NATO hosted its first Industry Symposium on Climate Change and Capabilities, which brought together over 150 representatives from NATO Allies and industry. The participants discussed how NATO’s ambitions on climate change and security can be taken into account in the development of new military capabilities.

WION Climate Tracker: NATO hosts first industry symposium on climate change

The UN said on Tuesday that there is mounting evidence that gang-based crime is taking advantage of an increasing number of displaced people as a result of climate-related disasters.&nbsp;According to a&nbsp;report published&nbsp;by the&nbsp;United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime&nbsp;(UNODC), the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is another risk factor for a rise in human trafficking.

"Climate change is increasing vulnerability to trafficking," the UNODC report said.

"While a systematic global analysis of the impact of climate change in trafficking in persons is missing, community level studies in different parts of the world point at climate-induced disasters as root causes for trafficking in persons," it said.

The analysis of 800 court cases and information gathered from 141 nations between 2017 and 2020 form the basis of the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-national-grid-offers-to-pay-customers-if-they-use-less-power-to-prevent-blackouts-amid-cold-snap-555157">UK: National Grid offers to pay customers if they use less power to prevent blackouts amid cold snap</a>

Based on the research, impoverished farming, fishing, and other groups that primarily depend on the extraction of natural resources for their livelihoods were "disproportionately" impacted by climate change.

People were turning into easy targets for traffickers after they were "deprived of their means of subsistence&nbsp;and forced to flee their community," the report's primary author Fabrizio Sarrica said at a press conference.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How effective is intermittent fasting?

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More than 23.7 million people were internally displaced by climate-related catastrophes in 2021 alone, and many more abandoned their nations entirely.

The Philippines and Bangladesh have seen a rise in cases of human trafficking, according to the UN drug agency, after severe storms and typhoons forced millions of people from their homes.

Many people were being forced to relocate due to droughts and floods in Ghana as well as the Caribbean area, which is vulnerable to storms and sea level rise.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The UN said on Tuesday that there is mounting evidence that gang-based crime is taking advantage of an increasing number of displaced people as a result of climate-related disasters.

The UN said on Tuesday that there is mounting evidence that gang-based crime is taking advantage of an increasing number of displaced people as a result of climate-related disasters. According to a report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is another risk factor for a rise in human trafficking. "Climate change is increasing vulnerability to trafficking," the UNODC report said. "While a systematic global analysis of the impact of climate change in trafficking in persons is missing, community level studies in different parts of the world point at climate-induced disasters as root causes for trafficking in persons," it said. The analysis of 800 court cases and information gathered from 141 nations between 2017 and 2020 form the basis of the report. Also read | UK: National Grid offers to pay customers if they use less power to prevent blackouts amid cold snap Based on the research, impoverished farming, fishing, and other groups that primarily depend on the extraction of natural resources for their livelihoods were "disproportionately" impacted by climate change. People were turning into easy targets for traffickers after they were "deprived of their means of subsistence and forced to flee their community," the report's primary author Fabrizio Sarrica said at a press conference. Also watch | Gravitas: How effective is intermittent fasting? More than 23.7 million people were internally displaced by climate-related catastrophes in 2021 alone, and many more abandoned their nations entirely. The Philippines and Bangladesh have seen a rise in cases of human trafficking, according to the UN drug agency, after severe storms and typhoons forced millions of people from their homes. Many people were being forced to relocate due to droughts and floods in Ghana as well as the Caribbean area, which is vulnerable to storms and sea level rise. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Climate-related disasters become a cause of human trafficking: UN report

In India's Jammu and Kashmir, an avalanche hit a village in Bandipura district. Now according to the officials, no deaths have been reported so far.

WION Climate Tracker: Avalanche warning across 12 districts of Jammu and Kashmir

Last year, the world experienced one of the worst climate related disasters from floods to droughts to heat waves. In the latest, the US treasury secretary Janet Yellen has said that the United States wants to see quicker progress on the world bank's plans for expanding its lending capacity to address climate change and other global crises.

WION Climate Tracker: World Bank 'evolution roadmap' to fight climate change

In Tibet, the rescue operation to find people trapped in an avalanche on a Tibetan Highway has now ended with Chinese State media reporting the death toll to be at least 28.

WION Climate Tracker: Avalanche in Tibet, search for survivors ends

Amid the ongoing World Economic Forum Summit 2023 in Davos, tackling the climate crisis is one of the top priorities. Watch this report to know all the latest developments.

WION Climate Tracker: Climate Change on the agenda at the WEF Summit 2023

At least eight people have been killed in an avalanche that struck a tunnel exit in the city of Lindsay in the southwestern region of Tibet. Watch this report.

WION Climate Tracker: Avalanche traps vehicles & people in Tibet

Northern Spain was hit by heavy snowfall and strong winds on Wednesday. The streets were covered in snow which caused difficulty for residents to commute to work.

WION Climate Tracker: Heavy snow causes traffic disruptions in Spain

The Taliban-ruled Afghanistan which is already facing a humanitarian crisis, the country is now facing a fresh blow after a cold wave struck the country.

WION Climate Tracker: Afghanistan hit by a cold wave

A polar bear reportedly killed a woman and her year-old son in a remote village community of Alaska on Tuesday evening. Authorities revealed that the polar bear entered the community area, and chased some villagers, before brutally attacking the woman and her kid. The bear too ended up losing its life after one of the residents fatally shot the animal following the rampage. The incident took place at 2:30 pm local time on Tuesday in Alaska’s Wales village, the westernmost point of the American mainland that is home to around 170 residents. The state police said the remains of the bodies have been dispatched for autopsy.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Study: Canadian Polar Bears declining at alarming rate&nbsp;

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<h2>Polar bear attack details revealed</h2>

As per the investigators, the victims were 24-year-old Summer Myomick and her son Clyde Ongtowasruk, who were commuting between the community school and clinic during the attack. An Alaska State trooper and an&nbsp;official from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game travelled to Wales to investigate the attack. The state Medical Examiner's Office will examine the bodies and perform the autopsy.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-could-wipe-out-polar-bears-by-2100-report-314956">Climate change could wipe out polar bears by 2100: Report</a>

<h2>Bear attacks are on the rise due to climate change</h2>

Fatal polar bear attacks have been rare in the region but a 2017 study found that the trend was rising, owing to the fast-decreasing ice sea which has pushed polar bears towards inland in search of food. Experts worry that encounters between humans and polar bears are expected to rise as the animals are showing signs of starvation following the depletion of sea ice.

