The Alps make up the most popular ski destination in the world. but the industry now faces an existential threat as it battles the looming danger of climate change. The region's warmest autumn on record forced many ski resorts in the Alps to delay their opening times this year.

Ski resorts in the Alps battle effects of climate change

Scientists around the world are exploring new, innovative ways to reduce our dependence on toxic, non-renewable sources of energy while focusing on discovering viable, renewable and eco-friendly alternatives.

One such clean source of fuel is biodiesel, which is made from biological elements such as edible and non-edible oils, animal fats and waste restaurant grease. Biodiesel is renewable as well as biodegradable, making it a much cleaner, eco-friendlier source of energy.

However, the high cost of biodiesel remains the biggest hurdle in the way to its wider acceptance. The solution to this problem has now been found: cigarette butts.

<h2>How cigarette butts can help lower biodiesel cost</h2>

Previous studies have shown that adding additives like triglyceride triacetin leads to increased efficiency of biodiesel in the form of decreased air pollution and enhanced combustibility.

However producing triacetin is highly hazardous to the environment, which requires the use of a lot of chemicals and generates excessive toxic waste.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-calls-for-governments-to-ban-flavoured-vapes-impose-tobacco-style-curbs-669811">Also read:&nbsp;WHO calls for governments to ban flavoured vapes, impose tobacco-style curbs</a>

Scientists from Kaunus University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania, in collaboration with the Lithuanian Energy Institute, have developed a way to produce triacetin using cigarette butts, according to research published last month in the Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis.&nbsp;

“In our research group, we are working on the topics of recycling and waste management, therefore we are always looking for the waste, which is present in huge amounts and has a unique structure,” said Samy Yousef, lead and corresponding author of the study.&nbsp;

“Cigarettes are made of three components – tobacco, paper and a filter made of cellulose acetate fibers – and are a good source of raw materials and energy. Plus, cigarette butts are easy to collect as there are many systems and companies for collecting this waste in place,” he added.

<h2>How was triacetin produced from cigarette butts?</h2>

Scientists used pyrolysis to thermally decompose the butts at temperatures of 650, 700 and 750°C.

After conducting several experiments, the experts realised that the maximum amount of triacetin compound (43 per cent) was extracted at 750°C, with yields estimated at 38 wt per cent oil, 25.7 wt per cent char, and 36.4 wt per cent gas.

“All the products have real applications,” Yousef said.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Why are Swedes stubbing out their cigarettes?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-are-swedes-stubbing-out-their-cigarettes-656291/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“Char, which, in our case, is porous and very rich in calcium, can be used for fertilisers or wastewater treatment as an absorbent and energy storage. Gas can be used for energy purposes. Last but not least is oil, rich in triacetin, which can be used as an additive to biodiesel to reduce the cost,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists around the world are exploring new, innovative ways to reduce our dependence on toxic, non-renewable sources of energy while focusing on discovering viable, renewable and eco-friendly alternatives.

Scientists around the world are exploring new, innovative ways to reduce our dependence on toxic, non-renewable sources of energy while focusing on discovering viable, renewable and eco-friendly alternatives. One such clean source of fuel is biodiesel, which is made from biological elements such as edible and non-edible oils, animal fats and waste restaurant grease. Biodiesel is renewable as well as biodegradable, making it a much cleaner, eco-friendlier source of energy. However, the high cost of biodiesel remains the biggest hurdle in the way to its wider acceptance. The solution to this problem has now been found: cigarette butts. How cigarette butts can help lower biodiesel cost Previous studies have shown that adding additives like triglyceride triacetin leads to increased efficiency of biodiesel in the form of decreased air pollution and enhanced combustibility. However producing triacetin is highly hazardous to the environment, which requires the use of a lot of chemicals and generates excessive toxic waste. Also read: WHO calls for governments to ban flavoured vapes, impose tobacco-style curbs Scientists from Kaunus University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania, in collaboration with the Lithuanian Energy Institute, have developed a way to produce triacetin using cigarette butts, according to research published last month in the Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis. “In our research group, we are working on the topics of recycling and waste management, therefore we are always looking for the waste, which is present in huge amounts and has a unique structure,” said Samy Yousef, lead and corresponding author of the study. “Cigarettes are made of three components – tobacco, paper and a filter made of cellulose acetate fibers – and are a good source of raw materials and energy. Plus, cigarette butts are easy to collect as there are many systems and companies for collecting this waste in place,” he added. How was triacetin produced from cigarette butts? Scientists used pyrolysis to thermally decompose the butts at temperatures of 650, 700 and 750°C. After conducting several experiments, the experts realised that the maximum amount of triacetin compound (43 per cent) was extracted at 750°C, with yields estimated at 38 wt per cent oil, 25.7 wt per cent char, and 36.4 wt per cent gas. “All the products have real applications,” Yousef said. Watch: Gravitas: Why are Swedes stubbing out their cigarettes? × “Char, which, in our case, is porous and very rich in calcium, can be used for fertilisers or wastewater treatment as an absorbent and energy storage. Gas can be used for energy purposes. Last but not least is oil, rich in triacetin, which can be used as an additive to biodiesel to reduce the cost,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists devise way to convert toxic cigarette butts into green fuel

India is set to make use of artificial intelligence in a bid to make better weather forecasts. The country has been facing climate challenges resulting in a surge of severe weather conditions like heavy rains as well as floods.

India's AI-based solution to tackle increasing floods, droughts

A research study has revealed that the now-submerged northwest Sahul region of Australia was once home to around half-a-million people.

The Northwest Shelf of Sahul, which had the combined landmass of Australia and New Guinea at times of lower sea level, was a vast area of land in the Late Pleistocene epoch (71,000–59,000 years ago).

This vast region covered around 390,000 square kilometres, an area one-and-a-half times larger than New Zealand is today, states the study published in Quaternary Science Reviews on Dec 16.

<h2>Rapid rise global sea level brought drastic changes&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

The study states that this shelf potentially supported populations ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 people at various times.

But due to the rapid rise in global sea level rises between 14,500–14,100 years ago and between 12,000 and 9,000 years ago, around 50 per cent of the Northwest Shelf was inundated, causing profound changes in the space of human life spans.

The study argues that these calamitic events might have triggered the retreat of human populations ahead of the encroaching coastline, evident in peaks of occupational intensity at&nbsp;archaeological sites&nbsp;across the Kimberley and Arnhem, and the sudden appearance of distinctive new rock art styles in both regions.

"The presence of this extensive archipelago likely facilitated the successful dispersal of the first maritime explorers from Wallacea—the region of modern-day Indonesia—providing a familiar environment for their adaptation to the vast continent of Sahul," Lead researcher Kasih Norman said.

<h2>Study highlights need to study early human migration&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

The study emphasises&nbsp;the critical role that the now-submerged continental margins played in early human expansions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/database-behind-ai-image-generators-found-hiding-a-dark-secret-child-sexual-abuse-content-672081">Database behind AI-image generators found hiding a dark secret: Child sexual abuse content</a>

"The temptation to overlook the continental shelf margins of Late Pleistocene Sahul in discussions of early peopling and expansion risks oversimplification and misunderstanding of this pivotal period in history," Norman added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-city-considers-legalising-drugs-for-recreation-pilot-scheme-under-pipeline-672070">Switzerland city considers legalising drugs for recreation, pilot scheme in pipeline</a>

The research concludes that the implications of these findings highlight the need to reevaluate the study of early human migration and the impact of climate change on ancient populations.

(With inputs from agencies)

A research study has revealed that the now-submerged northwest Sahul region of Australia was once home to around half-a-million people. The Northwest Shelf of Sahul, which had the combined landmass of Australia and New Guinea at times of lower sea level, was a vast area of land in the Late Pleistocene epoch (71,000–59,000 years ago).

A research study has revealed that the now-submerged northwest Sahul region of Australia was once home to around half-a-million people. The Northwest Shelf of Sahul, which had the combined landmass of Australia and New Guinea at times of lower sea level, was a vast area of land in the Late Pleistocene epoch (71,000–59,000 years ago). This vast region covered around 390,000 square kilometres, an area one-and-a-half times larger than New Zealand is today, states the study published in Quaternary Science Reviews on Dec 16. Rapid rise global sea level brought drastic changes The study states that this shelf potentially supported populations ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 people at various times. But due to the rapid rise in global sea level rises between 14,500–14,100 years ago and between 12,000 and 9,000 years ago, around 50 per cent of the Northwest Shelf was inundated, causing profound changes in the space of human life spans. The study argues that these calamitic events might have triggered the retreat of human populations ahead of the encroaching coastline, evident in peaks of occupational intensity at archaeological sites across the Kimberley and Arnhem, and the sudden appearance of distinctive new rock art styles in both regions. "The presence of this extensive archipelago likely facilitated the successful dispersal of the first maritime explorers from Wallacea—the region of modern-day Indonesia—providing a familiar environment for their adaptation to the vast continent of Sahul," Lead researcher Kasih Norman said. Study highlights need to study early human migration The study emphasises the critical role that the now-submerged continental margins played in early human expansions. Also read | Database behind AI-image generators found hiding a dark secret: Child sexual abuse content "The temptation to overlook the continental shelf margins of Late Pleistocene Sahul in discussions of early peopling and expansion risks oversimplification and misunderstanding of this pivotal period in history," Norman added. Also read | Switzerland city considers legalising drugs for recreation, pilot scheme in pipeline The research concludes that the implications of these findings highlight the need to reevaluate the study of early human migration and the impact of climate change on ancient populations. (With inputs from agencies)

Millions once lived on a land larger than New Zealand. Rising seas swallowed it

Australia has been facing dual disaster as extreme weather has been wreaking havoc, including the flood in Cairns & bushfire in Pilliga. The AQI levels have plummeted in Sydney as the bushfire in Pilliga state intensified.

Bushfire in Pilliga State Forest ravage Australia | English News | WION

Researchers for the first time have simulated all stages of a runaway greenhouse effect and found that our green and blue planet will turn into an uninhabitable “hell” in the coming centuries.&nbsp;

A team of astronomers on Monday (Dec 18)&nbsp;said that it would take only a couple of degrees of rise in Earth’s temperature or a slight increase in the Sun’s luminosity&nbsp;to initiate an “irreversible” runaway warming, making it as inhospitable as Venus whose average surface temperature is around 464 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the research about?</h2>

A team of astronomers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), with support from France’s CNRS laboratories in Paris and Bordeaux, said that they were the first ones to simulate all stages of a runaway greenhouse effect, the results of which were published in the Astronomy and Astrophysics review.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-summit-kicks-off-with-breakthrough-climate-disaster-fund-agreement-664840">COP28 summit kicks off with breakthrough climate disaster fund agreement</a>

The greenhouse effect is the process through which certain gases including water vapour in Earth’s atmosphere trap the Sun’s heat. While some of these gases occur naturally, others are generated by human activity like burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

The runaway greenhouse effect is when solar irradiation increases to a point that it sets off a dramatic, snowballing rise in a planet’s temperature.&nbsp;

The idea of a runaway of the greenhouse effect is not new and climate change is not the same as a runaway greenhouse process, but researchers warned that Earth was not far from the “apocalyptical scenario”.&nbsp;

The runaway greenhouse effect envisions a planet evolving from a temperate state like the one currently on Earth to one with surface temperatures of above 1,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

For this study, scientists “demonstrated that from initial stages of the process, the atmospheric structure and cloud coverage undergo significant changes, leading to an almost-unstoppable and very complicated to reverse runaway greenhouse effect".

<h2>What would cause the Earth to turn into ‘hell’?</h2>

While the research, in part, was designed to provide a tool for studying the climate on other planets, particularly those outside our solar system or exoplanets in order to determine their potential for hosting life, it also provides an insight into what Earth may look like in the centuries to come.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/global-warming-has-upped-greenland-glacier-melting-five-folds-in-20-years-657471">Global warming has upped Greenland glacier melting five-folds in 20 years</a>

The researchers noted that a small amount of greenhouse effect is necessary to keep the Earth’s average temperature below the freezing point of water, without which it would turn into an ice-covered ball hostile to life.

However, too much of it increases the rate of evaporation of oceans which also raises the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere and traps heat like a rescue blanket.

“There is a critical threshold for this amount of water vapor, beyond which the planet cannot cool down anymore,” said Guillaume Chaverot, former postdoctoral scholar at UNIGE and main author of the study, in a statement.&nbsp;

“From there, everything gets carried away until the oceans end up getting fully evaporated and the temperature reaches several hundred degrees,” Chaverot added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-nations-at-cop28-adopt-historic-deal-to-transition-away-from-fossil-fuels-what-is-it-about-669389">Explained | Nations at COP28 adopt historic deal to transition away from fossil fuels. What is it about?</a>

One of the most important and rather surprising aspects of the study was the observation of an odd cloud pattern.“From the start of the transition, we can observe some very dense clouds developing in the high atmosphere,” said Chaverot.&nbsp;

This dense cloud pattern appearing in the high atmosphere increases the runaway effect and makes the process irreversible.&nbsp;

The study comes as countries across the world are attempting to cap Earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers for the first time have simulated all stages of a runaway greenhouse effect and found that our green and blue planet will turn into an uninhabitable “hell” in the coming centuries.

Researchers for the first time have simulated all stages of a runaway greenhouse effect and found that our green and blue planet will turn into an uninhabitable “hell” in the coming centuries. A team of astronomers on Monday (Dec 18) said that it would take only a couple of degrees of rise in Earth’s temperature or a slight increase in the Sun’s luminosity to initiate an “irreversible” runaway warming, making it as inhospitable as Venus whose average surface temperature is around 464 degrees Celsius. What was the research about? A team of astronomers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), with support from France’s CNRS laboratories in Paris and Bordeaux, said that they were the first ones to simulate all stages of a runaway greenhouse effect, the results of which were published in the Astronomy and Astrophysics review. ALSO READ | COP28 summit kicks off with breakthrough climate disaster fund agreement The greenhouse effect is the process through which certain gases including water vapour in Earth’s atmosphere trap the Sun’s heat. While some of these gases occur naturally, others are generated by human activity like burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. The runaway greenhouse effect is when solar irradiation increases to a point that it sets off a dramatic, snowballing rise in a planet’s temperature. The idea of a runaway of the greenhouse effect is not new and climate change is not the same as a runaway greenhouse process, but researchers warned that Earth was not far from the “apocalyptical scenario”. The runaway greenhouse effect envisions a planet evolving from a temperate state like the one currently on Earth to one with surface temperatures of above 1,000 degrees Celsius. For this study, scientists “demonstrated that from initial stages of the process, the atmospheric structure and cloud coverage undergo significant changes, leading to an almost-unstoppable and very complicated to reverse runaway greenhouse effect". What would cause the Earth to turn into ‘hell’? While the research, in part, was designed to provide a tool for studying the climate on other planets, particularly those outside our solar system or exoplanets in order to determine their potential for hosting life, it also provides an insight into what Earth may look like in the centuries to come. ALSO READ | Global warming has upped Greenland glacier melting five-folds in 20 years The researchers noted that a small amount of greenhouse effect is necessary to keep the Earth’s average temperature below the freezing point of water, without which it would turn into an ice-covered ball hostile to life. However, too much of it increases the rate of evaporation of oceans which also raises the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere and traps heat like a rescue blanket. “There is a critical threshold for this amount of water vapor, beyond which the planet cannot cool down anymore,” said Guillaume Chaverot, former postdoctoral scholar at UNIGE and main author of the study, in a statement. “From there, everything gets carried away until the oceans end up getting fully evaporated and the temperature reaches several hundred degrees,” Chaverot added. ALSO READ | Explained | Nations at COP28 adopt historic deal to transition away from fossil fuels. What is it about? One of the most important and rather surprising aspects of the study was the observation of an odd cloud pattern.“From the start of the transition, we can observe some very dense clouds developing in the high atmosphere,” said Chaverot. This dense cloud pattern appearing in the high atmosphere increases the runaway effect and makes the process irreversible. The study comes as countries across the world are attempting to cap Earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. (With inputs from agencies)

It will be 'hell': Earth might turn into Venus some day, greenhouse effect simulation shows

Llamas can save the world, but how? Well, simply by pooping. As bizarre as it may sound, a new scientific study has shown that llama&nbsp;poop is quite nutritious for the soil that can bring back its required nourishment for plants to flourish.

