Ahead of UN Ocean conference, mermaids call for ocean protection in Portugal climate protest

The 19-year-old climate activist, Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance at the Glastonbury festival, with a warning regarding a potential “total natural catastrophe” unless citizens take immediate action.&nbsp;

After a moving speech from the Pyramid stage which was painted with an apocalyptic image of the future of the planet, Thunberg also led chants of "climate" and "justice" with cheers from thousands of people at the festival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treaty-that-puts-climate-change-on-back-burner-to-be-challenged-at-european-court-of-human-rights-490351">Treaty that puts climate change on back burner to be challenged at European Court of Human Rights</a>

"We are approaching the precipice and I would strongly suggest that all of those who have not yet been greenwashed out of our senses to stand our ground. Do not let them drag us another inch closer to the edge. Right now is where we stand our ground," The Guardian quoted Thunberg.

Emily Eavis, co-organiser of the Glastonbury festival invited Thunberg to the stage by describing her as, "the most inspiring speaker of this generation”.

Thunberg claimed that the world leaders are to be blamed for failing to stop the climate emergency and for developing “loopholes” that allow ecological destruction to go unaddressed.&nbsp;

"It has not only become acceptable for leaders to lie, but it’s also almost what we expect them to do," she added.

Watch |&nbsp;Effects of climate change lead to food shortage | Air Pollution can cause infertility

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/effects-of-climate-change-lead-to-food-shortage-air-pollution-can-cause-infertility-490363/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The surprise in-person speech by Thunberg was announced on Saturday.

The climate activist said, "It is taking action. It is stepping outside your comfort zone. And if a bunch of school kids was able to get millions of people on the streets and start changing their lives, just imagine what we could all do together if we try."

Thunberg said that it was high time for society to start “creating hope” rather than waiting for it to arrive.

"Hope is not something that is given to you. It is something you have to earn, to create. It cannot be gained passively from standing by passively and waiting for someone else to do something."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-highlights-of-glastonbury-festival-2022-paul-mccartney-grohl-springsteen-and-more-perform-491894">Major Highlights of Glastonbury festival 2022: Paul McCartney, Grohl, Springsteen and more perform</a>

Thunberg's main intention to make a surprise appearance at the festival was to urge the people to make efforts to halt global warming before it is too late.

"These crises are the biggest story in the world. And it must be spoken as far and as wide as possible, as far as our voices can carry and even further still. It must be told in the articles, newspapers, movies, and songs; at breakfast tables, lunch meetings, family gatherings; in lifts and bus stops; and in a rural shop and music festivals like Glastonbury," she added.

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The 19-year-old climate activist, Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance at the Glastonbury festival, with a warning regarding a potential “total natural catastrophe” unless citizens take immediate action.

The 19-year-old climate activist, Greta Thunberg made a surprise appearance at the Glastonbury festival, with a warning regarding a potential “total natural catastrophe” unless citizens take immediate action. After a moving speech from the Pyramid stage which was painted with an apocalyptic image of the future of the planet, Thunberg also led chants of "climate" and "justice" with cheers from thousands of people at the festival. Also read | Treaty that puts climate change on back burner to be challenged at European Court of Human Rights "We are approaching the precipice and I would strongly suggest that all of those who have not yet been greenwashed out of our senses to stand our ground. Do not let them drag us another inch closer to the edge. Right now is where we stand our ground," The Guardian quoted Thunberg. Emily Eavis, co-organiser of the Glastonbury festival invited Thunberg to the stage by describing her as, "the most inspiring speaker of this generation”. Thunberg claimed that the world leaders are to be blamed for failing to stop the climate emergency and for developing “loopholes” that allow ecological destruction to go unaddressed. "It has not only become acceptable for leaders to lie, but it’s also almost what we expect them to do," she added. Watch | Effects of climate change lead to food shortage | Air Pollution can cause infertility The surprise in-person speech by Thunberg was announced on Saturday. The climate activist said, "It is taking action. It is stepping outside your comfort zone. And if a bunch of school kids was able to get millions of people on the streets and start changing their lives, just imagine what we could all do together if we try." Thunberg said that it was high time for society to start “creating hope” rather than waiting for it to arrive. "Hope is not something that is given to you. It is something you have to earn, to create. It cannot be gained passively from standing by passively and waiting for someone else to do something." Also read | Major Highlights of Glastonbury festival 2022: Paul McCartney, Grohl, Springsteen and more perform Thunberg's main intention to make a surprise appearance at the festival was to urge the people to make efforts to halt global warming before it is too late. "These crises are the biggest story in the world. And it must be spoken as far and as wide as possible, as far as our voices can carry and even further still. It must be told in the articles, newspapers, movies, and songs; at breakfast tables, lunch meetings, family gatherings; in lifts and bus stops; and in a rural shop and music festivals like Glastonbury," she added. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Greta Thunberg makes surprise appearance at Glastonbury festival

Commonwealth Summit 2022 which was being held in Rwanda has finally concluded. By the end of the summit, Togo and Gabon were admitted in the group. The total members of the group now stand at 56.

Commonwealth Summit concludes in Kigali: Togo and Gabon admitted in the group

The Commonwealth leaders summit is underway in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. Prince Charles is there representing the queen along with the Duchess of Cornwall. Prince Charles and UK PM Boris Johnson met at the summit.

