The ground temperature across ice sheet-Antarctica soared at an average of 10 degree Celsius above normal over the past month. The concerning and rare phenomenon is being described as a near record heatwave at one of world’s coldest places.

The world experienced 12 months of record warmth, with temperatures consistently exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius rise above preindustrial levels that has been touted as the limit to avoiding the worst of climate overhaul.

While on the polar land mass, temperatures have remained below zero, the depths of southern hemisphere winter have reportedly reached 28 degrees Celsius above expectations on some days.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjG3bOM9NWHAxXrhlYBHS8XE0QQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctica-likely-warming-much-faster-than-prediction-of-climate-change-models-study-633633" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/antarctica-likely-warming-much-faster-than-prediction-of-climate-change-models-study-633633&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjG3bOM9NWHAxXrhlYBHS8XE0QQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Antarctica likely warming much faster than climate change models predicted: Study</a>

Michael Dukes, the director of forecasting at MetDesk, said that while individual daily high temperatures were surprising, far more significant was the average rise over the month.

The models created by climate scientists have long predicted that the most significant effects of anthropogenic climate change would be on polar regions, “and this is a great example of that”, Dukes said.

“Usually you can’t just look at one month for a climate trend but it is right in line with what models predict,” he added.&nbsp;

“In Antarctica generally that kind of warming in the winter and continuing in to summer months can lead to collapsing of the ice sheets," Dukes further said.

Watch |&nbsp;Global warming worsened loss of sea ice | WION Climate Tracker

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This year in July, it was the first time in 14 months that temperature records were not broken.

Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, said Antarctica’s heatwave had “definitely been one of the bigger drivers in the spike of global temperatures in recent weeks”.

“Antarctica as a whole has warmed along with the world over the past 50 years, and for that matter 150 years, so any heatwave is starting off from that elevated baseline,” he said and added, “But it’s safe to say that the majority of the spike in the last month was driven by the heatwave.”

<h2>What is making the Antarctic region so warm?</h2>

In the past two years,&nbsp;heatwave has hit twice in the region, with the last being in March 2022, when temperature spiked to 39 degrees Celsius, causing a portion of the ice sheet the size of Rome to collapse!

Here also, we have El Nino to blame as Antarctica’s increased July temperatures follow a particularly strong El Nino.&nbsp;

This climate phenomenon has led to warming around the world in combination with the general increase in temperatures caused by climate breakdown, Dukes said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjG3bOM9NWHAxXrhlYBHS8XE0QQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-we-instigated-is-here-to-stay-for-at-least-50000-years-study-668077" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-we-instigated-is-here-to-stay-for-at-least-50000-years-study-668077&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjG3bOM9NWHAxXrhlYBHS8XE0QQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Climate change we instigated is here to stay for at least 50,000 years: Study</a>

However, some experts attribute the heatwave in Antarctica to a weeks-long “southern stratospheric warming event” over the region.&nbsp;

“Those are really rare over Antarctica, so it wasn’t really quite clear how that would affect surface conditions on the continent,” said Jonathan Wille, a researcher studying climate science at ETH Zürich, a public research university in Zürich, Switzerland. &nbsp;

Though&nbsp;there “seem to be more and more frequent heatwaves over the continent”, it was not yet clear how much of a factor the climate crisis had been in creating this particular event, said Dukes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The ground temperature across ice sheet-Antarctica soared at an average of 10 degree Celsius above normal over the past month. The concerning and rare phenomenon is being described as a near record heatwave at one of world’s coldest places.