A group of scientists worked with farmers who took care of llamas in the Cordillera Blanca&nbsp;for three years. In their three years of study, they found that raising llamas in a part of the Andes left barren by glaciers helped add nutrients back to the soil and increase the overall amount of plants.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/from-habitable-to-hell-runaway-greenhouse-effect-simulation-shows-risk-to-earths-climate-671521">From habitable to ‘hell’: Runaway greenhouse effect simulation shows risk to Earth’s climate</a>

The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports.&nbsp;

As per the report, the areas where llamas were reared saw a 57 per cent increase in plant cover with increased soil nutrients and four new plant species. It was all because of the llamas&nbsp;grazing, shedding and pooping in the area, as per the study.

<h2>Llama&nbsp;poop: A blessing in disguise?</h2>

Llama poop is called a llama bean that contains all the nutrients like carbon and nitrogen. Both carbon and nitrogen are essential to making&nbsp;soil hospitable for life. It also contains seeds from plants that the animals have grazed on.&nbsp;

"No such experiment has been done like this in these areas, and at this altitude," Anaïs Zimmer, a geographer and lead author of the paper, said in a press release from the University of Texas.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/daydreaming-may-be-streghtening-our-memories-study-suggests-671472">Daydreaming may be strengthening our memories, study suggests</a>

Though this might be the first time that such a study has taken place with llamas and proven scientifically that their waste is good for the soil, it’s been a practice occurring for a long time.

Raising llamas around the glaciers of the Andes has been common since the Incan Empire ruled the area.&nbsp;

More recently, indigenous farmers have continued llama husbandry in the Andes. That's why Zimmer and her colleagues partnered with Llama 2000 Asociación, a group of farmers in the area.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hubbles-spectacular-capture-shows-distant-spiral-galaxy-with-forbidden-light-671530">Celestial masterpiece: Forbidden light of distant spiral galaxy captured by Hubble</a>

The farmers helped the researchers set up eight fenced-in areas and dispersed llamas into half of them. The herders then monitored them and took care of them, ensuring that the plots stayed separate.

<h2>Can this really solve the bigger problem?</h2>

Peru has lost more than 50 per cent of its glacial surface in the past 50 years, as per the country’s National Water Authority. This was caused by climate change.&nbsp;

As these glaciers continue to melt due to unsustainable ways of using natural resources by humans, we need to save what we are left behind.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coal-miners-found-one-of-the-most-complete-rare-mammoth-fossil-in-north-dakota-671606">Coal miners found 'one of the most complete' rare mammoth fossil in North Dakota</a>

When glaciers melt, the soil that has been trapped underneath it is devoid of nutrients. On its own, the soil may take hundreds of years to become fertile, EOS reported.

Reseeding plant life can help with many of these problems, Zimmer said in the UT press release. She said raising llamas in these areas "might help to ameliorate the destructive processes of global warming-induced deglaciation while favouring the local economy."

(With inputs from agencies)

Llamas can save the world, but how? Well, simply by pooping. As bizarre as it may sound, a new scientific study has shown that llama poop is quite nutritious for the soil that can bring back its required nourishment for plants to flourish.

Llamas can save the world, but how? Well, simply by pooping. As bizarre as it may sound, a new scientific study has shown that llama poop is quite nutritious for the soil that can bring back its required nourishment for plants to flourish. A group of scientists worked with farmers who took care of llamas in the Cordillera Blanca for three years. In their three years of study, they found that raising llamas in a part of the Andes left barren by glaciers helped add nutrients back to the soil and increase the overall amount of plants. Also Read | From habitable to ‘hell’: Runaway greenhouse effect simulation shows risk to Earth’s climate The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports. As per the report, the areas where llamas were reared saw a 57 per cent increase in plant cover with increased soil nutrients and four new plant species. It was all because of the llamas grazing, shedding and pooping in the area, as per the study. Llama poop: A blessing in disguise? Llama poop is called a llama bean that contains all the nutrients like carbon and nitrogen. Both carbon and nitrogen are essential to making soil hospitable for life. It also contains seeds from plants that the animals have grazed on. "No such experiment has been done like this in these areas, and at this altitude," Anaïs Zimmer, a geographer and lead author of the paper, said in a press release from the University of Texas. Also Read | Daydreaming may be strengthening our memories, study suggests Though this might be the first time that such a study has taken place with llamas and proven scientifically that their waste is good for the soil, it’s been a practice occurring for a long time. Raising llamas around the glaciers of the Andes has been common since the Incan Empire ruled the area. More recently, indigenous farmers have continued llama husbandry in the Andes. That's why Zimmer and her colleagues partnered with Llama 2000 Asociación, a group of farmers in the area. Also Read | Celestial masterpiece: Forbidden light of distant spiral galaxy captured by Hubble The farmers helped the researchers set up eight fenced-in areas and dispersed llamas into half of them. The herders then monitored them and took care of them, ensuring that the plots stayed separate. Can this really solve the bigger problem? Peru has lost more than 50 per cent of its glacial surface in the past 50 years, as per the country’s National Water Authority. This was caused by climate change. As these glaciers continue to melt due to unsustainable ways of using natural resources by humans, we need to save what we are left behind. Also Read | Coal miners found 'one of the most complete' rare mammoth fossil in North Dakota When glaciers melt, the soil that has been trapped underneath it is devoid of nutrients. On its own, the soil may take hundreds of years to become fertile, EOS reported. Reseeding plant life can help with many of these problems, Zimmer said in the UT press release. She said raising llamas in these areas "might help to ameliorate the destructive processes of global warming-induced deglaciation while favouring the local economy." (With inputs from agencies)

Llama poop can push Earth's green cover up, study finds. Here's how

Clean technology (or cleantech or climatetech) is any process, product, or service, whose focus is on energy efficiency, the sustainable use of resources, or&nbsp;environmental protection.&nbsp;It aims to reduce negative environmental impacts.&nbsp;

Cleantech includes technologies and innovations aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability across various sectors, including energy, transportation, water, waste management, etc.&nbsp;

Implementation of clean technology allows the world to generate the energy we need without the greenhouse gas emissions and negative environmental effects that come with fossil fuels. It helps counter climate change. Hence, it becomes extremely important to give weight to clean technologies and their funding. There's also an urgent need to spread awareness.&nbsp;

Saurabh Kumar, Vice President - India of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) told WION, "At the forefront of the global energy transition, cleantech awareness is crucial for transitioning away from traditional fuels, ensuring a sustainable energy future."&nbsp;

"The challenge of funding in the cleantech sector or the reason why early-age start-ups fail to grow in the cleantech space is because of the perceived risks and long gestation period of the venture," Kumar added.&nbsp;

The world is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, pollution that is especially difficult to reduce quickly enough to satisfy global warming targets.&nbsp;

Sandeep Chandna, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tech Mahindra, told WION, "The intertwined relationship between technology and climate change is a multifaceted tale beyond innovation and sustainability."&nbsp;

Technology is not a mere bystander in the climate change narrative; instead, it is the protagonist that guides us towards a sustainable future, Chandna said.&nbsp;

He added, "From AI-powered systems that optimise energy consumption to IoT devices that monitor environmental metrics, technology has become an indispensable facet in addressing the intricate challenges of climate change. Its integration in sustainable management has transcended multi-fold, reflecting our collective commitment towards sustainability."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/pollution-makes-respiratory-illnesses-worse-in-winter-season-what-should-be-preventive-approach-671460">Pollution makes respiratory illnesses worse in winter season: What should be preventive approach?</a>&nbsp;

Cleantech is a broad term that encapsulates a range of solutions, including renewable energy, smart grids, carbon capture, and many other innovative technologies designed to curb carbon emissions and nurture a greener planet.&nbsp;

The global cleantech market is expected to be worth around USD 650 billion per year by 2030, which is more than three times the current level, reports have revealed.&nbsp;

Chandna highlighted that cleantech-related jobs are expected to double from six million today to nearly 14 million by 2030.&nbsp;

"As the landscape of climate action evolves, it is time to move beyond merely reducing carbon footprints and focus more on paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-financing-progress-made-at-cop28-but-is-it-enough-667272">Climate financing: Progress made at COP28, but is it enough?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Investing in clean technologies&nbsp;</h2>

Clean technologies demand financial capital to thrive in today's ever-changing technology world. Investing in cleantech is a commitment to determining the future of our world.&nbsp;

It is about creating an environment in which organisations pioneering clean energy sources may increase their influence and develop their sustainable practices.&nbsp;

"This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and individuals, to accelerate the adoption of cleantech solutions and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all," Chandna said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calls-rise-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels-but-it-remains-a-challenge-to-devise-a-formal-plan-at-cop28-666782">Calls rise to phase out fossil fuels, but it remains a challenge to devise a formal plan at COP28</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Cleantech and India</h2>

Kumar said that GEAPP recognises the potential of India's large demographic, particularly its youth, in driving innovative approaches for sustainability.&nbsp;

He said that GEAPP launched ENTICE - Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge, which is a flagship programme fostering an ecosystem for innovators in India, to fill this gap as the group recognised the significance of cleantech as it aligns with global commitments of the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;

He said that ENTICE encourages the development of low-cost, impactful, and scalable clean energy solutions and provides innovators with access to Series 'A' funding, market linkages, and mentorship, aiming to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.&nbsp;

Series B and C funding stages often receive more attention in the current landscape, and hence, ENTICE steps in to address this gap.&nbsp;

Clean technology (or cleantech or climatetech) is any process, product, or service, whose focus is on energy efficiency, the sustainable use of resources, or environmental protection.

Clean technology (or cleantech or climatetech) is any process, product, or service, whose focus is on energy efficiency, the sustainable use of resources, or environmental protection. It aims to reduce negative environmental impacts. Cleantech includes technologies and innovations aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability across various sectors, including energy, transportation, water, waste management, etc. Implementation of clean technology allows the world to generate the energy we need without the greenhouse gas emissions and negative environmental effects that come with fossil fuels. It helps counter climate change. Hence, it becomes extremely important to give weight to clean technologies and their funding. There's also an urgent need to spread awareness. Saurabh Kumar, Vice President - India of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) told WION, "At the forefront of the global energy transition, cleantech awareness is crucial for transitioning away from traditional fuels, ensuring a sustainable energy future." "The challenge of funding in the cleantech sector or the reason why early-age start-ups fail to grow in the cleantech space is because of the perceived risks and long gestation period of the venture," Kumar added. The world is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, pollution that is especially difficult to reduce quickly enough to satisfy global warming targets. Sandeep Chandna, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tech Mahindra, told WION, "The intertwined relationship between technology and climate change is a multifaceted tale beyond innovation and sustainability." Technology is not a mere bystander in the climate change narrative; instead, it is the protagonist that guides us towards a sustainable future, Chandna said. He added, "From AI-powered systems that optimise energy consumption to IoT devices that monitor environmental metrics, technology has become an indispensable facet in addressing the intricate challenges of climate change. Its integration in sustainable management has transcended multi-fold, reflecting our collective commitment towards sustainability." Also read: Pollution makes respiratory illnesses worse in winter season: What should be preventive approach? Cleantech is a broad term that encapsulates a range of solutions, including renewable energy, smart grids, carbon capture, and many other innovative technologies designed to curb carbon emissions and nurture a greener planet. The global cleantech market is expected to be worth around USD 650 billion per year by 2030, which is more than three times the current level, reports have revealed. Chandna highlighted that cleantech-related jobs are expected to double from six million today to nearly 14 million by 2030. "As the landscape of climate action evolves, it is time to move beyond merely reducing carbon footprints and focus more on paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future," he said. Also read: Climate financing: Progress made at COP28, but is it enough? Investing in clean technologies Clean technologies demand financial capital to thrive in today's ever-changing technology world. Investing in cleantech is a commitment to determining the future of our world. It is about creating an environment in which organisations pioneering clean energy sources may increase their influence and develop their sustainable practices. "This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and individuals, to accelerate the adoption of cleantech solutions and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all," Chandna said. Also read: Calls rise to phase out fossil fuels, but it remains a challenge to devise a formal plan at COP28 Cleantech and India Kumar said that GEAPP recognises the potential of India's large demographic, particularly its youth, in driving innovative approaches for sustainability. He said that GEAPP launched ENTICE - Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge, which is a flagship programme fostering an ecosystem for innovators in India, to fill this gap as the group recognised the significance of cleantech as it aligns with global commitments of the Paris Agreement. He said that ENTICE encourages the development of low-cost, impactful, and scalable clean energy solutions and provides innovators with access to Series 'A' funding, market linkages, and mentorship, aiming to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals. Series B and C funding stages often receive more attention in the current landscape, and hence, ENTICE steps in to address this gap.

Clean Technology: Youth plays a crucial role in paving way for a sustainable future, experts say

At least 100 elephants have died in Zimbabwe’s largest national park in recent weeks because of drought, their carcasses a grisly sign of what wildlife authorities and conservation groups say is the impact of climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon.

Authorities warn that more could die as forecasts suggest a scarcity of rains and rising heat in parts of the southern African nation including Hwange National Park. The International Fund for Animal Welfare has described it as a crisis for elephants and other animals.

“El Nino is making an already dire situation worse,” said Tinashe Farawo, spokesman for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

El Nino is a natural and recurring weather phenomenon that warms parts of the Pacific, affecting weather patterns around the world. While this year’s El Nino brought deadly floods to East Africa recently, it is expected to cause below-average rainfall across southern Africa.

Watch | Iceland volcano erupts after weeks of quake activity

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iceland-volcano-erupts-after-weeks-of-quake-activity-671292/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

That has already been felt in Zimbabwe, where the rainy season began weeks later than usual. While some rain has now fallen, the forecasts are generally for a dry, hot summer ahead.

Studies indicate that climate change may be making El Ninos stronger, leading to more extreme consequences.

Authorities fear a repeat of 2019, when more than 200 elephants in Hwange died in a severe drought.

“This phenomenon is recurring,” said Phillip Kuvawoga, a landscape program director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which raised the alarm for Hwange’s elephants in a report this month.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/empathy-with-our-closest-living-cousins-humans-and-apes-share-remarkable-social-memory-traits-study-finds-671294">‘Empathy with our closest living cousins’: Humans and apes share remarkable social memory traits, study finds</a>

Parks agency spokesperson Farawo posted a video on social media site X, formerly Twitter, showing a young elephant struggling for its life after becoming stuck in mud in a water hole that had partly dried up in Hwange.

“The most affected elephants are the young, elderly and sick that can’t travel long distances to find water,” Farawo said. He said an average-sized elephant needs a daily water intake of about 200 liters (52 gallons).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-reveal-how-oceans-ate-up-large-part-of-earths-crust-671110">Scientists now know what happened to a chunk of Earth’s crust missing for millions of years</a>

Park rangers remove the tusks from dead elephants where they can for safekeeping and so the carcasses don’t attract poachers.

Hwange is home to around 45,000 elephants along with more than 100 other mammal species and 400 bird species.

Zimbabwe’s rainy season once started reliably in October and ran through to March. It has become erratic in recent years and conservationists have noticed longer, more severe dry spells.

“Our region will have significantly less rainfall, so the dry spell could return soon because of El Nino,” said Trevor Lane, director of The Bhejane Trust, a conservation group which assists Zimbabwe’s parks agency.

He said his organization has been pumping 1.5 million liters of water into Hwange’s waterholes daily from over 50 boreholes it manages in partnership with the parks agency. The 14,500-square-kilometer (5,600-square-mile) park, which doesn’t have a major river flowing through it, has just over 100 solar-powered boreholes that pump water for the animals.

