Call for action on climate change has caused widespread protests across Europe. Hundreds of climate activists in Italy chanted slogans and demanded the government to act on climate change as global CO2 emissions have reached 0.9%.

Europe: Protests for climate change, activists demand action on carbon emissions

At least 10 people have died across five southern US states as a series of storms battered them with damaging winds, golf-ball-sized hail and tornadoes. NBC reports that four people died in Kentucky, three perished in Alabama, and one each were found dead in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. As per the website Poweroutage.us, the powerful storm system has also reportedly left more than 650,000 homes and businesses in Kentucky and Tennessee without power. Other estimates put the number of people left without power at more than one million.

The weather on Friday left 60 million people under the threat of a severe storm. Additionally, nearly 80 million people in Texas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and more were under high wind alerts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-children-stabbed-two-others-injured-in-texas-568424">Three children stabbed, two others injured in Texas</a>

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear has signed a state of emergency and put 400 National Guard members on notice.

Take a look:

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Wind picking up in downtown Cobourg, ON <a href="https://t.co/RS9QoXnSzg">pic.twitter.com/RS9QoXnSzg</a>
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"We have already lost way too many people due to flooding, tornadoes and other weather events, so we want everybody to be safe today," he said at a press conference on Friday morning.

The same evening, Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg too declared a state of emergency as severe storms, and high winds posed danger to lives and property.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/as-race-to-space-shoots-up-junk-in-earths-orbit-us-space-command-releases-responsible-space-behaviours-568413">As race to space 'shoots up' junk in Earth's orbit, US Space Command releases 'responsible space behaviours'</a>

The National Weather Service has warned that as the storm pushes northward, it "will produce a swath of heavy snow from the Upper Midwest through New England Friday and Saturday."

"Significant sleet and freezing rain is possible just south of the heaviest snow," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 10 people have died across five southern US states as a series of storms battered them with damaging winds, golf-ball-sized hail and tornadoes. NBC reports that four people died in Kentucky, three perished in Alabama, and one each were found dead in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

At least 10 people have died across five southern US states as a series of storms battered them with damaging winds, golf-ball-sized hail and tornadoes. NBC reports that four people died in Kentucky, three perished in Alabama, and one each were found dead in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. As per the website Poweroutage.us, the powerful storm system has also reportedly left more than 650,000 homes and businesses in Kentucky and Tennessee without power. Other estimates put the number of people left without power at more than one million. The weather on Friday left 60 million people under the threat of a severe storm. Additionally, nearly 80 million people in Texas, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and more were under high wind alerts. Also read | Three children stabbed, two others injured in Texas In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear has signed a state of emergency and put 400 National Guard members on notice. Take a look: Wind picking up in downtown Cobourg, ON pic.twitter.com/RS9QoXnSzg — Pete Fisher (@NT_pfisher) March 4, 2023 × "We have already lost way too many people due to flooding, tornadoes and other weather events, so we want everybody to be safe today," he said at a press conference on Friday morning. The same evening, Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg too declared a state of emergency as severe storms, and high winds posed danger to lives and property. Also read | As race to space 'shoots up' junk in Earth's orbit, US Space Command releases 'responsible space behaviours' The National Weather Service has warned that as the storm pushes northward, it "will produce a swath of heavy snow from the Upper Midwest through New England Friday and Saturday." "Significant sleet and freezing rain is possible just south of the heaviest snow," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

More than million across US left without power as storm batters the nation's south; at least 10 reported dead

Billionaire-philanthropist Bill Gates on Wednesday expressed concern over climate change and called for scientific innovations to address the problem, asking India to take the lead.

World counting on India to play central role: Bill Gates

Greta Thunberg and other young climate activists detained over protests in Oslo

In a first, a climate-related lawsuit has been filed against one of the top banks in Europe. Three nonprofits - Friends of the Earth (Les Amis de la Terre) France, Notre Affaire à Tous and Oxfam France - have sued BNP Paribas over "its massive support to fossil fuels and for its substantial contribution to climate change". Terming it as "the world's first climate lawsuit against a commercial bank", Oxfam accused BNP Paribas of being Europe's largest funder of fossil fuel expansion. The bank has presence in 65 countries, and as per the lawsuit, it is the fifth largest funding source in the world for fossil fuel expansion.

"The three organizations urge the bank to immediately stop financing this expansion and to adopt an oil and gas exit plan," an official statement reads. The lawsuit was filed on February 23. "BNP Paribas, Europe's largest funder of fossil fuel expansion, is ignoring scientific truths and is reluctant to address this glaring issue," said Lorette Philippot, campaigner at Friends of the Earth France.

Also watch: Your mental health can be impacted by climate-related events

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New blank cheques are being issued to fossil fuel companies, asserted Alexandre Poidatz, Advocacy Officer at Oxfam France, "without setting any conditions for an oil-free, gas-free ecological transition." About 50,000 people have signed a petition in support of the case, the NGOs said, adding that the lawsuit is a part of a litigation movement that aims to hold major funders like these accountable for their legal responsibilities.

In a statement to news agency Reuters, the bank said it regretted the filing of lawsuit over a dialogue. “We’re convinced that the ecological transition is the only viable path for the future of our economies. We are focused on our fossil fuel exit path, accelerating financing for renewable energies and supporting our customers, without whom the transition cannot be made," the bank said.

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/global-rankings-predict-high-risk-to-indian-states-due-to-climate-change-564342">Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change</a>

BNP Paribas is one of the top 12 banks, as per the Banking on Climate Chaos 2022 report, which financed fossil fuels globally between 2016 and 2021. The report was prepared by RainforestAction Network, based in the United States.&nbsp;

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In a first, a climate-related lawsuit has been filed against one of the top banks in Europe. Three nonprofits - Friends of the Earth (Les Amis de la Terre) France, Notre Affaire à Tous and Oxfam France - have sued BNP Paribas over "its massive support to fossil fuels and for its substantial contribution to climate change".

In a first, a climate-related lawsuit has been filed against one of the top banks in Europe. Three nonprofits - Friends of the Earth (Les Amis de la Terre) France, Notre Affaire à Tous and Oxfam France - have sued BNP Paribas over "its massive support to fossil fuels and for its substantial contribution to climate change". Terming it as "the world's first climate lawsuit against a commercial bank", Oxfam accused BNP Paribas of being Europe's largest funder of fossil fuel expansion. The bank has presence in 65 countries, and as per the lawsuit, it is the fifth largest funding source in the world for fossil fuel expansion. "The three organizations urge the bank to immediately stop financing this expansion and to adopt an oil and gas exit plan," an official statement reads. The lawsuit was filed on February 23. "BNP Paribas, Europe's largest funder of fossil fuel expansion, is ignoring scientific truths and is reluctant to address this glaring issue," said Lorette Philippot, campaigner at Friends of the Earth France. Also watch: Your mental health can be impacted by climate-related events × New blank cheques are being issued to fossil fuel companies, asserted Alexandre Poidatz, Advocacy Officer at Oxfam France, "without setting any conditions for an oil-free, gas-free ecological transition." About 50,000 people have signed a petition in support of the case, the NGOs said, adding that the lawsuit is a part of a litigation movement that aims to hold major funders like these accountable for their legal responsibilities. In a statement to news agency Reuters, the bank said it regretted the filing of lawsuit over a dialogue. “We’re convinced that the ecological transition is the only viable path for the future of our economies. We are focused on our fossil fuel exit path, accelerating financing for renewable energies and supporting our customers, without whom the transition cannot be made," the bank said. Also read: Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change BNP Paribas is one of the top 12 banks, as per the Banking on Climate Chaos 2022 report, which financed fossil fuels globally between 2016 and 2021. The report was prepared by RainforestAction Network, based in the United States. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In a first, a climate lawsuit against one of Europe's top banks. Here's why

Venice has often been described as a beautiful oddity and rightfully so. The Italian city built on over 100 islands and crisscrossed by 177 canals and which was once at risk of drowning is now running dry. This has been attributed to weeks of dry winter weather while scientists and environmental groups have raised concerns that this could signal another drought in the European country after last summer’s emergency.&nbsp;

What is happening in Venice?