Sea ice is necessary for polar bears to relax, reproduce, and reach seals that are their main source of food. Polar bears and numerous other ice-dependent animals are in danger as sea ice recedes year after year. An analysis of polar bear data from northeast Alaska and the Northwest revealed a 40% decline in population from 1,500 to 900 bears between 2001 and 2010.&nbsp;

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A polar bear reportedly killed a woman and her year-old son in a remote village community of Alaska on Tuesday evening. Authorities revealed that the polar bear entered the community area, and chased some villagers, before brutally attacking the woman and her kid.

A polar bear reportedly killed a woman and her year-old son in a remote village community of Alaska on Tuesday evening. Authorities revealed that the polar bear entered the community area, and chased some villagers, before brutally attacking the woman and her kid. The bear too ended up losing its life after one of the residents fatally shot the animal following the rampage. The incident took place at 2:30 pm local time on Tuesday in Alaska’s Wales village, the westernmost point of the American mainland that is home to around 170 residents. The state police said the remains of the bodies have been dispatched for autopsy. Watch: Study: Canadian Polar Bears declining at alarming rate × Polar bear attack details revealed As per the investigators, the victims were 24-year-old Summer Myomick and her son Clyde Ongtowasruk, who were commuting between the community school and clinic during the attack. An Alaska State trooper and an official from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game travelled to Wales to investigate the attack. The state Medical Examiner's Office will examine the bodies and perform the autopsy. Also Read | Climate change could wipe out polar bears by 2100: Report Bear attacks are on the rise due to climate change Fatal polar bear attacks have been rare in the region but a 2017 study found that the trend was rising, owing to the fast-decreasing ice sea which has pushed polar bears towards inland in search of food. Experts worry that encounters between humans and polar bears are expected to rise as the animals are showing signs of starvation following the depletion of sea ice. Sea ice is necessary for polar bears to relax, reproduce, and reach seals that are their main source of food. Polar bears and numerous other ice-dependent animals are in danger as sea ice recedes year after year. An analysis of polar bear data from northeast Alaska and the Northwest revealed a 40% decline in population from 1,500 to 900 bears between 2001 and 2010. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Polar bear kills woman and child in Alaska. Know what's pushing the arctic animal to attack humans

The El Nino climate phenomenon later this year may make 2023 to record ‘off the charts’ temperatures causing unprecedented heatwaves, scientists have warned. The El Nino refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures. Such warming often peaks during December.&nbsp;El Nino occurs irregularly, from two years to a decade and can disrupt normal weather patterns globally.

In 2016, the hottest year in history, a similar El Nino event had swept the world.

Will 2023 be the hottest year on record?

So far, the forecast suggests that 2023 may not succeed 2016 as the hottest year on record. This is because the heating effects of El Nino can take months to be felt. This implies that not 2023 but 2024 may well take over 2016 as the hottest year on record.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/did-cops-of-2022-catch-up-with-earths-climate-change-runner-543025">Did COPs of 2022 catch up with Earth's climate change runner?</a>

The name ‘El Nino’ refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures that often peaks during December. In the past, the El Nino weather phenomenon has been known to bring long droughts all over the world.&nbsp;

The 1.5 degree target: El Nino to play spoiler

Meanwhile, the Met Office in the United Kingdom confirmed that the next big El Nino could take the world over 1.5 degree Celsius target. The global consensus on climate change aims to limit the global temperature rise within 1.5 degree Celsius.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-temperature-to-rise-by-27c-scientists-issue-red-alert-431446">Earth temperature to rise by 2.7C: Scientists issue red alert</a>

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“It’s very likely that the next big El Nino could take us over 1.5 degree Celsius,” Professor Adam Scaife, the head of long-range prediction at the UK Met Office said in an official statement.&nbsp;

“We know that under climate change, the impacts of El Nino events are going to get stronger, and you have to add that to the effects of climate change itself, which is growing all the time,” he said.

“You put those two things together, and we are likely to see unprecedented heatwaves during the next El Nino.”

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The El Nino climate phenomenon later this year may make 2023 to record ‘off the charts’ temperatures causing unprecedented heatwaves, scientists have warned. The El Nino refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures.

The El Nino climate phenomenon later this year may make 2023 to record ‘off the charts’ temperatures causing unprecedented heatwaves, scientists have warned. The El Nino refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures. Such warming often peaks during December. El Nino occurs irregularly, from two years to a decade and can disrupt normal weather patterns globally. In 2016, the hottest year in history, a similar El Nino event had swept the world. Will 2023 be the hottest year on record? So far, the forecast suggests that 2023 may not succeed 2016 as the hottest year on record. This is because the heating effects of El Nino can take months to be felt. This implies that not 2023 but 2024 may well take over 2016 as the hottest year on record. ALSO READ | Did COPs of 2022 catch up with Earth's climate change runner? The name ‘El Nino’ refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures that often peaks during December. In the past, the El Nino weather phenomenon has been known to bring long droughts all over the world. The 1.5 degree target: El Nino to play spoiler Meanwhile, the Met Office in the United Kingdom confirmed that the next big El Nino could take the world over 1.5 degree Celsius target. The global consensus on climate change aims to limit the global temperature rise within 1.5 degree Celsius. ALSO WATCH | Earth temperature to rise by 2.7C: Scientists issue red alert × “It’s very likely that the next big El Nino could take us over 1.5 degree Celsius,” Professor Adam Scaife, the head of long-range prediction at the UK Met Office said in an official statement. “We know that under climate change, the impacts of El Nino events are going to get stronger, and you have to add that to the effects of climate change itself, which is growing all the time,” he said. “You put those two things together, and we are likely to see unprecedented heatwaves during the next El Nino.” 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.