Commonwealth summit 2022: Prince Charles and UK PM Boris Johnson meet at the summit

Extreme ocean temperatures have caused the largest bleaching of sea sponges in New Zealand, scientists have said following recent marine heatwaves.

Last month, researchers found sea sponges bleached for the first time ever off the country’s southern coastline. They warned that the issue could rapidly become widespread, reports The Guardian.

Scientists have dubbed it an “alarming” development, saying that it highlights the&nbsp;climate crisis&nbsp;the world is facing.

Sea sponges are marine animals that have been around for about 600 million years. Their skeletons are dense and porous, and they adapt well to their particular habitat, attaching themselves to different types of surfaces, from rocks and corals&nbsp;to soft sediments, like mud and sand. They have even been known to fasten themselves to&nbsp;floating debris, according to the National Ocean Service.

Sponge gardens play a key role in marine ecosystems by creating habitats for fish and releasing carbon that other species feed on.

“As far as we’re aware, it’s the largest scale and largest number of sponges bleached in one event that’s been reported anywhere in the world… certainly in cold waters,” said James Bell, marine ecologist and professor at Victoria University of Wellington, as reported by The Guardian.

Bleaching does not necessarily mean the death of sponges per say, rather it evicts those organisms that dwell within them after they struggle to get food through photosynthesis, denying nutrients and reducing their defences. As a result, the sponges turn completely white.

Bell said that while some species can recover from severe bleaching, others do not.

She said that at least millions of sponges have been bleached in those environments, “maybe even tens of millions - this is one of the most abundant sponges in Fiordland and so it’s a really wide-scale event.”

Till last month, such bleaching had never been seen before in New Zealand, and there were few reports of it happening in cold waters internationally.

Bell said initial experiments confirmed warmer water was the likely cause of the bleaching.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Extreme ocean temperatures have caused the largest bleaching of sea sponges in New Zealand, scientists have said following recent marine heatwaves. Last month, researchers found sea sponges bleached for the first time ever off the country’s southern coastline.

Extreme ocean temperatures have caused the largest bleaching of sea sponges in New Zealand, scientists have said following recent marine heatwaves. Last month, researchers found sea sponges bleached for the first time ever off the country’s southern coastline. They warned that the issue could rapidly become widespread, reports The Guardian. Scientists have dubbed it an “alarming” development, saying that it highlights the climate crisis the world is facing. Sea sponges are marine animals that have been around for about 600 million years. Their skeletons are dense and porous, and they adapt well to their particular habitat, attaching themselves to different types of surfaces, from rocks and corals to soft sediments, like mud and sand. They have even been known to fasten themselves to floating debris, according to the National Ocean Service. Sponge gardens play a key role in marine ecosystems by creating habitats for fish and releasing carbon that other species feed on. “As far as we’re aware, it’s the largest scale and largest number of sponges bleached in one event that’s been reported anywhere in the world… certainly in cold waters,” said James Bell, marine ecologist and professor at Victoria University of Wellington, as reported by The Guardian. Bleaching does not necessarily mean the death of sponges per say, rather it evicts those organisms that dwell within them after they struggle to get food through photosynthesis, denying nutrients and reducing their defences. As a result, the sponges turn completely white. Bell said that while some species can recover from severe bleaching, others do not. She said that at least millions of sponges have been bleached in those environments, “maybe even tens of millions - this is one of the most abundant sponges in Fiordland and so it’s a really wide-scale event.” Till last month, such bleaching had never been seen before in New Zealand, and there were few reports of it happening in cold waters internationally. Bell said initial experiments confirmed warmer water was the likely cause of the bleaching. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

New Zealand sees record sea sponge bleaching, scientists 'alarmed'

The 26th Commonwealth Summit begins in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. The two-day summit which is witnessing attendance from most of the countries in the bloc will see discussions on issues like climate change, food security crisis

Commonwealth Summit 2022: Meet comes amid souring ties between Rwanda & DR Congo

Martinique's Precheur village in France has become a symbol of rising sea levels eating away at the coastline. According to the latest figures from the intergovernmental panel on climate change, sea levels are rising by an average of 3.5 millimeters per year in Martinique compared to 2.5 millimeters a decade ago.

Climate change threatens Precheur village in France

The Arctic is warming at a faster rate than other regions in the world the summer sea ice could disappear entirely as early as 2035. Now a French environmental organization has announced the deployment of a polar station, a drifting laboratory of sorts, its mission will be to collect and share its findings

Tara foundation unveils its Arctic Polar Station

Rwanda is all set to host 26th Commonwealth Summit. Climate change and the Food crisis will be on the agenda. However, the summit comes amid Rwanda asylum row.

Commonwealth Summit 2022: Climate change, Food crisis on agenda

Swiss 'zero star hotel' offers sleepless nights to ponder world's crisis' - see pics

Have you ever seen red snow that looks like it's bleeding from the crystals? Then you may have noticed "snow blood" algae, a phenomenon that has caused scientists to be concerned that it is spreading and speeds up the Alpine thaw.

Large areas of snow are strangely turning scarlet in the Alps, a phenomenon known as "snow blood." The red patches, which are thought to be the consequence of a particular species of algae and are spreading more frequently, are caused by climate change, according to scientists and residents alike.

They worry that the algae may cause an ecological catastrophe in this isolated area since the red colour makes the snow less reflective, which accelerates melting.

In the third century B.C., Aristotle gave the earliest description of algae. But Sanguina nivaloides, its Latin name, was not officially assigned to it until 2019.