Saving elephants is not just for the animals’ sake, conservationists say. They are a key ally in fighting climate change through the ecosystem by dispersing vegetation over long distances through dung that contains plant seeds, enabling forests to spread, regenerate and flourish. Trees suck planet-warming carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

“They perform a far bigger role than humans in reforestation,” Lane said. “That is one of the reasons we fight to keep elephants alive.”

At least 100 elephants have died in Zimbabwe’s largest national park in recent weeks because of drought, their carcasses a grisly sign of what wildlife authorities and conservation groups say is the impact of climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon.

At least 100 elephants have died in Zimbabwe’s largest national park in recent weeks because of drought, their carcasses a grisly sign of what wildlife authorities and conservation groups say is the impact of climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon. Authorities warn that more could die as forecasts suggest a scarcity of rains and rising heat in parts of the southern African nation including Hwange National Park. The International Fund for Animal Welfare has described it as a crisis for elephants and other animals. “El Nino is making an already dire situation worse,” said Tinashe Farawo, spokesman for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. El Nino is a natural and recurring weather phenomenon that warms parts of the Pacific, affecting weather patterns around the world. While this year’s El Nino brought deadly floods to East Africa recently, it is expected to cause below-average rainfall across southern Africa. Watch | Iceland volcano erupts after weeks of quake activity × That has already been felt in Zimbabwe, where the rainy season began weeks later than usual. While some rain has now fallen, the forecasts are generally for a dry, hot summer ahead. Studies indicate that climate change may be making El Ninos stronger, leading to more extreme consequences. Authorities fear a repeat of 2019, when more than 200 elephants in Hwange died in a severe drought. “This phenomenon is recurring,” said Phillip Kuvawoga, a landscape program director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, which raised the alarm for Hwange’s elephants in a report this month. Also Read | ‘Empathy with our closest living cousins’: Humans and apes share remarkable social memory traits, study finds Parks agency spokesperson Farawo posted a video on social media site X, formerly Twitter, showing a young elephant struggling for its life after becoming stuck in mud in a water hole that had partly dried up in Hwange. “The most affected elephants are the young, elderly and sick that can’t travel long distances to find water,” Farawo said. He said an average-sized elephant needs a daily water intake of about 200 liters (52 gallons). Also Read | Scientists now know what happened to a chunk of Earth’s crust missing for millions of years Park rangers remove the tusks from dead elephants where they can for safekeeping and so the carcasses don’t attract poachers. Hwange is home to around 45,000 elephants along with more than 100 other mammal species and 400 bird species. Zimbabwe’s rainy season once started reliably in October and ran through to March. It has become erratic in recent years and conservationists have noticed longer, more severe dry spells. “Our region will have significantly less rainfall, so the dry spell could return soon because of El Nino,” said Trevor Lane, director of The Bhejane Trust, a conservation group which assists Zimbabwe’s parks agency. He said his organization has been pumping 1.5 million liters of water into Hwange’s waterholes daily from over 50 boreholes it manages in partnership with the parks agency. The 14,500-square-kilometer (5,600-square-mile) park, which doesn’t have a major river flowing through it, has just over 100 solar-powered boreholes that pump water for the animals. Saving elephants is not just for the animals’ sake, conservationists say. They are a key ally in fighting climate change through the ecosystem by dispersing vegetation over long distances through dung that contains plant seeds, enabling forests to spread, regenerate and flourish. Trees suck planet-warming carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. “They perform a far bigger role than humans in reforestation,” Lane said. “That is one of the reasons we fight to keep elephants alive.”

At least 100 elephants die in drought-stricken Zimbabwe park, a grim sign of El Nino and climate change

Apes have the astonishing ability to recognise long-lost companions, found new research. If you're wondering why this is astonishing, it's because this challenges the conventional understanding of social memory in non-human animals. This actually happens to be the longest-lasting social memory to be documented outside the human species.

<h2>The research</h2>

Research published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that chimpanzees and bonobos could recall and respond positively to images of former group mates over 25 years after their last encounter.

The research was conducted by Christopher Krupenye, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, and lead author Laura Lewis from the University of California, Berkeley.

In conversation with CNN, Krupenye revealed that the inspiration for the study arose from his personal experiences with apes. He said he could sense that the apes recognised him even years after their last interaction.&nbsp;

To test this, the researchers used high-quality photographs of deceased or departed apes from various zoos, presenting them alongside images of strangers to participating apes at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, Planckendael Zoo in Belgium and Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan.&nbsp;

Photos of apes ranged from nine months to 26 years. They then used noninvasive eye-tracking technology to measure the apes' gaze duration on each photo.

Beyond the study's scientific implications, the authors said that they hope it will help spread awareness of the impact of poaching and deforestation on ape communities, emphasising the importance of conservation efforts.&nbsp;

"We hope that these results will provide people more empathy with our closest living cousins," said Lewis.

<h2>Humans and apes aren't that different after all</h2>

The results were striking, demonstrating that the apes looked "significantly longer" at familiar faces, regardless of the time that had elapsed since their last meeting. The gaze was even more extended for those with whom they had shared a friendly relationship.&nbsp;

As per Krupenye, this phenomenon parallels human experiences, akin to unexpectedly encountering a long-lost high school friend.

"It's a very familiar experience for humans too," he said.

Notably, one bonobo named Louise exhibited a "robust bias" towards her sister Loretta and nephew Erin, whom she hadn't seen in 26 years.&nbsp;

As per a news release, she "showed a strikingly robust looking bias toward both of them over eight trials."

The researchers speculate that apes' social memory might surpass 26 years, possibly rivalling the human capacity to remember individuals for up to 48 years. The release also points out that humans start forgetting people after 15 years.

As per CNN, the study sets a new benchmark for the longest social memory documented in non-human animals. Previously, dolphins were known for remembering individuals after 20 years. This challenges the notion that social memory is a uniquely human trait and emphasises that it may be a characteristic we share with our closest relatives: apes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Apes have the astonishing ability to recognise long-lost companions, found new research. If you're wondering why this is astonishing, it's because this challenges the conventional understanding of social memory in non-human animals.

Apes have the astonishing ability to recognise long-lost companions, found new research. If you're wondering why this is astonishing, it's because this challenges the conventional understanding of social memory in non-human animals. This actually happens to be the longest-lasting social memory to be documented outside the human species. The research Research published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that chimpanzees and bonobos could recall and respond positively to images of former group mates over 25 years after their last encounter. The research was conducted by Christopher Krupenye, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, and lead author Laura Lewis from the University of California, Berkeley. In conversation with CNN, Krupenye revealed that the inspiration for the study arose from his personal experiences with apes. He said he could sense that the apes recognised him even years after their last interaction. To test this, the researchers used high-quality photographs of deceased or departed apes from various zoos, presenting them alongside images of strangers to participating apes at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, Planckendael Zoo in Belgium and Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan. Photos of apes ranged from nine months to 26 years. They then used noninvasive eye-tracking technology to measure the apes' gaze duration on each photo. Beyond the study's scientific implications, the authors said that they hope it will help spread awareness of the impact of poaching and deforestation on ape communities, emphasising the importance of conservation efforts. "We hope that these results will provide people more empathy with our closest living cousins," said Lewis. Humans and apes aren't that different after all The results were striking, demonstrating that the apes looked "significantly longer" at familiar faces, regardless of the time that had elapsed since their last meeting. The gaze was even more extended for those with whom they had shared a friendly relationship. As per Krupenye, this phenomenon parallels human experiences, akin to unexpectedly encountering a long-lost high school friend. "It's a very familiar experience for humans too," he said. Notably, one bonobo named Louise exhibited a "robust bias" towards her sister Loretta and nephew Erin, whom she hadn't seen in 26 years. As per a news release, she "showed a strikingly robust looking bias toward both of them over eight trials." The researchers speculate that apes' social memory might surpass 26 years, possibly rivalling the human capacity to remember individuals for up to 48 years. The release also points out that humans start forgetting people after 15 years. As per CNN, the study sets a new benchmark for the longest social memory documented in non-human animals. Previously, dolphins were known for remembering individuals after 20 years. This challenges the notion that social memory is a uniquely human trait and emphasises that it may be a characteristic we share with our closest relatives: apes. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Empathy with our closest living cousins’: Humans and apes share remarkable social memory traits, study finds

Spewing lava and smoke in an awe-inspiring yet frightening display, a volcano in Southwest Iceland erupted late on Monday after weeks of intense earthquake activity, Iceland's Meteorological Office said.

The eruption comes as, for weeks, the Nordic country remained on high alert awaiting a potential eruption in the Reykjanes&nbsp;peninsula. Last month, the threat even prompted evacuation orders.&nbsp;

<h2>The eruption</h2>

The volcanic eruption happened around 10:17 pm local time. Over an hour before that, a string of earthquakes also shook the area, officials said.

"At 22:17 this evening, a volcanic eruption began north of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula," said the IMO.

On its website, it posted "Warning: Eruption has started north of Grindavík by Hagafell."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-more-than-110-people-killed-after-earthquake-in-gansu-province-671082">China: More than 110 people killed after earthquake in Gansu province</a>

"Seismic activity together with measurements from GPS devices indicate that the magma is moving to the southwest and the eruption may continue in the direction of Grindavík," said the Met Office.

Livestreams and images of the eruption show molten rock spewing from fissures in the ground, with the bright yellow-orange lava appearing brighter in contrast with the dark night sky.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Here's the moment the volcano started to erupt in Grindavik, Iceland. <a href="https://t.co/XbMUwyzhvE">pic.twitter.com/XbMUwyzhvE</a>
— Chad (@ChadBlue83) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadBlue83/status/1736886444151501125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Just wow! 
 
Aerial footage of the Iceland Volcano <a href="https://t.co/rAwiiVPeWy">pic.twitter.com/rAwiiVPeWy</a>
— Jay (@AckerlandJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/AckerlandJay/status/1736914866097778840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As per a Reuters report citing the Met Office, cracks in the earth's surface were around 3.5 km long and had grown rapidly. Every second, these fissures became the gateway for some 100 to 200 cubic metres (3,530 to 7,060 cubic feet) of lava. This, as per the Met Office, is several times more than in previous eruptions in the area.

<h2>The unpredictability</h2>

Local police have raised their alert level, the public has been warned to avoid approaching the area while emergency personnel assess the situation.

Previously, on 11 November, roughly 4,000 residents of Grindavík, a fishing port around 40 kilometres (24.85 miles) from the capital, were evacuated overnight amid fears of an eruption.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-experiences-unexpected-temperature-swings-raises-climate-concerns-671065">South Korea experiences unexpected temperature swings, raises climate concerns</a>

As per AFP, in Iceland, volcanic eruptions aren't uncommon. The country is home to 33 active volcano systems, the highest in Europe. However, this eruption is unpredictable and carries danger as the Reykjanes peninsula hadn't experienced an eruption in eight centuries, that is until 2021.

Since then, three eruptions have struck the area, which volcanologists fear may be the start of a new era of activity in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spewing lava and smoke in an awe-inspiring yet frightening display, a volcano in Southwest Iceland erupted late on Monday after weeks of intense earthquake activity, Iceland's Meteorological Office said.

Spewing lava and smoke in an awe-inspiring yet frightening display, a volcano in Southwest Iceland erupted late on Monday after weeks of intense earthquake activity, Iceland's Meteorological Office said. The eruption comes as, for weeks, the Nordic country remained on high alert awaiting a potential eruption in the Reykjanes peninsula. Last month, the threat even prompted evacuation orders. The eruption The volcanic eruption happened around 10:17 pm local time. Over an hour before that, a string of earthquakes also shook the area, officials said. "At 22:17 this evening, a volcanic eruption began north of Grindavík on the Reykjanes peninsula," said the IMO. On its website, it posted "Warning: Eruption has started north of Grindavík by Hagafell." Also read | China: More than 110 people killed after earthquake in Gansu province "Seismic activity together with measurements from GPS devices indicate that the magma is moving to the southwest and the eruption may continue in the direction of Grindavík," said the Met Office. Livestreams and images of the eruption show molten rock spewing from fissures in the ground, with the bright yellow-orange lava appearing brighter in contrast with the dark night sky. Here's the moment the volcano started to erupt in Grindavik, Iceland. pic.twitter.com/XbMUwyzhvE — Chad (@ChadBlue83) December 18, 2023 × Just wow! Aerial footage of the Iceland Volcano pic.twitter.com/rAwiiVPeWy — Jay (@AckerlandJay) December 19, 2023 × As per a Reuters report citing the Met Office, cracks in the earth's surface were around 3.5 km long and had grown rapidly. Every second, these fissures became the gateway for some 100 to 200 cubic metres (3,530 to 7,060 cubic feet) of lava. This, as per the Met Office, is several times more than in previous eruptions in the area. The unpredictability Local police have raised their alert level, the public has been warned to avoid approaching the area while emergency personnel assess the situation. Previously, on 11 November, roughly 4,000 residents of Grindavík, a fishing port around 40 kilometres (24.85 miles) from the capital, were evacuated overnight amid fears of an eruption. Also read | South Korea experiences unexpected temperature swings, raises climate concerns As per AFP, in Iceland, volcanic eruptions aren't uncommon. The country is home to 33 active volcano systems, the highest in Europe. However, this eruption is unpredictable and carries danger as the Reykjanes peninsula hadn't experienced an eruption in eight centuries, that is until 2021. Since then, three eruptions have struck the area, which volcanologists fear may be the start of a new era of activity in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Lava flows from two-mile crack as Iceland volcano erupts following weeks of anticipation

This weekend's significant rain and wind storm could potentially cause flooding for over 60 million people living along the East Coast. According to the National Weather Service and CBS News partner The Weather Channel, the storm system formed in the Gulf of Mexico, battered portions of Florida on Saturday and Sunday as it raced up the coast, and dumped a ton of moderate to heavy rain on more northern states.

Heavy rain expected to lash Florida and East Coast

In the aftermath of former Tropical Cyclone Jasper, heavy rain has triggered floods, cutting off tourist-popular towns in Australia's northeast along the Great Barrier Reef.&nbsp;

The region has witnessed severe flooding, forcing evacuations and leaving residents stranded on rooftops due to rapidly rising rivers. On Monday, a crocodile, as per reports, was captured out of a storm drain, before being spotted in the middle of Queensland's residential area.

<h2>Worst natural disaster</h2>

Talking to ABC Television, Queensland state Premier Steven Miles expressed concern, stating, "We see a lot of natural disasters, and this is just about the worst I can remember."&nbsp;

"The problem is the rain won't stop and until it eases up, we can't get aerial support into remote places," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rain-floods-batter-cyclone-hit-tamil-nadu-school-colleges-shut-down-in-some-parts-670761">India: Rain, floods batter cyclone-hit Tamil Nadu; schools, colleges shut down in some parts</a>

Jasper, now downgraded to a tropical low, caused significant damage across the state last week.

The town of Ingham, with a population of around 5,000, experienced extensive flooding.&nbsp;Conservation officials even captured&nbsp;a 2.8-metre (9-foot) crocodile in a storm drain near a gas station.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Peak Aussie content here 🐊 A big crocodile has been spotted in a swollen drain in the centre of Ingham, a North Queensland town currently cut off by floodwaters. Filmed by <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abcnews</a> reporter <a href="https://twitter.com/ChloeChomicki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChloeChomicki</a>, who is isolated like everyone else in town. <a href="https://t.co/LSg5ODkpIF">pic.twitter.com/LSg5ODkpIF</a>
— Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) <a href="https://twitter.com/siobhanheanue/status/1736516228083294526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Crocodile sightings in north Queensland are not uncommon in rural areas like rivers, lagoons, and swamps, but finding one in a storm drain is unusual.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Croc update 🐊 Wildlife rangers, with muscle from some rather brave local police, have trapped and relocated the crocodile which was swimming in floodwaters in the middle of the North Queensland town of Ingham. 🎥 from <a href="https://twitter.com/ChloeChomicki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChloeChomicki</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abcnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/C0iioC0l1X">pic.twitter.com/C0iioC0l1X</a>
— Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) <a href="https://twitter.com/siobhanheanue/status/1736543587737952343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Cairns, a key town serving as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and home to over 150,000 people, received approximately 600 mm (around 24 inches) of rain in just 40 hours through Monday, surpassing the December mean of 182 mm (7.17 inches) by more than triple.&nbsp;

The Cairns airport faced disruptions, with all flights cancelled or postponed, and images on social media showed planes partially submerged on the tarmac. Despite efforts to drain water, the airport struggled to cope with the volume.