The ground temperature across ice sheet-Antarctica soared at an average of 10 degree Celsius above normal over the past month. The concerning and rare phenomenon is being described as a near record heatwave at one of world’s coldest places. The world experienced 12 months of record warmth, with temperatures consistently exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius rise above preindustrial levels that has been touted as the limit to avoiding the worst of climate overhaul. While on the polar land mass, temperatures have remained below zero, the depths of southern hemisphere winter have reportedly reached 28 degrees Celsius above expectations on some days. Also Read | Antarctica likely warming much faster than climate change models predicted: Study Michael Dukes, the director of forecasting at MetDesk, said that while individual daily high temperatures were surprising, far more significant was the average rise over the month. The models created by climate scientists have long predicted that the most significant effects of anthropogenic climate change would be on polar regions, “and this is a great example of that”, Dukes said. “Usually you can’t just look at one month for a climate trend but it is right in line with what models predict,” he added. “In Antarctica generally that kind of warming in the winter and continuing in to summer months can lead to collapsing of the ice sheets," Dukes further said. Watch | Global warming worsened loss of sea ice | WION Climate Tracker × This year in July, it was the first time in 14 months that temperature records were not broken. Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, said Antarctica’s heatwave had “definitely been one of the bigger drivers in the spike of global temperatures in recent weeks”. “Antarctica as a whole has warmed along with the world over the past 50 years, and for that matter 150 years, so any heatwave is starting off from that elevated baseline,” he said and added, “But it’s safe to say that the majority of the spike in the last month was driven by the heatwave.” What is making the Antarctic region so warm? In the past two years, heatwave has hit twice in the region, with the last being in March 2022, when temperature spiked to 39 degrees Celsius, causing a portion of the ice sheet the size of Rome to collapse! Here also, we have El Nino to blame as Antarctica’s increased July temperatures follow a particularly strong El Nino. This climate phenomenon has led to warming around the world in combination with the general increase in temperatures caused by climate breakdown, Dukes said. Also Read | Climate change we instigated is here to stay for at least 50,000 years: Study However, some experts attribute the heatwave in Antarctica to a weeks-long “southern stratospheric warming event” over the region. “Those are really rare over Antarctica, so it wasn’t really quite clear how that would affect surface conditions on the continent,” said Jonathan Wille, a researcher studying climate science at ETH Zürich, a public research university in Zürich, Switzerland. Though there “seem to be more and more frequent heatwaves over the continent”, it was not yet clear how much of a factor the climate crisis had been in creating this particular event, said Dukes. (With inputs from agencies)

Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average, experts are calling it a near-record heatwave

Military personnel intensified search and rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad. Multiple landslides claimed the lives of over 167 people. Nearly 1,600 people have been rescued from the hillside villages. Hundreds are still missing.

Wayanad landslides: Over 200 dead, thousands rescued; Army intensifies search op.

Cloudburst near a hydroelectric power project at Samej Khad in Shimla's Rampur. As many as 36 people have been missing. The SDRF team is at the spot in Shimla for the search & rescue operation.

Cloudburst triggers landslide in Kedarnath, sharp rise in Mandakini's water leve

After weeks of sweltering heat, wildfire are ravaging through european and balkan countries. Europe is facing up to tenfold increase in extreme fires in a warming climate.

Europe: Residents of Rome were alarmed by large fire

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) on Wednesday proposed new guidance that would mandate companies to better capture the impact of climate change on financial performance. It hopes to improve stand-alone disclosures—investors argue these lack clarity for informed decision-making.

Their norms are already applied by the listed companies in more than 140 jurisdictions including the European Union, Canada, Japan, and Britain. The United States has its own set of rules, though the proposed guidance may set a global precedent. The IASB has launched a consultation on the proposed guidance designed to better reflect climate change impacts in financial statements.

Currently, regulators have already begun to roll out sustainability disclosures for listed companies, but most of these disclosures are published separately from the financial statements, not being subject to rigorous auditing processes. The IASB proposal attempts to fill this gap with examples of how such sustainability commitments—net-zero carbon emissions goals and transition plans, impact a company's financial figures on assets, liabilities, income and expenses.

Investors have said they want to know whether assets will retain their value going forward as climate change impairs them, such as through flood damage.

"They expressed concerns that information about climate-related uncertainties in financial statements was sometimes insufficient or appeared to be inconsistent with information provided outside the financial statements," the IASB said in a statement.

Currently, companies dealing with oil and gas have already started addressing the impact of climate change by putting notes attached to their financial statements. It is this practice that the IASB intends to standardise among all industry players by ensuring that all companies give a succinct account of how climate-related uncertainties affect their financial performance.

The IASB explains that the proposed guidelines aim to improve transparency and consistency in reporting so that investors have an easier time understanding how climate change issues bear on the financial health of a corporation. This could be expected to enhance investor confidence, leading to better decision-making in the markets for the attainment of a more sustainable financial system.