With snow volumes declining as a result of rising global temperatures that are particularly hard impacting the Alps, scientists are rushing to better grasp why before it's too late.

According to some scientists, such as Alberto Amato, a genetic engineering researcher at the CEA Centre de Grenoble, the amount of algae appears to be increasing as a result of climate change, with greater levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide promoting blooms.

There is still much to learn, but it is known that algae speed up snowmelt because their pigment makes snow less reflective of solar radiation.

The similar look is also produced by other algae, such as a purple species and soot from forest fires. Snow and glaciers could melt more quickly all throughout the world if the algae grows. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Have you ever seen red snow that looks like it's bleeding from the crystals? Then you may have noticed "snow blood" algae, a phenomenon that has caused scientists to be concerned that it is spreading and speeds up the Alpine thaw.

Have you ever seen red snow that looks like it's bleeding from the crystals? Then you may have noticed "snow blood" algae, a phenomenon that has caused scientists to be concerned that it is spreading and speeds up the Alpine thaw. Large areas of snow are strangely turning scarlet in the Alps, a phenomenon known as "snow blood." The red patches, which are thought to be the consequence of a particular species of algae and are spreading more frequently, are caused by climate change, according to scientists and residents alike. They worry that the algae may cause an ecological catastrophe in this isolated area since the red colour makes the snow less reflective, which accelerates melting. In the third century B.C., Aristotle gave the earliest description of algae. But Sanguina nivaloides, its Latin name, was not officially assigned to it until 2019. With snow volumes declining as a result of rising global temperatures that are particularly hard impacting the Alps, scientists are rushing to better grasp why before it's too late. According to some scientists, such as Alberto Amato, a genetic engineering researcher at the CEA Centre de Grenoble, the amount of algae appears to be increasing as a result of climate change, with greater levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide promoting blooms. There is still much to learn, but it is known that algae speed up snowmelt because their pigment makes snow less reflective of solar radiation. The similar look is also produced by other algae, such as a purple species and soot from forest fires. Snow and glaciers could melt more quickly all throughout the world if the algae grows. 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.

Watch | 'Snow blood': Why climate change may be turning the Alps red

An algae sample known as "snow blood" is a phenomenon that accelerates Alpine thaw. It is believed to thrive in cold water and ice. Scientists probe link between 'Snow Blood' & Climate Change.

Scientists probe link between 'Snow Blood' & Climate Change

Torrential rain and catastrophic floods are wreaking havoc. In Bangladesh, 69 people lost their lives, relief operations and evacuations on our underway. Currently 9.5 million people are stranded without any basic commodities. Authorities have ramped up efforts to deliver food and drinking water to the region but constant rain is now hampering the process.

Climate change made flooding worse in South Asia

A report by the Intergovernmental panel on climate change has revealed that climate change is affecting your mental health. This could happen in two ways, directly which means that extreme temperatures could cause stress and impact your day-to-day life and indirectly sometimes climate change can lead to job loss or force people to move, these life altering changes can be hard to adapt to.

WHO policy on Mental Health & Climate Change

Climate change is not only affecting our surroundings but also our body. It is the biggest threat to human health. To know more about some of the impacts of climate change on our body, watch this report.

Effects of climate change lead to food shortage | Air Pollution can cause infertility

Basra, a southern city in Iraq is witnessing blistering heat just a few days into summer. The temperature has already soared to around 45 degrees Celsius. UN ranked Iraq as one of the top five countries most vulnerable to climate change.

‘Summer of hell’: Iraq city’s scorching heat amid vulnerable climate change

Young victims of the climate crisis will file a lawsuit against 12 European governments at the European Court of Human Rights over an international pact that allows fossil fuel investors to sue countries for taking action to tackle climate change on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.

The case targets Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Britain, all of which are Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) signatories.

The plaintiffs represent countries hit by recent climate change-related disasters including Germany and Belgium, which last year suffered devastating floods after heavy rain that scientists said was made more likely by climate change.

Their suit will ask the European Court of Human Rights to protect their rights by ordering governments to remove impediments to fighting climate change created by the ECT.

As reported by Reuters, a 17-year-old student Julia, one of the plaintiffs, says, &nbsp;"Governments are still putting profits of the fossil fuel industry over human rights. But climate change is escalating and demanding more and more lives every day."&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/toki-modern-phoenix-of-japan-brought-back-from-extinction-490258">Toki, 'modern phoenix' of Japan brought back from extinction</a>

Originally drawn up to support energy sector investments in former members of the Soviet Union, the ECT &nbsp;allows investors to sue countries over policies that damage their investments, and has been branded an obstacle to climate action by campaigners.

Criticism of the treaty has intensified amid lawsuits from companies seeking compensation for fossil fuel assets. RWE last year used it to seek compensation from the Dutch government over its plan to phase out coal-fuelled power by 2030, which would affect the German utility's Eemshaven power plant.

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Young victims of the climate crisis will file a lawsuit against 12 European governments at the European Court of Human Rights over an international pact that allows fossil fuel investors to sue countries for taking action to tackle climate change on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.