El Nino’s 2023 return to give ‘off the charts’ rise in global temperatures

A recent analysis comparing industry pledges to climate action by the France-based group Reclaim Finance shows banks and financial institutions, a part of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) initiative, continue to invest billions in fossil fuels. The initiative launched by the former Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, in 2021 includes 450 organisations across 45 countries with assets of more than $130 trillion who signed up to align their investments with the goal of limiting global temperature rise by 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;

The report published, on Tuesday (January 17), by 13 NGOs, including Reclaim Finance claims that 56 of the largest member banks of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), a subgroup under GFANZ have provided $270 billion to 102 major fossil fuel developers through 134 loans and 215 underwriting arrangements. This includes several major banks across Europe, the United Kingdom as well as the United States. &nbsp; 
 
"These 102 companies are currently planning to bring into production an extra 137 billion barrels of oil equivalent, equal to 60 per cent&nbsp;of the new oil and gas the industry intends to bring on-line by 2030," stated the report.&nbsp;

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🚨 NEW REPORT: since joining the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GFANZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GFANZ</a>, financial institutions have provided HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of $ to fossil fuel expansion 💣 
 
It's the finding of a report published today by 13 NGOs including Reclaim Finance.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GFANZFuelsFire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GFANZFuelsFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wef23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wef23</a> <a href="https://t.co/iYWzgEPEeI">pic.twitter.com/iYWzgEPEeI</a>
— Reclaim Finance (@ReclaimFinance) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReclaimFinance/status/1615264364654649345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“GFANZ members are acting as climate arsonists. They’ve pledged to achieve net zero but are continuing to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into fossil fuel developers,” said Paddy McCully, senior analyst and the author of the report, as per the Guardian. He added, “GFANZ and its member alliances will only be credible once they up their game and insist that their members help bring a rapid end to the era of coal, oil and fossil gas expansion.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-big-central-banks-financing-deforestation-of-brazils-amazon-forest-report-520610">Three big central banks financing Brazil’s Amazon forest deforestation firms: Report</a>

Meanwhile, 58 of the largest members of Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM), another group under GFANZ hold at least $847 billion in stocks and bonds in 201 major fossil fuel companies, as of September last year, said the report. According to the&nbsp;France-based group,&nbsp;the fossil fuel companies in question&nbsp;develop new coal-related power plants, mines and infrastructure or new oil and gas fields, pipelines and terminals.&nbsp;

The report accounts for 161 GFANZ members who have provided financial support to at least 230 of the world’s largest fossil fuel developers. Some of the major names from Wall Street include Citigroup and Bank of America (BofA) who have reportedly contributed at least $53 billion to oil, gas and coal firms either in underwriting or lending since they became a part of the NZBA in April 2021. In the UK, Legal &amp; General Investment Management Limited (LGIM), which is the biggest company in the country to be a part of the initiative, held at least $13 billion worth of assets in fossil fuel developers, said the report.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-united-states-protests-against-world-bank-investing-in-fossil-fuels-525204">WION Climate Tracker | United States: Protests against World Bank investing in fossil fuels</a>

“The science is very clear: we must stop the development of new coal, oil and gas projects as soon as possible if we are to meet our climate objectives and avoid a doomsday scenario. . Yet it is business as usual for the majority of banks and investors who continue to support booming fossil fuel companies without restriction, despite their high-profile commitments to carbon neutrality,” said Lucie Pinson founder of Reclaim Finance, in a statement. She also went on to accuse banks and investors of “greenwashing” and called it “damaging” as it casts a doubt on all net zero commitments as well as undermines efforts of people who really act for the climate.&nbsp; 
 
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A recent analysis comparing industry pledges to climate action by the France-based group Reclaim Finance shows banks and financial institutions, a part of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) initiative, continue to invest billions in fossil fuels.

A recent analysis comparing industry pledges to climate action by the France-based group Reclaim Finance shows banks and financial institutions, a part of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) initiative, continue to invest billions in fossil fuels. The initiative launched by the former Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, in 2021 includes 450 organisations across 45 countries with assets of more than $130 trillion who signed up to align their investments with the goal of limiting global temperature rise by 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The report published, on Tuesday (January 17), by 13 NGOs, including Reclaim Finance claims that 56 of the largest member banks of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), a subgroup under GFANZ have provided $270 billion to 102 major fossil fuel developers through 134 loans and 215 underwriting arrangements. This includes several major banks across Europe, the United Kingdom as well as the United States. "These 102 companies are currently planning to bring into production an extra 137 billion barrels of oil equivalent, equal to 60 per cent of the new oil and gas the industry intends to bring on-line by 2030," stated the report. 🚨 NEW REPORT: since joining the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero #GFANZ, financial institutions have provided HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of $ to fossil fuel expansion 💣 It's the finding of a report published today by 13 NGOs including Reclaim Finance.#GFANZFuelsFire #wef23 pic.twitter.com/iYWzgEPEeI — Reclaim Finance (@ReclaimFinance) January 17, 2023 × “GFANZ members are acting as climate arsonists. They’ve pledged to achieve net zero but are continuing to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into fossil fuel developers,” said Paddy McCully, senior analyst and the author of the report, as per the Guardian. He added, “GFANZ and its member alliances will only be credible once they up their game and insist that their members help bring a rapid end to the era of coal, oil and fossil gas expansion.” ALSO READ | Three big central banks financing Brazil’s Amazon forest deforestation firms: Report Meanwhile, 58 of the largest members of Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM), another group under GFANZ hold at least $847 billion in stocks and bonds in 201 major fossil fuel companies, as of September last year, said the report. According to the France-based group, the fossil fuel companies in question develop new coal-related power plants, mines and infrastructure or new oil and gas fields, pipelines and terminals. The report accounts for 161 GFANZ members who have provided financial support to at least 230 of the world’s largest fossil fuel developers. Some of the major names from Wall Street include Citigroup and Bank of America (BofA) who have reportedly contributed at least $53 billion to oil, gas and coal firms either in underwriting or lending since they became a part of the NZBA in April 2021. In the UK, Legal & General Investment Management Limited (LGIM), which is the biggest company in the country to be a part of the initiative, held at least $13 billion worth of assets in fossil fuel developers, said the report. ALSO WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | United States: Protests against World Bank investing in fossil fuels “The science is very clear: we must stop the development of new coal, oil and gas projects as soon as possible if we are to meet our climate objectives and avoid a doomsday scenario. . Yet it is business as usual for the majority of banks and investors who continue to support booming fossil fuel companies without restriction, despite their high-profile commitments to carbon neutrality,” said Lucie Pinson founder of Reclaim Finance, in a statement. She also went on to accuse banks and investors of “greenwashing” and called it “damaging” as it casts a doubt on all net zero commitments as well as undermines efforts of people who really act for the climate. 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.