The Italian city, famous for its gondolas, has also been suffering alongside the country’s rivers and lakes which are also witnessing a severe lack of water. The problems in Venice have been attributed to a combination of factors ranging from a prolonged spell of low tides, lack of rain and a high-pressure system to even a full moon and sea currents.

Consequently, this has led to frustrated boat crews and worried officials as ambulances are unable to navigate through some of its narrower canals. This has become particularly problematic since the famous waterways serve as streets in car-less Venice.&nbsp;

According to a report by the Associated Press, ambulance boats, in certain areas of the city, had to be left tied up farther from their destination. This forced medical personnel to lift stretchers over long distances since their vessels cannot pass through canals reduced to a trickle of water and mud.&nbsp;

Last week, a series of images out of Venice showed pools of water collected in some canals and parked gondolas alongside exposed foundations of several buildings. This also meant that tourists could not navigate some secondary waterways in the Italian city. Notably, boats continued to work in some of the wider waterways across Venice which included the Grand and Giudecca canals.

A sustainable development analyst with the environmental advocacy group, We Are Here Venice, Jane Da Mosto has attributed this phenomenon in the Italian city to a combination of high atmospheric pressure with the lunar cycle producing an ultra-low water level during ebb tide, during mid-winter, reported AP. She also said how this phenomenon highlights the need for cleaning Venice’s inner canal network which is often overlooked.&nbsp;

“It's an absolutely normal phenomenon,” said Alvise Papa, the head of Venice’s tide forecasting centre to AFP, on Tuesday. He added, “Low tides are not enough to dry up the canals, but this year they are accompanied by high atmospheric pressure, which prevents bad weather”. Venice was expected to return to normalcy sometime this week.&nbsp;

Experts raise concern over Italy’s rivers and lakes&nbsp;

As Venice continues to grapple with the dire situation of its waterways, the rest of the country is not faring well either. In the past few days, scientists and experts, in the context of the situation of Venice’s canals have indicated that the country may face another drought. In a statement, on Monday, one of the largest environmental NGOs in Italy, the Legambiente said rivers and lakes, particularly in the north of the country are in “distress” due to the severe lack of water.&nbsp;

In this context, scientists have also referred to the Alps which received less than half of their normal snowfall. The aforementioned high-pressure system compounded by scarce Alpine snow melt this year has also contributed to the lack of water in lakes and rivers in northern Italy in the past few weeks.&nbsp;

The lack of snow this year has also been a concern since there was 53 per cent less in the Alps, particularly in the Po basin. Consequently, the Po, Italy’s longest river which runs from the Alps in the northwest to the Adriatic Sea also received 61 per cent less water than it typically does around this time of the year, said the environmental advocacy citing data from CIMA Research Foundation.&nbsp;

Notably, the aforementioned river accounts for roughly a third of the country's agricultural production. The statement also warned about the cascading effects of a prolonged drought in Italy which included, the lack of water for civil, agricultural and industrial uses that would, in turn, lead to loss of biodiversity, lower yields of crops, and disturb the balance of natural ecosystems.&nbsp;

This also comes as an anticyclone has been dominating the weather in western Europe for the past 15 days or so, which has led to an increase in the number of mild temperatures typically witnessed in late spring, as per Reuters. Additionally, the record low water levels in Lake Garda, in northern Italy, made it possible to reach the small island of San Biagio. Earlier this month, a small pathway which links the shore to the island re-emerged and visitors were able to walk across the middle of the lake.&nbsp;

“We are in a water deficit situation that has been building up since the winter of 2020-2021,” said climate expert Massimiliano Pasqui, from the National Research Council (CNR), as per Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera. The country requires 500 millimetres of rain in the north-western regions over 50 days in order to recover, he added, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Italy’s state of emergency over droughts&nbsp;

Last year, Italy declared a state of emergency in five northern regions which included areas surrounding the river Po which was facing its worst drought in 70 years. The government placed Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto under emergency and announced a relief fund of $38 million to help tackle the water shortage.&nbsp;

The phenomenon had been attributed to an unusually early heatwave and a lack of rainfall, particularly in the Po valley. Additionally, Lakes Maggiore and Garda had witnessed lower levels of water than typically expected at that time of the year while the levels of the Tiber River, which runs through Rome had also dropped.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Venice has often been described as a beautiful oddity and rightfully so. The Italian city built on over 100 islands and crisscrossed by 177 canals and which was once at risk of drowning is now running dry.

Venice has often been described as a beautiful oddity and rightfully so. The Italian city built on over 100 islands and crisscrossed by 177 canals and which was once at risk of drowning is now running dry. This has been attributed to weeks of dry winter weather while scientists and environmental groups have raised concerns that this could signal another drought in the European country after last summer’s emergency. What is happening in Venice? The Italian city, famous for its gondolas, has also been suffering alongside the country’s rivers and lakes which are also witnessing a severe lack of water. The problems in Venice have been attributed to a combination of factors ranging from a prolonged spell of low tides, lack of rain and a high-pressure system to even a full moon and sea currents. Consequently, this has led to frustrated boat crews and worried officials as ambulances are unable to navigate through some of its narrower canals. This has become particularly problematic since the famous waterways serve as streets in car-less Venice. According to a report by the Associated Press, ambulance boats, in certain areas of the city, had to be left tied up farther from their destination. This forced medical personnel to lift stretchers over long distances since their vessels cannot pass through canals reduced to a trickle of water and mud. Last week, a series of images out of Venice showed pools of water collected in some canals and parked gondolas alongside exposed foundations of several buildings. This also meant that tourists could not navigate some secondary waterways in the Italian city. Notably, boats continued to work in some of the wider waterways across Venice which included the Grand and Giudecca canals. A sustainable development analyst with the environmental advocacy group, We Are Here Venice, Jane Da Mosto has attributed this phenomenon in the Italian city to a combination of high atmospheric pressure with the lunar cycle producing an ultra-low water level during ebb tide, during mid-winter, reported AP. She also said how this phenomenon highlights the need for cleaning Venice’s inner canal network which is often overlooked. “It's an absolutely normal phenomenon,” said Alvise Papa, the head of Venice’s tide forecasting centre to AFP, on Tuesday. He added, “Low tides are not enough to dry up the canals, but this year they are accompanied by high atmospheric pressure, which prevents bad weather”. Venice was expected to return to normalcy sometime this week. Experts raise concern over Italy’s rivers and lakes As Venice continues to grapple with the dire situation of its waterways, the rest of the country is not faring well either. In the past few days, scientists and experts, in the context of the situation of Venice’s canals have indicated that the country may face another drought. In a statement, on Monday, one of the largest environmental NGOs in Italy, the Legambiente said rivers and lakes, particularly in the north of the country are in “distress” due to the severe lack of water. In this context, scientists have also referred to the Alps which received less than half of their normal snowfall. The aforementioned high-pressure system compounded by scarce Alpine snow melt this year has also contributed to the lack of water in lakes and rivers in northern Italy in the past few weeks. The lack of snow this year has also been a concern since there was 53 per cent less in the Alps, particularly in the Po basin. Consequently, the Po, Italy’s longest river which runs from the Alps in the northwest to the Adriatic Sea also received 61 per cent less water than it typically does around this time of the year, said the environmental advocacy citing data from CIMA Research Foundation. Notably, the aforementioned river accounts for roughly a third of the country's agricultural production. The statement also warned about the cascading effects of a prolonged drought in Italy which included, the lack of water for civil, agricultural and industrial uses that would, in turn, lead to loss of biodiversity, lower yields of crops, and disturb the balance of natural ecosystems. This also comes as an anticyclone has been dominating the weather in western Europe for the past 15 days or so, which has led to an increase in the number of mild temperatures typically witnessed in late spring, as per Reuters. Additionally, the record low water levels in Lake Garda, in northern Italy, made it possible to reach the small island of San Biagio. Earlier this month, a small pathway which links the shore to the island re-emerged and visitors were able to walk across the middle of the lake. “We are in a water deficit situation that has been building up since the winter of 2020-2021,” said climate expert Massimiliano Pasqui, from the National Research Council (CNR), as per Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera. The country requires 500 millimetres of rain in the north-western regions over 50 days in order to recover, he added, reported Reuters. Italy’s state of emergency over droughts Last year, Italy declared a state of emergency in five northern regions which included areas surrounding the river Po which was facing its worst drought in 70 years. The government placed Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto under emergency and announced a relief fund of $38 million to help tackle the water shortage. The phenomenon had been attributed to an unusually early heatwave and a lack of rainfall, particularly in the Po valley. Additionally, Lakes Maggiore and Garda had witnessed lower levels of water than typically expected at that time of the year while the levels of the Tiber River, which runs through Rome had also dropped. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Scientists in Italy raise concerns after Venice canals run dry. Here’s why

