather conditions that we are witnessing today such as increasing heatwaves, wildfires, floods, droughts, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. According to researchers, Hurricane Milton, which caused devastation and claimed around 25 lives after it made landfall in Florida on October 10, intensified due to climate change. At least 251 people lost their lives due to Hurricane Helene, which struck the same region two weeks before Milton. Over 300 people have died due to hurricanes in the US this year. Also read | Florida reels from Hurricane Milton: 10 dead, millions left without power Rise in temperature is another recurring pattern observed due to climate change, with heat waves lasting weeks and making life unbearable for many. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, over 1,300 deaths are recorded per year in the US due to extreme heat. This year, the highest temperature recorded was 53.9 degrees Celsius (129 degrees Fahrenheit) at Death Valley, California, on July 7. These extreme weather conditions are, no doubt, a by-product of climate change, which is increasingly posing a threat to life. This calls for climate policies that can help reduce the effects of climate change and avert such disasters. Where do Trump and Kamala stand on climate and energy policies? Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have strikingly different views on climate policies. While Harris considers climate change an "existential threat" and joined President Joe Biden’s take on the climate policies, Trump has called it a "hoax" and dismissed the pressing issue. While both candidates advocate utilising energy sources to boost the economy and keep challenging each other on their policies, neither has given a detailed plan for their climate and energy policies. Climate policies During his presidential term from 2017 to 2021, Trump reversed hundreds of policies laid during US President Barack Obama’s term which focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting wetlands in the country. Also read | US Presidential Election 2024: What key issues are driving the polls? Where do Harris and Trump stand on them? Paris Agreement During his tenure, Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 Paris Agreement, a global agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature increase. However, Biden rejoined the agreement, a decision that Harris supports. Trump has said he will once again pull out of the agreement if he wins the 2024 US presidential elections. Inflation Reduction Act The Biden-Harris administration has brought the largest investment in policy related to climate, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The $370 billion bill focuses on reducing emissions, promoting electric vehicles, and providing tax credits and subsidies for clean energy projects. According to Harris, her policies created 800,000 new manufacturing jobs during her term as vice president. However, Trump says she has lost jobs while focusing on renewable energy sources and calls their policies a "green new scam". Rather, he focuses on expanding the fossil fuel industry, which he believes will bring down inflation, generate more jobs, and reduce foreign dependency. Fossil fuels Fracking, a technique for extracting oil and gas, has raised issues for the environment as it contributes to greenhouse emissions and potential water contamination. Harris previously called for a ban on fracking, but her views have shifted on it. "My position is clear: we must invest in diverse energy sources to decrease our reliance on foreign oil," she said in a recent presidential debate. On the other hand, Trump has remained firm on his views on utilising fossil fuels and increasing the production of oil with his mantra "drill, baby, drill" and "unleash American energy".

Climate change and environmental policies of Trump and Harris: A comparison

Pakistan has reached out to neighbor India for climate diplomacy in a move to combat smog that leads to severe air pollution during the winter months. This comes ahead of India's foreign minister Dr S Jai Shankar's visit to Pakistan in the coming week to attend the Shanghai cooperation organization Summit.

New Delhi And Lahore Among Most Polluted Cities In The World

Hurricane Milton churned Wednesday toward a potentially catastrophic collision along the west coast of Florida, where some residents insisted they would stay after millions were ordered to evacuate and officials warned that stragglers would face grim odds of surviving.

The Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million people, faced the possibility of widespread destruction after avoiding direct hits from major hurricanes for more than a century.

The National Hurricane Centre predicted Milton, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane during much of its approach, would likely weaken but remain a major hurricane when it makes landfall late Wednesday. 
 
Milton was centred late Tuesday about 650 kilometres southwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 260 kmh, the National Hurricane Centre reported.

Forecasters predicted the storm will retain hurricane strength as it crosses central Florida on Thursday on a path east toward the Atlantic Ocean. The hurricane's precise track remained uncertain, as forecasters Tuesday evening nudged its projected path slightly south of Tampa.

Thousands of fleeing cars clogged Florida's highways ahead of the storm, but time for evacuations was running out Wednesday. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor noted that up to 4.5 metres of storm surge forecast for her city would be deep enough to swallow an entire house.

“So if you're in it, basically that's the coffin that you're in,” Castor said. Milton targets communities still reeling two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded streets and homes in western Florida along its devastating march that left at least 230 dead across the South.

In the seaside town of Punta Gorda, about 160 kilometres south of Tampa, streets were still filled Tuesday with five-foot piles of soggy furniture, clothing, books, appliances and other trash dragged from damaged homes.

Many homes sat vacant, but accountant and art collector Scott Joiner remained on the second floor of the New Orleans-style home he built 17 years ago. Joiner said bull sharks swam in the flooded streets and a neighbour had to be rescued by canoe when Helene passed and flooded the first floor of his home.

“Water is a blessing to have,” Joiner said, “but it is very deadly.” Joiner said he planned to go another round and ride out Milton, despite the risk. 
 