‘Climate arsonists’: Financial actors invest billions into fossil fuels despite net zero pledges, says study

The annual summit of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos, Switzerland. The forum has called on leaders from across the globe to address immediate economic energy, food crisis as well as the ongoing climate crisis. Watch this report to know more.

WION Climate Tracker | Davos Summit 2023: Climate change on agenda at the Summit

The northern part of India has been hit by a fresh blow of a cold wave. The capital experienced its coldest day of the season with temperatures plummeting below 2 degrees Celsius.

WION Climate Tracker: North India to experience cold wave till January 18

German police have the upper hand in protest by climate activists against expansion of a coal mine that has become a huge bone of contention. German police says that they have removed almost all climate activists from a German village that will soon be destroyed.

German Police: Almost all climate activists removed from site

WION Climate Tracker | Davos 2023: Climate change on agenda at World Economic Forum annual summit

Electric vehicles, a promising technology that is gaining traction worldwide . These green vehicles do not emit Carbon Dioxide and other harmful pollutants.

More EVs on the road but charging stations can't keep up

The Himalayan hill side town of Joshimath has been dubbed India’s sinking town. Once, bustling with tourists, today, Joshimath is a cautionary tale of what years of rampant infrastructure development in an ecologically sensitive region coupled with climate change can do to a place and its people. Can Joshimath be saved?

Inside South Asia | India's sinking town: A cautionary tale

The large dams across the world reportedly are losing their water storage capacity. According to the United Nations, the dams which are about 15 meters or higher could lose almost about a quarter of their capacity by 2050.

WION Climate Tracker | UN: Nearly 50,000 dams in 150 nations losing storage space

ExxonMobil which is one of the world's biggest oil companies predicted climate change could cause global temperatures to rise. It also made some interesting public statements that predictions were not accurate and there is nothing to worry about them.

WION Climate Trcaker: ExxonMobil sowed doubt about climate change?

A study by the United Nations highlights an alarming figure about the dams across the world. The study noted that because of massive sediment clogging, close to 50,000 large dams worldwide could lose more than a quarter of their storage capacity by 2050.&nbsp;

The UN University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health conducted the study, which was published on Wednesday (January 11). It also suggested that action must be taken to address the problem and protect vital storage infrastructure.&nbsp;

As pr the study, silt accumulates in reservoirs as a result of the disruption of natural water flows and it can cause damage to hydroelectric turbines and cut power generation.&nbsp;

UN research warned that trapped sediment has robbed roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide of an estimated 13 per cent to 19 per cent of their combined original storage capacity, and total losses will reach 23 per cent to 28 per cent by 2050.&nbsp;

The United Nations University said that the dam capacity might face a global loss from the original dam capacity probably by mid-century from ~6,300 billion to ~4,650 billion m3 in 2050. The difference of—~1,650 billion m3—roughly equals the annual water use of India, China, Indonesia, France and Canada combined.&nbsp;

The study shows that the United Kingdom, Panama, Ireland, Japan and Seychelles will experience the highest water storage losses by 2050.&nbsp;

Dr Duminda Perera, who co-authored the study with UNU-INWEH Director Vladimir Smakhtin and Spencer Williams of McGill University in Montreal, said: "The decrease in available storage by 2050 in all countries and regions will challenge many aspects of national economies, including irrigation, power generation, and water supply".&nbsp;

Dr Perera added, "The new dams under construction or planned will not offset storage losses to sedimentation. This paper sounds an alarm on a creeping global water challenge with potentially significant development implications."&nbsp;

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A study by the United Nations highlights an alarming figure about the dams across the world. The study noted that because of massive sediment clogging, close to 50,000 large dams worldwide could lose more than a quarter of their storage capacity by 2050.

A study by the United Nations highlights an alarming figure about the dams across the world. The study noted that because of massive sediment clogging, close to 50,000 large dams worldwide could lose more than a quarter of their storage capacity by 2050. The UN University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health conducted the study, which was published on Wednesday (January 11). It also suggested that action must be taken to address the problem and protect vital storage infrastructure. As pr the study, silt accumulates in reservoirs as a result of the disruption of natural water flows and it can cause damage to hydroelectric turbines and cut power generation. UN research warned that trapped sediment has robbed roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide of an estimated 13 per cent to 19 per cent of their combined original storage capacity, and total losses will reach 23 per cent to 28 per cent by 2050. The United Nations University said that the dam capacity might face a global loss from the original dam capacity probably by mid-century from ~6,300 billion to ~4,650 billion m3 in 2050. The difference of—~1,650 billion m3—roughly equals the annual water use of India, China, Indonesia, France and Canada combined. The study shows that the United Kingdom, Panama, Ireland, Japan and Seychelles will experience the highest water storage losses by 2050. Dr Duminda Perera, who co-authored the study with UNU-INWEH Director Vladimir Smakhtin and Spencer Williams of McGill University in Montreal, said: "The decrease in available storage by 2050 in all countries and regions will challenge many aspects of national economies, including irrigation, power generation, and water supply". Dr Perera added, "The new dams under construction or planned will not offset storage losses to sedimentation. This paper sounds an alarm on a creeping global water challenge with potentially significant development implications." 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.