Young victims of the climate crisis will file a lawsuit against 12 European governments at the European Court of Human Rights over an international pact that allows fossil fuel investors to sue countries for taking action to tackle climate change on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters. The case targets Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Britain, all of which are Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) signatories. The plaintiffs represent countries hit by recent climate change-related disasters including Germany and Belgium, which last year suffered devastating floods after heavy rain that scientists said was made more likely by climate change. Their suit will ask the European Court of Human Rights to protect their rights by ordering governments to remove impediments to fighting climate change created by the ECT. As reported by Reuters, a 17-year-old student Julia, one of the plaintiffs, says, "Governments are still putting profits of the fossil fuel industry over human rights. But climate change is escalating and demanding more and more lives every day." Also Read: Toki, 'modern phoenix' of Japan brought back from extinction Originally drawn up to support energy sector investments in former members of the Soviet Union, the ECT allows investors to sue countries over policies that damage their investments, and has been branded an obstacle to climate action by campaigners. Criticism of the treaty has intensified amid lawsuits from companies seeking compensation for fossil fuel assets. RWE last year used it to seek compensation from the Dutch government over its plan to phase out coal-fuelled power by 2030, which would affect the German utility's Eemshaven power plant. (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.

Treaty that puts climate change on back burner to be challenged at European Court of Human Rights

Many parts of Europe are going through scorching heat with rapidly increasing temperatures.

Spain, France and other western European nations are under the severe June heatwave,&nbsp;that has sparked forest fires&nbsp;and many other concerns.

This&nbsp;weekend's temperatures were at the peak of the&nbsp;June&nbsp;heatwave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heat-wave-in-us-know-when-will-this-end-488455">Historic heatwave scorches US: When is it expected to end?</a>

Scientists have predicted that&nbsp;such phenomena will now strike earlier in the year due&nbsp;to global warming.

According to a report by the weather service, "many parts of the region surpassed 40 degrees Celcius. Although storms were expected on the Atlantic coast on Sunday evening,&nbsp;the first signs that the stifling temperatures will gradually regress to concern only the eastern part of the country."

Biarritz, a city in southwestern France, saw its highest all-time temperature Saturday afternoon of 42.9 degrees Celsius (109.2 degrees Fahrenheit), according to state forecaster Meteo France.

Queues of hundreds of people and traffic jams formed outside aquatic leisure parks in France, with people seeing water as the only refuge from the devastating heat.

Watch |&nbsp;Heat wave results in hottest May in Spain, firefighters struggle to control fire

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heat-wave-results-in-hottest-may-in-spain-firefighters-struggle-to-control-fire-489476/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

And at Vincennes Zoo, the staff constantly checked the animals for signs of dehydration.

Matthieu Sorel, a climatologist at Meteo France said that, " This is the earliest&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;ever recorded in France&nbsp;since 1947."&nbsp;He even called the weather&nbsp;a&nbsp;"marker&nbsp;of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change."

Forest fires in Spain on Saturday had burned nearly 20,000 hectares&nbsp;of land.&nbsp;Many people were forced to leave their homes and move to safe places because of the fires. Fourteen&nbsp;villages were evacuated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-forecast-department-anticipates-heatwave-to-hit-france-early-this-year-487803">France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year</a>

There have also been fires in Germany where temperatures&nbsp;reached 36 degrees Celcius.

UK also&nbsp;recorded its hottest day of the year on Friday, with temperatures reaching over 30 degrees Celcius&nbsp;in the early afternoon.&nbsp;Italy is also one of the countries.&nbsp;Experts warned the high temperatures were caused by worrying&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change&nbsp;trends. &nbsp;

Clare Nullis, a spokeswoman for the World Meteorological Organization in&nbsp;Geneva said that "as a result of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, heatwaves are starting earlier."

"What we're witnessing today is unfortunately a foretaste of the future",&nbsp;she further added.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Many parts of Europe are going through scorching heat with rapidly increasing temperatures. Spain, France and other western European nations are under the severe June heatwave, that has sparked forest fires and many other concerns.

Many parts of Europe are going through scorching heat with rapidly increasing temperatures. Spain, France and other western European nations are under the severe June heatwave, that has sparked forest fires and many other concerns. This weekend's temperatures were at the peak of the June heatwave. Also read | Historic heatwave scorches US: When is it expected to end? Scientists have predicted that such phenomena will now strike earlier in the year due to global warming. According to a report by the weather service, "many parts of the region surpassed 40 degrees Celcius. Although storms were expected on the Atlantic coast on Sunday evening, the first signs that the stifling temperatures will gradually regress to concern only the eastern part of the country." Biarritz, a city in southwestern France, saw its highest all-time temperature Saturday afternoon of 42.9 degrees Celsius (109.2 degrees Fahrenheit), according to state forecaster Meteo France. Queues of hundreds of people and traffic jams formed outside aquatic leisure parks in France, with people seeing water as the only refuge from the devastating heat. Watch | Heat wave results in hottest May in Spain, firefighters struggle to control fire And at Vincennes Zoo, the staff constantly checked the animals for signs of dehydration. Matthieu Sorel, a climatologist at Meteo France said that, " This is the earliest heatwave ever recorded in France since 1947." He even called the weather a "marker of climate change." Forest fires in Spain on Saturday had burned nearly 20,000 hectares of land. Many people were forced to leave their homes and move to safe places because of the fires. Fourteen villages were evacuated. Also read | France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year There have also been fires in Germany where temperatures reached 36 degrees Celcius. UK also recorded its hottest day of the year on Friday, with temperatures reaching over 30 degrees Celcius in the early afternoon. Italy is also one of the countries. Experts warned the high temperatures were caused by worrying climate change trends. Clare Nullis, a spokeswoman for the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva said that "as a result of climate change, heatwaves are starting earlier." "What we're witnessing today is unfortunately a foretaste of the future", she further added. 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.