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) on Wednesday proposed new guidance that would mandate companies to better capture the impact of climate change on financial performance.

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) on Wednesday proposed new guidance that would mandate companies to better capture the impact of climate change on financial performance. It hopes to improve stand-alone disclosures—investors argue these lack clarity for informed decision-making. Their norms are already applied by the listed companies in more than 140 jurisdictions including the European Union, Canada, Japan, and Britain. The United States has its own set of rules, though the proposed guidance may set a global precedent. The IASB has launched a consultation on the proposed guidance designed to better reflect climate change impacts in financial statements. Currently, regulators have already begun to roll out sustainability disclosures for listed companies, but most of these disclosures are published separately from the financial statements, not being subject to rigorous auditing processes. The IASB proposal attempts to fill this gap with examples of how such sustainability commitments—net-zero carbon emissions goals and transition plans, impact a company's financial figures on assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Investors have said they want to know whether assets will retain their value going forward as climate change impairs them, such as through flood damage. "They expressed concerns that information about climate-related uncertainties in financial statements was sometimes insufficient or appeared to be inconsistent with information provided outside the financial statements," the IASB said in a statement. Currently, companies dealing with oil and gas have already started addressing the impact of climate change by putting notes attached to their financial statements. It is this practice that the IASB intends to standardise among all industry players by ensuring that all companies give a succinct account of how climate-related uncertainties affect their financial performance. The IASB explains that the proposed guidelines aim to improve transparency and consistency in reporting so that investors have an easier time understanding how climate change issues bear on the financial health of a corporation. This could be expected to enhance investor confidence, leading to better decision-making in the markets for the attainment of a more sustainable financial system.

International Accounting Board proposes enhanced climate change reporting guidelines to boost investor clarity

Thousands have been stranded on the eastern Sudanese city of Kassala. Heavy rains have hit refugee camps hitting more than a million Sudanese who sought refuge from the war

Floods follow Sudan; increased difficulty in the war-affected nation

Warm morning light reflects from the remains of a natural rock arch near Darwin Island, one of the most remote islands in the Galapagos. In clear, deep blue water, thousands of creatures — fish, hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas — move in search of food.

Rising sea temperatures put the lives of animals in Galapagos Islands endangered

Several people including children have died in landslides that hit Kerala's hilly Wayanad district in India. As of now, 74 people have been successfully rescued while hundreds of people are feared trapped under the debris

India: 70 dead in Wayanad landslides, authorities planning on airlifts for people

Country singer Dolly Parton's theme park Dollywood, and surrounding streets have been shut down after heavy rains struck in Tennesee.

Heavy rains cause deluge in Dollywood

Plant life helps to slow climate change, however since intense drought in the Amazon rainforest and record wildfires in Canada hamper forests and other ecosystems

World's Forest unable to curb Carbon emission

An air of excitement is running through Paris, as the city hosts the ongoing Olympics, the greatest global sports event, but amidst all the excitement, visitors, locals and athletes are feeling the heat.

Paris: Temperatures rise at Olympics host city

Forever chemicals, a group of dreaded pollutants,&nbsp;are being found in all kinds of places, even inside human wombs. But imagine a simple solution: A 100 per cent 'cleanup' using LED lights. Is that even possible?

If an experiment made by scientists in Japan is an indication, LED light exposure along with a cocktail of chemicals can isolate, separate and remove the dangerous parts in forever chemicals, scientifically called Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/comet-of-the-century-is-set-to-blaze-past-earth-heres-how-you-can-watch-it-with-naked-eyes-745504">‘Comet of the century' is set to blaze past Earth. Here's how you can watch it with naked eyes</a>

The researchers reportedly managed to 'clean up' the forever chemicals at room temperature, and that too overnight, or just eight hours to be precise.

<h2>Cleaning up forever chemicals with LED: How it works&nbsp;</h2>

For the experiment, researchers at Japan’s Ritsumeikan University used a&nbsp;mixture made of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals, triethanolamine and water. The forever chemicals were then put into this mixture, and exposed to LED lights of 405-nanometer wavelength, burning at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit temperature.