Climate change is causing all sorts of visible changes around us. From the increased intensity of storms to melting glaciers, the effects are very apparent. Now another such development has made scientists take note. Ice in Antarctica has recorded a record low for a second year now. On February 13 this year, the ice extent of Antarctica dropped to just 737,000 square miles (1.91 square kilometres).

Previous record for the lowest ice extent was of 741,000 square miles (1.92 million square kilometres) recorded on February 25 last year. The numbers are released by USA's National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)

"It’s “not just ‘barely a record low,’” said Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, he was quoted by CNN.

Ice mass in the Arctic around North Pole has shown a consistent downward trend over years but that in Antarctic has swung between highs and lows. In 2014, the ice mass reached a record high of 7.76 million square miles. This made scientists think that Antarctica is relatively insulated from the effects of Climate Change.

But 2016 onwards, scientists and researchers began witnessing a downward trend and after two years of record lows, it has got them worried.&nbsp;

“The question is, has climate change reached Antarctica? Is this the beginning of the end? Will the sea ice disappear for good in the coming years in the summer?” Christian Haas, head of the Sea Ice Physics Research Section at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany. Haas was quoted by the CNN.

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Climate change is causing all sorts of visible changes around us. From the increased intensity of storms to melting glaciers, the effects are very apparent. Now another such development has made scientists take note.

Climate change is causing all sorts of visible changes around us. From the increased intensity of storms to melting glaciers, the effects are very apparent. Now another such development has made scientists take note. Ice in Antarctica has recorded a record low for a second year now. On February 13 this year, the ice extent of Antarctica dropped to just 737,000 square miles (1.91 square kilometres). Previous record for the lowest ice extent was of 741,000 square miles (1.92 million square kilometres) recorded on February 25 last year. The numbers are released by USA's National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) "It’s “not just ‘barely a record low,’” said Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, he was quoted by CNN. Ice mass in the Arctic around North Pole has shown a consistent downward trend over years but that in Antarctic has swung between highs and lows. In 2014, the ice mass reached a record high of 7.76 million square miles. This made scientists think that Antarctica is relatively insulated from the effects of Climate Change. But 2016 onwards, scientists and researchers began witnessing a downward trend and after two years of record lows, it has got them worried. “The question is, has climate change reached Antarctica? Is this the beginning of the end? Will the sea ice disappear for good in the coming years in the summer?” Christian Haas, head of the Sea Ice Physics Research Section at the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany. Haas was quoted by the CNN. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Antarctic ice registers record low for second year

Several regions in India are included in a new list of those facing highest climate risk by 2050. The rankings say that cities and regions in India, China and the US face great threat due to climate change. The rankings were released on Monday (February 20) by Cross Dependency Initiative, a firm that specialises in climate risk analysis for companies, banks and regions.

The rankings say that Indian states of Punjab, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala and Assam are most vulnerable. Mumbai, which is a port city and financial capital of India is at high risk. Nine Indian states have featured in 50 high risk areas. Twenty-six Chinese states and five US states feature as well.

These rankings take into account physical risk to infrastructure from eight climate change hazards: Coastal flooding, riverine and surface flooding, forest fire, extreme heat, drought-related soil movement, extreme wind and freeze thaw. Global climate models were used combined with local environmental and weather data and archetypes of engineering.

Watch | A wild plan to save Earth from Climate Change

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&nbsp;

Gross Domestic Climate Risk ranking by XDI is a stark reminder that climate change will be marauding the developmental trajectories across the global south.

The report states that under high emissions scenarios (around four-degree rise), nine (9) Indian states that are ranked within the top 50 most at-risk states and provinces will witness an average of 110 per cent increase in damage risk by 2050.

Currently, with a 0.8 degrees rise in temperature, India’s 27 states and more than three-quarters of its districts are extreme event hotspots accounting for a 5 per cent loss in GDP.

These numbers speak volumes. If global warming is not limited to 2-degree thresholds, climate-vulnerable states like Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, among others, will lose more than 10 per cent of their gross state domestic product (GSDP).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antarctic-ice-registers-record-low-for-second-year-564552">Antarctic ice registers record low for second year</a>

India has already established its global thought leadership by founding 21st-century institutions like ISA and CDRI, these institutions should leapfrog in making India the climate solutions hub for the world by fostering systemic, technological, and financial innovations from the margins to the mainstream.

"Since climate risks and readiness do not go hand-in-hand, promoting nature-based solutions should be a national imperative that can avert the extent of loss and damage to physical assets and infrastructures,"&nbsp;Abinash Mohanty, sector head, IPE-Global — an international development organisation said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

In case of China, the most affected provinces are in east and south.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Several regions in India are included in a new list of those facing highest climate risk by 2050. The rankings say that cities and regions in India, China and the US face great threat due to climate change.

Several regions in India are included in a new list of those facing highest climate risk by 2050. The rankings say that cities and regions in India, China and the US face great threat due to climate change. The rankings were released on Monday (February 20) by Cross Dependency Initiative, a firm that specialises in climate risk analysis for companies, banks and regions. The rankings say that Indian states of Punjab, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala and Assam are most vulnerable. Mumbai, which is a port city and financial capital of India is at high risk. Nine Indian states have featured in 50 high risk areas. Twenty-six Chinese states and five US states feature as well. These rankings take into account physical risk to infrastructure from eight climate change hazards: Coastal flooding, riverine and surface flooding, forest fire, extreme heat, drought-related soil movement, extreme wind and freeze thaw. Global climate models were used combined with local environmental and weather data and archetypes of engineering. Watch | A wild plan to save Earth from Climate Change × Gross Domestic Climate Risk ranking by XDI is a stark reminder that climate change will be marauding the developmental trajectories across the global south. The report states that under high emissions scenarios (around four-degree rise), nine (9) Indian states that are ranked within the top 50 most at-risk states and provinces will witness an average of 110 per cent increase in damage risk by 2050. Currently, with a 0.8 degrees rise in temperature, India’s 27 states and more than three-quarters of its districts are extreme event hotspots accounting for a 5 per cent loss in GDP. These numbers speak volumes. If global warming is not limited to 2-degree thresholds, climate-vulnerable states like Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, among others, will lose more than 10 per cent of their gross state domestic product (GSDP). Also Read | Antarctic ice registers record low for second year India has already established its global thought leadership by founding 21st-century institutions like ISA and CDRI, these institutions should leapfrog in making India the climate solutions hub for the world by fostering systemic, technological, and financial innovations from the margins to the mainstream. "Since climate risks and readiness do not go hand-in-hand, promoting nature-based solutions should be a national imperative that can avert the extent of loss and damage to physical assets and infrastructures," Abinash Mohanty, sector head, IPE-Global — an international development organisation said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. In case of China, the most affected provinces are in east and south. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change

Representatives from 193 member nations of the United Nations convened on Monday (February 20) in the United States city of New York and for the next two weeks will negotiate its long-awaited treaty to protect the world’s oceans. This meeting comes after decades of formal and informal talks which opened with cautious optimism as many hope to make a decision at the end of it. The global agreement will protect and manage nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) known as the high seas.

