A new study published in the journal One Earth has found that global heating is reducing sleep hours around the world while most climate studies focus on economic and socio-economic outcomes, climate change is majorly impacting the daily lives of the people in multiple ways that are yet to be established.

Why are people losing 44 hours of sleep a year?

Strengthening climate policies has become an urgent need for Australia as the country has faced the wroth from extreme droughts to deadly floods. Australia's new PM Anthony Albanese in his opening remark at QUAD summit said that he wants the block to focus on challenges that climate change brings with it

New Australian PM Anthony Albanese makes climate pitch at QUAD Summit 2022

The impact of climate change is being felt around the world. In South Asia, record-breaking temperatures are being reported in most areas. Now, an alarming report on South Asia Heatwave warns that heatwave will be more frequent in the future.

Alarming report on South Asia Heatwave: 'Extreme weather due to climate change'

Villagers in Russia’s Siberia have spotted a giant crater that is sinking and appearing to pull in everything around it. They are calling it ‘doorway to the underworld’ or ‘mouth to hell’ as the giant hole continues to grow.

Locals in Batagay in Yakutia spotted the gigantic opening in the Earth with some believing it to be a passage to the underworld.

Pictures of the Batagaika crater doing the rounds show a huge mass of Earth sinking and appearing to pull in everything around it.

The Batagaika crater, which has been measured since the 1980s, is at the moment around one kilometre long and 86 metres deep.

Scientists believe that the giant crater is the result of a melting permafrost land, which was frozen during the Quaternary Ice Age 2.58 million years ago, reports British newspaper The Daily Mirror.

When the forest area was cleared in the 1960s, sunlight reached the ground and started to warm it.

Ice in the soil started to melt and this caused the ground to compact, slump, and subside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-new-enzyme-that-can-chomp-off-plastic-in-record-16-hours-481062" hreflang="en">Scientists discover new enzyme that can chomp off plastic in record 16 hours</a>

Scientists predict that more 'mouths to hell’ may soon appear around the world due to the impact of global warming.

A study presented in 2016 by Frank Günther from the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany revealed that the head wall of the crater has grown by an average of 10 metres (33 feet) per year over the past decade of observations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/impact-of-climate-change-rising-temperatures-could-cause-hours-of-sleep-loss-480890" hreflang="en">Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss</a>

And in warmer years, the growth has been up to 30 metres (98 feet) per year.

The Yakut people who inhabit the area, have reportedly been hearing unsettling booms coming from the site.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Villagers in Russia’s Siberia have spotted a giant crater that is sinking and appearing to pull in everything around it. They are calling it ‘doorway to the underworld’ or ‘mouth to hell’ as the giant hole continues to grow.

Villagers in Russia’s Siberia have spotted a giant crater that is sinking and appearing to pull in everything around it. They are calling it ‘doorway to the underworld’ or ‘mouth to hell’ as the giant hole continues to grow. Locals in Batagay in Yakutia spotted the gigantic opening in the Earth with some believing it to be a passage to the underworld. Pictures of the Batagaika crater doing the rounds show a huge mass of Earth sinking and appearing to pull in everything around it. The Batagaika crater, which has been measured since the 1980s, is at the moment around one kilometre long and 86 metres deep. Scientists believe that the giant crater is the result of a melting permafrost land, which was frozen during the Quaternary Ice Age 2.58 million years ago, reports British newspaper The Daily Mirror. When the forest area was cleared in the 1960s, sunlight reached the ground and started to warm it. Ice in the soil started to melt and this caused the ground to compact, slump, and subside. Also read | Scientists discover new enzyme that can chomp off plastic in record 16 hours Scientists predict that more 'mouths to hell’ may soon appear around the world due to the impact of global warming. A study presented in 2016 by Frank Günther from the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany revealed that the head wall of the crater has grown by an average of 10 metres (33 feet) per year over the past decade of observations. Also read | Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss And in warmer years, the growth has been up to 30 metres (98 feet) per year. The Yakut people who inhabit the area, have reportedly been hearing unsettling booms coming from the site. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here

Villagers spot giant ‘mouth to hell’ in Siberia, scientists alarmed by its growth

Climate change is making its presence felt like never before. From intense heatwaves to extreme rainfalls and floods, the effects are worsening with each passing day. While we all are impacted, the older population is facing the maximum risk due to this climate crisis

WHO: About 250,000 old people can die of adverse climate

The World Economic Forum has started in Davos, apart from the Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic, the issue of Climate change is looming over the world. It has captured the world's attention in an unignorable way. Of the roughly 270 panels through Thursday, about one-third are related to climate change or its direct effects.

