More than 1,000 health workers and 200 organisations, along with the World Health Organisation (WHO), have given a clarion call to address the climate change issue seriously by enacting and legally enforcing non-proliferation treaty to cut global dependence on fossil fuels.

In a public letter released on Wednesday, they have urged the world governments to urgently come out with a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuel exploration and production, similar to the framework convention on tobacco, which was negotiated under the WHO’s auspices in 2003.

They want the existing production to be phased out in a "fair and equitable manner" to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) climate goal that was set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

They have also demanded "financial, technological and other support" for low- and middle-income countries to ensure a "just transition" to a sustainable future.

The&nbsp;initiative drew wide support from the Dalai Lama and 100 other Nobel laureates, the Vatican, several cities and island states, more than 1,000 health professionals and almost 3,000 scientists and academics, reports the Guardian.

“The modern addiction to fossil fuels is not just an act of environmental vandalism. From the health perspective, it is an act of self-sabotage,” said the WHO president, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Calling the letter a watershed moment, the head of the WHO’s climate change department, Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, told Guardian, “This is the first time the health sector has come together to issue such a statement explicitly about fossil fuels.”

“The current burden of death and disease from air pollution is comparable to that of tobacco use, while the long-term effects of fossil fuels on the Earth’s climate present an existential threat to humanity – as do nuclear weapons,” the WHO official added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than 1,000 health workers and 200 organisations, along with the World Health Organisation (WHO), have given a clarion call to address the climate change issue seriously by enacting and legally enforcing non-proliferation treaty to cut global dependence on fossil fuels.

More than 1,000 health workers and 200 organisations, along with the World Health Organisation (WHO), have given a clarion call to address the climate change issue seriously by enacting and legally enforcing non-proliferation treaty to cut global dependence on fossil fuels. In a public letter released on Wednesday, they have urged the world governments to urgently come out with a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuel exploration and production, similar to the framework convention on tobacco, which was negotiated under the WHO’s auspices in 2003. They want the existing production to be phased out in a "fair and equitable manner" to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) climate goal that was set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. They have also demanded "financial, technological and other support" for low- and middle-income countries to ensure a "just transition" to a sustainable future. The initiative drew wide support from the Dalai Lama and 100 other Nobel laureates, the Vatican, several cities and island states, more than 1,000 health professionals and almost 3,000 scientists and academics, reports the Guardian. “The modern addiction to fossil fuels is not just an act of environmental vandalism. From the health perspective, it is an act of self-sabotage,” said the WHO president, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Calling the letter a watershed moment, the head of the WHO’s climate change department, Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, told Guardian, “This is the first time the health sector has come together to issue such a statement explicitly about fossil fuels.” “The current burden of death and disease from air pollution is comparable to that of tobacco use, while the long-term effects of fossil fuels on the Earth’s climate present an existential threat to humanity – as do nuclear weapons,” the WHO official added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WHO joins over 200 health organisations calling for fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty

According to the 'United in Science' report despite intensifying climate related warnings, governments and businesses have not been changing their strategy to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

WION Climate Tracker | Reports: Govts & businesses failing to cut down on their emissions

Humanity is "going in the wrong direction" on climate change due to its addiction to&nbsp;fossil&nbsp;fuels, the UN said Tuesday in an assessment showing that planet-warming emissions are higher than before the pandemic.

The UN's World Meteorological Organization and its Environment Programme warned catastrophes will become commonplace should the world economy fail to decarbonise in line with what science says is needed to prevent the worst impacts of global heating.

They pointed to Pakistan's monumental floods and China's crop-withering heatwave this year as examples of what to expect.

"Floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme storms and wildfires are going from bad to worse, breaking records with alarming frequency," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.&nbsp;

The UN warned last month that the drought gripping the Horn of Africa and threatening millions with acute food shortages was now likely to extend into a fifth year.

"There is nothing natural about the new scale of these disasters. They are the price of humanity's&nbsp;fossil&nbsp;fuel addiction," said Guterres.

The UN's United in Science report underscores how, nearly three years since Covid-19 handed governments a unique opportunity to reassess how to power their economies, countries are ploughing ahead with pollution as normal.&nbsp;

It found that after an unprecedented 5.4 percent fall in emissions in 2020 due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, preliminary data from January-May this year shows global CO2 emissions are 1.2 percent higher than before Covid-19.

This is largely down to large year-on-year increases in the United States, India, and most European countries, the assessment found.&nbsp;

"The science is unequivocal: we are going in the wrong direction," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

"Greenhouse gas concentrations are continuing to rise, reaching new record highs.&nbsp;Fossil&nbsp;fuel emission rates are now above pre-pandemic levels. The past seven years were the warmest on record."

'Uncharted territory'&nbsp;

Last week the European Union's Copernicus climate monitor said that summer 2022 was the hottest in Europe and one of the hottest globally since records began in the 1970s.&nbsp;

Tuesday's report said there was a 93 per cent chance that the record for the hottest year globally -- currently, 2016 -- will be broken within five years.

It warned the continued use of&nbsp;fossil&nbsp;fuels meant the chance of the annual mean global temperature temporarily exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in one of the next five years was roughly even (48 per cent).&nbsp;

Keeping longer-term temperatures below 1.5C is the most ambitious goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement.&nbsp;

Despite more than three decades of UN-lead negotiations, rich polluters show little sign of being willing to make the kind of swingeing emissions cuts that would keep the 1.5C goal in play.&nbsp;

The UN's Environment Programme, in an update to its annual "emissions gap" assessment following new pledges made at last November's COP26 summit in Glasgow, said Tuesday that even these promises were far from adequate.

In fact, it said the ambition even in countries' most recent pledges would need to be four times greater to limit warming to 2C, and seven times higher to make 1.5C.

All told, current worldwide climate policies put Earth on course to warm 2.8C by 2100, UNEP said.&nbsp;

Guterres said that Tuesday's assessment showed "climate impacts heading into uncharted territory of destruction".&nbsp;

"Yet each year we double-down on this&nbsp;fossil&nbsp;fuel addiction, even as the symptoms get rapidly worse," he said in a video message.

Tasneem Essop, executive director of Climate Action Network, said that the forthcoming COP27 climate conference in Egypt needed leaders to agree to new funding to help communities in at-risk nations rebuild after extreme events.

"The terrifying picture painted by the United in Science report is already a lived reality for millions of people facing&nbsp;recurring climate disasters," she said.

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Humanity is "going in the wrong direction" on climate change due to its addiction to fossil fuels, the UN said Tuesday in an assessment showing that planet-warming emissions are higher than before the pandemic.

Humanity is "going in the wrong direction" on climate change due to its addiction to fossil fuels, the UN said Tuesday in an assessment showing that planet-warming emissions are higher than before the pandemic. The UN's World Meteorological Organization and its Environment Programme warned catastrophes will become commonplace should the world economy fail to decarbonise in line with what science says is needed to prevent the worst impacts of global heating. They pointed to Pakistan's monumental floods and China's crop-withering heatwave this year as examples of what to expect. "Floods, droughts, heatwaves, extreme storms and wildfires are going from bad to worse, breaking records with alarming frequency," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN warned last month that the drought gripping the Horn of Africa and threatening millions with acute food shortages was now likely to extend into a fifth year. "There is nothing natural about the new scale of these disasters. They are the price of humanity's fossil fuel addiction," said Guterres. The UN's United in Science report underscores how, nearly three years since Covid-19 handed governments a unique opportunity to reassess how to power their economies, countries are ploughing ahead with pollution as normal. It found that after an unprecedented 5.4 percent fall in emissions in 2020 due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, preliminary data from January-May this year shows global CO2 emissions are 1.2 percent higher than before Covid-19. This is largely down to large year-on-year increases in the United States, India, and most European countries, the assessment found. "The science is unequivocal: we are going in the wrong direction," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. "Greenhouse gas concentrations are continuing to rise, reaching new record highs. Fossil fuel emission rates are now above pre-pandemic levels. The past seven years were the warmest on record." 'Uncharted territory' Last week the European Union's Copernicus climate monitor said that summer 2022 was the hottest in Europe and one of the hottest globally since records began in the 1970s. Tuesday's report said there was a 93 per cent chance that the record for the hottest year globally -- currently, 2016 -- will be broken within five years. It warned the continued use of fossil fuels meant the chance of the annual mean global temperature temporarily exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in one of the next five years was roughly even (48 per cent). Keeping longer-term temperatures below 1.5C is the most ambitious goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement. Despite more than three decades of UN-lead negotiations, rich polluters show little sign of being willing to make the kind of swingeing emissions cuts that would keep the 1.5C goal in play. The UN's Environment Programme, in an update to its annual "emissions gap" assessment following new pledges made at last November's COP26 summit in Glasgow, said Tuesday that even these promises were far from adequate. In fact, it said the ambition even in countries' most recent pledges would need to be four times greater to limit warming to 2C, and seven times higher to make 1.5C. All told, current worldwide climate policies put Earth on course to warm 2.8C by 2100, UNEP said. Guterres said that Tuesday's assessment showed "climate impacts heading into uncharted territory of destruction". "Yet each year we double-down on this fossil fuel addiction, even as the symptoms get rapidly worse," he said in a video message. Tasneem Essop, executive director of Climate Action Network, said that the forthcoming COP27 climate conference in Egypt needed leaders to agree to new funding to help communities in at-risk nations rebuild after extreme events. "The terrifying picture painted by the United in Science report is already a lived reality for millions of people facing recurring climate disasters," she said. 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 going in 'wrong direction' due to addiction to fossil fuels, will worsen climate impact: UN