What do we know about the meeting so far?

The talks which opened on Monday will go on till March 3 and are supposed to be the final round of negotiations after no agreement has been reached after more than 15 years. Notably, this is the third time in less than one year that delegates have gathered at the UN headquarters and due to the historic deal reached by the end of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference or COP15 in Montreal, Canada many are hopeful.&nbsp;

“I hope we've come together here with a will to get us to the finish line,” said conference chair Rena Lee, addressing the delegates as the talks began, reported AFP. She added, “an agreement that is universal, that is effective, that is implementable and that is future proofed is within our reach.” The President of the Intergovernmental Conference also encouraged delegates to build on the progress made during the August session, last year and focus on developing an agreement “that will bridge the existing gaps.”

The fifth session of the conference was convened following the General Assembly resolution 77/248 on “Oceans and the law of the sea”. The aim of these rounds of talks is to finalise an international legally binding agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas which are beyond national jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.&nbsp;

What per cent of our oceans are protected?

Last year, ministers and government officials from about 190 countries in Montreal signed an agreement known as 30 by 30 which committed to protecting 30 per cent of land and water which are considered pillars of biodiversity by 2030. Prior to this, only 17 per cent of terrestrial and 10 per cent of marine areas were protected.&nbsp;

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), only eight per of the world’s marine areas are protected which includes 1.4 per cent of the high seas. The areas of the high seas that are protected fall under North East Atlantic and Antarctic oceans but they are regional and not global, or even binding for all governments, said Jessica Battle, a senior expert on ocean policy and governance at the World Wide Fund for Nature, as per Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

Why is this agreement important?

As mentioned earlier, the agreement will focus on the high seas which begin at the border of countries' EEZ and extend up to 200 nautical miles, or 370 kilometres from the coast and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of no country. Notably, the high seas make up more than 60 per cent of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface but receive little to no&nbsp;attention since there are no borders.&nbsp;

Last month UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Humanity has been waging a senseless and self-defeating war on nature, and the ocean is on the front lines of the battle,” and called on the nations to finish the delayed negotiations. The oceans contribute significantly to global climate as well as provide oxygen, drive weather systems, and store a quarter of human-generated carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas heating up the planet.&nbsp;

The ocean supports a huge range of biodiversity and is home to possibly millions of species which are yet to be discovered. According to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, at least 10 per cent of underwater plants and animals assessed are under threat of going extinct. Additionally, oceans have been subjected to overfishing, depleting not only the fish stocks but also their ability to rebuild, said Battle, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

She also addresses the lesser-known phenomenon of “bycatch” which means that fish that is accidentally caught is later discarded as waste. It is estimated that bycatch accounts for at least 40 per cent of the world’s global commercial catch. Not to mention the human-induced climate change which has adversely affected ocean health and caused coral reefs to bleach and forced fish to migrate to cooler waters.

What’s the problem?

The UN draft treaty is said to include provisions to protect the world’s oceans from overfishing, pollution and other threats but&nbsp;also comprises parenthetical clauses and multiple options which reflect the long list of contentious issues at hand. The delegates are reportedly divided on one core issue which is how would these sanctuary zones be established. Additionally, there is no agreement on the assessment of the environmental impact of activities like mining in the high seas, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the debate on the division of future profits collected by pharmaceutical, chemical or cosmetic manufacturers, for example from newly discovered marine substances also remains unresolved. As developing countries have argued that they will not be able to afford costly research and fear they might get left behind. This is something that observers had accused rich countries, particularly&nbsp;European Union member states, of doing during the previous session in August 2022, as per reports.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Representatives from 193 member nations of the United Nations convened on Monday (February 20) in the United States city of New York and for the next two weeks will negotiate its long-awaited treaty to protect the world’s oceans.

Representatives from 193 member nations of the United Nations convened on Monday (February 20) in the United States city of New York and for the next two weeks will negotiate its long-awaited treaty to protect the world’s oceans. This meeting comes after decades of formal and informal talks which opened with cautious optimism as many hope to make a decision at the end of it. The global agreement will protect and manage nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) known as the high seas. What do we know about the meeting so far? The talks which opened on Monday will go on till March 3 and are supposed to be the final round of negotiations after no agreement has been reached after more than 15 years. Notably, this is the third time in less than one year that delegates have gathered at the UN headquarters and due to the historic deal reached by the end of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference or COP15 in Montreal, Canada many are hopeful. “I hope we've come together here with a will to get us to the finish line,” said conference chair Rena Lee, addressing the delegates as the talks began, reported AFP. She added, “an agreement that is universal, that is effective, that is implementable and that is future proofed is within our reach.” The President of the Intergovernmental Conference also encouraged delegates to build on the progress made during the August session, last year and focus on developing an agreement “that will bridge the existing gaps.” The fifth session of the conference was convened following the General Assembly resolution 77/248 on “Oceans and the law of the sea”. The aim of these rounds of talks is to finalise an international legally binding agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas which are beyond national jurisdiction under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. What per cent of our oceans are protected? Last year, ministers and government officials from about 190 countries in Montreal signed an agreement known as 30 by 30 which committed to protecting 30 per cent of land and water which are considered pillars of biodiversity by 2030. Prior to this, only 17 per cent of terrestrial and 10 per cent of marine areas were protected. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), only eight per of the world’s marine areas are protected which includes 1.4 per cent of the high seas. The areas of the high seas that are protected fall under North East Atlantic and Antarctic oceans but they are regional and not global, or even binding for all governments, said Jessica Battle, a senior expert on ocean policy and governance at the World Wide Fund for Nature, as per Al Jazeera. Why is this agreement important? As mentioned earlier, the agreement will focus on the high seas which begin at the border of countries' EEZ and extend up to 200 nautical miles, or 370 kilometres from the coast and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of no country. Notably, the high seas make up more than 60 per cent of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface but receive little to no attention since there are no borders. Last month UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Humanity has been waging a senseless and self-defeating war on nature, and the ocean is on the front lines of the battle,” and called on the nations to finish the delayed negotiations. The oceans contribute significantly to global climate as well as provide oxygen, drive weather systems, and store a quarter of human-generated carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas heating up the planet. The ocean supports a huge range of biodiversity and is home to possibly millions of species which are yet to be discovered. According to IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, at least 10 per cent of underwater plants and animals assessed are under threat of going extinct. Additionally, oceans have been subjected to overfishing, depleting not only the fish stocks but also their ability to rebuild, said Battle, as per Reuters. She also addresses the lesser-known phenomenon of “bycatch” which means that fish that is accidentally caught is later discarded as waste. It is estimated that bycatch accounts for at least 40 per cent of the world’s global commercial catch. Not to mention the human-induced climate change which has adversely affected ocean health and caused coral reefs to bleach and forced fish to migrate to cooler waters. What’s the problem? The UN draft treaty is said to include provisions to protect the world’s oceans from overfishing, pollution and other threats but also comprises parenthetical clauses and multiple options which reflect the long list of contentious issues at hand. The delegates are reportedly divided on one core issue which is how would these sanctuary zones be established. Additionally, there is no agreement on the assessment of the environmental impact of activities like mining in the high seas, reported AFP. Meanwhile, the debate on the division of future profits collected by pharmaceutical, chemical or cosmetic manufacturers, for example from newly discovered marine substances also remains unresolved. As developing countries have argued that they will not be able to afford costly research and fear they might get left behind. This is something that observers had accused rich countries, particularly European Union member states, of doing during the previous session in August 2022, as per reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | UN ocean treaty talks resume: Why the deal to protect the world’s oceans is so important

A new research published by a group of international scientists has suggested that Earth's climate may be on the precipice of permanent change due to 'dangerous' feedback loops.