The PFAS used in this experiment were perfluorooctanesulfonate or PFOS.

The aim was to start a photocatalytic reaction that eventually breaks down and separates the fluorine irons of the forever chemicals. The experiment proved to be a success, as per a report in New Atlas.

Not only was the separation and removal of these pollutants done, but the chemical process also freed up some parts of the dreaded PFAS that can be put to good use. These are fluorine ions, which can be used for industrial products.

<h2>What are 'forever chemicals or PFAS'?</h2>

PFAS is the name given to a bunch of chemicals that are resistant to water and extreme heat.

This is possible because of the presence of carbon-fluorine bonds in them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-rare-rock-art-in-caves-of-amazon-telling-different-tale-of-humans-and-animals-745500">Scientists find rare rock art in caves of Amazon telling different tale of humans and animals</a>

While they are used in a number of products like water-proof cloths, non-stick cookware and foam used by firefighters, their very resilient qualities also make them dangerous. They are resistant to heat and would require at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit to burn. This makes their disposal near-impossible. PFAS are generally buried in landfills to prevent their further exposure.

Once ingested, they can stay in the human body 'forever', hence the name forever chemicals. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Forever chemicals, a group of dreaded pollutants, are being found in all kinds of places, even inside human wombs. But imagine a simple solution: A 100 per cent 'cleanup' using LED lights.

Forever chemicals, a group of dreaded pollutants, are being found in all kinds of places, even inside human wombs. But imagine a simple solution: A 100 per cent 'cleanup' using LED lights. Is that even possible? If an experiment made by scientists in Japan is an indication, LED light exposure along with a cocktail of chemicals can isolate, separate and remove the dangerous parts in forever chemicals, scientifically called Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. Also read: ‘Comet of the century' is set to blaze past Earth. Here's how you can watch it with naked eyes The researchers reportedly managed to 'clean up' the forever chemicals at room temperature, and that too overnight, or just eight hours to be precise. Cleaning up forever chemicals with LED: How it works For the experiment, researchers at Japan’s Ritsumeikan University used a mixture made of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals, triethanolamine and water. The forever chemicals were then put into this mixture, and exposed to LED lights of 405-nanometer wavelength, burning at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. The PFAS used in this experiment were perfluorooctanesulfonate or PFOS. The aim was to start a photocatalytic reaction that eventually breaks down and separates the fluorine irons of the forever chemicals. The experiment proved to be a success, as per a report in New Atlas. Not only was the separation and removal of these pollutants done, but the chemical process also freed up some parts of the dreaded PFAS that can be put to good use. These are fluorine ions, which can be used for industrial products. What are 'forever chemicals or PFAS'? PFAS is the name given to a bunch of chemicals that are resistant to water and extreme heat. This is possible because of the presence of carbon-fluorine bonds in them. Also read: Scientists find rare rock art in caves of Amazon telling different tale of humans and animals While they are used in a number of products like water-proof cloths, non-stick cookware and foam used by firefighters, their very resilient qualities also make them dangerous. They are resistant to heat and would require at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit to burn. This makes their disposal near-impossible. PFAS are generally buried in landfills to prevent their further exposure. Once ingested, they can stay in the human body 'forever', hence the name forever chemicals. (With inputs from agencies)

LED lights in room temperature can 'clean up' forever chemicals overnight, suggests study

Earth's oceans have been boiling up off-late... With 2023 going down as the warmest year on record. Sea temperatures have been soaring due to the excessive heat caused by human related activities. The last decade was recorded as the warmest for the oceans in over two centuries.