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed the development of La Nina weather pattern for the third consecutive year in the Pacific, upping the risk of rain and floods in different parts of the world.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, a UN agency, it is for the first time in this century that La Niña has returned for three consecutive years.

"It is exceptional to have three consecutive years with a La Nina event," WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in a statement.

La Niña weather pattern is one of the three phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

It refers to the unusual cooling&nbsp;of the tropical eastern Pacific. La Nina, which means The Little Girl in Spanish, represent periods of below-average sea surface temperatures&nbsp;across the&nbsp;east-central Equatorial Pacific.

Under this weather pattern, the atmospheric circulation across the tropical Pacific is set up so that warm waters to Australia's north-east and strong trade winds pump moisture into the atmosphere along Australia's east coast.&nbsp;

When the right systems come along, they then tap into that moisture, bringing about heavy rains and flooding.

The bureau, in its fortnightly update of Australia’s climate drivers, said that key atmospheric and oceanic indicators of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (Enso) showed “an established La Niña”.

“Tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures have been cooling since June and are now at La Niña thresholds,” the bureau said.

“Models indicate this La Niña event may peak during the spring and return to neutral conditions early in 2023,” it added.

Impacts of La Nina across the globe

La Nina tends to bring milder winters in Northern Europe, especially UK, and colder winters in southern and western Europe, leading to snow in the Mediterranean region. It reduces the number of autumnal hurricanes across Europe.

It is in the American continent where the extreme climate conditions due to La Nina are felt the most.

In the Pacific, stronger winds arrive along the equatorial region. While it leads to favourable conditions for hurricanes in the Caribbean and central Atlantic area. In various states of US, frequent tornados&nbsp;are observed.

In Australia, Indonesia and other parts of Asia, La Nina brings heavy rainfall and can even cause more lightning activity in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Gulf Coast and increase the number of hurricanes and tropical cyclones, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The condition is reversed in South America, where La Nina causes drought, especially in countries of Peru and Ecuador.

The situation is the same in East Africa as well. The fourth season of failed rains is currently causing one of the worst droughts East Africa has seen in decades.

According to the UN’s World Food Programme, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are on the brink of an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, and up to 20 million people are at risk of severe hunger.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed the development of La Nina weather pattern for the third consecutive year in the Pacific, upping the risk of rain and floods in different parts of the world.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed the development of La Nina weather pattern for the third consecutive year in the Pacific, upping the risk of rain and floods in different parts of the world. According to the World Meteorological Organization, a UN agency, it is for the first time in this century that La Niña has returned for three consecutive years. "It is exceptional to have three consecutive years with a La Nina event," WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in a statement. La Niña weather pattern is one of the three phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It refers to the unusual cooling of the tropical eastern Pacific. La Nina, which means The Little Girl in Spanish, represent periods of below-average sea surface temperatures across the east-central Equatorial Pacific. Under this weather pattern, the atmospheric circulation across the tropical Pacific is set up so that warm waters to Australia's north-east and strong trade winds pump moisture into the atmosphere along Australia's east coast. When the right systems come along, they then tap into that moisture, bringing about heavy rains and flooding. The bureau, in its fortnightly update of Australia’s climate drivers, said that key atmospheric and oceanic indicators of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (Enso) showed “an established La Niña”. “Tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures have been cooling since June and are now at La Niña thresholds,” the bureau said. “Models indicate this La Niña event may peak during the spring and return to neutral conditions early in 2023,” it added. Impacts of La Nina across the globe La Nina tends to bring milder winters in Northern Europe, especially UK, and colder winters in southern and western Europe, leading to snow in the Mediterranean region. It reduces the number of autumnal hurricanes across Europe. It is in the American continent where the extreme climate conditions due to La Nina are felt the most. In the Pacific, stronger winds arrive along the equatorial region. While it leads to favourable conditions for hurricanes in the Caribbean and central Atlantic area. In various states of US, frequent tornados are observed. In Australia, Indonesia and other parts of Asia, La Nina brings heavy rainfall and can even cause more lightning activity in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Gulf Coast and increase the number of hurricanes and tropical cyclones, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The condition is reversed in South America, where La Nina causes drought, especially in countries of Peru and Ecuador. The situation is the same in East Africa as well. The fourth season of failed rains is currently causing one of the worst droughts East Africa has seen in decades. According to the UN’s World Food Programme, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are on the brink of an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, and up to 20 million people are at risk of severe hunger. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australia confirms rare ‘triple dip’ La Nina; rain, flood expected in some parts of world

The temperature in Washington, DC, reached a record 100 degrees Fahrenheit when NASA climatologist James Hansen spoke before Congress in June 1988 regarding a warming world. Unprecedented heat waves plagued the summer, while drought affected 40 states.&nbsp;

His warning was seen as a historic wake-up call, but the US replaced the batteries and continued to cook instead of paying attention to the existential smoke alarm.&nbsp;

Nearly 40 years later, states from California to Colorado in the US southwest and mountain west are seeing the effects of a hotter planet firsthand. Extreme heat and declining moisture levels have combined over the previous two decades to produce a "megadrought" that is thought to be the driest time in 1,200 years.
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The current period of aridity, which started in the year 2000, is unprecedented since AD800, despite the fact that dryness is a natural feature of the southwest's climate. This was discovered by examining the relationship between tree rings and soil moisture. 42 per cent of the hot and dry weather over the previous two decades was attributed to global warming by the 2022 study, which was published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

The difficulties brought on by climate change also offer fresh opportunities in the southwest. Environmental organisations have suggested storing whatever water is left in Lake Powell in Lake Mead to conserve water since both Lake Mead and Lake Powell are at record-low levels of capacity. By taking this action, Lake Powell's canyons would be restored to their pre-reservoir condition, resulting in the creation of carbon-sink landscapes and perhaps even a new national park.

The west is currently in new territory as formerly exceptional circumstances become the norm. Lake Mead and Lake Powell, two of its most powerful reservoirs, are at record low levels and are shrivelling steadily. Cities like Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, are becoming nearly uninhabitable throughout the summer due to protracted triple-digit heatwaves. And since dry forests and grasslands are more ready to ignite than ever, wildfires increasingly occur throughout the year.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/juxtapose-dramatic-expansion-of-bahrain-by-building-land-on-sea-1987-vs-2022-515720">Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022</a>

In some areas of the southwest, average annual temperatures have risen by more than 1.5C, which is commonly regarded as the tipping point at which terrible repercussions for people and the environment start to materialise, according to a recent analysis by the Washington Post.

In a report released in February of last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) described how the ponderosa pine forests of the southwest are being destroyed by wildfires that are causing a hazardous "positive feedback cycle." According to Camille Parmesan, an ecologist who participated to the paper, some woods can actually generate greenhouse gases as they burn, leading to increased warmth rather than acting as a "carbon sink" that absorbs CO2.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The temperature in Washington, DC, reached a record 100 degrees Fahrenheit when NASA climatologist James Hansen spoke before Congress in June 1988 regarding a warming world.