A new research published by a group of international scientists has suggested that Earth's climate may be on the precipice of permanent change due to 'dangerous' feedback loops. The study published in One Earth journal states that the Earth currently has 41 climate feedback loops, out of which 27 are responsible for increased global temperatures. The scientists expressed surprise upon finding a large number of climate-changing feedback loops during the study. “To the best of our knowledge, this is the most extensive list available of climate feedback loops, and not all of them are fully considered in climate models," said Christopher Wolf, one of the lead authors of the study. What are climate change feedback loops? Succinctly put, feedback loops are the climate's equivalent of a vicious cycle where a change in one metric accelerates or decelerates the warming trend of the planet. An example of the phenomenon can be the melting of ice caps. As the world gets hotter, ice melts, exposing the darker-coloured land or water underneath. The dark surface absorbs more light, which in turn contributes to warming and the ice melts at a much more rapid pace. The melting of glacial ice then contributes to overflooding of glacial lakes which leads to flooding in places where the human population lives. Read more: Millions at risk due to flooding from melting mountain glaciers: Report Another example can be the wildfires that ravaged different parts of the Earth last year. The burning of dry vegetation introduces poisonous gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide which accelerates the greenhouse effect. As the climate becomes warm, another wildfire is kickstarted. In the end, the process becomes an iteration loop, a cyclical loop if you may – having no start or end. Closer to home, the use of air-conditioners is the perfect example of a climate feedback loop. People use ACs to cool their homes but they release greenhouse gases. As the planet heats up due to the release of these gases, we increase the intensity of AC use, thereby heating the planet even more. WATCH | A wild plan to save Earth from Climate Change × Has the clock ticked by? The scientists involved in the research came out with seven dampening feedback loops as well. These loops, essentially, absorb planet-heating carbon emissions. The researchers urged that the feedback loops improving the Earth's climate be studied extensively to understand how they work within the overarching complex climate system. Moreover, they called for immediate reductions in planet-warming pollution and an increase in research on climate feedback loops. The scientific community has known about these loops for a long time but the mainstream media has rarely carried the topic on its front pages. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Feedback loops can dangerously impact climate, could be the cause of humankind’s doom: Study

The great salt lake in the United States of America's Utah is facing unprecedented danger, as it has fallen to an alarmingly low level amid a climate change-fuelled changing weather pattern. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Utah's great salt lake on the verge of dying

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded another ominous warning and said that a mass exodus "on a biblical scale" was possible around the world due to rising sea levels and climate change. He said that as low-lying areas get submerged, people will have to migrate to save their lives. Guterres called for legal frameworks to be implemented in preparation for a refugee crisis.&nbsp;"The danger is especially acute for nearly 900 million people who live in coastal zones at low elevations — that's one out of ten people on Earth," Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council.

"Low-lying communities and entire countries could disappear forever... We would witness a mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale," he said.&nbsp;It is not only the small island states that are at risk as sea levels rise, he added.

Guterres said that countries such as Bangladesh, China, India and the Netherlands will face the danger along with others across the world. He added that "mega-cities on every continent will face serious impacts".

The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says sea levels rose by 15-25 centimetres (6-10 inches) between 1900 and 2018.

If the world warms by just two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to the pre-industrial era, then those levels will rise again by 43 centimetres by the year 2100. But, if it warms by three or four degrees Celsius, sea levels could rise by as much as 84 centimetres, the IPCC says.

Guterres said that the problem must be addressed "across legal and human rights frameworks"

Rising sea levels mean&nbsp;shrinking land mass, he said, which could drive possible disputes over land and maritime space.&nbsp;

"The current legal regime must look to the future and address any gaps in existing frameworks," including in international refugee law, he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded another ominous warning and said that a mass exodus "on a biblical scale" was possible around the world due to rising sea levels and climate change.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded another ominous warning and said that a mass exodus "on a biblical scale" was possible around the world due to rising sea levels and climate change. He said that as low-lying areas get submerged, people will have to migrate to save their lives. Guterres called for legal frameworks to be implemented in preparation for a refugee crisis. "The danger is especially acute for nearly 900 million people who live in coastal zones at low elevations — that's one out of ten people on Earth," Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council. "Low-lying communities and entire countries could disappear forever... We would witness a mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale," he said. It is not only the small island states that are at risk as sea levels rise, he added. Guterres said that countries such as Bangladesh, China, India and the Netherlands will face the danger along with others across the world. He added that "mega-cities on every continent will face serious impacts". The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says sea levels rose by 15-25 centimetres (6-10 inches) between 1900 and 2018. If the world warms by just two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to the pre-industrial era, then those levels will rise again by 43 centimetres by the year 2100. But, if it warms by three or four degrees Celsius, sea levels could rise by as much as 84 centimetres, the IPCC says. Guterres said that the problem must be addressed "across legal and human rights frameworks" Rising sea levels mean shrinking land mass, he said, which could drive possible disputes over land and maritime space. "The current legal regime must look to the future and address any gaps in existing frameworks," including in international refugee law, he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN chief warns of exodus on ‘biblical’ scale around the world due to rising sea levels

A new study by Lancet Planetary Health revealed that extreme heat, humidity and other climate changes have impacts on mental health in terms of depression and anxiety in Bangladesh. The study was published on February 05, Changing America reported.&nbsp;

Scientists at Georgetown&nbsp;University and colleagues at George Washington Univeristy and the World Bank in Bangladesh examined 43 weather stations across the world’s seventh most vulnerable country to climate change for humidity over a two-month period which experiences extreme flooding and cyclones.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-fires-heat-waves-cause-climate-anxiety-in-youth-488683">Also read |&nbsp;Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth</a>

Syed Shabab Wahid, the study’s lead author said, “we have now established a high-water mark that, alas, could soon be eclipsed for how climate can impact mental health in a highly vulnerable country. This should serve as a warning for other nations.”

The study showed that the overall prevalence of depression is 16.3 per cent, compared to the global rate of 4.4 per cent.&nbsp;

Anxiety rates were also higher in the country compared to the rest of the world, 6 per cent to 3.6 per cent respectively.&nbsp;

Wahid added that previous global research has found a link between climate-related phenomena and adverse mental health outcomes in terms of depression or anxiety.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-report-sheds-light-on-hidden-cost-of-mental-health-issues-caused-by-climate-change-387545">Also read |&nbsp;New report sheds light on 'hidden cost' of mental health issues caused by climate change</a>

Results also showed that individuals who experienced a one-degree Celsius temperature rise during the two months have a 21 per cent high probability of an anxiety disorder and a 24 per cent higher likelihood of co-occurring depression and anxiety.&nbsp;

“As climate change worsens, temperatures and humidity will continue to increase, as will natural disasters, such as extreme flooding, which portends worsening impact on our collective mental health, globally.”

However, scientists claimed that this research is not long enough to see major climate change impacts, and such studies can take years to show events linked to climate change can impact mental health outcomes.&nbsp;

Going forward, researchers claimed that by 2050, the temperature in Bangladesh is expected to increase by 1.4 degrees Celsius.