Davos 2022 theme crucial to climate change,  about one-third meetings on climate

Climate change is taking a heavy toll on Europe, with tornado ripping through Germany while Spain endures one of the worst heatwaves in its history.

In Germany, a strong tornado left behind a trail of destruction in several towns in the western part of the country, leaving more than 40 people injured and one dead.

Officers in the western&nbsp;Paderborn city, which has a population of about 150,000, said the winds, which meteorologists warned could reach up to 130kmph (81mph), blew away roofs, toppled trees and sent debris flying for miles.

"Thirty to 40 injured, at least 10 of them seriously," Paderborn police said, according to Sky News.

People have been urged to remain in their houses so that the rescue efforts are not hampered, otherwise they could endanger themselves.

As heavy rain and hail swept across the country, the western German town of Lippstadt was also heavily damaged by a tornado, officials said.

A 38-year-old man also died in severe storms which lashed the region on Friday.

Images on social media showed that in nearby Hellinghausen, a steeple had been ripped off the roof of a church tower, with the rubble scattered in the churchyard.

Whereas contrasting conditions were witnessed in Spain with temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius in some places, making May the hottest month.

The state weather agency, AEMET, issued heat warnings in 10 regions for Saturday, saying it could be “one of the most intense” heatwaves in years.

The city of Jaén in southern Spain recorded its highest ever May temperature of 40C on Friday.

Meteorologists say that Spain's unseasonably warm spring weather is due to hot air coming from North Africa, causing temperatures to rise by up to 15C above average for this time of year.

The worst-hit regions are Andalusia in the south, Extremadura in the south-east, Madrid and Castilla La Mancha in the centre and Aragon in the north-east, BBC reported.

Spain's health ministry urged residents to drink plenty of water and to stay in cool places when possible. It also advised people to reduce physical activity.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Climate change is taking a heavy toll on Europe, with tornado ripping through Germany while Spain endures one of the worst heatwaves in its history. In Germany, a strong tornado left behind a trail of destruction in several towns in the western part of the country, leaving more than 40 people injured and one dead.

Climate change is taking a heavy toll on Europe, with tornado ripping through Germany while Spain endures one of the worst heatwaves in its history. In Germany, a strong tornado left behind a trail of destruction in several towns in the western part of the country, leaving more than 40 people injured and one dead. Officers in the western Paderborn city, which has a population of about 150,000, said the winds, which meteorologists warned could reach up to 130kmph (81mph), blew away roofs, toppled trees and sent debris flying for miles. "Thirty to 40 injured, at least 10 of them seriously," Paderborn police said, according to Sky News. People have been urged to remain in their houses so that the rescue efforts are not hampered, otherwise they could endanger themselves. As heavy rain and hail swept across the country, the western German town of Lippstadt was also heavily damaged by a tornado, officials said. A 38-year-old man also died in severe storms which lashed the region on Friday. Images on social media showed that in nearby Hellinghausen, a steeple had been ripped off the roof of a church tower, with the rubble scattered in the churchyard. Whereas contrasting conditions were witnessed in Spain with temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius in some places, making May the hottest month. The state weather agency, AEMET, issued heat warnings in 10 regions for Saturday, saying it could be “one of the most intense” heatwaves in years. The city of Jaén in southern Spain recorded its highest ever May temperature of 40C on Friday. Meteorologists say that Spain's unseasonably warm spring weather is due to hot air coming from North Africa, causing temperatures to rise by up to 15C above average for this time of year. The worst-hit regions are Andalusia in the south, Extremadura in the south-east, Madrid and Castilla La Mancha in the centre and Aragon in the north-east, BBC reported. Spain's health ministry urged residents to drink plenty of water and to stay in cool places when possible. It also advised people to reduce physical activity. (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.