The temperature in Washington, DC, reached a record 100 degrees Fahrenheit when NASA climatologist James Hansen spoke before Congress in June 1988 regarding a warming world. Unprecedented heat waves plagued the summer, while drought affected 40 states. His warning was seen as a historic wake-up call, but the US replaced the batteries and continued to cook instead of paying attention to the existential smoke alarm. Nearly 40 years later, states from California to Colorado in the US southwest and mountain west are seeing the effects of a hotter planet firsthand. Extreme heat and declining moisture levels have combined over the previous two decades to produce a "megadrought" that is thought to be the driest time in 1,200 years. The current period of aridity, which started in the year 2000, is unprecedented since AD800, despite the fact that dryness is a natural feature of the southwest's climate. This was discovered by examining the relationship between tree rings and soil moisture. 42 per cent of the hot and dry weather over the previous two decades was attributed to global warming by the 2022 study, which was published in the journal Nature Climate Change. The difficulties brought on by climate change also offer fresh opportunities in the southwest. Environmental organisations have suggested storing whatever water is left in Lake Powell in Lake Mead to conserve water since both Lake Mead and Lake Powell are at record-low levels of capacity. By taking this action, Lake Powell's canyons would be restored to their pre-reservoir condition, resulting in the creation of carbon-sink landscapes and perhaps even a new national park. The west is currently in new territory as formerly exceptional circumstances become the norm. Lake Mead and Lake Powell, two of its most powerful reservoirs, are at record low levels and are shrivelling steadily. Cities like Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, are becoming nearly uninhabitable throughout the summer due to protracted triple-digit heatwaves. And since dry forests and grasslands are more ready to ignite than ever, wildfires increasingly occur throughout the year. Also Read: Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022 In some areas of the southwest, average annual temperatures have risen by more than 1.5C, which is commonly regarded as the tipping point at which terrible repercussions for people and the environment start to materialise, according to a recent analysis by the Washington Post. In a report released in February of last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) described how the ponderosa pine forests of the southwest are being destroyed by wildfires that are causing a hazardous "positive feedback cycle." According to Camille Parmesan, an ecologist who participated to the paper, some woods can actually generate greenhouse gases as they burn, leading to increased warmth rather than acting as a "carbon sink" that absorbs CO2. (with inputs from agencies)

Infographic: Megadrought in America, a climate disaster unseen in 1,200 years

Record monsoon rainfall and floods have been wreaking havoc in Pakistan. Nearly 1400 people have lost their lives in this catastrophe, hundreds and thousands of them have been rendered homeless and now to avoid further loss of life and property, authorities are planning to breach the countries.

WION Climate Tracker: Pakistan to breach Indus highway

Few days have passed since apple launched its latest flagship lineup. Multiple things have been said about whether the iPhone 14 is worth spending hundreds of dollars or not.

WION Climate Tracker: iPhone 14 accounts for 61 kg of carbon dioxide emissions

Cryptocurrency mining is a process to create new digital coins and verify transactions on the blockchain and as we understand cryptocurrency mining consumes a great deal of energy because miners use powerful computers to solve complex Maths puzzles and earn new crypto tokens.

WION Climate Tracker: Why the Ethereum merge matters

Anita Oberholster, a wine chemist, received hundreds of emails from distraught viticulturists after the terrible Glass Fire broke out in California's Napa Valley. All were interested in knowing if they could harvest grapes without the feared smoke taint, which might impart an unpleasing ashtray flavour&nbsp;to the wine.

Even the strongest wines can be killed by weather extremes, but chemical changes in the berries represent a significant portion of the climate threat. That's because, at its most fundamental level, wine quality comes down to striking a balance between three characteristics of berries: sugar, acid, and secondary. As wines engage in photosynthesis, sugar accumulates in berries, and acid degrades as grapes ripen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-wine-bottles-with-adolf-hitlers-and-other-dictators-face-remain-on-sale-despite-backlash-505827">Also read |&nbsp;Italian wine bottles with faces of Adolf Hitler, other dictators on sale despite backlash</a>

"Terroir", a French word referring to a variety of environmental conditions such as soil types, and rainfall, all have an impact on wine's flavour. However, according to Oberholster, the biggest terroir component is climate, the BBC reported.

The wine sector is already experiencing a blurring between wines, which is being fueled by rising temperatures, increasing weather conditions and other ways of growing methods. Changes in wine flavour are minor compared to smoke taint and other dreaded climatic influences.

Oberholster defines this as having an ashtray flavour at the back of your throat with notes of band-aid and medicinal, although a slight amount of smokiness might enhance a wine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/infographic-climate-crisis-has-driven-world-on-brink-of-five-disastrous-tipping-points-514540">Also read |&nbsp;Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points</a>

Will people continue to buy wine? Extreme heat and smoke are too much for grapes to handle. Therefore, scientists and winemakers are working to find ways to use crops that are impacted by the climate while producing wines that are well-rounded.

Oberholster advises growers to conduct a small-scale bucket fermentation to test for smoke taint. She believes that many of the vines left unharvested after the devastating California fires in 2020 could still have produced good wine. However, as per research, wine ratings have increased over the past 60 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Anita Oberholster, a wine chemist, received hundreds of emails from distraught viticulturists after the terrible Glass Fire broke out in California's Napa Valley.

Anita Oberholster, a wine chemist, received hundreds of emails from distraught viticulturists after the terrible Glass Fire broke out in California's Napa Valley. All were interested in knowing if they could harvest grapes without the feared smoke taint, which might impart an unpleasing ashtray flavour to the wine. Even the strongest wines can be killed by weather extremes, but chemical changes in the berries represent a significant portion of the climate threat. That's because, at its most fundamental level, wine quality comes down to striking a balance between three characteristics of berries: sugar, acid, and secondary. As wines engage in photosynthesis, sugar accumulates in berries, and acid degrades as grapes ripen. Also read | Italian wine bottles with faces of Adolf Hitler, other dictators on sale despite backlash "Terroir", a French word referring to a variety of environmental conditions such as soil types, and rainfall, all have an impact on wine's flavour. However, according to Oberholster, the biggest terroir component is climate, the BBC reported. The wine sector is already experiencing a blurring between wines, which is being fueled by rising temperatures, increasing weather conditions and other ways of growing methods. Changes in wine flavour are minor compared to smoke taint and other dreaded climatic influences. Oberholster defines this as having an ashtray flavour at the back of your throat with notes of band-aid and medicinal, although a slight amount of smokiness might enhance a wine. Also read | Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points Will people continue to buy wine? Extreme heat and smoke are too much for grapes to handle. Therefore, scientists and winemakers are working to find ways to use crops that are impacted by the climate while producing wines that are well-rounded. Oberholster advises growers to conduct a small-scale bucket fermentation to test for smoke taint. She believes that many of the vines left unharvested after the devastating California fires in 2020 could still have produced good wine. However, as per research, wine ratings have increased over the past 60 years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Is climate change affecting wine's flavour?

#PakistanFloods2022 Death toll tops 1300 Over 3 million children at risk 650,000 pregnant women in dire need of care UNESCO site #MohejoDaro battered Climate Change or a deadly man-made disaster? Watch Pakistan: Flood Fury

WION WIDEANGLE | PAKISTAN FLOOD FURY

Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, human-wildlife conflict, deforestation and now adding to the list is climate change. Animals across the world are facing various threats with climate change only worsening the situation.

WION Climate Tracker: Impact of climate change on animals trigger concerns

As Britain mourns the passing away of its longest-reigning monarch, apart from her grace, highs and lows of her rule, there's also one more aspect which is worth mentioning. She was a champion when it came to climate change. The Queen advocated immediate climate action and her love for the environment is well documented.

UK: Queen Elizabeth II was 'irritated' by climate change inaction

A new scientific research says says that climate change can happen much sooner than expected. For more than a decade climate researchers have been monitoring tipping points. It is critical situation after which changes become irreversible.

WION Climate Tracker| Study: 1.1°C can hamper tipping points; climate change needs urgent attention

According to the CDP, a non-profit disclosure platform and Oliver Wyman, global management consultancy companies in the G7 economies are failing to meet the Paris Climate agreement objectives based on current corporate pledges to cut emissions.

WION Climate Tracker: Overall G7 corporate emissions for 2100 is at 2.7 degree Celsius

Global climate change is mostly caused by carbon dioxide emissions. It is widely acknowledged that if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change, emissions must be reduced rapidly.