'Marker of climate change': Europe swelters in record-breaking June heatwave

India has reportedly asked rich countries to pay for damages caused by extreme weather. According to one estimate, extreme weather costs India about $87 Billion every year. Shouldn't climate compensate? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India asks rich countries to pay for climate damage

In pics: Heatwave grips France and Spain as temperature set to rise

Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report.

The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan.

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in 2021, there were 23.7 million new internal displacements globally due to disasters (these are in addition to those internally displaced due to conflict and violence). This represented a decrease of seven million, or 23 per cent, compared to the previous year, the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-fires-heat-waves-cause-climate-anxiety-in-youth-488683">Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth</a>

"The largest displacements in the context of disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0 million), the Philippines (5.7 million) and India (4.9 million). Most disaster displacements during the year were temporary," it said.

The majority of the internally displaced persons returned to their home areas, but 5.9 million people worldwide remained displaced at the end of the year due to disasters, the report added.

The UN agency said that the number of people forced to flee their homes has increased every year over the past decade and stands at the highest level since records began, a trend that can be only reversed by a new, concerted push towards peacemaking.

By the end of 2021, those displaced by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses stood at 89.3 million, up eight per cent on a year earlier and well over double the figure of 10 years ago, the report said.

While the latest global trends report reflects the period of January 2021 to December 2021, the UN agency said it is impossible to ignore the developments that have happened in early 2022, including the Russian war against Ukraine.

"Since then, the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;'causing the fastest and one of the largest forced displacement crises since World War II'&nbsp;and other emergencies, from Africa to Afghanistan and beyond, pushed the figure over the dramatic milestone of 100 million," the report said.

Watch | Gravitas: India asks rich countries to pay for climate damage

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-asks-rich-countries-to-pay-for-climate-damage-488912/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The report said that at the end of 2021, 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, including 27.1 million refugees, 21.3 million refugees under UNHCR's mandate, 5.8 million Palestine refugees under United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East's (UNRWA) mandate, 53.2 million internally displaced people, 4.6 million asylum seekers and 4.4 million Venezuelans displaced abroad.

Asylum seekers submitted 1.4 million new claims. The United States of America was the world's largest recipient of new individual applications (188,900), followed by Germany (148,200), Mexico (132,700), Costa Rica (108,500) and France (90,200).

By May 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.

"Every year of the last decade, the numbers have climbed," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

"Either the international community comes together to take action to address this human tragedy, resolve conflicts and find lasting solutions, or this terrible trend will continue."

Last year was notable for the number of conflicts that escalated and new ones that flared; 23 countries, with a combined population of 850 million, faced medium- or high-intensity conflicts, according to the World Bank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-biggest-methane-gas-leak-occurred-at-russian-coalmine">Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports</a>

The UN agency said that food scarcity, inflation and the climate crisis are adding to people's hardship. The number of refugees rose in 2021 to 27.1 million. Arrivals climbed in Uganda, Chad and Sudan among others, it added.

"Most refugees were, once again, hosted by neighbouring countries with few resources. The number of asylum seekers reached 4.6 million, up 11 per cent," the report said.

Last year also saw the 15th straight annual rise in people displaced within their countries by conflict, to 53.2 million. The increase was driven by mounting violence or conflict in some places, for example Myanmar.

The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray and other regions has spurred the flight of millions within the country. Insurgencies in the Sahel drove fresh internal displacement, particularly in Burkina Faso and Chad.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report. The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan.

Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report. The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in 2021, there were 23.7 million new internal displacements globally due to disasters (these are in addition to those internally displaced due to conflict and violence). This represented a decrease of seven million, or 23 per cent, compared to the previous year, the report said. Also read | Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth "The largest displacements in the context of disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0 million), the Philippines (5.7 million) and India (4.9 million). Most disaster displacements during the year were temporary," it said. The majority of the internally displaced persons returned to their home areas, but 5.9 million people worldwide remained displaced at the end of the year due to disasters, the report added. The UN agency said that the number of people forced to flee their homes has increased every year over the past decade and stands at the highest level since records began, a trend that can be only reversed by a new, concerted push towards peacemaking. By the end of 2021, those displaced by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses stood at 89.3 million, up eight per cent on a year earlier and well over double the figure of 10 years ago, the report said. While the latest global trends report reflects the period of January 2021 to December 2021, the UN agency said it is impossible to ignore the developments that have happened in early 2022, including the Russian war against Ukraine. "Since then, the Russian invasion of Ukraine 'causing the fastest and one of the largest forced displacement crises since World War II' and other emergencies, from Africa to Afghanistan and beyond, pushed the figure over the dramatic milestone of 100 million," the report said. Watch | Gravitas: India asks rich countries to pay for climate damage The report said that at the end of 2021, 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, including 27.1 million refugees, 21.3 million refugees under UNHCR's mandate, 5.8 million Palestine refugees under United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East's (UNRWA) mandate, 53.2 million internally displaced people, 4.6 million asylum seekers and 4.4 million Venezuelans displaced abroad. Asylum seekers submitted 1.4 million new claims. The United States of America was the world's largest recipient of new individual applications (188,900), followed by Germany (148,200), Mexico (132,700), Costa Rica (108,500) and France (90,200). By May 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. "Every year of the last decade, the numbers have climbed," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. "Either the international community comes together to take action to address this human tragedy, resolve conflicts and find lasting solutions, or this terrible trend will continue." Last year was notable for the number of conflicts that escalated and new ones that flared; 23 countries, with a combined population of 850 million, faced medium- or high-intensity conflicts, according to the World Bank. Also read | Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports The UN agency said that food scarcity, inflation and the climate crisis are adding to people's hardship. The number of refugees rose in 2021 to 27.1 million. Arrivals climbed in Uganda, Chad and Sudan among others, it added. "Most refugees were, once again, hosted by neighbouring countries with few resources. The number of asylum seekers reached 4.6 million, up 11 per cent," the report said. Last year also saw the 15th straight annual rise in people displaced within their countries by conflict, to 53.2 million. The increase was driven by mounting violence or conflict in some places, for example Myanmar. The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray and other regions has spurred the flight of millions within the country. Insurgencies in the Sahel drove fresh internal displacement, particularly in Burkina Faso and Chad. 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.