Climate change grips Europe: Tornado in Germany, heatwave in Spain

Climate change is leading to significant environmental changes, such as hotter temperatures, melting of glaciers, etc., leading to subsequent changes in our way of living.&nbsp;

In the latest study, it has been revealed that climate change will lead to sleep deprivation among humans as researchers have attempted to predict future effects on our sleep.&nbsp;

For the study, researchers analysed the data they gathered from sleep trackers which are worn by the people and they also studied the global weather.&nbsp;

On one side experts are burning the midnight oil to find ways to tackle the severe impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, the latest study indicates that the problem will worsen over time.&nbsp;

As per the study, the change in temperatures will deprive a person of approximately 50 to 58 hours of sleep per year by 2099. It means 10 minutes per night.&nbsp;

It has also been suggested that people from lower-income countries will be impacted by the temperature's effects on sleep loss. &nbsp;

Kelton Minor of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark analysed the information and data taken from sleep-tracking wristbands used by 48,000 people in 68 countries (including the UK, the US, Australia, France, India, Mexico and Canada) between 2015 and 2017.&nbsp;

The study revealed that in the future, adults will fall asleep later and rise earlier. They will sleep lesser on hot nights. The reason behind this is that our body's core temperature needs to drop to fall asleep, which will be difficult to achieve due to higher temperatures.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Monkeypox: New viral infection raises alarm

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The change will be consequential with several adverse "physical and mental outcomes".&nbsp;

"Our bodies are highly adapted to maintain a stable core body temperature, something that our lives depend on," said study author Minor.&nbsp;

"Yet every night they do something remarkable without most of us consciously knowing – they shed heat from our core into the surrounding environment by dilating our blood vessels and increasing blood flow to our hands and feet," he added.&nbsp;

Minor also said that across seasons, demographics and different climate contexts "consistently erode sleep" and the amount of sleep loss is "progressively increasing" as temperatures become hotter.&nbsp;

The study, which has been published in the journal One Earth, observed that people in developing countries are more impacted.&nbsp;

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Climate change is leading to significant environmental changes, such as hotter temperatures, melting of glaciers, etc., leading to subsequent changes in our way of living.

Climate change is leading to significant environmental changes, such as hotter temperatures, melting of glaciers, etc., leading to subsequent changes in our way of living. In the latest study, it has been revealed that climate change will lead to sleep deprivation among humans as researchers have attempted to predict future effects on our sleep. For the study, researchers analysed the data they gathered from sleep trackers which are worn by the people and they also studied the global weather. On one side experts are burning the midnight oil to find ways to tackle the severe impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, the latest study indicates that the problem will worsen over time. As per the study, the change in temperatures will deprive a person of approximately 50 to 58 hours of sleep per year by 2099. It means 10 minutes per night. It has also been suggested that people from lower-income countries will be impacted by the temperature's effects on sleep loss. Kelton Minor of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark analysed the information and data taken from sleep-tracking wristbands used by 48,000 people in 68 countries (including the UK, the US, Australia, France, India, Mexico and Canada) between 2015 and 2017. The study revealed that in the future, adults will fall asleep later and rise earlier. They will sleep lesser on hot nights. The reason behind this is that our body's core temperature needs to drop to fall asleep, which will be difficult to achieve due to higher temperatures. WATCH | Monkeypox: New viral infection raises alarm × The change will be consequential with several adverse "physical and mental outcomes". "Our bodies are highly adapted to maintain a stable core body temperature, something that our lives depend on," said study author Minor. "Yet every night they do something remarkable without most of us consciously knowing – they shed heat from our core into the surrounding environment by dilating our blood vessels and increasing blood flow to our hands and feet," he added. Minor also said that across seasons, demographics and different climate contexts "consistently erode sleep" and the amount of sleep loss is "progressively increasing" as temperatures become hotter. The study, which has been published in the journal One Earth, observed that people in developing countries are more impacted. 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.

Impact of climate change: Rising temperatures could cause hours of sleep loss

Australia elections 2022: Candidates campaigning on different areas to seek victory

From grains to cooking oil, the price of basic staples is skyrocketing around the world. The reason for this is the war in Ukraine and the droughts fueled by climate change. Surging food prices are fueling protests across the world. WION tells you more in this report.