For example, New South Wales (NSW) became the first Australian state to begin classifying carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants, forcing polluters to come up with plans to reduce emissions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-heatwaves-and-wildfires-will-occur-more-frequently-worsening-air-pollution-513643">Also read |&nbsp;Global warming to fuel heatwaves, wildfires, triggering more air pollution: UN</a>

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of NSW began its eight-week draught climate change policy and related action plan. This is regarded as the first step towards requiring polluters to net zero emissions by the year 2050. The agency would start an in-depth discussion with each economic sector about how they would reduce emissions and show that they are ready for a potential climate impact.

EPA's new chief, Tony Chappel, said, "The big issue here is that an Australian government is moving to comprehensively cover [carbon dioxide] and equivalent emissions as a pollutant." He further added, "[The plan would] give regulatory teeth to its net zero commitment to ensure that the whole economy moves on that path efficiently and effectively," the Guardian reported.&nbsp;

The EPA's strategy might serve as a model for the other states. According to Chappel, the state's objective of reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 is a crucial step towards becoming neutral by the middle of the century.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-dutch-city-becomes-the-first-city-in-the-world-to-ban-meat-advertising-513698">Also read |&nbsp;Climate crisis: Dutch city becomes the first in the world to ban meat adverts at public spaces</a>

Chappel, pointing to NSW, said, "have a new wave of prosperity and another sort of … mining boom in that we’re mining the sun and the wind, and producing hydrogen, ammonia and green steel, and regenerating the landscape to produce agriculture sustainably."

He stated that the industry and community are already paying a high price for the intensity of emissions caused by climate change effects such as bushfires, floods, and other extreme weather.

The chief said that nearby landfills are also majorly damaged, and in order for this initiative to minimise it, and is an urgent need to minimise it.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Global climate change is mostly caused by carbon dioxide emissions. It is widely acknowledged that if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change, emissions must be reduced rapidly.

Global climate change is mostly caused by carbon dioxide emissions. It is widely acknowledged that if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change, emissions must be reduced rapidly. For example, New South Wales (NSW) became the first Australian state to begin classifying carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants, forcing polluters to come up with plans to reduce emissions. Also read | Global warming to fuel heatwaves, wildfires, triggering more air pollution: UN The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) of NSW began its eight-week draught climate change policy and related action plan. This is regarded as the first step towards requiring polluters to net zero emissions by the year 2050. The agency would start an in-depth discussion with each economic sector about how they would reduce emissions and show that they are ready for a potential climate impact. EPA's new chief, Tony Chappel, said, "The big issue here is that an Australian government is moving to comprehensively cover [carbon dioxide] and equivalent emissions as a pollutant." He further added, "[The plan would] give regulatory teeth to its net zero commitment to ensure that the whole economy moves on that path efficiently and effectively," the Guardian reported. The EPA's strategy might serve as a model for the other states. According to Chappel, the state's objective of reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 is a crucial step towards becoming neutral by the middle of the century. Also read | Climate crisis: Dutch city becomes the first in the world to ban meat adverts at public spaces Chappel, pointing to NSW, said, "have a new wave of prosperity and another sort of … mining boom in that we’re mining the sun and the wind, and producing hydrogen, ammonia and green steel, and regenerating the landscape to produce agriculture sustainably." He stated that the industry and community are already paying a high price for the intensity of emissions caused by climate change effects such as bushfires, floods, and other extreme weather. The chief said that nearby landfills are also majorly damaged, and in order for this initiative to minimise it, and is an urgent need to minimise it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

New South Wales becomes the first state to classify carbon emissions & other greenhouse gases as pollutants 

Climate change-related heatwaves and wildfires are predicted to be more frequent and intense, which will impair air quality and harm ecosystems and human health, the UN warned on Wednesday (September 7).

As per a recent report by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the interaction between pollution and climate change will affect millions of people. The information also called for immediate action to limit the damage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-california-wildfires-cause-massive-damage-to-life-and-property-513623">Also read |&nbsp;In pics - California wildfires cause massive damage to life and property</a>

WMO director Petteri Taalas said, "As the globe warms, wildfires and associated air pollution are expected to increase, even under a low emissions scenario." He added, "In addition to human health impacts, this will also affect ecosystems as air pollutants settle from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface."

Taalas warned, pointing out that with extreme heatwaves in Europe and China, along with steady high atmospheric conditions and sunlight, this is a foretaste of the future, AFP reported.&nbsp;He predicted that heat waves would become more frequent, intense, and prolonged and could result in poor air quality.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-heatwave-zoo-keepers-use-ice-cubes-and-cold-showers-to-keep-animals-cool-511957">Also read |&nbsp;Amid heatwave, zoo keepers use ice cubes and cold showers to keep animals cool</a>

According to a senior WMO scientific officer, if emission levels stay high, the climate penalty is anticipated to be responsible for a fifth of all surface ozone concentration increases. He further cautioned that the majority of it would be in Asia.

The report pointed toward the link between air quality and climate, as the chemicals that affect air quality are released simultaneously as greenhouse gases.

The WMO emphasised in its plea for action that a global carbon neutrality emissions scenario would prevent future instances of high ozone air pollution.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Climate change-related heatwaves and wildfires are predicted to be more frequent and intense, which will impair air quality and harm ecosystems and human health, the UN warned on Wednesday (September 7).

Climate change-related heatwaves and wildfires are predicted to be more frequent and intense, which will impair air quality and harm ecosystems and human health, the UN warned on Wednesday (September 7). As per a recent report by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the interaction between pollution and climate change will affect millions of people. The information also called for immediate action to limit the damage. Also read | In pics - California wildfires cause massive damage to life and property WMO director Petteri Taalas said, "As the globe warms, wildfires and associated air pollution are expected to increase, even under a low emissions scenario." He added, "In addition to human health impacts, this will also affect ecosystems as air pollutants settle from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface." Taalas warned, pointing out that with extreme heatwaves in Europe and China, along with steady high atmospheric conditions and sunlight, this is a foretaste of the future, AFP reported. He predicted that heat waves would become more frequent, intense, and prolonged and could result in poor air quality. Also read | Amid heatwave, zoo keepers use ice cubes and cold showers to keep animals cool According to a senior WMO scientific officer, if emission levels stay high, the climate penalty is anticipated to be responsible for a fifth of all surface ozone concentration increases. He further cautioned that the majority of it would be in Asia. The report pointed toward the link between air quality and climate, as the chemicals that affect air quality are released simultaneously as greenhouse gases. The WMO emphasised in its plea for action that a global carbon neutrality emissions scenario would prevent future instances of high ozone air pollution. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Global warming to fuel heatwaves, wildfires, triggering more air pollution: UN

Climate change now proved that air turbulence could get a lot worse. Meanwhile air turbulences are normal and happen often. They can prove to be dangerous as well and a latest analysis predicted that severe could triple in the coming decades.

WION Climate Tracker: Climate change could make flying just a bit more turbulent

On a remote and windswept island some 700km south of New Zealand, grows the world's loneliest tree. Green, bushy, large — as trees go, it's pretty unremarkable.&nbsp;

Sitting in the middle of the permanently uninhabited subantarctic Campbell Island, the&nbsp;nine-metre-tall Sitka spruce is 250 kilometres away from its closest companion. In fact, it is the only tree on the island.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;100-year-old pine has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as the&nbsp;"most remote tree in the world".&nbsp;However, technically, this lonely&nbsp;tree should not be here.

Its very existence is now helping to advance groundbreaking climate change research.

Online interest in the world's loneliest tree and its survival tale is nothing new.

As reported by the Guardian, Jocelyn Turnbull, a climate scientist, saw the tree for a different reason.

Dr. Turnbull, who is the head of radiocarbon science at GNS Science New Zealand, is in charge of a significant study that is a component of the Antarctic Science Platform, a government-funded study that aims to increase knowledge of the effects of Antarctica on the Earth's system.

In order to comprehend the Southern Ocean's function as a carbon sink, Dr. Turnbull and her colleagues, specialists in radiocarbon measurement, are looking into the source of CO2 emissions from fossil fuels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-africas-hottest-oasis-disease-and-drought-threaten-famed-date-palms-513237">In Africa's hottest oasis, disease and drought threaten famed date palms</a>

Dr. Turnbull claimed that due to the westerly winds and absence of land to slow the wind down, the Southern Ocean is the most crucial location to study the exchange of carbon dioxide.

"That windiness drives this huge overturning of the water, brings up deep water to the surface and mixes, which allows the ocean to take up more carbon than&nbsp;other areas in the ocean that aren't as dynamic," she said.&nbsp;

So,&nbsp;where does the world's loneliest tree come in?&nbsp;

Dr. Turnbull must weigh past and present data of radiocarbon and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/something-is-making-oxygen-on-mars-512195">carbon dioxide</a> in the atmosphere surrounding the Southern Ocean in order to draw a judgement.