Nearly 5 million people in India internally displaced due to climate change, disasters in 2021: UN

Oregon health officials say the impacts of climate change, including more devastating wildfires, heat waves, drought and poor air quality, are fuelling 'climate anxiety'&nbsp;among young people.

Their findings have been published in a report that highlights youth feelings of distress, anger and frustration about perceived adult and government inaction.

In a briefing on Tuesday hosted by the Oregon Health Authority, three young people spoke about how climate change has affected their mental health.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-biggest-methane-gas-leak-occurred-at-russian-coalmine-say-reports-488305">Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports</a>

High school student Mira Saturen expressed the terror she felt when the Almeda Fire swept through the area near her hometown of Ashland in southwestern Oregon in September of 2020. The blaze destroyed more than 2,500 homes.

"It was a terrible and stressful couple of days as details about the fire trickled in,"&nbsp;said the 16-year-old. Her fears were heightened by the fact that her father works for the fire department. "He was out fighting the fire for over 36 hours, which was super scary for me."

Gov. Kate Brown in March 2020 directed OHA to study the effects of climate change on youth mental health. In its report, the agency says its research was designed to center the voices of youth, especially tribal youth and youth of color in Oregon.

The report underlines that marginalised communities are more likely to experience adverse health effects from climate change, and notes that "emerging research is showing similar disproportionate burdens in terms of mental health."

Te Maia Wiki, another high school student in Ashland, touched on this.

"For me, it's important to mention that I'm Indigenous,"&nbsp;she said. The 16-year-old's mother is Yurok, an Indigenous people from Northern California along the Pacific coast and the Klamath River.

Watch |&nbsp;Adapting city life to climate change

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/adapting-city-life-to-climate-change-487915/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In my mother's generation, when she was growing up, she would go to traditional ceremonies and have smoked salmon that was fished traditionally by our people on our river which we have fished at since time immemorial,"&nbsp;Wiki said. "In my lifetime, eating that fish, seeing that smoked salmon in our ceremonies, is scarce. This is a full spiritual, emotional and physical embodiment of how I am stressed out by this and how this impacts me."

OHA partnered with the University of Oregon Suicide Prevention Lab to review literature, conduct focus groups with young people, and interview professionals from the public health, mental health and educational sectors. The interviews were conducted shortly after the extreme heat wave that slammed parts of Oregon in the summer of 2021.

While focusing on Oregon, the report underlines broader concerns about youth mental health in the United States amidst growing rates of depression and suicide nationwide.

Climate change and the coronavirus pandemic have further exacerbated an already alarming youth mental health crisis. The number of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40 per cent&nbsp;from 2009 to 2019, according to a Surgeon General's Advisory issued in December. Citing national surveys, the same advisory noted that suicide rates among young people ages 10-24 increased by 57 per cent&nbsp;between 2007 and 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-us-suffering-from-a-series-of-climate-related-catastrophes-488329">US suffers from a series of climate-related catastrophes</a>

Despite the crisis, study participants also expressed a sense of resilience.

"One of the biggest, bittersweet takeaways from our focus group is that we're not alone in this,"&nbsp;said 23-year-old Mecca Donovan during Tuesday's briefing. She said for young people with "all of these crowded thoughts,"&nbsp;having more opportunities to talk could help with mental health.

Lead author Julie Early Sifuentes, with OHA's Climate and Health Program, said she hopes the study "generates conversations in families, in schools, in communities and that it informs decisions in policy making."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Oregon health officials say the impacts of climate change, including more devastating wildfires, heat waves, drought and poor air quality, are fuelling 'climate anxiety' among young people.