Rising food prices fuel protests across developing world

For years, the world has been observing National Endangered Species Day on the third Friday of May. This year, the occasion is falling on May 20. The day is commemorated to raise awareness among people about endangered species. It also looks to sensitise people to take action for protecting them.&nbsp;Several of the species, which are endangered now, used to thrive on Earth. Due to human activities, mindless hunting, global warming and other factors, they have become endangered. Many of them are also becoming extinct. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2006, this day was created by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition, according to reports. It will be marked for the 17th time this year. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenhouse-gas-sea-level-all-broke-records-in-2021-says-un-warns-of-climate-catastrophe-480233" hreflang="en">Greenhouse gas, sea level all broke records in 2021, says UN, warns of 'climate catastrophe'</a>

On this day, several zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquariums, libraries, gardens, schools, museums, community groups, and others hold special programmes for people. Several educational and fun-filled activities are also held on the day.&nbsp;

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) also comes up with different kinds of lists over these endangered species.&nbsp;

Not just the US, several other nations have also come up with laws to protect endangered species. But a lot has been done on paper only. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Report: World's oceans record high acidic level

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With climate change threatening the whole world, it is high time to take action and save these species at all costs. So, on this day, let us pledge to do our bit in this regard and help in ensuring the survival of these species.

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

For years, the world has been observing National Endangered Species Day on the third Friday of May. This year, the occasion is falling on May 20. The day is commemorated to raise awareness among people about endangered species.

For years, the world has been observing National Endangered Species Day on the third Friday of May. This year, the occasion is falling on May 20. The day is commemorated to raise awareness among people about endangered species. It also looks to sensitise people to take action for protecting them. Several of the species, which are endangered now, used to thrive on Earth. Due to human activities, mindless hunting, global warming and other factors, they have become endangered. Many of them are also becoming extinct. In 2006, this day was created by David Robinson and the Endangered Species Coalition, according to reports. It will be marked for the 17th time this year. Also Read: Greenhouse gas, sea level all broke records in 2021, says UN, warns of 'climate catastrophe' On this day, several zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquariums, libraries, gardens, schools, museums, community groups, and others hold special programmes for people. Several educational and fun-filled activities are also held on the day. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) also comes up with different kinds of lists over these endangered species. Not just the US, several other nations have also come up with laws to protect endangered species. But a lot has been done on paper only. Watch | Report: World's oceans record high acidic level × With climate change threatening the whole world, it is high time to take action and save these species at all costs. So, on this day, let us pledge to do our bit in this regard and help in ensuring the survival of these species. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

On National Endangered Species Day, let’s pledge to do our bit

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Energy Department launched a&nbsp;program&nbsp;on Thursday to fund four large-scale projects across the country that can remove&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide from the air, investing $3.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in a nascent&nbsp;technology the Biden administration says is necessary to meet a goal of achieving net zero emissions by mid century.

The agency released a formal notice saying it would fund the $3.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;program&nbsp;created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastucture Law that would create four regional direct air capture hubs&nbsp;to spur the widespread deployment of the&nbsp;technology and&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide transport and storage infrastructure.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenhouse-gas-sea-level-all-broke-records-in-2021-says-un-warns-of-climate-catastrophe-480233">Greenhouse gas, sea level all broke records in 2021, says UN, warns of 'climate catastrophe'</a>

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report last month that said the world will need “carbon dioxide removal”&nbsp;technologies - ranging from planting trees that soak&nbsp;up&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;to grow, to costly&nbsp;technologies to suck&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide directly from the air to meet global goals to curb climate change.

“The UN's latest climate report made clear that removing legacy&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;pollution from the air through direct air capture and safely storing it is an essential weapon in our fight against the climate crisis,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

Carbon&nbsp;removal&nbsp;technology has gained major attention and investment in recent months. There are three major direct air capture projects under&nbsp;development&nbsp;that have emerged in North America and Europe but they are only sucking&nbsp;up&nbsp;small amounts of CO2 from the air currently.