"We did not collect samples in the Southern Ocean 30 years ago,&nbsp;and you can't go back and sample the air that was there 30 years because it's not there anymore," she explains.&nbsp;

As it turns out, tree rings can give you this record.&nbsp;

"Every year, you have a ring you can distinguish and you can slice those rings out and measure the radiocarbon in them, and then we can get this story back in time of what's been happening with how the Southern Ocean has been changing," Dr. Turnbull says.

Why this tree?&nbsp;

To avoid running out of items to measure, Dr. Turnbull and her colleagues needed to travel as far into the Southern Ocean as they could. There isn't a lot of land, you can see by looking at a map of the planet, she added.

It was the lowest the team could travel to where there was a living tree—at 52 degrees south latitude.

The team decided to take a chance on Campbell Island and this lone tree because the options were slim.

A tale&nbsp;of survival&nbsp;

The bright star of Dr. Turnbull is thought to have been planted on the isolated island in or around 1907 by Lord Ranfurly, the New Zealand governor general at the time.

Many people think that the tree has survived for so long because the island is so nearly "untouched."

"You are literally tripping over penguins, you have albatrosses&nbsp;flying up to have a look at you. Compared to anything else you can think of, they are untouched," Dr. Turnbull says.

The Tree of Ténéré formerly held the distinction of being named the world's loneliest tree, before the Sitka spruce.

This lone acacia served as a crucial navigational landmark and a reminder of perseverance in the face of a challenging environment. It was the only tree for 400 kilometres in the Sahara Desert of Niger.

However, a Libyan truck driver struck the tree in 1973 while travelling along an old caravan route.

The dead tree was displayed in the National Museum of Niger.

Why is the tree lonely?

The future of the spruce is a topic of intense controversy among botanists and scientists, but Dr. Turnbull feels that its existence has benefitted individuals far beyond her studies by giving company to those who are most alone.

"There's been a princess who fled from Scotland, whalers, seafarers, research exhibitions and people stranded," Dr.Turnbull explains.&nbsp;

"I've even heard that when people were living there on research exhibitions, supposedly they would go and take the top out of this tree and use it for a Christmas tree."

Also WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | India's silicon valley turns into lake; flooded roads leave citizens adrift

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On a remote and windswept island some 700km south of New Zealand, grows the world's loneliest tree. Green, bushy, large — as trees go, it's pretty unremarkable. Sitting in the middle of the permanently uninhabited subantarctic Campbell Island, the nine-metre-tall Sitka spruce is 250 kilometres away from its closest companion.

On a remote and windswept island some 700km south of New Zealand, grows the world's loneliest tree. Green, bushy, large — as trees go, it's pretty unremarkable. Sitting in the middle of the permanently uninhabited subantarctic Campbell Island, the nine-metre-tall Sitka spruce is 250 kilometres away from its closest companion. In fact, it is the only tree on the island. The 100-year-old pine has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as the "most remote tree in the world". However, technically, this lonely tree should not be here. Its very existence is now helping to advance groundbreaking climate change research. Online interest in the world's loneliest tree and its survival tale is nothing new. As reported by the Guardian, Jocelyn Turnbull, a climate scientist, saw the tree for a different reason. Dr. Turnbull, who is the head of radiocarbon science at GNS Science New Zealand, is in charge of a significant study that is a component of the Antarctic Science Platform, a government-funded study that aims to increase knowledge of the effects of Antarctica on the Earth's system. In order to comprehend the Southern Ocean's function as a carbon sink, Dr. Turnbull and her colleagues, specialists in radiocarbon measurement, are looking into the source of CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. Also read | In Africa's hottest oasis, disease and drought threaten famed date palms Dr. Turnbull claimed that due to the westerly winds and absence of land to slow the wind down, the Southern Ocean is the most crucial location to study the exchange of carbon dioxide. "That windiness drives this huge overturning of the water, brings up deep water to the surface and mixes, which allows the ocean to take up more carbon than other areas in the ocean that aren't as dynamic," she said. So, where does the world's loneliest tree come in? Dr. Turnbull must weigh past and present data of radiocarbon and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere surrounding the Southern Ocean in order to draw a judgement. "We did not collect samples in the Southern Ocean 30 years ago, and you can't go back and sample the air that was there 30 years because it's not there anymore," she explains. As it turns out, tree rings can give you this record. "Every year, you have a ring you can distinguish and you can slice those rings out and measure the radiocarbon in them, and then we can get this story back in time of what's been happening with how the Southern Ocean has been changing," Dr. Turnbull says. Why this tree? To avoid running out of items to measure, Dr. Turnbull and her colleagues needed to travel as far into the Southern Ocean as they could. There isn't a lot of land, you can see by looking at a map of the planet, she added. It was the lowest the team could travel to where there was a living tree—at 52 degrees south latitude. The team decided to take a chance on Campbell Island and this lone tree because the options were slim. A tale of survival The bright star of Dr. Turnbull is thought to have been planted on the isolated island in or around 1907 by Lord Ranfurly, the New Zealand governor general at the time. Many people think that the tree has survived for so long because the island is so nearly "untouched." "You are literally tripping over penguins, you have albatrosses flying up to have a look at you. Compared to anything else you can think of, they are untouched," Dr. Turnbull says. The Tree of Ténéré formerly held the distinction of being named the world's loneliest tree, before the Sitka spruce. This lone acacia served as a crucial navigational landmark and a reminder of perseverance in the face of a challenging environment. It was the only tree for 400 kilometres in the Sahara Desert of Niger. However, a Libyan truck driver struck the tree in 1973 while travelling along an old caravan route. The dead tree was displayed in the National Museum of Niger. Why is the tree lonely? The future of the spruce is a topic of intense controversy among botanists and scientists, but Dr. Turnbull feels that its existence has benefitted individuals far beyond her studies by giving company to those who are most alone. "There's been a princess who fled from Scotland, whalers, seafarers, research exhibitions and people stranded," Dr.Turnbull explains. "I've even heard that when people were living there on research exhibitions, supposedly they would go and take the top out of this tree and use it for a Christmas tree." Also WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | India's silicon valley turns into lake; flooded roads leave citizens adrift

How the world's loneliest tree is aiding scientists in their work on climate change

The US state of California is once again battling major wildfires as hot, sultry, and windy conditions continue to make rescue operations tougher. Reportedly, two people died on Monday after a wildfire broke out in the southern part of the state.

The US state of California is once again battling major wildfires as hot, sultry, and windy conditions continue to make rescue operations tougher. Reportedly, two people died on Monday after a wildfire broke out in the southern part of the state. The fire, nicknamed Fairview Fire started on Monday, shortly after 2 PM, and rapidly grew from there. According to reports, the fire had spread to an area of over 2,000 acres, engulfing the city of Hemet. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Rapid wildfire spreads in California, 2 dead × Over 5000 homes have been evacuated as the emergency rescue workers work around the clock to minimise damage to life and property. However, only five per cent of the fire had been contained so far. "All these fires now have receptive fuel beds to burn. Now, when anything gets started it has that potential for exponential growth in a short period of time just because everything is so tinder dry." California Fire Battalion Chief Jon Heggie was quoted as saying by CNN. In pics| California wildfire continues to wreak havoc Last month it was the McKinney wildfire that wreaked havoc across the state. Reportedly, four people were killed in the blaze and thousands were displaced. According to local news reports, families of the victims have sued an Oregon-based utility company providing power in the northern part of the state for sparking the fire. "There's nothing anyone has seen that would lead us to believe that the McKinney Fire started with anything other than power lines." an attorney representing the families stated. Read more: California governor declares emergency in some parts amid raging wildfire With thermometers logging highs of over 110 Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) in some places, forecasters have issued an excessive heat warning for most of California, as well as parts of Nevada and Arizona. As reported by WION, to battle the extreme heat, the state has set up 40 cooling centres. These centres, offering shelter in air-conditioned rooms and cold drinks during the heat of the day have been established in libraries, recreation and park facilities, and senior living facilities. Read more: California opens cooling centres as wildfire spreads rapidly, mercury soars Asking households to conserve power and turn up their thermostats to help reduce power demand, the operator of California's creaking electricity grid last Friday called a third consecutive "Flex Alert." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Two dead in Fairview wildfire in Southern California

Tunisian farmers claim they are in a losing struggle with illness and drought in an oasis known as the hottest area in Africa, which is causing many of them to abandon estates where they grow some of the best dates in the world.