(with inputs from agencies)

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A new study by Lancet Planetary Health revealed that extreme heat, humidity and other climate changes have impacts on mental health in terms of depression and anxiety in Bangladesh.

A new study by Lancet Planetary Health revealed that extreme heat, humidity and other climate changes have impacts on mental health in terms of depression and anxiety in Bangladesh. The study was published on February 05, Changing America reported. Scientists at Georgetown University and colleagues at George Washington Univeristy and the World Bank in Bangladesh examined 43 weather stations across the world’s seventh most vulnerable country to climate change for humidity over a two-month period which experiences extreme flooding and cyclones. Also read | Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth Syed Shabab Wahid, the study’s lead author said, “we have now established a high-water mark that, alas, could soon be eclipsed for how climate can impact mental health in a highly vulnerable country. This should serve as a warning for other nations.” The study showed that the overall prevalence of depression is 16.3 per cent, compared to the global rate of 4.4 per cent. Anxiety rates were also higher in the country compared to the rest of the world, 6 per cent to 3.6 per cent respectively. Wahid added that previous global research has found a link between climate-related phenomena and adverse mental health outcomes in terms of depression or anxiety. Also read | New report sheds light on 'hidden cost' of mental health issues caused by climate change Results also showed that individuals who experienced a one-degree Celsius temperature rise during the two months have a 21 per cent high probability of an anxiety disorder and a 24 per cent higher likelihood of co-occurring depression and anxiety. “As climate change worsens, temperatures and humidity will continue to increase, as will natural disasters, such as extreme flooding, which portends worsening impact on our collective mental health, globally.” However, scientists claimed that this research is not long enough to see major climate change impacts, and such studies can take years to show events linked to climate change can impact mental health outcomes. Going forward, researchers claimed that by 2050, the temperature in Bangladesh is expected to increase by 1.4 degrees Celsius. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

New study reveals impact of climate change on mental health

Indonesia is increasingly held up as an example of an emerging economy that is aggressively addressing climate change. The country recently signed a highly publicised international deal to transition away from coal and toward renewable energy. The hope is the deal could be a model for other countries. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Challenges loom over Indonesia's clean energy transition

France's beautiful wild cat, the Eurasian lynx, is in danger. Scientists have warned that the feline which was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970s will vanish from France if action isn't taken soon.

A genetic study published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science has shown that France's lynx population "desperately" needs help to survive.

Watch |&nbsp;U.S: 40% Animals, 34% Plants face extinction: NatureServe

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Nathan Huvier, the corresponding author, said that given the "rapid loss of genetic diversity, we estimate that this population will go extinct in less than 30 years."

According to him the species "urgently" needs new genetic material for its survival.

The estimated size of the species&nbsp;in France is merely 150 individuals. As per scientists, they are poorly connected to the much larger, healthier populations in Germany and Switzerland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/global-warming-cacti-colonise-swiss-mountainsides-replacing-snow-560893">Global warming: Cacti colonise Swiss mountainsides as snow cover recedes, threaten biodiversity</a>

As per Phys Org, experts have blamed a combination of poaching, car accidents and "inbreeding depression" for this suppressed growth. They also said that insufficient genetic diversity has led to problems with the species' reproduction and survival.

Huvier and his team collected genetic samples for a period of about 12 years, from 2008 to 2020. To avoid stress to an already suffering population, they only collected samples from injured, dead animals, or orphaned cubs. They managed to obtain 88 samples.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/goffins-cockatoos-join-humans-chimps-as-only-species-to-use-toolset-to-complete-tasks-study-561011">Goffin's cockatoos join humans, chimps as only species known to use toolset to complete tasks: Study</a>

"For us, this method is more ethical as there is no capture and thus stress induced for DNA sampling only," explained Huvier.

Scientists suggest that road signs warning of the lynx population in areas might help save them from road accidents. Additionally, replacing dead members of the population with individuals from healthier populations and the exchange of orphaned cubs between different wildlife rescue centres might help.

(With inputs from agencies)

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France's beautiful wild cat, the Eurasian lynx, is in danger. Scientists have warned that the feline which was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970s will vanish from France if action isn't taken soon.

France's beautiful wild cat, the Eurasian lynx, is in danger. Scientists have warned that the feline which was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970s will vanish from France if action isn't taken soon. A genetic study published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science has shown that France's lynx population "desperately" needs help to survive. Watch | U.S: 40% Animals, 34% Plants face extinction: NatureServe Nathan Huvier, the corresponding author, said that given the "rapid loss of genetic diversity, we estimate that this population will go extinct in less than 30 years." According to him the species "urgently" needs new genetic material for its survival. The estimated size of the species in France is merely 150 individuals. As per scientists, they are poorly connected to the much larger, healthier populations in Germany and Switzerland. Also read | Global warming: Cacti colonise Swiss mountainsides as snow cover recedes, threaten biodiversity As per Phys Org, experts have blamed a combination of poaching, car accidents and "inbreeding depression" for this suppressed growth. They also said that insufficient genetic diversity has led to problems with the species' reproduction and survival. Huvier and his team collected genetic samples for a period of about 12 years, from 2008 to 2020. To avoid stress to an already suffering population, they only collected samples from injured, dead animals, or orphaned cubs. They managed to obtain 88 samples. Also read | Goffin's cockatoos join humans, chimps as only species known to use toolset to complete tasks: Study "For us, this method is more ethical as there is no capture and thus stress induced for DNA sampling only," explained Huvier. Scientists suggest that road signs warning of the lynx population in areas might help save them from road accidents. Additionally, replacing dead members of the population with individuals from healthier populations and the exchange of orphaned cubs between different wildlife rescue centres might help. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France's lynx population 'desperately' needs help to survive: Report

Earthquakes can vary in their range and intensity from not being able to feel anything to a mild rumble to an apocalyptic level of destruction that causes a wave of horrific catastrophes over a wide geographical area. But how do earthquakes happen? How can they be predicted or stopped? Where do earthquakes happen the most and is climate change involved?

Can climate change cause quakes?

Have you ever thought of dust as a solution to global warming? Not some ordinary amount of dust. Experts say massive tons of dust particles could reduce earthbound sunlight by 1 to 2 percent. Paving way for a cooler and sustainable earth.

Lunar dust to make a sustainable earth

British energy giant&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;has been hit with a new lawsuit over climate change, with activist investors accusing the company's leadership of mismanaging risks to the company.&nbsp; Corporations have faced a growing number of climate-related lawsuits in recent years as they come under pressure to step up efforts to curb global warming.&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;was already ordered by a Dutch court in 2021 to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by the end of the decade after it was sued by environmental groups.

Watch |Shell: $4bn&nbsp;worth shares to be repurchased, highest profit in 115 years

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This time, ClientEarth, a minor&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;shareholder, has filed a lawsuit in the High Court of England and Wales against&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;bosses "for failing to manage the material and foreseeable risks posed to the company by climate change".

Shell, which reported record&nbsp;annual profits last week, denies the allegations.

The group's current plan "will tie the company to projects and investments that are likely to become unprofitable as the world cleans up its energy systems", Client Earth said in a statement on Thursday.

"That puts the company's long-term commercial viability at risk, and also threatens efforts to protect the planet, further increasing the risk to the company."

ClientEarth alleges the&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;board "breached legal duties" by "failing to adopt and implement an energy transition strategy that aligns with the Paris Agreement".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/shell-to-evaluate-25-billion-pound-british-investments-after-windfall-tax-536450">Also read |&nbsp;Shell to 'evaluate' 25 billion pound British investments after windfall tax</a>

Under the landmark 2015 Paris deal, nations pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century to try and limit the increase in global temperatures to two degrees Celsius, and preferably to 1.5C.