Climate Change: 2023 declared as warmest year for oceans

A team of researchers has been exploring the climate impact of the massive 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (Hunga Tonga volcano) eruption, which is said to have even caused an extraordinarily large ozone hole. It was initially speculated that the volcano might have accounted for the extreme global warmth in 2023 and 2024, however, new research suggests that the underwater volcano might not have even been that bad.&nbsp;

The findings of the research, published on Wednesday (Jul 24) in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, revealed that the eruption actually contributed to cooling the Earth.&nbsp;

The team of researchers, consisting of Texas A&amp;M University atmospheric scientist Dr Andrew Dessler and several others, analysed the challenging existing assumptions about the effects of the volcano.&nbsp;

Analysis and insights of Dessler, who is a professor in the Texas A&amp;M Department of Atmospheric Sciences and the director of the Texas Center for Climate Studies, were published in the paper, titled "Evolution of the Climate Forcing During the Two Years after the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Eruption".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-close-on-to-create-heaviest-element-ever-known-to-humankind-744929">Scientists close to unique feat of creating heaviest element ever known to humankind</a>&nbsp;

The dramatic explosion of the Hunga Tonga volcano was seen in satellite images as the eruption sent massive smoke and ash into the air. It sent tsunami waves across the Pacific and caused damages, knocking out communications for the nation of about 105,000 people.&nbsp;

The eruption sent an unparalleled volume of water vapour into the stratosphere, raising the overall water content of the stratosphere by almost 10 per cent.&nbsp;

As reported by phys.org, Dessler noted that it was believed that water vapour, which is a potent greenhouse gas, could be responsible for the dramatic global warming that occurred in 2023 and 2024.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chernobyls-miraculous-survivors-resilient-worms-thrive-amid-hazardous-radiation-744950">Chernobyl’s miraculous survivors: Resilient worms thrive amid hazardous radiation</a>&nbsp;

However, the analysis revealed that the eruption caused the climate system to lose more energy than it gained, which is what caused the minor cooling effect.&nbsp;

"Our paper pours cold water on the explanation that the eruption caused the extreme warmth of 2023 and 2024. Instead, we need to focus primarily on greenhouse gases from human activities as the main cause of the warming, with a big assist from the ongoing El Niño," Dessler explained as quoted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A team of researchers has been exploring the climate impact of the massive 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (Hunga Tonga volcano) eruption, which is said to have even caused an extraordinarily large ozone hole.

A team of researchers has been exploring the climate impact of the massive 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (Hunga Tonga volcano) eruption, which is said to have even caused an extraordinarily large ozone hole. It was initially speculated that the volcano might have accounted for the extreme global warmth in 2023 and 2024, however, new research suggests that the underwater volcano might not have even been that bad. The findings of the research, published on Wednesday (Jul 24) in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, revealed that the eruption actually contributed to cooling the Earth. The team of researchers, consisting of Texas A&M University atmospheric scientist Dr Andrew Dessler and several others, analysed the challenging existing assumptions about the effects of the volcano. Analysis and insights of Dessler, who is a professor in the Texas A&M Department of Atmospheric Sciences and the director of the Texas Center for Climate Studies, were published in the paper, titled "Evolution of the Climate Forcing During the Two Years after the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Eruption". Also read: Scientists close to unique feat of creating heaviest element ever known to humankind The dramatic explosion of the Hunga Tonga volcano was seen in satellite images as the eruption sent massive smoke and ash into the air. It sent tsunami waves across the Pacific and caused damages, knocking out communications for the nation of about 105,000 people. The eruption sent an unparalleled volume of water vapour into the stratosphere, raising the overall water content of the stratosphere by almost 10 per cent. As reported by phys.org, Dessler noted that it was believed that water vapour, which is a potent greenhouse gas, could be responsible for the dramatic global warming that occurred in 2023 and 2024. Also read: Chernobyl’s miraculous survivors: Resilient worms thrive amid hazardous radiation However, the analysis revealed that the eruption caused the climate system to lose more energy than it gained, which is what caused the minor cooling effect. "Our paper pours cold water on the explanation that the eruption caused the extreme warmth of 2023 and 2024. Instead, we need to focus primarily on greenhouse gases from human activities as the main cause of the warming, with a big assist from the ongoing El Niño," Dessler explained as quoted. (With inputs from agencies)

Hunga Tonga volcano eruption in 2022 might have cooled Earth: Study

Around 25, 000 people have been evacuated in northeastern Canada as the country battles hundreds of wildfires, many that have broken out in recent days.

Canada: Wildfire devastates Western Canadian tourist town of Jasper

Just a day after the world's hottest day ever was recorded, Monday, July 22 marks the hottest day on record. The record was based on preliminary data from a European Union monitoring agency.