In the past, the date palm orchards at Kebili oasis formed lush, rich islands in a desolate landscape. However, many of the trees are currently dying, and their naked, dry, and fruitless trunks extend into the sky.

According to farmers and environmental groups, a decade-long drought in southern Tunisia has made it increasingly difficult to irrigate the palm trees as costs have increased and power outages have increased.

"We haven't seen rain since 2011. Underground water is boiling hot. When the electricity is cut off, the farmers can't use the water for irrigation,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the waterwheels are broken," said farmer Mouhamed Bouaziz. "Everything came at the same time."

He serves as treasurer of the neighbourhood water association, which aids date growers in gaining access to underground aquifer irrigation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/farming-and-eating-edible-insects-british-organisations-idea-to-help-a-hungry-africa-513177">'Farming and eating edible insects', British organisations' idea to help a hungry Africa</a>

He claimed that the government was disregarding the plight of the farmers as it struggled to pay state salaries and finance wheat imports.

Kebili is one of a number of oases on the outskirts of the Sahara desert where a large portion of the dates that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-zulu-bare-breasted-maiden-dance-revived-first-time-since-covid-512719">Tunisia</a> sends to dozens of nations, primarily in Europe, are grown.

The greatest temperature ever recorded in Africa, over 55 degrees Celsius,&nbsp;was reported in Kebili in the 1930s, thus farmers are accustomed to tremendous heat.

However, they claim that the effects of climate change, such as the reduced rainfall and a date mite infestation attributed to the dry weather, are making life even more difficult.

"If we continue like this with&nbsp;drought&nbsp;and&nbsp;draining the water layer, in 20 or 30 years we will not find&nbsp;dates in Kebili," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chileans-reject-new-proposed-constitution-in-referendum-512944">environmental</a> activist Moez Hamed, peeling the stumps of desiccated palm fronds from a tree.

Other trees show signs of the infestation, with bunches of&nbsp;dates wrapped in the webbing spun by mites as they feed.

"It is a new pest that we have not seen before,&nbsp;and&nbsp;its cause is&nbsp;drought," Bouaziz said.

As a result of their inability to continue using the irrigation his group offers, more than a third of farmers, according to Bouaziz, have stopped using it and all have shown interest in leaving the oases.

They were prepared to take the risky trip over the Mediterranean to seek a new life in Europe, just like many others who were hopeless about the future in their own nation.

"Farmers, especially the youth who will inherit these oases&nbsp;and&nbsp;preserve them, have migrated by sea," Bouaziz said. "Those who survive survive,&nbsp;and&nbsp;those who die return in a large box."

(With inputs from agencies)

Also WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | UN: Somalia is on brink of famine; risk of starvation rises

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Tunisian farmers claim they are in a losing struggle with illness and drought in an oasis known as the hottest area in Africa, which is causing many of them to abandon estates where they grow some of the best dates in the world.

Tunisian farmers claim they are in a losing struggle with illness and drought in an oasis known as the hottest area in Africa, which is causing many of them to abandon estates where they grow some of the best dates in the world. In the past, the date palm orchards at Kebili oasis formed lush, rich islands in a desolate landscape. However, many of the trees are currently dying, and their naked, dry, and fruitless trunks extend into the sky. According to farmers and environmental groups, a decade-long drought in southern Tunisia has made it increasingly difficult to irrigate the palm trees as costs have increased and power outages have increased. "We haven't seen rain since 2011. Underground water is boiling hot. When the electricity is cut off, the farmers can't use the water for irrigation, and the waterwheels are broken," said farmer Mouhamed Bouaziz. "Everything came at the same time." He serves as treasurer of the neighbourhood water association, which aids date growers in gaining access to underground aquifer irrigation. Also read | 'Farming and eating edible insects', British organisations' idea to help a hungry Africa He claimed that the government was disregarding the plight of the farmers as it struggled to pay state salaries and finance wheat imports. Kebili is one of a number of oases on the outskirts of the Sahara desert where a large portion of the dates that Tunisia sends to dozens of nations, primarily in Europe, are grown. The greatest temperature ever recorded in Africa, over 55 degrees Celsius, was reported in Kebili in the 1930s, thus farmers are accustomed to tremendous heat. However, they claim that the effects of climate change, such as the reduced rainfall and a date mite infestation attributed to the dry weather, are making life even more difficult. "If we continue like this with drought and draining the water layer, in 20 or 30 years we will not find dates in Kebili," said environmental activist Moez Hamed, peeling the stumps of desiccated palm fronds from a tree. Other trees show signs of the infestation, with bunches of dates wrapped in the webbing spun by mites as they feed. "It is a new pest that we have not seen before, and its cause is drought," Bouaziz said. As a result of their inability to continue using the irrigation his group offers, more than a third of farmers, according to Bouaziz, have stopped using it and all have shown interest in leaving the oases. They were prepared to take the risky trip over the Mediterranean to seek a new life in Europe, just like many others who were hopeless about the future in their own nation. "Farmers, especially the youth who will inherit these oases and preserve them, have migrated by sea," Bouaziz said. "Those who survive survive, and those who die return in a large box." (With inputs from agencies) Also WATCH | WION Climate Tracker | UN: Somalia is on brink of famine; risk of starvation rises

In Africa's hottest oasis, disease and drought threaten famed date palms

Following massive and devastating floods, Pakistani authorities are battling to keep the nation’s largest lake from overflowing its banks and drowning neighbouring towns. The disaster management agency said that the flood fatalities increased by another 24.

The agency reported that the monsoon rains and melting glaciers of the northern mountains of Pakistan caused floods and the death toll rose to 1,314, including 458 children.

The largest freshwater lake in Pakistan displaced&nbsp;nearly 100,000 people from their homes in an effort to drain enough water to prevent the lake from overflowing. However, the lake’s water levels continue to be high.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sacrifice-for-the-greater-good-pakistan-breaches-largest-freshwater-lake-to-avoid-overflow-512914">Also read |&nbsp;Sacrifice for greater good: Pakistan breaches largest freshwater lake to avoid overflow, save lives</a>

Recently, Miftah Ismail, the finance minister, said that the cost of damage is more than $160 million in aid to be helped by the UN for flood victims.

During an interview with CNBC, Ismail said, "The total damage is close to $10 billion, perhaps more." He further added, "Clearly it is not enough. In spite of meager resources Pakistan will have to do much of the heavy lifting, " Reuters reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/devastating-floods-in-pakistan-claimed-lives-of-nearly-1300-people-512735">Also read |&nbsp;Devastating floods in Pakistan claimed lives of nearly 1,300 people</a>

Many believe that for an economy that already requires assistance from the International Monetary Fund, the floods are a tremendous strain on it. The South Asian country is receiving assistance from other countries.

On Monday (September 5), relief flights from the UN and countries like Turkmenistan and the UAE arrived, a foreign ministry official said.

The disaster management chief claimed that multiple climate change occurrences, such as four heatwaves and numerous forest fires, preceded the floods that submerged a third of the country and affected over 33 million people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following massive and devastating floods, Pakistani authorities are battling to keep the nation’s largest lake from overflowing its banks and drowning neighbouring towns.

Following massive and devastating floods, Pakistani authorities are battling to keep the nation’s largest lake from overflowing its banks and drowning neighbouring towns. The disaster management agency said that the flood fatalities increased by another 24. The agency reported that the monsoon rains and melting glaciers of the northern mountains of Pakistan caused floods and the death toll rose to 1,314, including 458 children. The largest freshwater lake in Pakistan displaced nearly 100,000 people from their homes in an effort to drain enough water to prevent the lake from overflowing. However, the lake’s water levels continue to be high. Also read | Sacrifice for greater good: Pakistan breaches largest freshwater lake to avoid overflow, save lives Recently, Miftah Ismail, the finance minister, said that the cost of damage is more than $160 million in aid to be helped by the UN for flood victims. During an interview with CNBC, Ismail said, "The total damage is close to $10 billion, perhaps more." He further added, "Clearly it is not enough. In spite of meager resources Pakistan will have to do much of the heavy lifting, " Reuters reported. Also read | Devastating floods in Pakistan claimed lives of nearly 1,300 people Many believe that for an economy that already requires assistance from the International Monetary Fund, the floods are a tremendous strain on it. The South Asian country is receiving assistance from other countries. On Monday (September 5), relief flights from the UN and countries like Turkmenistan and the UAE arrived, a foreign ministry official said. The disaster management chief claimed that multiple climate change occurrences, such as four heatwaves and numerous forest fires, preceded the floods that submerged a third of the country and affected over 33 million people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan struggles to deal with devastating floods, death toll exceeds 1,300

Floods in Pakistan have claimed nearly about 1,300 lives and the authorities have reported 29 deaths in the last 24 hours. Over 1 million homes are also destroyed so far. The rescue operations are still underway.