Oregon health officials say the impacts of climate change, including more devastating wildfires, heat waves, drought and poor air quality, are fuelling 'climate anxiety' among young people. Their findings have been published in a report that highlights youth feelings of distress, anger and frustration about perceived adult and government inaction. In a briefing on Tuesday hosted by the Oregon Health Authority, three young people spoke about how climate change has affected their mental health. Also read | Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports High school student Mira Saturen expressed the terror she felt when the Almeda Fire swept through the area near her hometown of Ashland in southwestern Oregon in September of 2020. The blaze destroyed more than 2,500 homes. "It was a terrible and stressful couple of days as details about the fire trickled in," said the 16-year-old. Her fears were heightened by the fact that her father works for the fire department. "He was out fighting the fire for over 36 hours, which was super scary for me." Gov. Kate Brown in March 2020 directed OHA to study the effects of climate change on youth mental health. In its report, the agency says its research was designed to center the voices of youth, especially tribal youth and youth of color in Oregon. The report underlines that marginalised communities are more likely to experience adverse health effects from climate change, and notes that "emerging research is showing similar disproportionate burdens in terms of mental health." Te Maia Wiki, another high school student in Ashland, touched on this. "For me, it's important to mention that I'm Indigenous," she said. The 16-year-old's mother is Yurok, an Indigenous people from Northern California along the Pacific coast and the Klamath River. Watch | Adapting city life to climate change "In my mother's generation, when she was growing up, she would go to traditional ceremonies and have smoked salmon that was fished traditionally by our people on our river which we have fished at since time immemorial," Wiki said. "In my lifetime, eating that fish, seeing that smoked salmon in our ceremonies, is scarce. This is a full spiritual, emotional and physical embodiment of how I am stressed out by this and how this impacts me." OHA partnered with the University of Oregon Suicide Prevention Lab to review literature, conduct focus groups with young people, and interview professionals from the public health, mental health and educational sectors. The interviews were conducted shortly after the extreme heat wave that slammed parts of Oregon in the summer of 2021. While focusing on Oregon, the report underlines broader concerns about youth mental health in the United States amidst growing rates of depression and suicide nationwide. Climate change and the coronavirus pandemic have further exacerbated an already alarming youth mental health crisis. The number of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40 per cent from 2009 to 2019, according to a Surgeon General's Advisory issued in December. Citing national surveys, the same advisory noted that suicide rates among young people ages 10-24 increased by 57 per cent between 2007 and 2018. Also read | US suffers from a series of climate-related catastrophes Despite the crisis, study participants also expressed a sense of resilience. "One of the biggest, bittersweet takeaways from our focus group is that we're not alone in this," said 23-year-old Mecca Donovan during Tuesday's briefing. She said for young people with "all of these crowded thoughts," having more opportunities to talk could help with mental health. Lead author Julie Early Sifuentes, with OHA's Climate and Health Program, said she hopes the study "generates conversations in families, in schools, in communities and that it informs decisions in policy making." 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.

Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth

Crippled by water shortages and power cuts, Pakistan battles the climate crisis. Mercury has shot to 51° celsius in Pakistan's Jacobabad.

Pakistan battles climate crisis as mercury shoots to 51° celsius in Jacobabad

Chile’s Lake turns into desert, warnings for climate change - See pics

China is currently assessing the impact of climate change and has unveiled a new climate policy. It is planning to decrease industrial water use by 16%.

China assesses climate change impact as it releases new climate policy

At a time when climate change is having glaring impacts on our lives, we need to take immediate actions to save our future. Watch to know how cities need to adopt new lifestyle for a sustainable future

Adapting city life to climate change

Climate change often takes a back seat on an international level, why doesn't it share the same stage as wars and the pandemic. Fiji's defense minister asks a similar question, watch to know more on this.

Fijian Minister's says climate change bigger challenge than conflicts

Mothers bear extreme heat and effects of climate change- see pics

The state forecaster Meteo France has anticipated an early heatwave in France this week, with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) in the south. The department said that this year’s heat wave will arrive early, with the temperatures expected to be similar to those recorded during the peak of summer. The heatwave is expected to hit the southern portion of the country&nbsp;first extending to the north. The temperatures are projected to reach 35 to 38 degrees Celsius from the middle of the week until the weekend and will not fall below 20 degrees, as per the state weather service, reported by France 24.

The reason behind this is due to a low-pressure system in the Atlantic between the Azores and Madeira, which encourages warm air to rise over Western Europe.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-spain-in-grip-of-heatwave-with-temperatures-forecast-to-hit-44c-487275">In pics: Spain in grip of heatwave with temperatures forecast to hit 44C+</a>

The national meteorological authority AEMET reported that the temperatures in the Guadalquivir valley in Seville and the neighbouring city of Cordoba are 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday (June 11).

Watch |&nbsp;France's parliamentary elections: Polls suggest neck-to-neck fight

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/frances-parliamentary-elections-polls-suggest-neck-to-neck-fight-487413/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The heatwave in France is predicted to climax between Thursday and Saturday, as per the state forecast department.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-offshore-methane-gas-leak-spotted-from-space-487582">&nbsp;Climate: Offshore methane gas leak spotted from space</a>

The hottest pre-summer heatwave in neighbouring Spain in at least 20 years is currently underway. According to AEMET experts, a cloud of hot air from North Africa has sent temperatures soaring, and the suffocating heatwave might linger until June 15, six days before summer officially begins on June 21. The heatwave is expected to worsen on Sunday (June 12) in the country, with the temperatures in regions of southern Spain reaching 43 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit).&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

The state forecaster Meteo France has anticipated an early heatwave in France this week, with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) in the south.