According to Copernicus Climate Change Service, the European Union's Earth Observation Programme which has been tracking patterns since 1940, the global average surface air temperature has risen to 17.15 degrees Celsius, 0.06 degrees more than that of Sunday's.

The previous record was set in July 2023 when four consecutive days in a row recorded the hottest day. The global average surface air temperature stood at 17.08 degrees Celsius. Before that, August 2016 witnessed the hottest day on record.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-heatwave-shatters-record-earth-sees-hottest-day-on-record-743666">Global heatwave shatters record: Earth sees hottest day on record</a>

"This past Monday might have set a new global record for warmest absolute global average temperature ever — by that I mean going back tens of thousands of years," said Karsten Haustein, a climate scientist at Leipzig University in Germany, as reported by Reuters.

Cities in Japan, Indonesia and China have witnessed record-breaking temperatures in recent days. Gulf countries are also experiencing stifling heat indexes and high humidity with mercury going over 60 degrees Celsius. Parts of Europe have recorded temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.

According to scientists, the reason for these records is climate change which is growing with the burning of fossil fuels. Last year's records were resultant of climate change combined with the El Nino climate pattern, which is the unusual warming of surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean. However, that is not the case this year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-are-becoming-longer-as-climate-change-altering-earths-axis-of-rotation-741428">Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation</a>

Haustein believes it was "remarkable" that the record is still being broken even though the world is not experiencing the El Nino effect and is in a neutral state.

(With inputs from agencies)

Just a day after the world's hottest day ever was recorded, Monday, July 22 marks the hottest day on record. The record was based on preliminary data from a European Union monitoring agency.

Just a day after the world's hottest day ever was recorded, Monday, July 22 marks the hottest day on record. The record was based on preliminary data from a European Union monitoring agency. According to Copernicus Climate Change Service, the European Union's Earth Observation Programme which has been tracking patterns since 1940, the global average surface air temperature has risen to 17.15 degrees Celsius, 0.06 degrees more than that of Sunday's. The previous record was set in July 2023 when four consecutive days in a row recorded the hottest day. The global average surface air temperature stood at 17.08 degrees Celsius. Before that, August 2016 witnessed the hottest day on record. Also Read | Global heatwave shatters record: Earth sees hottest day on record "This past Monday might have set a new global record for warmest absolute global average temperature ever — by that I mean going back tens of thousands of years," said Karsten Haustein, a climate scientist at Leipzig University in Germany, as reported by Reuters. Cities in Japan, Indonesia and China have witnessed record-breaking temperatures in recent days. Gulf countries are also experiencing stifling heat indexes and high humidity with mercury going over 60 degrees Celsius. Parts of Europe have recorded temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. According to scientists, the reason for these records is climate change which is growing with the burning of fossil fuels. Last year's records were resultant of climate change combined with the El Nino climate pattern, which is the unusual warming of surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean. However, that is not the case this year. Also Read | Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation Haustein believes it was "remarkable" that the record is still being broken even though the world is not experiencing the El Nino effect and is in a neutral state. (With inputs from agencies)

World’s hottest day record smashed for second day in a row on July 22

Kamala Harris, is all set to be running for the candidacy in November, 2024. She made her stance related to environment, climate and clean energy being her top priority, matching with the notable signing of the inflation reduction act 2022 under Biden's presidency.

US: Kamala Harris poised to be democrats presidential candidate

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Climate Change Bill which sets out a national climate change response. This includes mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitute South Africa’s fair contribution to the global Climate Change response.

South Africa Climate Change bill to enhance fight against Greenhouse gases | WION Climate Tracker

Royal Botanic Gardens are under threat. This UNESCO heritage site is vulnerable to the climate change as the water levels deep below the surface of the soil dries out

Royal Botanic Gardens under the threat of climate change

Colombia has expressed strong support for India-led initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuel Alliance. The Colombian Ambassador to India, Victor Hugo Echeverri Jaramillo, emphasized the common goals of both countries in combating climate change.

Colombia welcomes India-led climate initiatives; invites for biodiversity event

Scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) have determined that under the influence of climate warming, water from glaciers moves towards the equator, causing a day-lengthening calculated in milliseconds.