Watch |&nbsp;Aviation leaves huge carbon footprint, new report says only 1 of 50 goals met

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Earlier this year,&nbsp;technology firms Google, Shopify, Meta, and Stripe launched a $1&nbsp;billion&nbsp;fund that will buy&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;removal&nbsp;credits over the next decade as a way to incentivize rapid deployment of the&nbsp;technology.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk last year offered inventors $100 million in prize money to develop new&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;removal&nbsp;technologies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-a-taxibot-employed-at-airports-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-474961">What is a TaxiBot employed at airports to reduce carbon emissions?</a>

The DOE said that by midcentury,&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;removal&nbsp;will need to be deployed at the gigaton scale, meaning it would need to be able to sequester the equivalent of emissions from approximately 250 million vehicles driven in one year.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The US Energy Department launched a program on Thursday to fund four large-scale projects across the country that can remove carbon dioxide from the air, investing $3.

The US Energy Department launched a program on Thursday to fund four large-scale projects across the country that can remove carbon dioxide from the air, investing $3.5 billion in a nascent technology the Biden administration says is necessary to meet a goal of achieving net zero emissions by mid century. The agency released a formal notice saying it would fund the $3.5 billion program created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastucture Law that would create four regional direct air capture hubs to spur the widespread deployment of the technology and carbon dioxide transport and storage infrastructure. Also read | Greenhouse gas, sea level all broke records in 2021, says UN, warns of 'climate catastrophe' The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report last month that said the world will need “carbon dioxide removal” technologies - ranging from planting trees that soak up carbon to grow, to costly technologies to suck carbon dioxide directly from the air to meet global goals to curb climate change. “The UN's latest climate report made clear that removing legacy carbon pollution from the air through direct air capture and safely storing it is an essential weapon in our fight against the climate crisis,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. Carbon removal technology has gained major attention and investment in recent months. There are three major direct air capture projects under development that have emerged in North America and Europe but they are only sucking up small amounts of CO2 from the air currently. Watch | Aviation leaves huge carbon footprint, new report says only 1 of 50 goals met Earlier this year, technology firms Google, Shopify, Meta, and Stripe launched a $1 billion fund that will buy carbon removal credits over the next decade as a way to incentivize rapid deployment of the technology. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk last year offered inventors $100 million in prize money to develop new carbon removal technologies. Also read | What is a TaxiBot employed at airports to reduce carbon emissions? The DOE said that by midcentury, carbon removal will need to be deployed at the gigaton scale, meaning it would need to be able to sequester the equivalent of emissions from approximately 250 million vehicles driven in one year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US launches $3.5 billion programme to speed development of up carbon removal tech

'Out of sight, out of mind', is how most people tend to be about their garbage. A Los Angeles based campaigner has taken it upon himself to show people just how much trash we unknowingly throw away every month.

Wandering the streets of LA and surrounding towns, Rob Greenfield wears a specially designed suit that can hold all the junk he has produced over the past few weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-ukraines-comedian-turned-war-time-president-is-now-a-comic-book-hero-480497">Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's comedian turned war-time President is now a comic book hero</a>

His clear plastic suit has specially constructed pockets to carry all the rubbish from the drinks, snacks, and meals he consumed and weighs around 62 pounds or 28 kilograms.

Speaking to AFP, Greenfield said "We throw it in the garbage can and it goes away and we never think about it again. I wanted to create a visual that helps people to really see how much our trash adds up."

Watch |&nbsp;UK unveils Pride coin to mark 50th anniversary

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Although the sight of a man dressed in rubbish wandering around posh areas of one of America's most overtly consumerist cities raises some eyebrows, he claims that most people are curious to learn more.

"There are some people who think I’m someone who’s experiencing homelessness or that I have a mental health issue, but for the most part, people have just been very positive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tokyo-medical-school-to-pay-62000-compensation-for-discrimination-against-female-candidates-480452">Tokyo medical school to pay $62,000 compensation for discrimination against female candidates</a>

There are just a few days left of his 30 days challenge. Rob, who is a minimalist, has for the duration of this challenge decided to live and consume like the average American.

Noting that an average person in the US produces around 5 pounds of waste per day, &nbsp;Greenfield says that on day 12, he really started to feel "the burden of consumerism".