World's dams to lose a quarter of storage capacity by 2050

According to a report by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), published on Tuesday the last eight years have been the warmest on record despite the La Niña weather pattern, a Spanish word that translates to “little girl” and is referred to as “a cold event”. Additionally, last year was the fifth-warmest year for the planet since records began in the 19th century while also Europe witnessed its warmest summer in 2022 and the second warmest year overall, said the report.&nbsp;

Scientists have attributed this average rise in temperatures throughout the year in 2022 to an unprecedented number of natural disasters which brought record heat waves across Europe, India and Pakistan, followed by Islamabad facing deadly floods, and a near-record low amount of Antarctic sea ice. “2022 was yet another year of climate extremes across Europe and globally,” said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-faces-climate-change-heat-with-warm-winters-549184">Europe faces climate change heat with warm winters as temperatures break records</a>

She added, “These events highlight that we are already experiencing the devastating consequences of our warming world.” The temperatures in Europe have increased by more than twice the global average over the past three decades marked by the highest rate of increase than any other continent in the world, the report noted.&nbsp;

The annual average temperature reached 1.2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, marking the eighth consecutive time that the temperatures were at least one degree above the 1850-1900 reference period, said the report. In this context, the report also mentions the La Niña phenomenon, which has been witnessed consecutively for the past three years as it typically leads to cooler global average temperatures. &nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-counting-the-cost-of-climate-change-in-2022-547114">WION Climate Tracker: Counting the cost of climate change in 2022</a>

This comes after most countries had agreed to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreement of 2015, at the time scientists had said it would limit climate impacts to manageable levels. The limit was also identified as a key threshold, the breach of which could lead to a significant rise in extreme weather events and make irreversible changes to the planet.&nbsp;

According to Copernicus, the hottest years on record starting from the warmest one seven years ago, have been 2016, 2020, 2019, 2017, and 2022. The negative effects of global warming were seen across the world last year, as China and western Europe reported the adverse effects of weather conditions on their agriculture, energy management, and river transport.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merciless-weather-owed-to-climate-change-thrashed-the-world-in-2022-540733">Merciless weather owed to climate change thrashed the world in 2022</a>

For the first time in over six decades, the temperature recorded at Antarctica’s Vostok Station in March 2022 did not have a negative reading which is typically measured in Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, northern India and Pakistan witnessed a two-month heatwave in spring with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, said the report. European countries like France, Britain, Spain and Italy, recorded new average high-temperature records last year while the continent faced its second hottest year ever.&nbsp;

The EU climate monitoring service also highlighted the rise in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and methane which are said to be the two main greenhouse gases which significantly contribute to global warming. According to the report, carbon dioxide levels increased to 417 parts per million, the highest in over two million years and methane rose to 1,894 parts per billion which was the highest level in the past 800,000 years.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/human-induced-climate-change-made-summer-drought-at-least-20-times-more-likely-study-finds-523077">Human-induced climate change made summer drought ‘at least 20 times’ more likely, study finds</a>

A report by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), released on Tuesday, noted how the country witnessed 18 disasters last year which cost more than $1 billion. To put this into perspective, the number was the highest since 1980 and the agency expects to see similar patterns in the upcoming year.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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According to a report by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), published on Tuesday the last eight years have been the warmest on record despite the La Niña weather pattern, a Spanish word that translates to “little girl” and is referred to as “a cold event”.

According to a report by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), published on Tuesday the last eight years have been the warmest on record despite the La Niña weather pattern, a Spanish word that translates to “little girl” and is referred to as “a cold event”. Additionally, last year was the fifth-warmest year for the planet since records began in the 19th century while also Europe witnessed its warmest summer in 2022 and the second warmest year overall, said the report. Scientists have attributed this average rise in temperatures throughout the year in 2022 to an unprecedented number of natural disasters which brought record heat waves across Europe, India and Pakistan, followed by Islamabad facing deadly floods, and a near-record low amount of Antarctic sea ice. “2022 was yet another year of climate extremes across Europe and globally,” said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. ALSO READ | Europe faces climate change heat with warm winters as temperatures break records She added, “These events highlight that we are already experiencing the devastating consequences of our warming world.” The temperatures in Europe have increased by more than twice the global average over the past three decades marked by the highest rate of increase than any other continent in the world, the report noted. The annual average temperature reached 1.2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, marking the eighth consecutive time that the temperatures were at least one degree above the 1850-1900 reference period, said the report. In this context, the report also mentions the La Niña phenomenon, which has been witnessed consecutively for the past three years as it typically leads to cooler global average temperatures. ALSO WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Counting the cost of climate change in 2022 This comes after most countries had agreed to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreement of 2015, at the time scientists had said it would limit climate impacts to manageable levels. The limit was also identified as a key threshold, the breach of which could lead to a significant rise in extreme weather events and make irreversible changes to the planet. According to Copernicus, the hottest years on record starting from the warmest one seven years ago, have been 2016, 2020, 2019, 2017, and 2022. The negative effects of global warming were seen across the world last year, as China and western Europe reported the adverse effects of weather conditions on their agriculture, energy management, and river transport. ALSO READ | Merciless weather owed to climate change thrashed the world in 2022 For the first time in over six decades, the temperature recorded at Antarctica’s Vostok Station in March 2022 did not have a negative reading which is typically measured in Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, northern India and Pakistan witnessed a two-month heatwave in spring with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, said the report. European countries like France, Britain, Spain and Italy, recorded new average high-temperature records last year while the continent faced its second hottest year ever. The EU climate monitoring service also highlighted the rise in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide and methane which are said to be the two main greenhouse gases which significantly contribute to global warming. According to the report, carbon dioxide levels increased to 417 parts per million, the highest in over two million years and methane rose to 1,894 parts per billion which was the highest level in the past 800,000 years. ALSO READ | Human-induced climate change made summer drought ‘at least 20 times’ more likely, study finds A report by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), released on Tuesday, noted how the country witnessed 18 disasters last year which cost more than $1 billion. To put this into perspective, the number was the highest since 1980 and the agency expects to see similar patterns in the upcoming year. 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.