<h2>Breaking records</h2>

Major flood warnings have been issued, with rivers expected to break records dating back to 1977.&nbsp;

The region is expected to face more rain as Jasper persists through Monday, with forecasts suggesting up to 300 mm (12 inches) of rain within six hours in some areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-car-slams-into-joe-bidens-motorcade-startling-security-officials-670701">Watch: Biden left shell-shocked as car rams into his motorcade right in front of him</a>

The impact of the floods has extended to power outages, affecting over 14,000 properties across the region.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that defence forces are on standby to initiate rescue and relief efforts. This extreme weather event comes as Australia grapples with an El Niño weather phenomenon, contributing to diverse weather extremes, from floods in the northeast to bushfire alerts in the southeast, where temperatures in some Sydney suburbs are anticipated to surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

(With inputs from agencies)

In the aftermath of former Tropical Cyclone Jasper, heavy rain has triggered floods, cutting off tourist-popular towns in Australia's northeast along the Great Barrier Reef.

In the aftermath of former Tropical Cyclone Jasper, heavy rain has triggered floods, cutting off tourist-popular towns in Australia's northeast along the Great Barrier Reef. The region has witnessed severe flooding, forcing evacuations and leaving residents stranded on rooftops due to rapidly rising rivers. On Monday, a crocodile, as per reports, was captured out of a storm drain, before being spotted in the middle of Queensland's residential area. Worst natural disaster Talking to ABC Television, Queensland state Premier Steven Miles expressed concern, stating, "We see a lot of natural disasters, and this is just about the worst I can remember." "The problem is the rain won't stop and until it eases up, we can't get aerial support into remote places," he said. Also read | India: Rain, floods batter cyclone-hit Tamil Nadu; schools, colleges shut down in some parts Jasper, now downgraded to a tropical low, caused significant damage across the state last week. The town of Ingham, with a population of around 5,000, experienced extensive flooding. Conservation officials even captured a 2.8-metre (9-foot) crocodile in a storm drain near a gas station. Peak Aussie content here 🐊 A big crocodile has been spotted in a swollen drain in the centre of Ingham, a North Queensland town currently cut off by floodwaters. Filmed by @abcnews reporter @ChloeChomicki, who is isolated like everyone else in town. pic.twitter.com/LSg5ODkpIF — Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) December 17, 2023 × Crocodile sightings in north Queensland are not uncommon in rural areas like rivers, lagoons, and swamps, but finding one in a storm drain is unusual. Croc update 🐊 Wildlife rangers, with muscle from some rather brave local police, have trapped and relocated the crocodile which was swimming in floodwaters in the middle of the North Queensland town of Ingham. 🎥 from @ChloeChomicki for @abcnews pic.twitter.com/C0iioC0l1X — Siobhan Heanue (@siobhanheanue) December 18, 2023 × Cairns, a key town serving as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and home to over 150,000 people, received approximately 600 mm (around 24 inches) of rain in just 40 hours through Monday, surpassing the December mean of 182 mm (7.17 inches) by more than triple. The Cairns airport faced disruptions, with all flights cancelled or postponed, and images on social media showed planes partially submerged on the tarmac. Despite efforts to drain water, the airport struggled to cope with the volume. Breaking records Major flood warnings have been issued, with rivers expected to break records dating back to 1977. The region is expected to face more rain as Jasper persists through Monday, with forecasts suggesting up to 300 mm (12 inches) of rain within six hours in some areas. Also read | Watch: Biden left shell-shocked as car rams into his motorcade right in front of him The impact of the floods has extended to power outages, affecting over 14,000 properties across the region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that defence forces are on standby to initiate rescue and relief efforts. This extreme weather event comes as Australia grapples with an El Niño weather phenomenon, contributing to diverse weather extremes, from floods in the northeast to bushfire alerts in the southeast, where temperatures in some Sydney suburbs are anticipated to surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). (With inputs from agencies)

'Just about the worst': Cyclone Jasper brings heavy rains, flooding and crocodiles to Queensland. Watch!

Elon Musk, the creator of the electric car company Tesla, stated on Saturday that oil and gas shouldn't be vilified in the medium run, but he also stressed the need to cut carbon emissions in order to protect the environment.

Oil and gas should not be demonised, says Elon Musk

Billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday (Dec 16) said that oil and gas should not be demonised and that it was extremely critical to reduce carbon emissions to preserve the planet.

While speaking at a right-wing political gathering organised by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, Musk said, "I don't think we should demonise oil and gas, I think we should say look that is obviously necessary in the short term and the medium term too, and although it takes several decades to become sustainable, so I think if we just, without getting too worried about it, seek to have a sustainable energy future, gradually, then that's what will happen."

"Climate change alarm is exaggerated in the short term," he further added.

Musk said that it was important that industries began reducing billions of the carbon they take from Earth and releasing it into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels.

"We should not demonise oil and gas in the medium term," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-destroyer-shots-down-suspected-attack-drone-targeting-red-sea-shipping-670312">UK destroyer shoots down suspected attack drone 'targeting Red Sea shipping'</a>

<h2>'Worried about Italy's low birth rate', says Musk</h2>

On being asked if his firms would invest in Italy, Musk said that he was worried about the country's declining birth rate.

"Italy is a great place to invest. It's a great, you know, a great country. But I do want to emphasise that I do worry about the low birth rate. And you know, if a company is to invest in Italy, they're like, well you have to say like, will there be enough people to work there?," he said.&nbsp;

"You know, it's a simple question. You know, if the workforce is declining, then if the workforce is declining, then. Then. Then who will work at the company? Simple. If there's no people, there's no people to work," he added.

He further urged the Italian government to create incentives for families to have more kids, adding that the country could simply not rely on immigration to fill that gap.

(With inputs from agencies)

Billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday (Dec 16) said that oil and gas should not be demonised and that it was extremely critical to reduce carbon emissions to preserve the planet.

Billionaire Elon Musk on Saturday (Dec 16) said that oil and gas should not be demonised and that it was extremely critical to reduce carbon emissions to preserve the planet. While speaking at a right-wing political gathering organised by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, Musk said, "I don't think we should demonise oil and gas, I think we should say look that is obviously necessary in the short term and the medium term too, and although it takes several decades to become sustainable, so I think if we just, without getting too worried about it, seek to have a sustainable energy future, gradually, then that's what will happen." "Climate change alarm is exaggerated in the short term," he further added. Musk said that it was important that industries began reducing billions of the carbon they take from Earth and releasing it into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. "We should not demonise oil and gas in the medium term," he said. Also read: UK destroyer shoots down suspected attack drone 'targeting Red Sea shipping' 'Worried about Italy's low birth rate', says Musk On being asked if his firms would invest in Italy, Musk said that he was worried about the country's declining birth rate. "Italy is a great place to invest. It's a great, you know, a great country. But I do want to emphasise that I do worry about the low birth rate. And you know, if a company is to invest in Italy, they're like, well you have to say like, will there be enough people to work there?," he said. "You know, it's a simple question. You know, if the workforce is declining, then if the workforce is declining, then. Then. Then who will work at the company? Simple. If there's no people, there's no people to work," he added. He further urged the Italian government to create incentives for families to have more kids, adding that the country could simply not rely on immigration to fill that gap. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate change alarm is exaggerated, we should not demonise oil and gas: Elon Musk

The international energy agency is urging nations, companies, and investors to take decisive actions to accelerate the global shift away from fossil fuels. The climate summit in dubai saw a historic agreement to transition towards cleaner energy, aligning with some of the iea's recommendations. However, challenges remain, especially in financing clean energy transitions for developing nations.

IEA flags financial challenge for clean energy at COP28

Drought and climate change have pushed thousands of Iraqis out of their homes. These people with once booming farms are now staring at a life of poverty. Climate change is among the biggest contributors to internal displacement in Iraq. Ghadi Francis reports on the vulnerable Iraqi displaced

Iraq: Drought and bad crop yield push farmers out of villages

Representatives from 196 countries reached a groundbreaking accord to transition away from fossil fuels at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The summit, held in the heart of Arab oil country, faced overt opposition from OPEC, the powerful oil-producing group. <o:p></o:p>

The UAE presidency of COP28 implemented a strategic approach, deliberately releasing provocative drafts during the two-week summit to push negotiators to disclose their positions and find common ground. The United States and China, leveraging a two-decade-long personal relationship between their climate envoys, played a crucial role in persuading OPEC leaders to endorse the move away from oil, gas, and coal.<o:p></o:p>

At the end of the conference, after moments of near-crisis and extended sessions, negotiators emerged with an accord calling for a global "transition" away from fossil fuels. This marks the first time in history that countries have collectively expressed a desire to end the era of oil. The deal also offers an option for mitigating the climate impact of existing fossil fuels through technologies like carbon capture and sequestration.<o:p></o:p>

U.S. Special Climate Envoy John Kerry hailed the agreement as a triumph for multilateralism, while COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber described it as "historic." Despite concerns from some delegates, such as the Alliance of Small Island States, about loopholes for continued fossil-fuel use, the accord was ultimately accepted.<o:p></o:p>

Ahead of the conference, there were doubts about the UAE's suitability as the host, given its status as a significant oil producer. However, UAE's COP28 President Al Jaber, also heading the UAE's state oil company ADNOC, aimed to avoid a failed conference. Press releases from Al Jaber's office highlighted EU and US-led commitments to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and a US-China cooperation agreement in California in November.<o:p></o:p>

OPEC, controlling 80 per cent of the world's oil reserves, had explicitly opposed any agreement targeting the phasing out of fossil fuels. A letter from OPEC to its members on Dec. 6 raised concerns about the summit's potential failure. <o:p></o:p>

Facing entrenched positions, Al Jaber employed a provocative strategy, releasing a draft deal text that outlined a "menu" of options for combating climate change, without mentioning a "phase out." The ensuing outrage allowed negotiators to reveal their true positions.<o:p></o:p>

In a unique move, Al Jaber organised a majlis, where negotiators openly outlined their positions, laying bare the widespread demand to address fossil fuels. The COP28 presidency extended meetings into the early-morning hours, using time pressure to secure the best possible deal. The final draft deal was released a day after the summit's scheduled end.<o:p></o:p>

While the term "phase out" remained a red line due to its political charge, sources revealed that John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, considered alternative wording. Their recent climate cooperation agreement, which focused on the accelerated substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, provided a roadmap for the COP28 accord.<o:p></o:p>

The inclusion of carbon capture in the final agreement seemed to be a concession to OPEC, particularly Saudi Arabia, supporting the accord by leaving countries to decide their pathways to cleaner energy.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Representatives from 196 countries reached a groundbreaking accord to transition away from fossil fuels at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The summit, held in the heart of Arab oil country, faced overt opposition from OPEC, the powerful oil-producing group.

Representatives from 196 countries reached a groundbreaking accord to transition away from fossil fuels at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The summit, held in the heart of Arab oil country, faced overt opposition from OPEC, the powerful oil-producing group. The UAE presidency of COP28 implemented a strategic approach, deliberately releasing provocative drafts during the two-week summit to push negotiators to disclose their positions and find common ground. The United States and China, leveraging a two-decade-long personal relationship between their climate envoys, played a crucial role in persuading OPEC leaders to endorse the move away from oil, gas, and coal. At the end of the conference, after moments of near-crisis and extended sessions, negotiators emerged with an accord calling for a global "transition" away from fossil fuels. This marks the first time in history that countries have collectively expressed a desire to end the era of oil. The deal also offers an option for mitigating the climate impact of existing fossil fuels through technologies like carbon capture and sequestration. U.S. Special Climate Envoy John Kerry hailed the agreement as a triumph for multilateralism, while COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber described it as "historic." Despite concerns from some delegates, such as the Alliance of Small Island States, about loopholes for continued fossil-fuel use, the accord was ultimately accepted. Ahead of the conference, there were doubts about the UAE's suitability as the host, given its status as a significant oil producer. However, UAE's COP28 President Al Jaber, also heading the UAE's state oil company ADNOC, aimed to avoid a failed conference. Press releases from Al Jaber's office highlighted EU and US-led commitments to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and a US-China cooperation agreement in California in November. OPEC, controlling 80 per cent of the world's oil reserves, had explicitly opposed any agreement targeting the phasing out of fossil fuels. A letter from OPEC to its members on Dec. 6 raised concerns about the summit's potential failure. Facing entrenched positions, Al Jaber employed a provocative strategy, releasing a draft deal text that outlined a "menu" of options for combating climate change, without mentioning a "phase out." The ensuing outrage allowed negotiators to reveal their true positions. In a unique move, Al Jaber organised a majlis, where negotiators openly outlined their positions, laying bare the widespread demand to address fossil fuels. The COP28 presidency extended meetings into the early-morning hours, using time pressure to secure the best possible deal. The final draft deal was released a day after the summit's scheduled end. While the term "phase out" remained a red line due to its political charge, sources revealed that John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, considered alternative wording. Their recent climate cooperation agreement, which focused on the accelerated substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, provided a roadmap for the COP28 accord. The inclusion of carbon capture in the final agreement seemed to be a concession to OPEC, particularly Saudi Arabia, supporting the accord by leaving countries to decide their pathways to cleaner energy. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

COP28 Breakthrough: World unites to shift from fossil fuels in historic climate accord

Wildfires wreak havoc on forests and vegetation, but as per a new study, they can also release a toxic, cancer-causing chemical into the air we breathe.&nbsp;

New research released on Wednesday found that wildfires in the US may be transforming a benign form of chromium into a cancer-causing 'Erin Brockovich' chemical.

<h2>Hazards of wildfire smoke</h2>

Research published in British journal Nature Communications gives new insight into how wildfire smoke can harm firefighters and first responders, and why wildfire smoke is more hazardous than other forms of air pollution.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-lets-rewind-2023-to-medical-breakthroughs-that-gave-world-hope-668897">Explained | Let's 'Rewind 2023' to medical breakthroughs that gave the world hope</a>

In a statement, study lead Alandra Lopez, a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability said: "Our study suggests far more attention should be paid to wildfire-modified chromium, and we presume additional metals as well, to more thoroughly characterise the overall threats wildfires pose to human health."

Scientists identified a high level of hexavalent chromium or chromium 6. It is popularly known as the 'Erin Brockovich' chemical.

<h2>Wildfire smoke, an overlooked hazard</h2>

As per a report on the Stanford University website, wildfires are known to carry dangerous air pollutants including gases, organic aerosols, and fine particulate matter, which can trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, and early death.

However, not much attention has been paid to the potential harm from metals found in soils. Across the western United States, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Indonesia, and South Africa, Chromium is one such common chemical.

Wildfires can turn the benign chromium into its carcinogenic counterpart, chromium-6.&nbsp;

Researchers caution that as climate change and global warming heat up the earth, triggering more and more wildfires, health risks posed by airborne chromium need to be better understood.

"In the complex mixture of gasses and particles that wildfires spew out as smoke and leave behind as dust, heavy metals such as chromium have largely been overlooked," said senior study author Scott Fendorf, the Terry Huffington Professor in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

<h2>What is the 'Erin Brockovich' chemical?</h2>

The so-called 'Erin Brockovich' chemical was made popular by the 2000 film Erin Brockovich.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/your-anxiety-is-lying-to-you-saying-no-to-plans-isnt-all-that-bad-finds-study-668806">Your anxiety is lying to you! Saying 'no' to plans isn't all that bad, finds study</a>

In nature, chromium mostly occurs in a form known as trivalent chromium or chromium 3. This is an essential nutrient used by our bodies to break down glucose.