WION Climate Tracker: Relief operations underway in Pakistan, over 1 million homes destroyed so far

Pakistan, a South Asian country, is facing difficulty in coping with the floods. Even as relief efforts continue, the devastating floods have claimed nearly 1,300 lives. The floods claimed the lives of 736, 459 animals.

The total number of fatalities reached 1,290 after 29 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said, Geo news reported.

During a press conference held, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged the international community to assist Pakistan and reassured the citizens that the government would leave no stone unturned to bring the country back to where it was. The first aid flight from France arrived on Saturday (September 3).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-one-third-of-pakistan-underwater-as-it-battles-worst-flood-in-history-512549">Also read |&nbsp;More than one-third of Pakistan underwater as it battles worst flood in history</a>

According to Shazia Mari, Federal Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, nearly 723,919 families have received cash assistance of Rs 25,000 so far. Mari, taking it to Twitter, praised the government for its quick decision.

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Government of Pakistan through the Benazir Income Support Programme has served 723,919 flood affected families by providing 25000 PKR per family since August 19th till today - 3rd September. A total of 18.25 billion PKR has been disbursed till date. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FloodsInPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FloodsInPakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/BtwHo5uWVW">pic.twitter.com/BtwHo5uWVW</a>
— Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/bisp_pakistan/status/1566134194434351104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of homes and buildings have suffered partial damage or are completely damaged. Initial damage has been estimated at USD 10 billion, although surveys are still being carried out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-floods-around-2000-more-people-rescued-by-countrys-armed-forces-512329">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan floods: Around 2,000 more people rescued by country's armed forces</a>

The disaster management chief said that the floods that inundated a third of the country, affecting over 33 million people, were preceded by numerous climate change instances, like four heatwaves, and various raging forest fires.

Presently, over 500,000 people are living in government and non-governmental relief camps due to internal displacement.

The relief effort in northwest Balochistan was done by a Pakistani military helicopter. The tents and supplies were being dropped on dry patches of land, and people were seen running there.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan, a South Asian country, is facing difficulty in coping with the floods. Even as relief efforts continue, the devastating floods have claimed nearly 1,300 lives.

Pakistan, a South Asian country, is facing difficulty in coping with the floods. Even as relief efforts continue, the devastating floods have claimed nearly 1,300 lives. The floods claimed the lives of 736, 459 animals. The total number of fatalities reached 1,290 after 29 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said, Geo news reported. During a press conference held, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged the international community to assist Pakistan and reassured the citizens that the government would leave no stone unturned to bring the country back to where it was. The first aid flight from France arrived on Saturday (September 3). Also read | More than one-third of Pakistan underwater as it battles worst flood in history According to Shazia Mari, Federal Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, nearly 723,919 families have received cash assistance of Rs 25,000 so far. Mari, taking it to Twitter, praised the government for its quick decision. Government of Pakistan through the Benazir Income Support Programme has served 723,919 flood affected families by providing 25000 PKR per family since August 19th till today - 3rd September. A total of 18.25 billion PKR has been disbursed till date. #FloodsInPakistan pic.twitter.com/BtwHo5uWVW — Benazir Income Support Programme (@bisp_pakistan) September 3, 2022 × Thousands of homes and buildings have suffered partial damage or are completely damaged. Initial damage has been estimated at USD 10 billion, although surveys are still being carried out. Also read | Pakistan floods: Around 2,000 more people rescued by country's armed forces The disaster management chief said that the floods that inundated a third of the country, affecting over 33 million people, were preceded by numerous climate change instances, like four heatwaves, and various raging forest fires. Presently, over 500,000 people are living in government and non-governmental relief camps due to internal displacement. The relief effort in northwest Balochistan was done by a Pakistani military helicopter. The tents and supplies were being dropped on dry patches of land, and people were seen running there. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Devastating floods in Pakistan claimed lives of nearly 1,300 people

As Pakistan goes through a harrowing ordeal with incessant monsoon rains submerging a third of the country, federal climate minister Sherry Rehman has argued that the western nations owe developing nations reparations for accelerating climate change.

As Pakistan goes through a harrowing ordeal with incessant monsoon rains submerging a third of the country, federal climate minister Sherry Rehman has argued that the western nations owe developing nations reparations for accelerating climate change. “There is so much loss and damage with so little reparations to countries that contributed so little to the world’s carbon footprint that obviously the bargain made between the global north and global south is not working," said Rehman in an interview with The Guardian. Rehman in clear terms batted for a reset of targets and asserted that “richer countries must do more”. “Historic injustices have to be heard and there must be some level of climate equation so that the brunt of the irresponsible carbon consumption is not being laid on nations near the equator which are obviously unable to create resilient infrastructure on their own,” added Rehman. Rehman was named the climate change minister in April earlier this year when Imran Khan was ousted as the prime minister. She has been a vocal critic of the western nations who have often dubbed the developing nations as the major contributor to greenhouse emissions, contrary to data available. “Big polluters often try to greenwash their emissions but you can’t walk away from the reality that big corporations that have net profits bigger than the GDP of many countries need to take responsibility,” added Rehman. “Global warming is the existential crisis facing the world and Pakistan is ground zero – yet we have contributed less than 1 per cent to [greenhouse gas] emissions. We all know that the pledges made in multilateral forums have not been fulfilled.” Read more: Pakistan PM responds to PM Modi after latter's tweet on Pakistan flood situation Rehman's arguments indeed paint the right picture as the South Asian country has witnessed a flurry of extremes of climate catastrophes, primarily caused due to historic carbon emissions from the west. According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) the floods that inundated a third of the country, affecting over 33 million people, were preceded by numerous climate change instances, like four heatwaves, and various raging forest fires. WATCH | Pakistan Floods: One-third of country underwater, Child deaths, waterborne diseases, UN expresses concern × Even as relief efforts continue, the devastating floods have claimed nearly 1,300 lives while more than 736,459 animals have lost their lives as well. According to official estimates, the destruction by the floods has already cost the Pakistani exchequer more than $10 billion. Read more: Devastating floods in Pakistan claimed lives of nearly 1,300 people For a country that has been under extreme financial duress for quite some time, the long-term effect of the last two months could be devastating. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Western countries owe reparations to developing nations facing climate change, says Pakistan minister

Climate change can be a boon and a bane at the same time, the induced changes have altered monsoons to an extent that the vast life giving phenomena has turned destructive now.

WION Climate Tracker: Unexpected monsoon hits South Asia

A 20-month-old baby was killed and more than 20 people got injured as massive hailstorm wreaked havoc in Spain's Catalonia. Hailstones measuring up to 4 inches even destroyed public property.

WION Climate Tracker: Softball-size hailstones batter Spain's Catalonia

The country continues to battle flash floods caused due to incessant rainfall this monsoon season. The flash floods have caused massive destruction reportedly leaving one third of Pakistan under water as of now.

WION Climate Tracker | Pakistan: Disaster to cost $10 billion, displaced people make a plea for help

The weather agency of Japan has said that very strong typhoon Hinnamnor is nearing several remote Southern Islands. This has prompted the authorities to issue warnings for local residents to seek shelter before it becomes too dangerous.

WION Climate Tracker | Japan: Super typhoon poses severe threats

Scientists from 60 different countries have released the latest State of the Climate report on Wednesday. Meanwhile, climate change has caused losses over $100 billion. According to report, 2021 saw record wildfires and record-high greenhouse gases.

WION Climate Tracker: 'State of the climate' report points to grim future; 2021 saw record wildfires

Senior officials from the G20 economies met for climate talks in Bali on Wednesday. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav from India said that the countries with least emissions facing the worst of crisis.

WION Climate Tracker| G20 summit on environment & climate: Leaders gather in Bali to discuss action

The well-known components of a warming world were visible: sweltering heat, hotter air holding more moisture, wilder extreme weather, melting glaciers, vulnerable populations, and poverty. In Pakistan, a fragile country, they combined to produce relentless rain and fatal flooding.