Last eight years have been the warmest on record across the world: Report

The state of California in the United States has experienced a number of megadroughts over the years including just last month prompting officials to impose water restrictions across the state with limited supplies for vital farmland. In contrast, one of the driest states in the country, following a series of storms, is now witnessing deadly flash floods, landslides, and uprooting trees which have affected road travel and left thousands without electricity, due to heavy rains and strong winds. This has been attributed to an overlapping weather phenomenon called “atmospheric river” and “bomb cyclone”.&nbsp;

Until just last week, several counties across the state were suffering due to “exceptional” drought which is the most severe categorisation assigned by the country’s Drought Monitor. However, due to recent storms, at least 17 people have been killed since the beginning of this year, said California Governor Gavin Newsom, on Tuesday, while the state’s city San Francisco witnessed a hailstorm and the small town of Montecito experienced flash floods.&nbsp;

Has the rain helped the drought situation, so&nbsp;far?

In recent weeks, the state has witnessed six atmospheric rivers in recent weeks and is poised to experience at least three more in the upcoming week, said the Newsom. According to the officials, Central California including San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Valley has seen the most amount of water and the precipitation is nearly 140 per cent higher than the average for this time of the year. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-atmospheric-rivers-wreaking-havoc-with-heavy-rains-floods-in-the-us-550368">Explained: What are ‘atmospheric rivers’, wreaking havoc with heavy rains, floods in the US?</a>

This has led to many state reservoirs being filled which typically stayed below average this time of the year and will help with irrigation for farmlands and supply water to millions of water across the coastal cities. According to the US Drought Monitor, the storm appears to have lifted at least seven per cent of California out of the most severe categorisation.&nbsp;

Additionally, a hydrologist in charge of the California Nevada River Forecast Center, Alan Haynes, said that this amount of rain puts the state in a good shape at least for the next year or so, reported the Associated Press. However, it is still early to determine what the next few months would look like considering the storm has not poured as much water in northern California.&nbsp;

Since the atmospheric rains are not consistent and are not even striking everywhere. The reservoir at Lake Shasta had risen from 55 per cent during Christmas to 67 per cent as of earlier this week and while this is an improvement, it is still below historic averages given the prolonged water scarcity in the state, said Haynes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-severe-winter-weather-batters-california-551357">California storm | Giant sinkhole swallows two cars</a>

Will this surplus in the water supply change anything in the long term?

Several reports citing experts and scientists said that the widespread drought in California will not be reversed due to these atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones and it might also take consecutive years of similar weather trends of above-average rain and snowfall to actually have any lasting impact. This comes despite at least 90 per cent of the state’s population being affected by floods.&nbsp;

Notably, last year the state witnessed its third year of severe drought which was also the driest on record and while it is now soaking in some much-needed water, some experts say this amount of rain will help but not have a lasting impact. Additionally, they also indicated that this rain and snow won’t be enough to fix some of the long-term water problems that California along with much of the western US faces with unfavourable precipitation trends which are worsening due to climate change.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/california-climate-change-is-threatening-worlds-largest-almond-producer-406614">California: Climate change is threatening world's largest Almond producer</a>

Speaking to BBC, Jay Lund, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Davis, said that while the current storm has certainly replenished some of the state’s water supply and it is always good to see rain in California. However, he noted that since the state’s weather is that of extremes and the upcoming years could witness more dry weather.&nbsp;

Why do these extremes not work?

While one might think that the drought-ridden state receiving huge amounts of water would be a good thing, it is in fact the opposite, as several reports suggest that a flood during a time of drought can make the situation worse. A report by Vox compares this phenomenon to overwatering a plant which after a while cannot handle soaking up so much water. Therefore, eventually, this rain turns into floods with the risk of uprooting trees.&nbsp;

During a press briefing, last week, California’s &nbsp;Director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Karla Nemeth, also explained that moving from one extreme weather event to the other has put the trees under stress as “after three years of intensive drought, the ground is saturated and there is a significant chance of downed trees that will create significant problems.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/infographic-megadrought-in-america-a-climate-disaster-unseen-in-1200-years-515801">Infographic: Megadrought in America, a climate disaster unseen in 1,200 years</a>

Additionally, during these droughts, the roots of the trees that are supposed to absorb water become less sponge-like and with weaker roots, they are more likely to get swept away by the storm. The experts have also noted how California does not have the infrastructure to support the reservation of this much water due to its limited reservoir capacity, therefore, a lot of this water is going to the ocean.&nbsp;

Simply put, “The California system was built for a climate we don’t have anymore,” said Laura Feinstein who heads the work on climate resilience and environment at a San Francisco-based non-profit named SPUR. She also was also said in the context of the water coming from snowpack which is its own type of reservoir.&nbsp;

In this case, the snow typically melts into the reservoir and supplies residents with water during summer and fall, however, since the snowpack due to climate change now melts faster and the reservoirs are unable to capture enough water. Additionally, climate change has given rise to extreme weather events which is also creating drier, hotter conditions where the water is bound to evaporate faster.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-powerful-atmospheric-river-drenches-california-548809">WION Climate Tracker: Powerful 'Atmospheric River' drenches California</a>

So what can be done to mitigate this issue?