However, its counterpart, hexavalent chromium or chromium 6, is often a result of industrial processes. This is known as the 'Erin Brockovich' chemical and is known to increase cancer risk when inhaled or ingested via contaminated drinking water. In 2019, researchers at Australia’s Southern Cross University found that chromium 6 can form rapidly when surface soils containing chromium 3 are heated by wildfires.

(With inputs from agencies)

Wildfires wreak havoc on forests and vegetation, but as per a new study, they can also release a toxic, cancer-causing chemical into the air we breathe. New research released on Wednesday found that wildfires in the US may be transforming a benign form of chromium into a cancer-causing 'Erin Brockovich' chemical.

Wildfires wreak havoc on forests and vegetation, but as per a new study, they can also release a toxic, cancer-causing chemical into the air we breathe. New research released on Wednesday found that wildfires in the US may be transforming a benign form of chromium into a cancer-causing 'Erin Brockovich' chemical. Hazards of wildfire smoke Research published in British journal Nature Communications gives new insight into how wildfire smoke can harm firefighters and first responders, and why wildfire smoke is more hazardous than other forms of air pollution. Also read | Explained | Let's 'Rewind 2023' to medical breakthroughs that gave the world hope In a statement, study lead Alandra Lopez, a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability said: "Our study suggests far more attention should be paid to wildfire-modified chromium, and we presume additional metals as well, to more thoroughly characterise the overall threats wildfires pose to human health." Scientists identified a high level of hexavalent chromium or chromium 6. It is popularly known as the 'Erin Brockovich' chemical. Wildfire smoke, an overlooked hazard As per a report on the Stanford University website, wildfires are known to carry dangerous air pollutants including gases, organic aerosols, and fine particulate matter, which can trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks, and early death. However, not much attention has been paid to the potential harm from metals found in soils. Across the western United States, Australia, Brazil, Europe, Indonesia, and South Africa, Chromium is one such common chemical. Wildfires can turn the benign chromium into its carcinogenic counterpart, chromium-6. Researchers caution that as climate change and global warming heat up the earth, triggering more and more wildfires, health risks posed by airborne chromium need to be better understood. "In the complex mixture of gasses and particles that wildfires spew out as smoke and leave behind as dust, heavy metals such as chromium have largely been overlooked," said senior study author Scott Fendorf, the Terry Huffington Professor in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. What is the 'Erin Brockovich' chemical? The so-called 'Erin Brockovich' chemical was made popular by the 2000 film Erin Brockovich. Also read | Your anxiety is lying to you! Saying 'no' to plans isn't all that bad, finds study In nature, chromium mostly occurs in a form known as trivalent chromium or chromium 3. This is an essential nutrient used by our bodies to break down glucose. However, its counterpart, hexavalent chromium or chromium 6, is often a result of industrial processes. This is known as the 'Erin Brockovich' chemical and is known to increase cancer risk when inhaled or ingested via contaminated drinking water. In 2019, researchers at Australia’s Southern Cross University found that chromium 6 can form rapidly when surface soils containing chromium 3 are heated by wildfires. (With inputs from agencies)

Beware! Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown threat posed by wildfires

A surprising phenomenon has emerged in the mighty Himalayas that might slow down the effects of the global climate crisis. Scientists have noted that when high temperatures hit high-altitude ice masses, ‘katabatic’ winds are triggered that blow cold air to lower-altitude areas.

The study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, was conducted using data from the Pyramid International Laboratory/Observatory climate station on Mount Everest, the world’s tallest summit.

<h2>What are katabatic winds?</h2>

According to Francesca Pellicciotti, professor of glaciology at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria and lead author of the study, a temperature gap is created between the air flowing above the mountains and the cooler air directly in contact with ice masses.

“This leads to an increase in turbulent heat exchange at the glacier’s surface and stronger cooling of the surface air mass,” she said.

As the warm air gets cooler and denser, it sinks, triggering the katabatic winds in neighbouring areas down the slope.

Watch:&nbsp;COP28 Summit: 200 countries to hash out solutions for climate change

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-summit-200-countries-to-hash-out-solutions-for-climate-change-668289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While this phenomenon may slow down the effects of global warming in some areas, its sustainability is not guaranteed over the coming decades.

However, studying the impact of this phenomenon becomes vital and significant as the Himalayan mountain range feeds into 12 rivers that provide fresh water to nearly 2 billion people in 16 countries.

<h2>Concerns</h2>

Scientists noted that this phenomenon doesn’t stop the melting of the glaciers due to climate change.

A June report previously covered by CNN showed that glaciers in the Himalayas melted 65 per cent faster in the 2010s compared with the previous decade, a trend highly unlikely to change its course.

“The main impact of rising temperature on glaciers is an increase of ice losses, due to melt increase,” said Fanny Brun, a research scientist at the Institut des Géosciences de l’Environnement in Grenoble, France. She was not involved in the study.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himalayas-are-not-alps-uttarkashi-tunnel-mishap-is-a-reminder-not-to-mess-with-worlds-youngest-mountains-660743">Also read:&nbsp;`Himalayas are not Alps`: Uttarkashi tunnel mishap is a reminder `not to mess` with world`s youngest mountains</a>

Thomas Shaw, who is part of the ISTA research group with Pellicciotti, said there are various complexities involved behind the reasons for ice melting.

“The cooling is local, but perhaps still not sufficient to overcome the larger impact of climatic warming and fully preserve the glaciers,” Shaw observes.

(With inputs from agencies)

A surprising phenomenon has emerged in the mighty Himalayas that might slow down the effects of the global climate crisis. Scientists have noted that when high temperatures hit high-altitude ice masses, ‘katabatic’ winds are triggered that blow cold air to lower-altitude areas.

A surprising phenomenon has emerged in the mighty Himalayas that might slow down the effects of the global climate crisis. Scientists have noted that when high temperatures hit high-altitude ice masses, ‘katabatic’ winds are triggered that blow cold air to lower-altitude areas. The study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, was conducted using data from the Pyramid International Laboratory/Observatory climate station on Mount Everest, the world’s tallest summit. What are katabatic winds? According to Francesca Pellicciotti, professor of glaciology at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria and lead author of the study, a temperature gap is created between the air flowing above the mountains and the cooler air directly in contact with ice masses. “This leads to an increase in turbulent heat exchange at the glacier’s surface and stronger cooling of the surface air mass,” she said. As the warm air gets cooler and denser, it sinks, triggering the katabatic winds in neighbouring areas down the slope. Watch: COP28 Summit: 200 countries to hash out solutions for climate change × While this phenomenon may slow down the effects of global warming in some areas, its sustainability is not guaranteed over the coming decades. However, studying the impact of this phenomenon becomes vital and significant as the Himalayan mountain range feeds into 12 rivers that provide fresh water to nearly 2 billion people in 16 countries. Concerns Scientists noted that this phenomenon doesn’t stop the melting of the glaciers due to climate change. A June report previously covered by CNN showed that glaciers in the Himalayas melted 65 per cent faster in the 2010s compared with the previous decade, a trend highly unlikely to change its course. “The main impact of rising temperature on glaciers is an increase of ice losses, due to melt increase,” said Fanny Brun, a research scientist at the Institut des Géosciences de l’Environnement in Grenoble, France. She was not involved in the study. Also read: `Himalayas are not Alps`: Uttarkashi tunnel mishap is a reminder `not to mess` with world`s youngest mountains Thomas Shaw, who is part of the ISTA research group with Pellicciotti, said there are various complexities involved behind the reasons for ice melting. “The cooling is local, but perhaps still not sufficient to overcome the larger impact of climatic warming and fully preserve the glaciers,” Shaw observes. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists stunned as Himalayas get cooler despite global climate crisis

A new study suggests a looming effect of extreme freezing temperatures in the north - Frostquakes. Also known as cryoseism or ice quake, these frostquakes are a result of climate change that contributes to fluctuating weather patterns.&nbsp;

Frostquakes are usually caused by heavy precipitation and cold waves, but in the new study, researchers identified the role of wetlands in the origin of these unique seismic events.

In the past, frostquakes have occurred usually due to the freezing of water in the ground. They are most common during extreme winter conditions, when wet, snow-free ground freezes rapidly. Frostquakes were reported in northern Finland in 2016, 2019 and 2022. Similar events were reported in Chicago (2019) and Ottawa (2022) as well.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/12-billion-year-old-and-largest-reservoir-of-water-found-floating-around-black-hole-668736">12-billion-year-old and largest reservoir of water found floating around black hole</a>

As per researchers, earlier only roads and areas cleared of snow in winter were particularly prone to frostquakes, but now the study shows that drainage channels and wetlands are also vulnerable to similar activity.

"We found that during the winter of 2022–2023, the main sources of frostquakes in Oulu, Finland were swamps, wetlands and areas with high water tables or other places where water accumulates," says Elena Kozlovskaya, Professor of applied geophysics at the University of Oulu Mining School.

<h2>Study shows wetlands are also prone to frostquakes</h2>

The study was published by researchers from the University of Oulu, Finland and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). It showed that fracturing in the uppermost frozen ground can be initiated if the thickness of the frozen layer is about 5 cm or larger.&nbsp;

Ruptures can further worsen the situation by propagating deeper and damaging infrastructure such as buildings, basements, pipelines and roads.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stay-young-with-nature-study-says-green-spaces-slow-ageing-at-cellular-level-668594">Stay young with nature: Study says green spaces slow ageing at cellular level</a>

"Frostquakes affect northern regions internationally, but they have been little studied using seismic instrumentation," says Kari Moisio, a senior researcher at the University of Oulu.

As in winter, snow protects the ground from the cold, but when it melts away with the changing temperatures, the ground is exposed to frost.&nbsp;

In winter 2022-23, two seismic station networks installed in northern Finland showed that on days when the air temperature was decreasing rapidly, the locals reported ground tremors and unusual sounds to the researchers.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-webb-telescope-sends-stunning-new-high-definition-image-of-exploded-star-668751">NASA’s Webb telescope sends stunning new high-definition image of exploded star</a>

The conditions for a frostquake are favourable when the temperature drops to more than -20°C at a rate of about one degree per hour.

Notably, there were many wetlands present near the seismic stations in Oulu near the residential area where the main sources of frostquakes were detected.&nbsp;

Based on the data received from this study, researchers aim to create a system that could predict frostquakes based on soil analysis and satellite data.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A new study suggests a looming effect of extreme freezing temperatures in the north - Frostquakes. Also known as cryoseism or ice quake, these frostquakes are a result of climate change that contributes to fluctuating weather patterns.

A new study suggests a looming effect of extreme freezing temperatures in the north - Frostquakes. Also known as cryoseism or ice quake, these frostquakes are a result of climate change that contributes to fluctuating weather patterns. Frostquakes are usually caused by heavy precipitation and cold waves, but in the new study, researchers identified the role of wetlands in the origin of these unique seismic events. In the past, frostquakes have occurred usually due to the freezing of water in the ground. They are most common during extreme winter conditions, when wet, snow-free ground freezes rapidly. Frostquakes were reported in northern Finland in 2016, 2019 and 2022. Similar events were reported in Chicago (2019) and Ottawa (2022) as well. Also Read | 12-billion-year-old and largest reservoir of water found floating around black hole As per researchers, earlier only roads and areas cleared of snow in winter were particularly prone to frostquakes, but now the study shows that drainage channels and wetlands are also vulnerable to similar activity. "We found that during the winter of 2022–2023, the main sources of frostquakes in Oulu, Finland were swamps, wetlands and areas with high water tables or other places where water accumulates," says Elena Kozlovskaya, Professor of applied geophysics at the University of Oulu Mining School. Study shows wetlands are also prone to frostquakes The study was published by researchers from the University of Oulu, Finland and the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK). It showed that fracturing in the uppermost frozen ground can be initiated if the thickness of the frozen layer is about 5 cm or larger. Ruptures can further worsen the situation by propagating deeper and damaging infrastructure such as buildings, basements, pipelines and roads. Also Read | Stay young with nature: Study says green spaces slow ageing at cellular level "Frostquakes affect northern regions internationally, but they have been little studied using seismic instrumentation," says Kari Moisio, a senior researcher at the University of Oulu. As in winter, snow protects the ground from the cold, but when it melts away with the changing temperatures, the ground is exposed to frost. In winter 2022-23, two seismic station networks installed in northern Finland showed that on days when the air temperature was decreasing rapidly, the locals reported ground tremors and unusual sounds to the researchers. Also Read | NASA’s Webb telescope sends stunning new high-definition image of exploded star The conditions for a frostquake are favourable when the temperature drops to more than -20°C at a rate of about one degree per hour. Notably, there were many wetlands present near the seismic stations in Oulu near the residential area where the main sources of frostquakes were detected. Based on the data received from this study, researchers aim to create a system that could predict frostquakes based on soil analysis and satellite data. (With inputs from agencies)

Ice quakes, or frostquakes, threaten northern regions of earth. What are they?

The world is moving towards more ecologically-oriented decisions, and the green politics movement is carrying this baton in the political sphere. Green politics rose as a social movement to shift the the global political dynamic to more sustainable directions, but it is now increasingly claiming a spot in mainstream politics.

Green parties' impact on climate policy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-indias-greta-thunberg-seven-year-old-licypriya-kangujam-from-manipur-249260">Licypriya Kangujam</a>, a 12-year-old Indian climate activist, stormed the stage at the United Nations COP28 climate summit, on Monday (Dec 11) holding a sign which read “End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future.” Meanwhile, the&nbsp;countries continue to debate a new draft climate agreement proposed by the Emirati presidency which advocates for reducing the production and use of fossil fuels but stops short of using the wording “phase out”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘They detained me’</h2>

Kangujam posted the video of her storming the stage&nbsp;on X, where she can be seen running up to the stage with the sign, and said, “Governments must work together to phase out coal, oil and gas – the top cause of the climate crisis today. Your action today will decide our future tomorrow.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Here is the full video of my protest today disrupting the UN High Level Plenary Session of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP28UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP28UAE</a>. They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28. <a href="https://t.co/ToPIJ3K9zM">pic.twitter.com/ToPIJ3K9zM</a>
— Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) <a href="https://twitter.com/LicypriyaK/status/1734235118175420874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Subsequently, she briefly sat down before being escorted away as the audience clapped, reported Reuters. “They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28,” said Kangujam along with her video&nbsp;on X.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-live-updates-tensions-rise-as-draft-text-avoids-mentioning-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels-668761">COP28 Live Updates: Tensions rise as draft text avoids mentioning phase out of fossil fuels</a>

“We are already the victim of climate change. I don’t want my future generations to face the same consequences again. Sacrificing the lives of the millions of innocent children for the failures of our leaders is unacceptable at any cost,” said the Indian activist in a subsequent post.&nbsp;

She added, “I’m am child who is completely frustrated by today's climate crisis. We are the first line of victims. I feel the core issues of phasing out fossil fuels are keeping in side in the negotiations process going on in the COP28.”

COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi said he admired the enthusiasm of young people at the climate summit and encouraged the audience to give the Indian activist another round of applause, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-debate-over-fossil-fuels-rages-on-at-cop28-climate-summit-global-co2-emissions-hit-new-record-666515">Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now?</a>

Amid the current climate summit which is being held in the United Arab Emirates, protests have been limited as the country bans many organised groups, including political parties and labour unions.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Licypriya Kangujam?</h2>

Born on October 2, 2011, Kangujam is among one of the youngest climate activists in the world and called for laws to tackle high pollution levels in India. She also addressed the world leaders at the COP25 UN climate conference in 2019, held in Madrid, Spain.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-cop28-draft-deal-avoids-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels-668630">New COP28 draft deal avoids 'phase out' of fossil fuels</a>

Kangujam, who hails from the Indian state of Manipur, began her journey as a climate activist in 2018. In June 2019, inspired by the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, she started spending a week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-year-old-licypriya-kangujam-urges-pm-to-implement-climate-change-laws-266982">outside the Parliament</a> calling on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to pass a law on climate change.&nbsp;

<h2>New draft stops short of calling for fossil fuel phase-out</h2>

The latest draft of the final deal calls for reducing production and use of fossil fuels, but stops short of using the word phase out which has been a key demand of several nations, including low-lying island nations that are at risk from rising sea levels.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old Indian climate activist, stormed the stage at the United Nations COP28 climate summit, on Monday (Dec 11) holding a sign which read “End fossil fuels.

Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old Indian climate activist, stormed the stage at the United Nations COP28 climate summit, on Monday (Dec 11) holding a sign which read “End fossil fuels. Save our planet and our future.” Meanwhile, the countries continue to debate a new draft climate agreement proposed by the Emirati presidency which advocates for reducing the production and use of fossil fuels but stops short of using the wording “phase out”. ‘They detained me’ Kangujam posted the video of her storming the stage on X, where she can be seen running up to the stage with the sign, and said, “Governments must work together to phase out coal, oil and gas – the top cause of the climate crisis today. Your action today will decide our future tomorrow.” Here is the full video of my protest today disrupting the UN High Level Plenary Session of #COP28UAE. They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28. pic.twitter.com/ToPIJ3K9zM — Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) December 11, 2023 × Subsequently, she briefly sat down before being escorted away as the audience clapped, reported Reuters. “They detained me for over 30 minutes after this protest. My only crime- Asking to Phase Out Fossil Fuels, the top cause of climate crisis today. Now they kicked me out of COP28,” said Kangujam along with her video on X. ALSO READ | COP28 Live Updates: Tensions rise as draft text avoids mentioning phase out of fossil fuels “We are already the victim of climate change. I don’t want my future generations to face the same consequences again. Sacrificing the lives of the millions of innocent children for the failures of our leaders is unacceptable at any cost,” said the Indian activist in a subsequent post. She added, “I’m am child who is completely frustrated by today's climate crisis. We are the first line of victims. I feel the core issues of phasing out fossil fuels are keeping in side in the negotiations process going on in the COP28.” COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi said he admired the enthusiasm of young people at the climate summit and encouraged the audience to give the Indian activist another round of applause, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now? Amid the current climate summit which is being held in the United Arab Emirates, protests have been limited as the country bans many organised groups, including political parties and labour unions. Who is Licypriya Kangujam? Born on October 2, 2011, Kangujam is among one of the youngest climate activists in the world and called for laws to tackle high pollution levels in India. She also addressed the world leaders at the COP25 UN climate conference in 2019, held in Madrid, Spain. ALSO READ | New COP28 draft deal avoids 'phase out' of fossil fuels Kangujam, who hails from the Indian state of Manipur, began her journey as a climate activist in 2018. In June 2019, inspired by the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, she started spending a week outside the Parliament calling on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to pass a law on climate change. New draft stops short of calling for fossil fuel phase-out The latest draft of the final deal calls for reducing production and use of fossil fuels, but stops short of using the word phase out which has been a key demand of several nations, including low-lying island nations that are at risk from rising sea levels. (With inputs from agencies)

‘End fossil fuels’: 12-year-old Indian climate activist storms COP28 stage. Watch

In a seismic moment at the turn of the millennium, Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen introduced the term "Anthropocene" to characterise a new geological era shaped by human activities. Fast forward to 2023, and the Anthropocene is no longer a theoretical concept but an urgent reality as global leaders grapple with the ramifications of industrialisation on a planetary scale.

Crutzen's initial proposition in 2000 outlined planetary symptoms such as deforestation, rampant dam construction, overfishing, and disruptions to the nitrogen cycle.

Climate change, while acknowledged, was seen as a distant concern. However, the trajectory has taken a dramatic turn, with nine consecutive years marking record-breaking temperatures by 2022 and 38 instances where global temperatures exceeded the UN's safe warming limit of 1.5°C by September 2023.

Research shows that the sudden disruption to our climate will last for at least 50,000 years, maybe even longer.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-all-set-to-host-cop29-climate-summit-next-year-after-receiving-regional-backing-668019">Also read |&nbsp;Azerbaijan all set to host COP29 climate summit next year after receiving regional backing</a>

<h2>Drivers behind the surge</h2>

The surge in temperatures is intricately linked to the relentless rise in greenhouse gas levels, particularly carbon dioxide, reaching around 420 ppm from the 370 ppm reported at the start of Crutzen's discourse.

Notably, cleaner skies resulting from regulatory measures have unintended consequences, allowing more sunlight to penetrate the atmosphere and intensify global warming. Diminishing sea ice further amplifies this effect, posing unprecedented challenges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-india-china-abstain-from-renewable-power-pledge-118-nations-sign-665671">Also read |&nbsp;COP28: India, China abstain from renewable power pledge, 118 nations sign up</a>

<h2>Antarctica's warning and rising Seas</h2>

Recent studies focusing on Antarctica's vulnerable ice sheets send a clear warning to policymakers. Even under optimistic scenarios of emission reduction, the potential for several meters of sea-level rise over the coming centuries demands strategic preparedness.

The impact on polar ice-sheets has far-reaching consequences.

Examining the Anthropocene through a geological prism reveals a stark reality: the delicate balance maintained over millions of years through Earth's spin and orbit has been abruptly disrupted.

The injection of a trillion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere within a century has irrevocably altered the planet, drawing parallels to significant climate events in deep Earth history.

&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;COP28 Summit: Could the world agree to ditch fossil fuels at COP28?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-summit-could-the-world-agree-to-ditch-fossil-fuels-at-cop28-664131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>COP28: A pivotal moment</h2>

As leaders convene for COP28, the urgency of addressing fossil fuel emissions and striving for "net-zero" status is apparent.

Yet, the enduring impact of the Anthropocene necessitates more than mere reduction; negative emissions are imperative to restore a climate conducive to humanity's future and the sustainability of life on Earth.

The outcomes of COP28 hold the key to shaping a responsible and sustainable trajectory for generations to come.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a seismic moment at the turn of the millennium, Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen introduced the term "Anthropocene" to characterise a new geological era shaped by human activities.

In a seismic moment at the turn of the millennium, Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen introduced the term "Anthropocene" to characterise a new geological era shaped by human activities. Fast forward to 2023, and the Anthropocene is no longer a theoretical concept but an urgent reality as global leaders grapple with the ramifications of industrialisation on a planetary scale. Crutzen's initial proposition in 2000 outlined planetary symptoms such as deforestation, rampant dam construction, overfishing, and disruptions to the nitrogen cycle. Climate change, while acknowledged, was seen as a distant concern. However, the trajectory has taken a dramatic turn, with nine consecutive years marking record-breaking temperatures by 2022 and 38 instances where global temperatures exceeded the UN's safe warming limit of 1.5°C by September 2023. Research shows that the sudden disruption to our climate will last for at least 50,000 years, maybe even longer. Also read | Azerbaijan all set to host COP29 climate summit next year after receiving regional backing Drivers behind the surge The surge in temperatures is intricately linked to the relentless rise in greenhouse gas levels, particularly carbon dioxide, reaching around 420 ppm from the 370 ppm reported at the start of Crutzen's discourse. Notably, cleaner skies resulting from regulatory measures have unintended consequences, allowing more sunlight to penetrate the atmosphere and intensify global warming. Diminishing sea ice further amplifies this effect, posing unprecedented challenges. Also read | COP28: India, China abstain from renewable power pledge, 118 nations sign up Antarctica's warning and rising Seas Recent studies focusing on Antarctica's vulnerable ice sheets send a clear warning to policymakers. Even under optimistic scenarios of emission reduction, the potential for several meters of sea-level rise over the coming centuries demands strategic preparedness. The impact on polar ice-sheets has far-reaching consequences. Examining the Anthropocene through a geological prism reveals a stark reality: the delicate balance maintained over millions of years through Earth's spin and orbit has been abruptly disrupted. The injection of a trillion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere within a century has irrevocably altered the planet, drawing parallels to significant climate events in deep Earth history. Also watch | COP28 Summit: Could the world agree to ditch fossil fuels at COP28? COP28: A pivotal moment As leaders convene for COP28, the urgency of addressing fossil fuel emissions and striving for "net-zero" status is apparent. Yet, the enduring impact of the Anthropocene necessitates more than mere reduction; negative emissions are imperative to restore a climate conducive to humanity's future and the sustainability of life on Earth. The outcomes of COP28 hold the key to shaping a responsible and sustainable trajectory for generations to come. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate change we instigated is here to stay for at least 50,000 years: Study

Azerbaijan is poised to host next year's COP29 climate change summit after winning backing from other Eastern European nations on Saturday.

The decision, which resolves months of geopolitical deadlock over where the next annual UN&nbsp;climate summit will be held, quickly drew focus to Azerbaijan's oil production and its human rights record.

With the rotating presidency of the summit shifting to Eastern Europe next year, nations from the region agreed during the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai to back Baku's bid, the co-chairs of the group of countries said in a letter the UN&nbsp;climate change body on Saturday, seen by Reuters.

"We're very grateful to all countries, in particular to the Eastern European group and the [COP28 summit] host United Arab Emirates for their support," Azerbaijan's Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev said in an address from the main stage at COP28 on Saturday.

Zhala Bayramova, daughter of anti-corruption researcher Gubad Ibadoghlu, who was jailed in Azerbaijan after criticizing the country's oil and gas industry, told Reuters she was appalled at the decision.

"He is risking his life for this work," Bayramova said. "This work is quite meaningless when you have COP29 hosted in Azerbaijan."

A spokesperson for Azerbaijan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Ibadoghlu.

"Having COP29 gives legitimacy to the government," Bayramova added.

The decision on who would host COP29 had been held up after Russia vowed to veto any bid by a European Union country. The EU has imposed sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The bid by Azerbaijan, which is not an EU member, needs approval from the nearly 200 countries present at the COP28 talks. Delegates said they expected the vote to be a formality.

To win the bid, Azerbaijan reached an agreement with longtime adversary Armenia that assured it would not face the threat of an Armenian veto.

But Baku's relations with some Western countries have deteriorated since September, when Azerbaijan retook full control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting an exodus of the territory's ethnic Armenian population.

Holding the presidency of a UN&nbsp;climate summit gives a country huge influence on its agenda and outcomes.

The COP28 summit in the UAE has been the biggest yet, with more than 90,000 delegates registered.

While the decision on who will host the event is usually made years in advance to allow countries time to prepare, Aykhan Hajizada, a spokesperson at Azerbaijan's ministry of foreign affairs, told Reuters on Friday that Baku was well equipped to handle the event.

When Azerbaijan's bid was first reported on Thursday, some raised concerns about holding the global climate talks in another oil producing nation. Azerbaijan is an oil and gas producer and a member of OPEC+.

Richard Black of the energy think tank Ember wrote on social media site X: "The road from #COP28 will, it seems, lead to Baku, possibly the world's first 'oil capital' a thousand years ago, where Marco Polo documented oil being traded, and where tourists can still top up their health by getting into a bath of crude."

Watch:&nbsp;Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to exchange prisoners of war

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/armenia-and-azerbaijan-agree-to-exchange-prisoners-of-war-667661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Hajizada said he understood those concerns, and noted Azerbaijan's plans to diversify its energy sources to include more wind and solar power.

The European Commission last year signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas as part of its strategy to diversify away from Russia.

<h2>Legitimacy to the government</h2>

Ibadoghlu, a professor at the London School of Economics, was arrested on charges of dealing with counterfeit money and extremism when visiting family in Azerbaijan in July.

He had served from 2013-2019 as the civil society representative to the board of the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), an organization that advocates for open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources.

The US&nbsp;State Department and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe earlier this year condemned Ibadoghlu's arrest and demanded his release. The EU in September adopted a joint motion to demand an investigation into the arrest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-hold-talks-in-iran-as-russia-claims-main-issue-resolved-in-nagorno-karabakh-650517">Also read:&nbsp;Armenia, Azerbaijan hold talks in Iran as Russia claims main issue resolved in Nagorno-Karabakh</a>

"We can't let Azerbaijan use COP29 to distract from its abysmal record on freedom of speech and human rights," said Jason Bardwell, a spokesman for Publish What You Pay, the organization that created the EITI.

"As a major oil producer, Azerbaijan will need to listen to its critics," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan is poised to host next year's COP29 climate change summit after winning backing from other Eastern European nations on Saturday. The decision, which resolves months of geopolitical deadlock over where the next annual UN climate summit will be held, quickly drew focus to Azerbaijan's oil production and its human rights record.

Azerbaijan is poised to host next year's COP29 climate change summit after winning backing from other Eastern European nations on Saturday. The decision, which resolves months of geopolitical deadlock over where the next annual UN climate summit will be held, quickly drew focus to Azerbaijan's oil production and its human rights record. With the rotating presidency of the summit shifting to Eastern Europe next year, nations from the region agreed during the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai to back Baku's bid, the co-chairs of the group of countries said in a letter the UN climate change body on Saturday, seen by Reuters. "We're very grateful to all countries, in particular to the Eastern European group and the [COP28 summit] host United Arab Emirates for their support," Azerbaijan's Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev said in an address from the main stage at COP28 on Saturday. Zhala Bayramova, daughter of anti-corruption researcher Gubad Ibadoghlu, who was jailed in Azerbaijan after criticizing the country's oil and gas industry, told Reuters she was appalled at the decision. "He is risking his life for this work," Bayramova said. "This work is quite meaningless when you have COP29 hosted in Azerbaijan." A spokesperson for Azerbaijan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Ibadoghlu. "Having COP29 gives legitimacy to the government," Bayramova added. The decision on who would host COP29 had been held up after Russia vowed to veto any bid by a European Union country. The EU has imposed sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. The bid by Azerbaijan, which is not an EU member, needs approval from the nearly 200 countries present at the COP28 talks. Delegates said they expected the vote to be a formality. To win the bid, Azerbaijan reached an agreement with longtime adversary Armenia that assured it would not face the threat of an Armenian veto. But Baku's relations with some Western countries have deteriorated since September, when Azerbaijan retook full control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting an exodus of the territory's ethnic Armenian population. Holding the presidency of a UN climate summit gives a country huge influence on its agenda and outcomes. The COP28 summit in the UAE has been the biggest yet, with more than 90,000 delegates registered. While the decision on who will host the event is usually made years in advance to allow countries time to prepare, Aykhan Hajizada, a spokesperson at Azerbaijan's ministry of foreign affairs, told Reuters on Friday that Baku was well equipped to handle the event. When Azerbaijan's bid was first reported on Thursday, some raised concerns about holding the global climate talks in another oil producing nation. Azerbaijan is an oil and gas producer and a member of OPEC+. Richard Black of the energy think tank Ember wrote on social media site X: "The road from #COP28 will, it seems, lead to Baku, possibly the world's first 'oil capital' a thousand years ago, where Marco Polo documented oil being traded, and where tourists can still top up their health by getting into a bath of crude." Watch: Armenia and Azerbaijan agree to exchange prisoners of war × Hajizada said he understood those concerns, and noted Azerbaijan's plans to diversify its energy sources to include more wind and solar power. The European Commission last year signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas as part of its strategy to diversify away from Russia. Legitimacy to the government Ibadoghlu, a professor at the London School of Economics, was arrested on charges of dealing with counterfeit money and extremism when visiting family in Azerbaijan in July. He had served from 2013-2019 as the civil society representative to the board of the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), an organization that advocates for open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources. The US State Department and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe earlier this year condemned Ibadoghlu's arrest and demanded his release. The EU in September adopted a joint motion to demand an investigation into the arrest. Also read: Armenia, Azerbaijan hold talks in Iran as Russia claims main issue resolved in Nagorno-Karabakh "We can't let Azerbaijan use COP29 to distract from its abysmal record on freedom of speech and human rights," said Jason Bardwell, a spokesman for Publish What You Pay, the organization that created the EITI. "As a major oil producer, Azerbaijan will need to listen to its critics," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan all set to host COP29 climate summit next year after receiving regional backing

In this interview with WION’s Zeba Khan, award-winning documentary film Pleistocene Park director Luke Gridwald-Tergis and protagonist Nikita Zimov speak about opening ALT EFF 2023, India's only environmental film festival, winning Best of the Festival award and starting a much-needed dialogue on climate change.