Though the flooding has all the signs of a disaster fueled by climate change, it is too soon to formally blame it on it, as per AP reports. It happened in a nation that contributed little to global warming but continues to be struck, much like the constant rain.

“This year Pakistan has received the highest rainfall in at least three decades. So far this year the rain is running at more than 780% above average levels,” said Abid Qaiyum Suleri, executive director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute and a member of Pakistan’s Climate Change Council. “Extreme weather patterns are turning more frequent in the region and Pakistan is not a exception.

Climate Minister Sherry Rehman said “it’s been a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-aid-reaches-flood-stricken-pakistan-511096">Pakistan</a> “is considered the eighth most vulnerable country to climate change,” said Moshin Hafeez, a Lahore-based climate scientist at the International Water Management Institute. Its rain, heat and melting glaciers are all climate change factors scientists&nbsp;warned repeatedly&nbsp;about.

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Army troops distribute food and other stuff to displaced people in a flood-hit area in in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Photo credits: AP

While pointing out these well-known signs of climate change, scientists have not yet completed the complex calculations comparing what occurred in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-serena-williams-starts-farewell-campaign-with-win-over-danka-kovinic-511313">Pakistan</a> to what would occur in a world without warming. The results of that study, which are anticipated in a few weeks, will formally establish how much, if any, climate change is a factor.

The “recent flood in Pakistan is actually an outcome of the climate catastrophe ... that was looming very large,” said Anjal Prakash, a research director at India’s Bharti Institute of Public Policy. “The kind of incessant rainfall that has happened ... has been unprecedented.”

As the country's climate minister Rehman noted, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-journalist-booked-for-misquoting-imran-khan-over-blasphemous-remarks-511047">Pakistan</a> is accustomed to monsoons and heavy rains, but "we do expect them spread out, usually across three months or two months."

She claimed that there are typically breaks and less rain; nonetheless, 37.5 centimetres (14.8 inches) of rain fell in one day, about three times the national average for the previous 30 years. "It's also not that long. ... After eight weeks, we may get another rain in September.

“Clearly, it’s being juiced by climate change,” said Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8500-cyclists-take-over-german-motorway-in-protest-against-poor-public-transport-511111">Climate</a> Research Center in Massachusetts.

According to Hafeez, the unprecedented floods was brought on by a 400% increase in the average rainfall in places like Baluchistan and Sindh. Dam breaches number at least 20.

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People jostle to get drinking water from a municipality water truck on a flooded road, in Sohbatpur, a district of Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Photo credits: AP

Just like the rain, the heat has been nonstop. Pakistan experienced temperatures that were consistently above 45 °C in May. (113 Fahrenheit). In locations like Jacobabad and Dadu, scorching temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) have been recorded.

Warmer air retains more moisture—roughly 7% more per degree Celsius (4% per degree Fahrenheit)—and this moisture finally falls, in this case in torrents.

Globally, "strong rain storms are getting more powerful," according to climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer of Princeton University. And he added that once the clouds pass, mountains, like those in Pakistan, aid in removing additional rainfall.

The severe heat in Pakistan speeds up long-term glacier melting, which causes water to rush from the Himalayas to Pakistan in hazardous phenomenon known as glacial lake outburst floods. This causes flash flooding in Pakistan in addition to the usual flooding caused by overflowing rivers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-pakistan-tehreek-i-insaf-in-trouble-following-more-audio-leaks-511118">Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in trouble following more audio leaks</a>

“We have the largest number of glaciers outside the polar region, and this affects us,” climate minister Rehman said. “Instead of keeping their majesty and preserving them for posterity and nature. We are seeing them melt.”

In 2010, comparable flooding and devastation occurred in Pakistan, killing close to 2,000 people. However, according to Suleri of the nation's Climate Change Council, the government didn't carry out plans to stop development and habitation in flood-prone areas and river bottoms in order to stop future flooding.

According to experts and government officials, the tragedy is occurring in a developing nation that has made just a little contribution to the global climate crisis. Since 1959, Pakistan has produced only 0.4% of the heat-trapping carbon dioxide that the United States and China have produced (21.5% and 16.4%, respectively).

(With inputs from agencies)

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Maryam Nawaz accused of 'ridiculing judiciary'

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The well-known components of a warming world were visible: sweltering heat, hotter air holding more moisture, wilder extreme weather, melting glaciers, vulnerable populations, and poverty.

The well-known components of a warming world were visible: sweltering heat, hotter air holding more moisture, wilder extreme weather, melting glaciers, vulnerable populations, and poverty. In Pakistan, a fragile country, they combined to produce relentless rain and fatal flooding. Though the flooding has all the signs of a disaster fueled by climate change, it is too soon to formally blame it on it, as per AP reports. It happened in a nation that contributed little to global warming but continues to be struck, much like the constant rain. “This year Pakistan has received the highest rainfall in at least three decades. So far this year the rain is running at more than 780% above average levels,” said Abid Qaiyum Suleri, executive director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute and a member of Pakistan’s Climate Change Council. “Extreme weather patterns are turning more frequent in the region and Pakistan is not a exception. Climate Minister Sherry Rehman said “it’s been a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.” Pakistan “is considered the eighth most vulnerable country to climate change,” said Moshin Hafeez, a Lahore-based climate scientist at the International Water Management Institute. Its rain, heat and melting glaciers are all climate change factors scientists warned repeatedly about. Army troops distribute food and other stuff to displaced people in a flood-hit area in in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Photo credits: AP While pointing out these well-known signs of climate change, scientists have not yet completed the complex calculations comparing what occurred in Pakistan to what would occur in a world without warming. The results of that study, which are anticipated in a few weeks, will formally establish how much, if any, climate change is a factor. The “recent flood in Pakistan is actually an outcome of the climate catastrophe ... that was looming very large,” said Anjal Prakash, a research director at India’s Bharti Institute of Public Policy. “The kind of incessant rainfall that has happened ... has been unprecedented.” As the country's climate minister Rehman noted, Pakistan is accustomed to monsoons and heavy rains, but "we do expect them spread out, usually across three months or two months." She claimed that there are typically breaks and less rain; nonetheless, 37.5 centimetres (14.8 inches) of rain fell in one day, about three times the national average for the previous 30 years. "It's also not that long. ... After eight weeks, we may get another rain in September. “Clearly, it’s being juiced by climate change,” said Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Massachusetts. According to Hafeez, the unprecedented floods was brought on by a 400% increase in the average rainfall in places like Baluchistan and Sindh. Dam breaches number at least 20. People jostle to get drinking water from a municipality water truck on a flooded road, in Sohbatpur, a district of Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Photo credits: AP Just like the rain, the heat has been nonstop. Pakistan experienced temperatures that were consistently above 45 °C in May. (113 Fahrenheit). In locations like Jacobabad and Dadu, scorching temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) have been recorded. Warmer air retains more moisture—roughly 7% more per degree Celsius (4% per degree Fahrenheit)—and this moisture finally falls, in this case in torrents. Globally, "strong rain storms are getting more powerful," according to climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer of Princeton University. And he added that once the clouds pass, mountains, like those in Pakistan, aid in removing additional rainfall. The severe heat in Pakistan speeds up long-term glacier melting, which causes water to rush from the Himalayas to Pakistan in hazardous phenomenon known as glacial lake outburst floods. This causes flash flooding in Pakistan in addition to the usual flooding caused by overflowing rivers. Also read | Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in trouble following more audio leaks “We have the largest number of glaciers outside the polar region, and this affects us,” climate minister Rehman said. “Instead of keeping their majesty and preserving them for posterity and nature. We are seeing them melt.” In 2010, comparable flooding and devastation occurred in Pakistan, killing close to 2,000 people. However, according to Suleri of the nation's Climate Change Council, the government didn't carry out plans to stop development and habitation in flood-prone areas and river bottoms in order to stop future flooding. According to experts and government officials, the tragedy is occurring in a developing nation that has made just a little contribution to the global climate crisis. Since 1959, Pakistan has produced only 0.4% of the heat-trapping carbon dioxide that the United States and China have produced (21.5% and 16.4%, respectively). (With inputs from agencies) Also WATCH | Pakistan: Maryam Nawaz accused of 'ridiculing judiciary'

Explained: Pakistan's fatal flooding has hallmarks of global warming

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