Climate scientists said that a part of the solution to these problems could be drawing levees back which would allow rivers to flood safely and not only collect more water but also do so while ensuring the safety of the land surrounding it.&nbsp;

Climate scientist, Peter Gleick who spoke to CNN, said that while levees have protected the communities in the past they are not designed for the climate change-induced extreme weather challenges today. Therefore, he suggests changes in infrastructure which would allow people to capture more floods and store them in underground aquifers when the water supply is running dry.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-predicts-super-rare-megflood-striking-california-in-coming-decades-506510">Study predicts super rare megflood striking California in coming decades</a>

Additionally, Gleick also told CNN, “We have to design flood insurance policies to encourage people to move away from flood plains, so we can open up those floodplains, so when we get those floods they will be less damaging.”&nbsp;

However, to actually do so, many communities would have to relocate and also require a significant rebuilding of existing infrastructure which does not seem feasible. Notably, these underground aquifers to this day still remain vital for the state’s central valley and they are reportedly running dry.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The state of California in the United States has experienced a number of megadroughts over the years including just last month prompting officials to impose water restrictions across the state with limited supplies for vital farmland.

The state of California in the United States has experienced a number of megadroughts over the years including just last month prompting officials to impose water restrictions across the state with limited supplies for vital farmland. In contrast, one of the driest states in the country, following a series of storms, is now witnessing deadly flash floods, landslides, and uprooting trees which have affected road travel and left thousands without electricity, due to heavy rains and strong winds. This has been attributed to an overlapping weather phenomenon called “atmospheric river” and “bomb cyclone”. Until just last week, several counties across the state were suffering due to “exceptional” drought which is the most severe categorisation assigned by the country’s Drought Monitor. However, due to recent storms, at least 17 people have been killed since the beginning of this year, said California Governor Gavin Newsom, on Tuesday, while the state’s city San Francisco witnessed a hailstorm and the small town of Montecito experienced flash floods. Has the rain helped the drought situation, so far? In recent weeks, the state has witnessed six atmospheric rivers in recent weeks and is poised to experience at least three more in the upcoming week, said the Newsom. According to the officials, Central California including San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Valley has seen the most amount of water and the precipitation is nearly 140 per cent higher than the average for this time of the year. ALSO READ | Explained: What are ‘atmospheric rivers’, wreaking havoc with heavy rains, floods in the US? This has led to many state reservoirs being filled which typically stayed below average this time of the year and will help with irrigation for farmlands and supply water to millions of water across the coastal cities. According to the US Drought Monitor, the storm appears to have lifted at least seven per cent of California out of the most severe categorisation. Additionally, a hydrologist in charge of the California Nevada River Forecast Center, Alan Haynes, said that this amount of rain puts the state in a good shape at least for the next year or so, reported the Associated Press. However, it is still early to determine what the next few months would look like considering the storm has not poured as much water in northern California. Since the atmospheric rains are not consistent and are not even striking everywhere. The reservoir at Lake Shasta had risen from 55 per cent during Christmas to 67 per cent as of earlier this week and while this is an improvement, it is still below historic averages given the prolonged water scarcity in the state, said Haynes. ALSO READ | California storm | Giant sinkhole swallows two cars Will this surplus in the water supply change anything in the long term? Several reports citing experts and scientists said that the widespread drought in California will not be reversed due to these atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones and it might also take consecutive years of similar weather trends of above-average rain and snowfall to actually have any lasting impact. This comes despite at least 90 per cent of the state’s population being affected by floods. Notably, last year the state witnessed its third year of severe drought which was also the driest on record and while it is now soaking in some much-needed water, some experts say this amount of rain will help but not have a lasting impact. Additionally, they also indicated that this rain and snow won’t be enough to fix some of the long-term water problems that California along with much of the western US faces with unfavourable precipitation trends which are worsening due to climate change. ALSO WATCH | California: Climate change is threatening world's largest Almond producer Speaking to BBC, Jay Lund, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Davis, said that while the current storm has certainly replenished some of the state’s water supply and it is always good to see rain in California. However, he noted that since the state’s weather is that of extremes and the upcoming years could witness more dry weather. Why do these extremes not work? While one might think that the drought-ridden state receiving huge amounts of water would be a good thing, it is in fact the opposite, as several reports suggest that a flood during a time of drought can make the situation worse. A report by Vox compares this phenomenon to overwatering a plant which after a while cannot handle soaking up so much water. Therefore, eventually, this rain turns into floods with the risk of uprooting trees. During a press briefing, last week, California’s Director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Karla Nemeth, also explained that moving from one extreme weather event to the other has put the trees under stress as “after three years of intensive drought, the ground is saturated and there is a significant chance of downed trees that will create significant problems.” ALSO READ | Infographic: Megadrought in America, a climate disaster unseen in 1,200 years Additionally, during these droughts, the roots of the trees that are supposed to absorb water become less sponge-like and with weaker roots, they are more likely to get swept away by the storm. The experts have also noted how California does not have the infrastructure to support the reservation of this much water due to its limited reservoir capacity, therefore, a lot of this water is going to the ocean. Simply put, “The California system was built for a climate we don’t have anymore,” said Laura Feinstein who heads the work on climate resilience and environment at a San Francisco-based non-profit named SPUR. She also was also said in the context of the water coming from snowpack which is its own type of reservoir. In this case, the snow typically melts into the reservoir and supplies residents with water during summer and fall, however, since the snowpack due to climate change now melts faster and the reservoirs are unable to capture enough water. Additionally, climate change has given rise to extreme weather events which is also creating drier, hotter conditions where the water is bound to evaporate faster. ALSO WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Powerful 'Atmospheric River' drenches California So what can be done to mitigate this issue? Climate scientists said that a part of the solution to these problems could be drawing levees back which would allow rivers to flood safely and not only collect more water but also do so while ensuring the safety of the land surrounding it. Climate scientist, Peter Gleick who spoke to CNN, said that while levees have protected the communities in the past they are not designed for the climate change-induced extreme weather challenges today. Therefore, he suggests changes in infrastructure which would allow people to capture more floods and store them in underground aquifers when the water supply is running dry. ALSO READ | Study predicts super rare megflood striking California in coming decades Additionally, Gleick also told CNN, “We have to design flood insurance policies to encourage people to move away from flood plains, so we can open up those floodplains, so when we get those floods they will be less damaging.” However, to actually do so, many communities would have to relocate and also require a significant rebuilding of existing infrastructure which does not seem feasible. Notably, these underground aquifers to this day still remain vital for the state’s central valley and they are reportedly running dry. (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: Can atmospheric river-induced floods help with California’s ‘exceptional’ drought?