Climate change alters planetary spin

Around the world raging wildfires are escalating these extreme weather events while not unprecedented are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity than in the past. Watch to know more!

Climate change making wildfires intense

The United Kingdom's top climate change advisory body, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has issued a stark warning to Keir Starmer's new Labour government, urging it to act "fast" to put Britain on target to meet its 2030 climate targets.&nbsp;

It pointed out that the UK has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 68 per cent from 1990 levels by 2030, which is "only six years away," and that "the country is not on track to hit this target".

The CCC, as per AFP,&nbsp;said that only a "third of the emissions reductions required to achieve the 2030 target are currently covered by credible plans".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/british-businessman-coughed-in-face-of-staffer-during-covid-pandemic-now-he-will-cough-up-hefty-penalty-741379">British businessman 'coughed in face' of staffer during Covid pandemic. Now he will cough up hefty penalty</a>

It said that while notable progress has been made in reducing emissions from energy production, particularly because of the closure of coal-fired power plants, other sectors such as transport and construction require attention.

"Action is needed across all sectors of the economy," the watchdog said in its annual report, as it outlined 10 recommendations, including the widespread adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles.&nbsp;

<h2>Transition from oil and gas</h2>

The CCC report stressed that low-carbon technologies "must become the norm."

It also emphasised the need for the UK to give up its reliance on oil and gas. CCC said there was a "significant" decrease in CO2 emissions last year and noted that there was "some good progress on policy" under the previous Rishi Sunak-Conservative administration.&nbsp;

However, it also criticised the "inconsistent messages" on the previous government's "commitment to the actions needed to reach Net Zero".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jay-slater-found-spanish-police-shares-update-on-missing-british-teen-on-tenerife-741152">Jay Slater found? Spanish police share update on missing British teen on Tenerife</a>

James Richardson, the CCC's interim director general, told reporters that Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government must "send clear signals to households and firms on the direction of travel in these sectors".

He acknowledged the "positive action" taken by the new administration, such as unblocking onshore wind power and setting ambitious solar power goals were "really encouraging." Still, he stressed, "we do need to see this action (spread) wider than just the energy supply sector."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Kingdom's top climate change advisory body, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has issued a stark warning to Keir Starmer's new Labour government, urging it to act "fast" to put Britain on target to meet its 2030 climate targets.

The United Kingdom's top climate change advisory body, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has issued a stark warning to Keir Starmer's new Labour government, urging it to act "fast" to put Britain on target to meet its 2030 climate targets. It pointed out that the UK has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 68 per cent from 1990 levels by 2030, which is "only six years away," and that "the country is not on track to hit this target". The CCC, as per AFP, said that only a "third of the emissions reductions required to achieve the 2030 target are currently covered by credible plans". Also read | British businessman 'coughed in face' of staffer during Covid pandemic. Now he will cough up hefty penalty It said that while notable progress has been made in reducing emissions from energy production, particularly because of the closure of coal-fired power plants, other sectors such as transport and construction require attention. "Action is needed across all sectors of the economy," the watchdog said in its annual report, as it outlined 10 recommendations, including the widespread adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles. Transition from oil and gas The CCC report stressed that low-carbon technologies "must become the norm." It also emphasised the need for the UK to give up its reliance on oil and gas. CCC said there was a "significant" decrease in CO2 emissions last year and noted that there was "some good progress on policy" under the previous Rishi Sunak-Conservative administration. However, it also criticised the "inconsistent messages" on the previous government's "commitment to the actions needed to reach Net Zero". Also read | Jay Slater found? Spanish police share update on missing British teen on Tenerife James Richardson, the CCC's interim director general, told reporters that Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government must "send clear signals to households and firms on the direction of travel in these sectors". He acknowledged the "positive action" taken by the new administration, such as unblocking onshore wind power and setting ambitious solar power goals were "really encouraging." Still, he stressed, "we do need to see this action (spread) wider than just the energy supply sector." (With inputs from agencies)

UK's top climate body urges Starmer government to act 'fast,' and said THIS about Sunak

The searing heat wave in west US has claimed the lives of a father and daughter, who had gone missing while hiking in a national park in Utah.