No merit in claims, says firm

Shell&nbsp;said in response that it does "not accept ClientEarth's allegations", insisting the claims had "no merit".

"We believe our climate targets are aligned with the more ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement: to limit the increase in the global average temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels," it added in a separate statement.

The giant is facing criticism over its net-zero plans from the wider environmental lobby, which accuses it of "greenwashing", or marketing a company as overly climate-friendly.

ClientEarth said its legal action had the support of institutional investors holding more than 12 million shares.

Shell&nbsp;stressed such investors were not claimants but had sent ClientEarth letters of support, and accounted for less than 0.2 per cent of its total shareholder base.

It added that ClientEarth held a "very small" number of&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;shares.

Thursday's legal claim was lodged one week after&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;posted a spectacular annual net profit of $42.3 billion thanks to surging oil and gas prices.

The post-tax figure, fuelled by the invasion of Ukraine by major energy producer Russia, was more than double the amount achieved in 2021.

The energy sector has faced growing calls to step up efforts to transition away from fossil fuels as the world scrambles to become a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.&nbsp;But British oil giant BP on Tuesday reduced its target for cutting carbon emissions after reporting that its underlying profit had more than doubled last year to $27.7 billion.

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British energy giant Shell has been hit with a new lawsuit over climate change, with activist investors accusing the company's leadership of mismanaging risks to the company.

British energy giant Shell has been hit with a new lawsuit over climate change, with activist investors accusing the company's leadership of mismanaging risks to the company. Corporations have faced a growing number of climate-related lawsuits in recent years as they come under pressure to step up efforts to curb global warming. Shell was already ordered by a Dutch court in 2021 to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by the end of the decade after it was sued by environmental groups. Watch |Shell: $4bn worth shares to be repurchased, highest profit in 115 years This time, ClientEarth, a minor Shell shareholder, has filed a lawsuit in the High Court of England and Wales against Shell bosses "for failing to manage the material and foreseeable risks posed to the company by climate change". Shell, which reported record annual profits last week, denies the allegations. The group's current plan "will tie the company to projects and investments that are likely to become unprofitable as the world cleans up its energy systems", Client Earth said in a statement on Thursday. "That puts the company's long-term commercial viability at risk, and also threatens efforts to protect the planet, further increasing the risk to the company." ClientEarth alleges the Shell board "breached legal duties" by "failing to adopt and implement an energy transition strategy that aligns with the Paris Agreement". Also read | Shell to 'evaluate' 25 billion pound British investments after windfall tax Under the landmark 2015 Paris deal, nations pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century to try and limit the increase in global temperatures to two degrees Celsius, and preferably to 1.5C. No merit in claims, says firm Shell said in response that it does "not accept ClientEarth's allegations", insisting the claims had "no merit". "We believe our climate targets are aligned with the more ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement: to limit the increase in the global average temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels," it added in a separate statement. The giant is facing criticism over its net-zero plans from the wider environmental lobby, which accuses it of "greenwashing", or marketing a company as overly climate-friendly. ClientEarth said its legal action had the support of institutional investors holding more than 12 million shares. Shell stressed such investors were not claimants but had sent ClientEarth letters of support, and accounted for less than 0.2 per cent of its total shareholder base. It added that ClientEarth held a "very small" number of Shell shares. Thursday's legal claim was lodged one week after Shell posted a spectacular annual net profit of $42.3 billion thanks to surging oil and gas prices. The post-tax figure, fuelled by the invasion of Ukraine by major energy producer Russia, was more than double the amount achieved in 2021. The energy sector has faced growing calls to step up efforts to transition away from fossil fuels as the world scrambles to become a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. But British oil giant BP on Tuesday reduced its target for cutting carbon emissions after reporting that its underlying profit had more than doubled last year to $27.7 billion. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Activist investors sue Shell bosses over climate risks

Planet earth which we call as our home - is warming up. We are on track to surpass the 1.5-degree celsius mark which is a sign of worry. As it can make natural disasters more common. Eventually destroying our biodiversity. Even so, our oceans, which cover some 70 percent of the earth's surface, are affected by the rising global temperatures.

Climate crisis puts marine ecosystem in peril

Firefighters continue to battle dozens of raging wildfires in Chile as they seek to gain control of one of the country's worst natural disasters in years.

Wildfires continue to batter Chile

Several parts of Bolivia are inundated after heavy rain flooded the South American nation. Displacing over 5500 families and destroying some 30,000 hectares of crops.

Heavy rain inundates several parts of Bolivia

Climate change and antimicrobial resistance are two of the greatest threats to global health and according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the role of climate change and other environmental factors are contributing to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

Antimicrobial resistance top global public health problem: UN | WION Climate Tracker

In his state of the Union address U.S. President Joe Biden calls the climate crisis an existential threat, noting that while the economy would still rely on oil and gas for the immediate future, he was proud America was addressing the challenge. Mohammed Saleh brings you this report.

US Prez Joe Biden on threats posed by climate change | WION Climate Tracker

After hitting a trillion dollars last year investment in clean energy is on the verge of surpassing spending of fossil fuels for the first time and despite the achievement, Bloomberg NEF estimated that spending on energy transition technology must instantly be increased to fulfill the aim of zero emissions by 2050.

WION Climate Tracker: Green energy investment crosses $1 tn, surge caused due to Russia-Ukraine war

We show you an electric rover that can withstand the harsh conditions found in Antarctica.

Autonomous rover collects climate change data in Antarctica | Tech It Out

The toxic air poses multiple severe health complications to those who are breathing it, including children, adults, the elderly, and also animals. Here's what Dr Arvind Kumar said about the disastrous impact of air pollution on our health. Dr Kumar is the chairman of the institute of chest surgery- chest Onco Surgery and lung transplantation at Medanta hospital in Gurugram, India.

Air pollution causes serious health issues, but not enough being done to mitigate it

Graham Stuart, the climate minister in the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet, received campaign donations from Rix Petroleum, one of the largest fossil fuel distributors in the UK. Stuart also received donations from an aviation consultant and recruiter, The Guardian reported.

Who is Graham Stuart?

Graham Stuart is Member of Parliament of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party from the constituency of Beverley and Holderness. He was appointed climate minister by in September 2022, shortly after Rishi Sunak took over 10, Downing Street.

He is also the House of Commons leader for clean heat. Graham Stuart is widely attributed to be responsible for net zero emission strategy and low carbon generation.&nbsp;

How much donations Graham Stuart received from fuel distributors?

According to a report by The Guardian, Graham Stuart received £12,000 ($14,877) towards his campaign during 2019 elections from fuel distributors and an aviation consultant. Stuart received a £10,000 ($12,398) donation towards his re-election campaign from JR Rix and Sons, a Hull-based business primarily involved in the distribution and sale of fuel, including heating oil, diesel and petrol.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-environmental-groups-take-legal-action-against-uk-coal-mine-553533">WION Climate Tracker: Environmental groups take legal action against UK coal mine</a>

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Furthermore, Stuart received a £2,000 ($2,479) donation from Bostonair, a Hull-based aviation consultant.

The UK climate minister has been in the spotlight lately for saying that not all fossil fuels were the "spawn of the devil" while referring to a fresh round of controversial oil and gas licensing.&nbsp;

ALSO SEE |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgiDm9oUfFA">UK doubles coal imports ahead of winter</a>&nbsp;

The minister had also claimed that he has “time for climate change sceptics”, while adding that such individuals and entities should not be “pushed out of the conversation” related to climate change.

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Graham Stuart, the climate minister in the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet, received campaign donations from Rix Petroleum, one of the largest fossil fuel distributors in the UK.