The insurance industry is struggling to adapt to a new normal in which losses fueled by climate change are now regularly exceeding $100 billion a year. Insured losses from natural disasters hit about $120 billion in 2022, most of which was weather related.

WION Climate Tracker: Insurance companies face $120 billion loss due to climate change

According to a new report, natural disasters and extreme weather caused more than $165 billion in damage in the US last year. It was the third-costliest year on record, behind only 2005 and 2017.

WION Climate Tracker: US gets a bill of $165 billion in climate disaster in 2022

Earth's ozone layer is on track to recover completely and this is according to the United Nations assessement. The chemicals present in the layer will completely phase out from the enitre world.

WION Climate Tracker: Ozone-depleting chemicals phased out across the world

Qatar has signed a $6 billion deal with Chevron Phillips Chemical to build a gas-to- plastic plant. This will include the biggest ethane cracker in the Middle East. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Qatar to build $6 Billion gas-to- plastic plant

Europe’s famous ski resorts are shutting down because there’s no snow! Climate change has ruined winter holidays for the rich and famous. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: The rich and famous stare at snowless slopes

A study, published in the journal Science on Thursday, found that 80 per cent, or 4 out of every 5 glaciers, would likely disappear by the end of this century at current&nbsp;climate change&nbsp;trends. The findings showed that the world's glaciers are shrinking and disappearing faster than scientists previously thought and in the coming years, that could be a key contributor to sea level rise, a threat to the millions of people living near the coastlines.

But if the world manages to fulfil international goals and meet the best-case climate scenario,&nbsp;technically possible but unlikely according to several experts, less than half the globe's glaciers will move towards extinction, the study concluded. Well-known and small glaciers will be the first to go extinct, the authors of the study stated.

The study examined all of the world's 215,000 land-based glaciers, except the ones on ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, with the help of computer simulations that calculate, using different levels of warming, how many glaciers could disappear and how much it would contribute to sea level rise.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-science-backed-tips-for-sticking-to-your-new-year-2023-resolutions-549041">Science-backed tips for sticking to your New Year 2023 resolutions</a>

Projected glacial mass loss by 2100 ranges from 38.7 trillion metric tonnes to 64.4 trillion tonnes, which depends&nbsp;on several factors including&nbsp;how much the globe warms and how much coal, oil and gas is burned.

Since the world is currently on track for a 2.7-degree Celsius (4.9-degree Fahrenheit) temperature rise since pre-industrial times, we could be losing 32 per cent of the world’s glacier mass or 48.5 trillion metric tonnes of ice by 2100. This means that about&nbsp;68 per cent of the glaciers might disappear by the end of this century.

The study calculates that all that melting glaciers can raise the world’s sea level anywhere from 90mm (3.5 inches) in the best-case scenario to 166mm in the worst-case scenario, which is an increase of four per cent to 14 per cent to previous projections. The study’s lead author David Rounce confirmed that&nbsp;the sea level can rise by 115 millimetres (4.5 inches) in present scenarios.

Researchers also stated that&nbsp;future sea level rise will be driven more by melting ice sheets than glaciers. And, added that&nbsp;the loss of glaciers is about more than just rising seas. It means increased risk from flood events, shrinking water supplies&nbsp;and losing historic ice-covered spots from Alaska to the Alps to the area near Mount Everest’s base camp.

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A study, published in the journal Science on Thursday, found that 80 per cent, or 4 out of every 5 glaciers, would likely disappear by the end of this century at current climate change trends.

A study, published in the journal Science on Thursday, found that 80 per cent, or 4 out of every 5 glaciers, would likely disappear by the end of this century at current climate change trends. The findings showed that the world's glaciers are shrinking and disappearing faster than scientists previously thought and in the coming years, that could be a key contributor to sea level rise, a threat to the millions of people living near the coastlines. But if the world manages to fulfil international goals and meet the best-case climate scenario, technically possible but unlikely according to several experts, less than half the globe's glaciers will move towards extinction, the study concluded. Well-known and small glaciers will be the first to go extinct, the authors of the study stated. The study examined all of the world's 215,000 land-based glaciers, except the ones on ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, with the help of computer simulations that calculate, using different levels of warming, how many glaciers could disappear and how much it would contribute to sea level rise. Also read: Science-backed tips for sticking to your New Year 2023 resolutions Projected glacial mass loss by 2100 ranges from 38.7 trillion metric tonnes to 64.4 trillion tonnes, which depends on several factors including how much the globe warms and how much coal, oil and gas is burned. Since the world is currently on track for a 2.7-degree Celsius (4.9-degree Fahrenheit) temperature rise since pre-industrial times, we could be losing 32 per cent of the world’s glacier mass or 48.5 trillion metric tonnes of ice by 2100. This means that about 68 per cent of the glaciers might disappear by the end of this century. The study calculates that all that melting glaciers can raise the world’s sea level anywhere from 90mm (3.5 inches) in the best-case scenario to 166mm in the worst-case scenario, which is an increase of four per cent to 14 per cent to previous projections. The study’s lead author David Rounce confirmed that the sea level can rise by 115 millimetres (4.5 inches) in present scenarios. Researchers also stated that future sea level rise will be driven more by melting ice sheets than glaciers. And, added that the loss of glaciers is about more than just rising seas. It means increased risk from flood events, shrinking water supplies and losing historic ice-covered spots from Alaska to the Alps to the area near Mount Everest’s base camp. 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.

4 out of 5 glaciers projected to disappear by 2100, study finds

Australia is facing an increase in calamitous environmental events. This has caused due to the drastic weather change in past years. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Australia bracing for drastic weather change

Spain experienced the warmest on New Year's Day 2023. Climatologists have expressed alarm over the unseasonably warm winter weather. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Spain starts New Year with warmest weather

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