<h2>What happened to the father and daughter in Utah?</h2>

Albino Herrera Espinoza, 52, and Beatriz Herrera, 23, from Wisconsin, died after sending desperate text messages. In their message to 911, they said they had been lost in the park and had run out of water. A search was launched for them on&nbsp;July 12 in the area, which had been experiencing temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

They had been hiking in the park's Island in the Sky mesa, a dangerous area notorious for heat-related deaths. The Syncline Loop Trail there is described by the National Park Service (NPS) as "the most challenging trail in the Island in the Sky district."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjzif7oiK6HAxWrSGwGHehLB2wQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mercury-reaches-record-high-as-death-toll-rises-to-27-amid-heat-wave-in-us-739895" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/mercury-reaches-record-high-as-death-toll-rises-to-27-amid-heat-wave-in-us-739895&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzif7oiK6HAxWrSGwGHehLB2wQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Death toll rises to 27 as mercury reaches record high amid heatwave in US</a>

"The report from the NPS stated that the pair of hikers were a father and daughter who had become lost while hiking the Syncline Loop Trail. Dispatch informed NPS of emergency 911 texts from the hikers, reporting that they were lost and out of water," said a statement from the local sheriff's office.

<h2>An area known for heat-related deaths</h2>

In the same area, another 30-year-old woman was found dead last Saturday, apparently due to severe heat. She was among three hikers located by Snow Canyon State Park authorities in Utah, said the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department, according to a report by ABC News.

<h2>US heat wave led to 31 deaths this month</h2>

Western US has been experiencing a massive heat wave this year, with temperatures in several states going beyond 100 degree Fahrenheit and breaking records in some cases.

All-time high temperature records were broken in several counties in California, ranging from 120 to 112 Fahrenheit.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjzif7oiK6HAxWrSGwGHehLB2wQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-us-swelters-under-record-breaking-heat-wave-739413" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/western-us-swelters-under-record-breaking-heat-wave-739413&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzif7oiK6HAxWrSGwGHehLB2wQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Western US swelters under record-breaking heat wave</a>

So far, 31 people have died in July due to heat-related causes.

Watch:&nbsp;US heatwave: Earth's temperature is 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than average

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More than 70 million people are under heat alerts, said the ABC News report.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

The searing heat wave in west US has claimed the lives of a father and daughter, who had gone missing while hiking in a national park in Utah. What happened to the father and daughter in Utah?

The searing heat wave in west US has claimed the lives of a father and daughter, who had gone missing while hiking in a national park in Utah. What happened to the father and daughter in Utah? Albino Herrera Espinoza, 52, and Beatriz Herrera, 23, from Wisconsin, died after sending desperate text messages. In their message to 911, they said they had been lost in the park and had run out of water. A search was launched for them on July 12 in the area, which had been experiencing temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They had been hiking in the park's Island in the Sky mesa, a dangerous area notorious for heat-related deaths. The Syncline Loop Trail there is described by the National Park Service (NPS) as "the most challenging trail in the Island in the Sky district." Also read: Death toll rises to 27 as mercury reaches record high amid heatwave in US "The report from the NPS stated that the pair of hikers were a father and daughter who had become lost while hiking the Syncline Loop Trail. Dispatch informed NPS of emergency 911 texts from the hikers, reporting that they were lost and out of water," said a statement from the local sheriff's office. An area known for heat-related deaths In the same area, another 30-year-old woman was found dead last Saturday, apparently due to severe heat. She was among three hikers located by Snow Canyon State Park authorities in Utah, said the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department, according to a report by ABC News. US heat wave led to 31 deaths this month Western US has been experiencing a massive heat wave this year, with temperatures in several states going beyond 100 degree Fahrenheit and breaking records in some cases. All-time high temperature records were broken in several counties in California, ranging from 120 to 112 Fahrenheit. Also read: Western US swelters under record-breaking heat wave So far, 31 people have died in July due to heat-related causes. Watch: US heatwave: Earth's temperature is 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than average × More than 70 million people are under heat alerts, said the ABC News report. (With inputs from agencies)

US heat wave: Father, daughter die in Utah park after getting lost, running out of water

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