The state forecaster Meteo France has anticipated an early heatwave in France this week, with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) in the south. The department said that this year’s heat wave will arrive early, with the temperatures expected to be similar to those recorded during the peak of summer. The heatwave is expected to hit the southern portion of the country first extending to the north. The temperatures are projected to reach 35 to 38 degrees Celsius from the middle of the week until the weekend and will not fall below 20 degrees, as per the state weather service, reported by France 24. The reason behind this is due to a low-pressure system in the Atlantic between the Azores and Madeira, which encourages warm air to rise over Western Europe. Also read | In pics: Spain in grip of heatwave with temperatures forecast to hit 44C+ The national meteorological authority AEMET reported that the temperatures in the Guadalquivir valley in Seville and the neighbouring city of Cordoba are 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday (June 11). Watch | France's parliamentary elections: Polls suggest neck-to-neck fight The heatwave in France is predicted to climax between Thursday and Saturday, as per the state forecast department. Also read | Climate: Offshore methane gas leak spotted from space The hottest pre-summer heatwave in neighbouring Spain in at least 20 years is currently underway. According to AEMET experts, a cloud of hot air from North Africa has sent temperatures soaring, and the suffocating heatwave might linger until June 15, six days before summer officially begins on June 21. The heatwave is expected to worsen on Sunday (June 12) in the country, with the temperatures in regions of southern Spain reaching 43 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit). 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. (With inputs from agencies)

France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year

Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions.

This weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together defence ministers from around the world, has seen sparring between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan while delegates also voiced concern about the Ukraine war.

It comes as Beijing jostles with Western powers for influence over Pacific island nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/funds-needed-for-tackling-climate-disasters-up-more-than-800-in-20-years-report-485996">Funds needed for tackling climate disasters up ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years: Report</a>

But Fijian Defence Minister&nbsp;Inia Seruiratu sought instead to focus attention on the threat posed by climate change to his Pacific country, which is regularly hit by cyclones.

"Machine guns, fighter jets, ships... are not our primary security concern," he told hundreds of delegates at the event in Singapore.

"The single greatest threat to our very existence is... human-induced, devastating climate change.&nbsp;It threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity.&nbsp;

"Waves are crashing at our doorsteps, winds are battering our homes, we are being assaulted by this enemy from many angles."

He said security was "broader than many of us have traditionally defined it", urging other countries to support Fiji's efforts to combat climate change.

Last September, Fiji passed a sweeping climate change act which declared a climate emergency while setting out the legal framework for the nation's response.

Watch |&nbsp;'Super Algae' to help fight climate change

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/super-algae-to-help-fight-climate-change-486051/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cyclones, rising seas

Low-lying Pacific island nations are some of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. Threats range from cyclones that are becoming more regular and powerful, to rising seas.

Ahead of last year's key climate talks in Glasgow, Pacific states warned they were bearing the brunt of global warming and urged wealthy, industrialised nations to do more.

China has been vying for influence in the region with other nations, including Australia and the United States.

But Fiji was among 10 Pacific nations that last month rebuffed China's push for a wide-ranging security pact, in a high-profile political setback for Beijing.

While he avoided the topic during his address, Seruiratu was asked about it at a question and answer session afterwards.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-talks-test-global-resolve-on-warming-485504">Climate talks test global resolve on warming</a>

He said people had asked him "everybody's coming to Fiji and courting you but when will you get married?"

"Let me say this. Marriage is about... an enduring relationship. Relationships must be enduring and built on trust."

Seruiratu also struck a conciliatory tone towards Beijing, despite the recent failed attempt to push its security pact.&nbsp;

"China is a key development partner, and that is a known fact. And that is accepted as well in the region," he said.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions.

Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions. This weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together defence ministers from around the world, has seen sparring between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan while delegates also voiced concern about the Ukraine war. It comes as Beijing jostles with Western powers for influence over Pacific island nations. Also read | Funds needed for tackling climate disasters up ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years: Report But Fijian Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu sought instead to focus attention on the threat posed by climate change to his Pacific country, which is regularly hit by cyclones. "Machine guns, fighter jets, ships... are not our primary security concern," he told hundreds of delegates at the event in Singapore. "The single greatest threat to our very existence is... human-induced, devastating climate change. It threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity. "Waves are crashing at our doorsteps, winds are battering our homes, we are being assaulted by this enemy from many angles." He said security was "broader than many of us have traditionally defined it", urging other countries to support Fiji's efforts to combat climate change. Last September, Fiji passed a sweeping climate change act which declared a climate emergency while setting out the legal framework for the nation's response. Watch | 'Super Algae' to help fight climate change Cyclones, rising seas Low-lying Pacific island nations are some of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. Threats range from cyclones that are becoming more regular and powerful, to rising seas. Ahead of last year's key climate talks in Glasgow, Pacific states warned they were bearing the brunt of global warming and urged wealthy, industrialised nations to do more. China has been vying for influence in the region with other nations, including Australia and the United States. But Fiji was among 10 Pacific nations that last month rebuffed China's push for a wide-ranging security pact, in a high-profile political setback for Beijing. While he avoided the topic during his address, Seruiratu was asked about it at a question and answer session afterwards. Also read | Climate talks test global resolve on warming He said people had asked him "everybody's coming to Fiji and courting you but when will you get married?" "Let me say this. Marriage is about... an enduring relationship. Relationships must be enduring and built on trust." Seruiratu also struck a conciliatory tone towards Beijing, despite the recent failed attempt to push its security pact. "China is a key development partner, and that is a known fact. And that is accepted as well in the region," he 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.

Fiji's biggest threat 'climate change, not conflict'

In a bid to showcase strong partnership over climate change, New Zealand welcomes Australia's climate plan. Both countries are now collaborating to take on global warming.

Strong partnership over climate change: New Zealand welcomes Australia's climate plan

climate-change

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