Graham Stuart, the climate minister in the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's cabinet, received campaign donations from Rix Petroleum, one of the largest fossil fuel distributors in the UK. Stuart also received donations from an aviation consultant and recruiter, The Guardian reported. Who is Graham Stuart? Graham Stuart is Member of Parliament of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party from the constituency of Beverley and Holderness. He was appointed climate minister by in September 2022, shortly after Rishi Sunak took over 10, Downing Street. He is also the House of Commons leader for clean heat. Graham Stuart is widely attributed to be responsible for net zero emission strategy and low carbon generation. How much donations Graham Stuart received from fuel distributors? According to a report by The Guardian, Graham Stuart received £12,000 ($14,877) towards his campaign during 2019 elections from fuel distributors and an aviation consultant. Stuart received a £10,000 ($12,398) donation towards his re-election campaign from JR Rix and Sons, a Hull-based business primarily involved in the distribution and sale of fuel, including heating oil, diesel and petrol. ALSO READ | WION Climate Tracker: Environmental groups take legal action against UK coal mine × Furthermore, Stuart received a £2,000 ($2,479) donation from Bostonair, a Hull-based aviation consultant. The UK climate minister has been in the spotlight lately for saying that not all fossil fuels were the "spawn of the devil" while referring to a fresh round of controversial oil and gas licensing. ALSO SEE | UK doubles coal imports ahead of winter The minister had also claimed that he has “time for climate change sceptics”, while adding that such individuals and entities should not be “pushed out of the conversation” related to climate change. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK PM Rishi Sunak’s climate minister in spotlight for donations from fuel company

In Madagascar, World Food Programme has established a sustainable water source. They have also set up information and communication technology in remote areas with the aim of providing essential services to the members of the community, they are hoping to do this in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.

World Of Africa: How Climate Change is impacting Madagascar?

The minimum temperature in China's northernmost city Mohai has fallen to minus 53 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Now according to the med department the temperature has in fact broken the long-standing record from 1969 of -52.3 degrees Celsius and this has now become the lowest temperature that's been recorded in China so far.

WION Climate Tracker: Mercury dips, North China shivers

Climate change is changing the way we live, whether it's opting for eco-friendly products or making efforts to try and reduce the carbon footprint. Despite all of this, climate change is also pushing people to make some extremely difficult choices what is now being described as eco-anxiety.

WION Climate Tracker: Climate change giving people eco-anxiety

A humongous iceberg the size of Greater London has broken off an Antarctic ice shelf. This is the second such break in around two years, said researchers as they announced the latest event on Monday.

The break happened near the United Kingdom's Antarctic-based Halley Research Station. However, as per glaciologists at the research station, the facility remains unaffected by the event.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Iceberg nearly the size of Greater London breaks off from Antarctica ice shelf

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21 members of the staff who are currently at the facility continue to maintain the base and operate its scientific instruments.

As per the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the chunk measures 1,550 square kilometres or 598 square miles. It detached from the 150-metre-thick Brunt Ice Shelf around a decade after scientists first spotted the crack known as Chasm-1.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-suggest-a-stop-gap-solution-for-refreezing-melting-ice-will-cost-whopping-11-billion-yearly-517822">Scientists suggest a stop-gap solution for 'refreezing' melting ice; will cost whopping $11 billion yearly</a>

Citing the research institute, Reuters reports that the iceberg calved "following years of naturally occurring cracks that finally extended across the shelf and caused the new iceberg to break free".

"This calving event has been expected and is part of the natural behaviour of the Brunt Ice Shelf," said BAS glaciologist Dominic Hodgson. "It is not linked to climate change," he added.

As per Science Alert, in 2016-17, the Halley VI Research Station had to be relocated due to the widening of the Chasm-1. reportedly, at the time cracks started appearing in the ice, and this threatened to cut off the research facility. Since the relocation staff is deployed there during the Antarctic summer months between November and March. The rest of the year, when temperatures fall below minus 50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit) and it is dark for 24 hours, they operate remotely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-is-causing-tonnes-of-frozen-bacteria-to-enter-water-says-study-537508">Climate change is causing tonnes of frozen bacteria to enter water, says study</a>

Here's an animation of the break-off event:

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🔵 Iceberg at the Brunt Ice Shelf calving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Antarctica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Antarctica</a>🇦🇶 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Copernicus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Copernicus</a>🇪🇺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sentinel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sentinel</a>-3🛰️ 22 + 24 Jan 2023 Full-size ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/hsIfkhCvye">https://t.co/hsIfkhCvye</a> + <a href="https://t.co/zKVKPeS0cz">https://t.co/zKVKPeS0cz</a> Images are about 144 km wide <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/scicomm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#scicomm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpenData?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpenData</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RemoteSensing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RemoteSensing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BruntIceShelf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BruntIceShelf</a> ▶️ Still images in previous tweet 2/2 <a href="https://t.co/GgZUyM9AEE">pic.twitter.com/GgZUyM9AEE</a>
— Pierre Markuse (@Pierre_Markuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pierre_Markuse/status/1617880888192438278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Calving" is a natural process in which ice chunks from the edge of a glacier break off and are discharged into the ocean.

This is the second major calving incident in two years. Previously in May 2021, an iceberg four times the size of Abu Dhabi broke off from the Ronne Ice Shelf and fell into the ocean in Antarctica.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A humongous iceberg the size of Greater London has broken off an Antarctic ice shelf. This is the second such break in around two years, said researchers as they announced the latest event on Monday.

A humongous iceberg the size of Greater London has broken off an Antarctic ice shelf. This is the second such break in around two years, said researchers as they announced the latest event on Monday. The break happened near the United Kingdom's Antarctic-based Halley Research Station. However, as per glaciologists at the research station, the facility remains unaffected by the event. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Iceberg nearly the size of Greater London breaks off from Antarctica ice shelf 21 members of the staff who are currently at the facility continue to maintain the base and operate its scientific instruments. As per the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the chunk measures 1,550 square kilometres or 598 square miles. It detached from the 150-metre-thick Brunt Ice Shelf around a decade after scientists first spotted the crack known as Chasm-1. Also read | Scientists suggest a stop-gap solution for 'refreezing' melting ice; will cost whopping $11 billion yearly Citing the research institute, Reuters reports that the iceberg calved "following years of naturally occurring cracks that finally extended across the shelf and caused the new iceberg to break free". "This calving event has been expected and is part of the natural behaviour of the Brunt Ice Shelf," said BAS glaciologist Dominic Hodgson. "It is not linked to climate change," he added. As per Science Alert, in 2016-17, the Halley VI Research Station had to be relocated due to the widening of the Chasm-1. reportedly, at the time cracks started appearing in the ice, and this threatened to cut off the research facility. Since the relocation staff is deployed there during the Antarctic summer months between November and March. The rest of the year, when temperatures fall below minus 50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit) and it is dark for 24 hours, they operate remotely. Also read | Climate change is causing tonnes of frozen bacteria to enter water, says study Here's an animation of the break-off event: 🔵 Iceberg at the Brunt Ice Shelf calving #Antarctica🇦🇶 #Copernicus🇪🇺 #Sentinel-3🛰️ 22 + 24 Jan 2023 Full-size ➡️ https://t.co/hsIfkhCvye + https://t.co/zKVKPeS0cz Images are about 144 km wide #scicomm #OpenData #RemoteSensing #BruntIceShelf ▶️ Still images in previous tweet 2/2 pic.twitter.com/GgZUyM9AEE — Pierre Markuse (@Pierre_Markuse) January 24, 2023 × "Calving" is a natural process in which ice chunks from the edge of a glacier break off and are discharged into the ocean. This is the second major calving incident in two years. Previously in May 2021, an iceberg four times the size of Abu Dhabi broke off from the Ronne Ice Shelf and fell into the ocean in Antarctica. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Greater London-sized' 1,550 sq km iceberg breaks off of Antarctic ice shelf. Watch!

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