Discussing climate change with Pleistocene Park director Luke Griswald

Climate financing remains one of the major impediments in tackling the effects of climate crisis around the world. Combating climate change and its consequences would need an enormous amount of money — much more than the world has budgeted.&nbsp;

The aim of climate financing is to make it easier for developing and poor countries to address the climate crisis, because they suffer the most.&nbsp;

"The impacts of climate change are particularly severe in emerging economies, where the adverse effects are felt more strongly," Saurabh Kumar, Vice President- India of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) told WION.&nbsp;

"These countries are more vulnerable to the physical effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and water stress, and are at risk of suffering lower crop yields and economic sensitivity due to their sectoral structure," he further said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calls-rise-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels-but-it-remains-a-challenge-to-devise-a-formal-plan-at-cop28-666782">Calls rise to phase out fossil fuels, but it remains a challenge to devise a formal plan at COP28</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What is climate financing?</h2>

Climate financing means money drawn from public, private and alternative sources to support the planning and process of mitigation and adaptation actions to address climate-related issues.&nbsp;

World bodies have been urging nations and other stakeholders with more financial resources to contribute to help those who are more vulnerable.&nbsp;

At COP28, this year's UN climate summit in Dubai, countries, financial institutions, development agencies and businesses have pledged more money. The money will focus on energy transition, healthcare initiatives, technology investments, disaster relief, and more.

Hosts the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said more than $83 billion had been mobilised during the first five days of the event, with UAE banks pledging to mobilise 1 trillion dirhams (around $270 billion) in green finance.&nbsp;

The World Bank said that its objective is to increase climate funding to 45% of its total lending, which equates to an increase of $9 billion annually.&nbsp;

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) announced that it will invest more than $2 billion per year in Latin America until 2030 to combat climate change. There are several others with significant donations.&nbsp;But that's not enough.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-debate-over-fossil-fuels-rages-on-at-cop28-climate-summit-global-co2-emissions-hit-new-record-666515">Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>How will the funding process work?&nbsp;</h2>

Kumar talked about the role of GEAPP to explain why there's a need for a new approach to address unreliable energy access and ensure a just energy transition.&nbsp;

He noted that GEAPP's catalytic capital or philanthropic fund, which operates without the expectation of a financial return on investment, makes it different from other institutions.&nbsp;

"The strength of philanthropic capital lies in its capacity to make early investments, take calculated risks, and pioneer innovative models. With the freedom to absorb setbacks without adverse consequences, our primary objective is to contribute to broader development goals," he said.&nbsp;

"GEAPP aims to unlock renewable energy access in emerging economies, with a focus on extending sustainable, reliable, productive-use energy to 1 billion underserved people and enabling 150 million green jobs that generate inclusive economic growth," Kumar added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Discussing climate change with Pleistocene Park director Luke Griswald&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/discussing-climate-change-with-pleistocene-park-director-luke-griswald-667240/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>High-income countries fail to meet annual goal&nbsp;</h2>

It may look simple, but the process of climate financing is way more complex. There is a lack of transparency and dishonesty. Several reports have suggested that many rich countries use deceptive and misleading accounting to misrepresent their contributions to climate funding for developing countries. Many have also failed to meet their annual goals.&nbsp;

"Climate financing is crucial to combat climate change and meet our net-zero targets. A successful energy transition across the globe would require considerable investments in developing and installing renewable energy sources," Per Heggenes, the CEO of IKEA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Swedish home furnishings company, told WION.&nbsp;

"Of course, the onus of responsibility to drive this transition lies on the governments of the world. However, without private capital, it would not be possible to address the rising challenges of climate change," Heggenes added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-witnessed-a-climate-disaster-almost-everyday-this-year-cyclone-michaung-is-one-more-to-that-tally-666523">Data lab |&nbsp;India saw at least one major weather event each day in 2023. Cyclone Michaung adds to the tally</a>&nbsp;

<h2>'Need to work together'&nbsp;</h2>

Explaining that climate change is not a national problem but a global challenge, Kumar suggested that to combat the crisis, "we need to work together as partners".&nbsp;

"Partnerships between high-income and low-income countries can play a crucial role in achieving climate goals by leveraging resources, expertise, and technology to support sustainable development for all the countries involved," Kumar said.&nbsp;

"Unlocking the full potential of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires the establishment of multistakeholder partnerships. These partnerships play a crucial role in leveraging the interlinkages between the SDGs, enhancing their overall effectiveness and impact, and accelerating progress toward achieving these goals," Kumar added.&nbsp;

He said it's important for developed countries to fulfil their climate change and finance commitments, actively supporting sustainable development initiatives in emerging economies.&nbsp;

Heggenes said that with further research and development of technologies, the initial investment costs are bound to decline, thereby welcoming more investments in the renewable sector. He said, "Beyond this, communities need to be included in the energy transition process, especially in developing and under-developed countries."&nbsp;

"Distributed renewable energy systems need to be developed with a direct involvement of the concerned communities. A coalition of philanthropic organisations, private capital, and local communities, along with assisting governments, can address the financing of the energy transition," said the IKEA Foundation CEO.&nbsp;

Heggenes said that this year, along with the SELCO foundation, his organisation has committed itself to sustainably upgrading 25,000 primary healthcare facilities in India by 2026.&nbsp;

He noted that the 'Energy for Health project' has received initial funding of 48 million euros from the IKEA Foundation and the project is expected to mitigate over three million tonnes of CO2 emissions over a 20-year period.&nbsp;

Climate financing remains one of the major impediments in tackling the effects of climate crisis around the world. Combating climate change and its consequences would need an enormous amount of money — much more than the world has budgeted.

Climate financing remains one of the major impediments in tackling the effects of climate crisis around the world. Combating climate change and its consequences would need an enormous amount of money — much more than the world has budgeted. The aim of climate financing is to make it easier for developing and poor countries to address the climate crisis, because they suffer the most. "The impacts of climate change are particularly severe in emerging economies, where the adverse effects are felt more strongly," Saurabh Kumar, Vice President- India of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) told WION. "These countries are more vulnerable to the physical effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and water stress, and are at risk of suffering lower crop yields and economic sensitivity due to their sectoral structure," he further said. Also read: Calls rise to phase out fossil fuels, but it remains a challenge to devise a formal plan at COP28 What is climate financing? Climate financing means money drawn from public, private and alternative sources to support the planning and process of mitigation and adaptation actions to address climate-related issues. World bodies have been urging nations and other stakeholders with more financial resources to contribute to help those who are more vulnerable. At COP28, this year's UN climate summit in Dubai, countries, financial institutions, development agencies and businesses have pledged more money. The money will focus on energy transition, healthcare initiatives, technology investments, disaster relief, and more. Hosts the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said more than $83 billion had been mobilised during the first five days of the event, with UAE banks pledging to mobilise 1 trillion dirhams (around $270 billion) in green finance. The World Bank said that its objective is to increase climate funding to 45% of its total lending, which equates to an increase of $9 billion annually. The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) announced that it will invest more than $2 billion per year in Latin America until 2030 to combat climate change. There are several others with significant donations. But that's not enough. Also read: Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now? How will the funding process work? Kumar talked about the role of GEAPP to explain why there's a need for a new approach to address unreliable energy access and ensure a just energy transition. He noted that GEAPP's catalytic capital or philanthropic fund, which operates without the expectation of a financial return on investment, makes it different from other institutions. "The strength of philanthropic capital lies in its capacity to make early investments, take calculated risks, and pioneer innovative models. With the freedom to absorb setbacks without adverse consequences, our primary objective is to contribute to broader development goals," he said. "GEAPP aims to unlock renewable energy access in emerging economies, with a focus on extending sustainable, reliable, productive-use energy to 1 billion underserved people and enabling 150 million green jobs that generate inclusive economic growth," Kumar added. Watch: Discussing climate change with Pleistocene Park director Luke Griswald × High-income countries fail to meet annual goal It may look simple, but the process of climate financing is way more complex. There is a lack of transparency and dishonesty. Several reports have suggested that many rich countries use deceptive and misleading accounting to misrepresent their contributions to climate funding for developing countries. Many have also failed to meet their annual goals. "Climate financing is crucial to combat climate change and meet our net-zero targets. A successful energy transition across the globe would require considerable investments in developing and installing renewable energy sources," Per Heggenes, the CEO of IKEA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Swedish home furnishings company, told WION. "Of course, the onus of responsibility to drive this transition lies on the governments of the world. However, without private capital, it would not be possible to address the rising challenges of climate change," Heggenes added. Also read: Data lab | India saw at least one major weather event each day in 2023. Cyclone Michaung adds to the tally 'Need to work together' Explaining that climate change is not a national problem but a global challenge, Kumar suggested that to combat the crisis, "we need to work together as partners". "Partnerships between high-income and low-income countries can play a crucial role in achieving climate goals by leveraging resources, expertise, and technology to support sustainable development for all the countries involved," Kumar said. "Unlocking the full potential of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires the establishment of multistakeholder partnerships. These partnerships play a crucial role in leveraging the interlinkages between the SDGs, enhancing their overall effectiveness and impact, and accelerating progress toward achieving these goals," Kumar added. He said it's important for developed countries to fulfil their climate change and finance commitments, actively supporting sustainable development initiatives in emerging economies. Heggenes said that with further research and development of technologies, the initial investment costs are bound to decline, thereby welcoming more investments in the renewable sector. He said, "Beyond this, communities need to be included in the energy transition process, especially in developing and under-developed countries." "Distributed renewable energy systems need to be developed with a direct involvement of the concerned communities. A coalition of philanthropic organisations, private capital, and local communities, along with assisting governments, can address the financing of the energy transition," said the IKEA Foundation CEO. Heggenes said that this year, along with the SELCO foundation, his organisation has committed itself to sustainably upgrading 25,000 primary healthcare facilities in India by 2026. He noted that the 'Energy for Health project' has received initial funding of 48 million euros from the IKEA Foundation and the project is expected to mitigate over three million tonnes of CO2 emissions over a 20-year period.

Climate financing: Progress made at COP28, but is it enough?

Climate change is real this is a statement we have heard over the years but a byproduct stemming from these conversations is of climate anxiety. The climate 'tipping point report' has some major revelations. Tune in to know more.

Climate 'Tipping Point': World is at a pivotal point, govt should act now to save planet

Climate 'tipping point report': 'World is at a pivotal point, govt should act now to save planet'

Cyclone Michaung&nbsp;is right in the spotlight as it barrels through Southern Indian states, prompting&nbsp;large-scale rescue operations in cities now inundated.&nbsp;This&nbsp;adds to the alarming tally of climate catastrophes this year in India.&nbsp;

The country saw an intense onslaught of extreme weather events in the first nine months of this year, impacting a staggering 86 per cent&nbsp;of days, as detailed in a <a href="file:///C:/Users/sneha.swaminathan/Downloads/http___cdn.cseindia.org_attachments_0.44877000_1701166658_extreme-weather-events-2023%20(2).pdf">report by the Centre for Science and Environment</a> (CSE).&nbsp;The aftermath was severe, with 2,923 lives lost, nearly two million hectares of crops wiped out, 80,000 homes destroyed, and over 92,000 animals perished.&nbsp;

Unveiling what's termed the 'new normal,' the CSE's report, named "India 2023: An Assessment of Extreme Weather Events," sheds light on a transformative shift in the country's climate landscape.

In a global context, research points to a surge in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide, primarily linked to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels.

Despite the 2015 Paris Agreement's call to limit the average temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, current reports hint at a significant departure. This necessitates significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to counteract global warming.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-india-feels-the-heat-what-happens-if-the-current-warming-trend-continues-600497">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues?</a>

The CSE's report delves into regional disparities within India. Madhya Pradesh topped the charts in recording extreme weather events, while Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh witnessed the highest human casualties. Punjab witnessed the highest animal deaths, and Himachal Pradesh reported maximum damage to homes. Down south, Kerala faced the brunt with the highest count of extreme weather days and deaths, while Telangana encountered substantial agricultural losses.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe aria-label="Map" data-external="1" frameborder="0" height="783" id="datawrapper-chart-pQr0z" scrolling="no" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pQr0z/1/" style="border: none;" title="In Jan-Sep 2023, 26 of 36 States and UTs had a higher number of extreme weather occurrences than in the same period in 2022." width="550"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

*Note : This is an immersive map. Please hover over it for the latest data*

Vulnerability echoes across regions, with Uttar Pradesh facing the most extreme weather days in northwest India. In the east and northeast, Assam witnessed a substantial number of extreme weather events, underscoring the varied challenges each region grapples with.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe aria-label="Stacked Bars" data-external="1" frameborder="0" height="454" id="datawrapper-chart-FB8we" scrolling="no" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FB8we/1/" style="border: none;" title="India experienced extreme weather events on 235 of 273 days (Jan-Sep) of 2023" width="600"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

*Note : This is an immersive graph. Please hover over it for the latest data*

Analysing month by month, the CSE's scrutiny brought to the fore notable temperature anomalies.

January was slightly warmer than average, and February shattered records as the warmest in 122 years.

India experienced its driest August and the sixth driest February in over a century. Lightning and storms dominated, claiming lives, predominantly in Bihar.

However, the most substantial devastation resulted from heavy rains, floods, and landslides, causing over 1,900 casualties.

"This worrying trend is mainly due to global warming and climate change. The increasing heat is causing more droughts, affecting our water supply and food. Also, our oceans are getting warmer, which leads to stronger cyclones with more rain. These heatwaves are not just uncomfortable; they're dangerous, especially for our elderly and children. India, with its long coastline, will face more cyclones, and our inland areas will suffer from more heatwaves. This is a big problem that needs immediate action," Shivang Agarwal, PhD scholar specialising in climate change at Johns Hopkins University, told WION.&nbsp;

"The country's future outlook hinges on both national and international efforts to address these challenges, emphasising the need for robust resilience systems and international cooperation in climate finance and policy reform," he adds.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is important to note that India, in the past ten years has significantly committed resources to enhance its capabilities in predicting storms. These initiatives allow for prompt evaluations of cyclone formation and characteristics, enabling the timely dissemination of warnings to both the government and the public, says Nimish Singh, Associate Fellow at The Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi.

"Establishing a similar early warning system for other extreme events is imperative, and sharing this information with the public will strengthen India's resilience infrastructure. Furthermore, providing incentives such as monetary risk coverage for farmers and start-up entrepreneurs can mitigate the compounded effects of these calamities on the general public," he adds.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-rankings-predict-high-risk-to-indian-states-due-to-climate-change-564342">Also read |&nbsp;Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change</a>

<h2>2023 on track to be the hottest year on record</h2>

With just a month left in the year, 2023 is hurtling towards a global warming milestone, set to surpass 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, creating what the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) describes as a "deafening cacophony" of shattered climate records.

The WMO's early assessment in the provisional State of the Global Climate report leaves no room for doubt – 2023 is destined to become the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous 2016 benchmark when the world was roughly 1.2°C warmer than the preindustrial average.

This revelation intensifies the sense of urgency gripping world leaders grappling with the monumental task of phasing out fossil fuels, a central theme at the United Nations' annual climate summit COP28 being held&nbsp;in Dubai. As COP28 unfolds, the world watches eagerly, awaiting the outcomes and anticipating the climate agenda it will set for the pivotal year of 2024.

The significance of COP28 lies not just in the immediate decisions it may produce but in the trajectory it sets for the collective climate efforts moving forward.

Will it set a climate agenda for 2024 with no room for complacency? All we know is that the climate agenda for 2024 cannot be something about which we can be lax.

&nbsp;

Cyclone Michaung is right in the spotlight as it barrels through Southern Indian states, prompting large-scale rescue operations in cities now inundated. This adds to the alarming tally of climate catastrophes this year in India.