(With inputs from agencies)

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'Out of sight, out of mind', is how most people tend to be about their garbage. A Los Angeles based campaigner has taken it upon himself to show people just how much trash we unknowingly throw away every month.

'Out of sight, out of mind', is how most people tend to be about their garbage. A Los Angeles based campaigner has taken it upon himself to show people just how much trash we unknowingly throw away every month. Wandering the streets of LA and surrounding towns, Rob Greenfield wears a specially designed suit that can hold all the junk he has produced over the past few weeks. Also read | Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's comedian turned war-time President is now a comic book hero His clear plastic suit has specially constructed pockets to carry all the rubbish from the drinks, snacks, and meals he consumed and weighs around 62 pounds or 28 kilograms. Speaking to AFP, Greenfield said "We throw it in the garbage can and it goes away and we never think about it again. I wanted to create a visual that helps people to really see how much our trash adds up." Watch | UK unveils Pride coin to mark 50th anniversary Although the sight of a man dressed in rubbish wandering around posh areas of one of America's most overtly consumerist cities raises some eyebrows, he claims that most people are curious to learn more. "There are some people who think I’m someone who’s experiencing homelessness or that I have a mental health issue, but for the most part, people have just been very positive. Also read | Tokyo medical school to pay $62,000 compensation for discrimination against female candidates There are just a few days left of his 30 days challenge. Rob, who is a minimalist, has for the duration of this challenge decided to live and consume like the average American. Noting that an average person in the US produces around 5 pounds of waste per day, Greenfield says that on day 12, he really started to feel "the burden of consumerism". (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.

'Put trash in its place': This is why an environmental activist is wearing trash in posh LA

Climate change and its impact is evident around the world. In a recent report, the World Meteorological Organization provided details on the turmoil brought about by climate change. They stated that Oceans across the world recorded high acidic levels and were extremely warm last year

Report: World's oceans record high acidic level

According to recent research titled 'State of the World's Birds' published in the annual review of Environment and Resources, climate change is an important emerging driver of change for birds across the world. Global bird populations have been declining steadily in the last three decades because of the human impact on the environment

Global Bird populations declining due to climate change

The world's&nbsp;oceans&nbsp;grew to their warmest and&nbsp;most&nbsp;acidic&nbsp;levels on record last year, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Wednesday, as United Nations officials warned that war in Ukraine threatened global&nbsp;climate&nbsp;commitments.

Oceans&nbsp;saw the&nbsp;most&nbsp;striking extremes as the WMO detailed a range of turmoil wrought by&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change in its annual "State of the Global&nbsp;Climate,"&nbsp;It said melting ice sheets had helped push sea&nbsp;levels to new heights in 2021.

"Our&nbsp;climate&nbsp;is changing before our eyes. The heat trapped by human-induced greenhouse gases will warm the planet for many generations to come," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-could-cause-mass-hunger-and-famine-due-to-food-insecurity-un-warns-480297">Russia-Ukraine war could cause mass hunger and famine due to food insecurity, UN warns</a>

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;follows the latest U.N.&nbsp;climate&nbsp;assessment, which warned that humanity must drastically cut its greenhouse gas emissions or face increasingly catastrophic changes to the world's&nbsp;climate.

Taalas told&nbsp;reporters there was scant airtime for&nbsp;climate&nbsp;challenges as other crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine, grabbed headlines.

Selwin Hart, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's special adviser on&nbsp;climate&nbsp;action, criticised countries reneging on&nbsp;climate&nbsp;commitments due to the conflict, which has pushed up energy prices and prompted European nations to seek to replace Russia as an energy supplier.

Also watch |&nbsp;UN: Global Energy system driving humanity towards catastrophe

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DANGEROUS INCREASE

"We are ... seeing many choices being made by many major economies which, quite frankly, have the potential to lock in a high-carbon, high-polluting future and will place our&nbsp;climate&nbsp;goals at risk," Hart told&nbsp;reporters.

On Tuesday, global equity index giant MSCI warned that the world faces a dangerous increase in greenhouse gases if Russian gas is replaced with coal.

The WMO&nbsp;report&nbsp;said&nbsp;levels of&nbsp;climate-warming carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere in 2021 surpassed previous records.