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders across 11 Florida counties with a combined population of about 5.9 million people, according to US Census Bureau estimates.

Officials have warned that anyone staying behind must fend for themselves, as first responders are not expected to risk their lives attempting rescues at the height of the storm. 
 
In Riverview, south of Tampa, several drivers waiting in a long line for fuel Tuesday said they had no plans to evacuate.

“I think we'll just hang, you know — tough it out,” said Martin Oakes, of nearby Apollo Beach. “We got shutters up. The house is all ready. So this is sort of the last piece of the puzzle.” Others weren't taking any chances after Helene.

On Anna Maria Island along the southern edge of Tampa Bay, Evan Purcell packed up his father's ashes and was trying to catch his nine-year-old cat, McKenzie, as he prepared to leave Tuesday. Helene left him with thousands of dollars in damage when his home flooded. He feared Milton might take the rest.

“I'm still in shock over the first one and here comes round two,” Purcell said. “I just have a pit in my stomach about this one.” State and local governments scrambled ahead of the storm to remove piles of debris left in Helene's wake, fearing that the oncoming hurricane would turn loose wreckage into flying missiles. Governor Ron DeSantis said the state deployed over 300 dump trucks that had removed 1,300 loads of debris.

In Mexico, authorities in the state of Yucatan reported minor damage from Milton as it passed just offshore. Power lines, light poles and trees were knocked down near the coast, and some small thatched-roof structures were destroyed, Yucatan Governor Joaquin Diaz said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hurricane Milton churned Wednesday toward a potentially catastrophic collision along the west coast of Florida, where some residents insisted they would stay after millions were ordered to evacuate and officials warned that stragglers would face grim odds of surviving.

Hurricane Milton churned Wednesday toward a potentially catastrophic collision along the west coast of Florida, where some residents insisted they would stay after millions were ordered to evacuate and officials warned that stragglers would face grim odds of surviving. The Tampa Bay area, home to more than 3.3 million people, faced the possibility of widespread destruction after avoiding direct hits from major hurricanes for more than a century. The National Hurricane Centre predicted Milton, a monstrous Category 5 hurricane during much of its approach, would likely weaken but remain a major hurricane when it makes landfall late Wednesday. Milton was centred late Tuesday about 650 kilometres southwest of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 260 kmh, the National Hurricane Centre reported. Forecasters predicted the storm will retain hurricane strength as it crosses central Florida on Thursday on a path east toward the Atlantic Ocean. The hurricane's precise track remained uncertain, as forecasters Tuesday evening nudged its projected path slightly south of Tampa. Thousands of fleeing cars clogged Florida's highways ahead of the storm, but time for evacuations was running out Wednesday. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor noted that up to 4.5 metres of storm surge forecast for her city would be deep enough to swallow an entire house. “So if you're in it, basically that's the coffin that you're in,” Castor said. Milton targets communities still reeling two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded streets and homes in western Florida along its devastating march that left at least 230 dead across the South. In the seaside town of Punta Gorda, about 160 kilometres south of Tampa, streets were still filled Tuesday with five-foot piles of soggy furniture, clothing, books, appliances and other trash dragged from damaged homes. Many homes sat vacant, but accountant and art collector Scott Joiner remained on the second floor of the New Orleans-style home he built 17 years ago. Joiner said bull sharks swam in the flooded streets and a neighbour had to be rescued by canoe when Helene passed and flooded the first floor of his home. “Water is a blessing to have,” Joiner said, “but it is very deadly.” Joiner said he planned to go another round and ride out Milton, despite the risk. Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders across 11 Florida counties with a combined population of about 5.9 million people, according to US Census Bureau estimates. Officials have warned that anyone staying behind must fend for themselves, as first responders are not expected to risk their lives attempting rescues at the height of the storm. In Riverview, south of Tampa, several drivers waiting in a long line for fuel Tuesday said they had no plans to evacuate. “I think we'll just hang, you know — tough it out,” said Martin Oakes, of nearby Apollo Beach. “We got shutters up. The house is all ready. So this is sort of the last piece of the puzzle.” Others weren't taking any chances after Helene. On Anna Maria Island along the southern edge of Tampa Bay, Evan Purcell packed up his father's ashes and was trying to catch his nine-year-old cat, McKenzie, as he prepared to leave Tuesday. Helene left him with thousands of dollars in damage when his home flooded. He feared Milton might take the rest. “I'm still in shock over the first one and here comes round two,” Purcell said. “I just have a pit in my stomach about this one.” State and local governments scrambled ahead of the storm to remove piles of debris left in Helene's wake, fearing that the oncoming hurricane would turn loose wreckage into flying missiles. Governor Ron DeSantis said the state deployed over 300 dump trucks that had removed 1,300 loads of debris. In Mexico, authorities in the state of Yucatan reported minor damage from Milton as it passed just offshore. Power lines, light poles and trees were knocked down near the coast, and some small thatched-roof structures were destroyed, Yucatan Governor Joaquin Diaz said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Hurricane Milton closes in on Florida, residents asked to evacuate

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