Cyclone Michaung is right in the spotlight as it barrels through Southern Indian states, prompting large-scale rescue operations in cities now inundated. This adds to the alarming tally of climate catastrophes this year in India. The country saw an intense onslaught of extreme weather events in the first nine months of this year, impacting a staggering 86 per cent of days, as detailed in a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The aftermath was severe, with 2,923 lives lost, nearly two million hectares of crops wiped out, 80,000 homes destroyed, and over 92,000 animals perished. Unveiling what's termed the 'new normal,' the CSE's report, named "India 2023: An Assessment of Extreme Weather Events," sheds light on a transformative shift in the country's climate landscape. In a global context, research points to a surge in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide, primarily linked to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Despite the 2015 Paris Agreement's call to limit the average temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, current reports hint at a significant departure. This necessitates significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to counteract global warming. Also read | Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues? The CSE's report delves into regional disparities within India. Madhya Pradesh topped the charts in recording extreme weather events, while Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh witnessed the highest human casualties. Punjab witnessed the highest animal deaths, and Himachal Pradesh reported maximum damage to homes. Down south, Kerala faced the brunt with the highest count of extreme weather days and deaths, while Telangana encountered substantial agricultural losses. × *Note : This is an immersive map. Please hover over it for the latest data* Vulnerability echoes across regions, with Uttar Pradesh facing the most extreme weather days in northwest India. In the east and northeast, Assam witnessed a substantial number of extreme weather events, underscoring the varied challenges each region grapples with. × *Note : This is an immersive graph. Please hover over it for the latest data* Analysing month by month, the CSE's scrutiny brought to the fore notable temperature anomalies. January was slightly warmer than average, and February shattered records as the warmest in 122 years. India experienced its driest August and the sixth driest February in over a century. Lightning and storms dominated, claiming lives, predominantly in Bihar. However, the most substantial devastation resulted from heavy rains, floods, and landslides, causing over 1,900 casualties. "This worrying trend is mainly due to global warming and climate change. The increasing heat is causing more droughts, affecting our water supply and food. Also, our oceans are getting warmer, which leads to stronger cyclones with more rain. These heatwaves are not just uncomfortable; they're dangerous, especially for our elderly and children. India, with its long coastline, will face more cyclones, and our inland areas will suffer from more heatwaves. This is a big problem that needs immediate action," Shivang Agarwal, PhD scholar specialising in climate change at Johns Hopkins University, told WION. "The country's future outlook hinges on both national and international efforts to address these challenges, emphasising the need for robust resilience systems and international cooperation in climate finance and policy reform," he adds. It is important to note that India, in the past ten years has significantly committed resources to enhance its capabilities in predicting storms. These initiatives allow for prompt evaluations of cyclone formation and characteristics, enabling the timely dissemination of warnings to both the government and the public, says Nimish Singh, Associate Fellow at The Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi. "Establishing a similar early warning system for other extreme events is imperative, and sharing this information with the public will strengthen India's resilience infrastructure. Furthermore, providing incentives such as monetary risk coverage for farmers and start-up entrepreneurs can mitigate the compounded effects of these calamities on the general public," he adds. Also read | Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change 2023 on track to be the hottest year on record With just a month left in the year, 2023 is hurtling towards a global warming milestone, set to surpass 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, creating what the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) describes as a "deafening cacophony" of shattered climate records. The WMO's early assessment in the provisional State of the Global Climate report leaves no room for doubt – 2023 is destined to become the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous 2016 benchmark when the world was roughly 1.2°C warmer than the preindustrial average. This revelation intensifies the sense of urgency gripping world leaders grappling with the monumental task of phasing out fossil fuels, a central theme at the United Nations' annual climate summit COP28 being held in Dubai. As COP28 unfolds, the world watches eagerly, awaiting the outcomes and anticipating the climate agenda it will set for the pivotal year of 2024. The significance of COP28 lies not just in the immediate decisions it may produce but in the trajectory it sets for the collective climate efforts moving forward. Will it set a climate agenda for 2024 with no room for complacency? All we know is that the climate agenda for 2024 cannot be something about which we can be lax.

Data lab: India saw at least one major weather event each day in 2023. Cyclone Michaung adds to the tally

While world leaders from nearly 200 countries are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-summit-could-the-world-agree-to-ditch-fossil-fuels-at-cop28-664131">debating</a>&nbsp;the course of action <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-46-million-health-professionals-ask-cop28-president-to-ditch-fossil-fuels-653674">on fossil fuels</a> at the United Nations <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-summit-kicks-off-with-breakthrough-climate-disaster-fund-agreement-664840">climate summit COP28</a> in Dubai, a team of scientists, on Tuesday (Dec 5) released a report saying that global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are set to hit a record high in 2023.&nbsp;

The fate of oil, gas and coal – the burning of which leads to emissions of planet-warming gases – hangs in balance as the issue has become a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-chief-cop-28-president-clash-over-future-of-fossil-fuels-665322">point of contention</a> at the climate summit which is currently being hosted by oil-rich United Arab Emirates (UAE).&nbsp;

Emirati President of COP28 Sultan Al Jaber, who is also head of UAE national oil company ADNOC recently landed in hot water over his remarks about fossil fuels and their contribution to&nbsp;global warming.&nbsp;

A report by the Guardian said that he claimed there is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-presidents-no-science-behind-oil-phase-out-statement-causes-alarm-666064">“no science”</a> indicating that a phase-out of fossil fuels is needed to restrict global heating to 1.5 degree Celsius threshold.

<h2>COP28 drafts over fossil fuels</h2>

On Tuesday (Dec 5), the UN released the latest draft of a global climate agreement which presented three options to tackle fossil fuels which ranged from phasing them out to not talking about it at all.&nbsp;

The latest draft is the second version of the negotiating document and sets the stage for the possible outcomes of the talks where nearly 200 nations will try to reach a consensus on a plan to take measures to curb the rising global temperatures.&nbsp;

The first option in the 24-page draft is “an orderly and just phase out of fossil fuels,” the toughest stance and seen as essential for low-lying island nations that are at risk from rising sea levels.&nbsp;

The second called for “accelerating efforts towards phasing out unabated fossil fuels,” which includes steps like phase-out of projects that lack the means to capture and store emissions and call for “rapid” reduction of fossil fuel use to achieve carbon neutrality in global energy production by 2050.&nbsp;

The third option would be no mention of a fossil fuel phase-out, a position reportedly supported by oil giant&nbsp;Saudi Arabia and China. On the other hand, the United States, the European Union’s 27 nations, and climate-vulnerable small island states are pushing for a fossil fuel phase-out.&nbsp;

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told Bloomberg that Riyadh – the world’s biggest oil exporter – would not agree to a “phasedown/out” of fossil fuels.

“Absolutely not,” he told the American media in Riyadh, adding, “I assure you not a single person – I’m talking about governments – believes in that.”

Notably, a previous draft of the document had only mentioned the options of a “phase-out” or a weaker “phase-down”. A phase-out would help reduce carbon dioxide emissions which scientists say are needed to avert the disastrous impact of climate change.&nbsp;

The second draft also included the option of a “rapid phase-out of unabated coal power this decade” and an immediate halt to building new carbon dioxide-emitting coal power plants.

An “unabated” power plant refers to one that does not capture the plant’s carbon dioxide emissions before they hit the atmosphere.&nbsp;

There is a high chance that the 200 countries may not reach a consensus at the climate summit which is being held during what is widely expected to be the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-sounds-alarm-in-dubai-says-2023-set-to-be-hottest-year-in-human-history-664688">hottest year on record</a>. &nbsp;

UAE is also choking under “alarmingly high” air pollution levels due to its fossil fuel industry, said Human Rights Watch, on Monday (Dec 4).&nbsp;

<h2>Global carbon emissions hit record-high</h2>

Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have risen to yet another record high this year, according to the Global Carbon Budget report, published on Tuesday (Dec 5) amid the ongoing UN climate summit.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-per-capita-emissions-less-than-half-of-global-average-report-says-666469">emissions</a>, according to a report compiled by scientists from more than 90 institutions, will exacerbate climate change and fuel more destructive extreme weather events.&nbsp;

The overall carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high last year, and have plateaued in 2023 due to a slight drop from uses of land like deforestation, the report noted.&nbsp;

In 2023, the countries are reportedly expected to emit a total of 36.8 billion metric tons of planet-warming gas due to fossil fuels which is a 1.1 per cent increase from last year.&nbsp;

According to the report, emissions from burning coal, oil and gas all rose in 2023 and were driven by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-india-china-abstain-from-renewable-power-pledge-118-nations-sign-665671">China and India</a>. The emissions will also prove to be a setback in preventing global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, said researchers.

“It now looks inevitable we will overshoot the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement,” said University of Exeter’s Professor Pierre Friedlingstein, who led the research, as quoted by Reuters.

“Leaders meeting at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-will-india-overcome-climate-challenges-and-spearhead-change-at-cop28-664493">COP28</a> will have to agree rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions even to keep the 2C target alive,” he added.&nbsp;

On the bright side, countries which have historically contributed most to global carbon dioxide emissions, and continue to be large contributors today, like the US and EU have managed to reduce their emissions partly due to coal plants being retired, said the report.

<h2>Record number of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP28</h2>

A record number of oil and gas lobbyists have reportedly been accredited at the COP28 which given its host country is unsurprising, and UAE has made no secret of its plan to include its fossil fuel interests in the climate conference either.&nbsp;

A bombshell report by BBC last week claimed that UAE’s COP28 team was preparing to hold meetings with governments of over a dozen nations, with intentions of utilising the climate summit as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals with them.

At least 2,456 people tied to fossil fuel interests registered for this year’s summit, reported Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO), an international coalition of climate activist groups citing UN registration data.&nbsp;

If taken as a group they outnumber “every country delegation” apart from Brazil and the UAE, said the coalition of groups, in a statement. Additionally, the fossil fuel lobbyists also outnumbered the 1,609 delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries combined.&nbsp;

<h2>COP28 president’s faux pas</h2>

The Guardian has published a video which showed a heated exchange between Al Jaber and former Irish leader Mary Robinson during an online forum when the COP28 president said, “I’m not in any way signing up to a discussion that is alarmist”.&nbsp;

He added, “I am factual and I respect the science, and there is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phase-out of fossil fuels is what's going to achieve 1.5C.” &nbsp;

The remark sparked a major global backlash and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-presidents-fossil-fuel-claim-causes-outcry-666082">outcry</a> prompting the UAE leader to do some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-leader-holds-damage-control-conference-after-making-no-science-fossil-claim-666253">damage control</a>.&nbsp;

“I respect the science in everything I do. I have repeatedly said that it is the science that has guided the principles or strategy as COP28 president,” Al Jaber said during a press conference on Monday (Dec 4).&nbsp;

He also complained how “one statement taken out of context with misrepresentation” had received “maximum coverage”.

(With inputs from agencies)

While world leaders from nearly 200 countries are debating the course of action on fossil fuels at the United Nations climate summit COP28 in Dubai, a team of scientists, on Tuesday (Dec 5) released a report saying that global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are set to hit a record high in 2023.

While world leaders from nearly 200 countries are debating the course of action on fossil fuels at the United Nations climate summit COP28 in Dubai, a team of scientists, on Tuesday (Dec 5) released a report saying that global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are set to hit a record high in 2023. The fate of oil, gas and coal – the burning of which leads to emissions of planet-warming gases – hangs in balance as the issue has become a point of contention at the climate summit which is currently being hosted by oil-rich United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirati President of COP28 Sultan Al Jaber, who is also head of UAE national oil company ADNOC recently landed in hot water over his remarks about fossil fuels and their contribution to global warming. A report by the Guardian said that he claimed there is “no science” indicating that a phase-out of fossil fuels is needed to restrict global heating to 1.5 degree Celsius threshold. COP28 drafts over fossil fuels On Tuesday (Dec 5), the UN released the latest draft of a global climate agreement which presented three options to tackle fossil fuels which ranged from phasing them out to not talking about it at all. The latest draft is the second version of the negotiating document and sets the stage for the possible outcomes of the talks where nearly 200 nations will try to reach a consensus on a plan to take measures to curb the rising global temperatures. The first option in the 24-page draft is “an orderly and just phase out of fossil fuels,” the toughest stance and seen as essential for low-lying island nations that are at risk from rising sea levels. The second called for “accelerating efforts towards phasing out unabated fossil fuels,” which includes steps like phase-out of projects that lack the means to capture and store emissions and call for “rapid” reduction of fossil fuel use to achieve carbon neutrality in global energy production by 2050. The third option would be no mention of a fossil fuel phase-out, a position reportedly supported by oil giant Saudi Arabia and China. On the other hand, the United States, the European Union’s 27 nations, and climate-vulnerable small island states are pushing for a fossil fuel phase-out. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told Bloomberg that Riyadh – the world’s biggest oil exporter – would not agree to a “phasedown/out” of fossil fuels. “Absolutely not,” he told the American media in Riyadh, adding, “I assure you not a single person – I’m talking about governments – believes in that.” Notably, a previous draft of the document had only mentioned the options of a “phase-out” or a weaker “phase-down”. A phase-out would help reduce carbon dioxide emissions which scientists say are needed to avert the disastrous impact of climate change. The second draft also included the option of a “rapid phase-out of unabated coal power this decade” and an immediate halt to building new carbon dioxide-emitting coal power plants. An “unabated” power plant refers to one that does not capture the plant’s carbon dioxide emissions before they hit the atmosphere. There is a high chance that the 200 countries may not reach a consensus at the climate summit which is being held during what is widely expected to be the hottest year on record. UAE is also choking under “alarmingly high” air pollution levels due to its fossil fuel industry, said Human Rights Watch, on Monday (Dec 4). Global carbon emissions hit record-high Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have risen to yet another record high this year, according to the Global Carbon Budget report, published on Tuesday (Dec 5) amid the ongoing UN climate summit. The emissions, according to a report compiled by scientists from more than 90 institutions, will exacerbate climate change and fuel more destructive extreme weather events. The overall carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high last year, and have plateaued in 2023 due to a slight drop from uses of land like deforestation, the report noted. In 2023, the countries are reportedly expected to emit a total of 36.8 billion metric tons of planet-warming gas due to fossil fuels which is a 1.1 per cent increase from last year. According to the report, emissions from burning coal, oil and gas all rose in 2023 and were driven by China and India. The emissions will also prove to be a setback in preventing global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times, said researchers. “It now looks inevitable we will overshoot the 1.5C target of the Paris Agreement,” said University of Exeter’s Professor Pierre Friedlingstein, who led the research, as quoted by Reuters. “Leaders meeting at COP28 will have to agree rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions even to keep the 2C target alive,” he added. On the bright side, countries which have historically contributed most to global carbon dioxide emissions, and continue to be large contributors today, like the US and EU have managed to reduce their emissions partly due to coal plants being retired, said the report. Record number of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP28 A record number of oil and gas lobbyists have reportedly been accredited at the COP28 which given its host country is unsurprising, and UAE has made no secret of its plan to include its fossil fuel interests in the climate conference either. A bombshell report by BBC last week claimed that UAE’s COP28 team was preparing to hold meetings with governments of over a dozen nations, with intentions of utilising the climate summit as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals with them. At least 2,456 people tied to fossil fuel interests registered for this year’s summit, reported Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO), an international coalition of climate activist groups citing UN registration data. If taken as a group they outnumber “every country delegation” apart from Brazil and the UAE, said the coalition of groups, in a statement. Additionally, the fossil fuel lobbyists also outnumbered the 1,609 delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries combined. COP28 president’s faux pas The Guardian has published a video which showed a heated exchange between Al Jaber and former Irish leader Mary Robinson during an online forum when the COP28 president said, “I’m not in any way signing up to a discussion that is alarmist”. He added, “I am factual and I respect the science, and there is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phase-out of fossil fuels is what's going to achieve 1.5C.” The remark sparked a major global backlash and outcry prompting the UAE leader to do some damage control. “I respect the science in everything I do. I have repeatedly said that it is the science that has guided the principles or strategy as COP28 president,” Al Jaber said during a press conference on Monday (Dec 4). He also complained how “one statement taken out of context with misrepresentation” had received “maximum coverage”. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now?

climate-change

Climate Change, News on Climate Change, stories on Climate Change, articles on Climate Change, Climate Change stories at Wion, Climate Change news, Climate Change latest news