Globally, the average temperature last year was 1.11 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial average - as the world edges closer to the 1.5C threshold beyond which the effects of warming are expected to become drastic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-making-extreme-heat-waves-in-india-100-times-more-likely-study-480339">Climate change making extreme heat waves in India 100 times more likely: Study</a>

"It is just a matter of time before we see another warmest year on record," Taalas said.

Oceans&nbsp;bear much of the brunt of the warming and emissions. The bodies of water absorb around 90% of the Earth's accumulated heat and 23% of the carbon dioxide emissions from human activity.

The ocean has warmed markedly faster in the last 20&nbsp;years, hitting a new high in 2021, and is expected to become even warmer, the&nbsp;report&nbsp;said. That change would likely take centuries or millennia to reverse, it noted.

The ocean is also now its&nbsp;most&nbsp;acidic&nbsp;in at least&nbsp;26,000&nbsp;years&nbsp;as it absorbs and reacts with more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Sea&nbsp;level&nbsp;has risen 4.5 cm (1.8 inches) in the last decade, with the annual increase from 2013 to 2021 more than double what it was from 1993 to 2002.

The WMO also listed individual extreme heatwaves, wildfires, floods and other&nbsp;climate-linked disasters around the world, noting&nbsp;reports of more than $100 billion in damages.

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The world's oceans grew to their warmest and most acidic levels on record last year, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Wednesday, as United Nations officials warned that war in Ukraine threatened global climate commitments.

The world's oceans grew to their warmest and most acidic levels on record last year, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Wednesday, as United Nations officials warned that war in Ukraine threatened global climate commitments. Oceans saw the most striking extremes as the WMO detailed a range of turmoil wrought by climate change in its annual "State of the Global Climate," It said melting ice sheets had helped push sea levels to new heights in 2021. "Our climate is changing before our eyes. The heat trapped by human-induced greenhouse gases will warm the planet for many generations to come," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas in a statement. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war could cause mass hunger and famine due to food insecurity, UN warns The report follows the latest U.N. climate assessment, which warned that humanity must drastically cut its greenhouse gas emissions or face increasingly catastrophic changes to the world's climate. Taalas told reporters there was scant airtime for climate challenges as other crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine, grabbed headlines. Selwin Hart, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's special adviser on climate action, criticised countries reneging on climate commitments due to the conflict, which has pushed up energy prices and prompted European nations to seek to replace Russia as an energy supplier. Also watch | UN: Global Energy system driving humanity towards catastrophe DANGEROUS INCREASE "We are ... seeing many choices being made by many major economies which, quite frankly, have the potential to lock in a high-carbon, high-polluting future and will place our climate goals at risk," Hart told reporters. On Tuesday, global equity index giant MSCI warned that the world faces a dangerous increase in greenhouse gases if Russian gas is replaced with coal. The WMO report said levels of climate-warming carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere in 2021 surpassed previous records. Globally, the average temperature last year was 1.11 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial average - as the world edges closer to the 1.5C threshold beyond which the effects of warming are expected to become drastic. Also read | Climate change making extreme heat waves in India 100 times more likely: Study "It is just a matter of time before we see another warmest year on record," Taalas said. Oceans bear much of the brunt of the warming and emissions. The bodies of water absorb around 90% of the Earth's accumulated heat and 23% of the carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. The ocean has warmed markedly faster in the last 20 years, hitting a new high in 2021, and is expected to become even warmer, the report said. That change would likely take centuries or millennia to reverse, it noted. The ocean is also now its most acidic in at least 26,000 years as it absorbs and reacts with more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Sea level has risen 4.5 cm (1.8 inches) in the last decade, with the annual increase from 2013 to 2021 more than double what it was from 1993 to 2002. The WMO also listed individual extreme heatwaves, wildfires, floods and other climate-linked disasters around the world, noting reports of more than $100 billion in damages. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World’s oceans at most acidic level in 26,000 years, climate report warns

Climate change has made the record breaking heat waves in India and Pakistan over 100 times more likely, and also increased the chances that such events will occur more frequently in the future, according to a study by the UK Met Office.

The analysis released on Wednesday means extreme temperature events once expected every three centuries are now likely to happen every three years.

The study estimated the chances of exceeding the record temperature witnessed in April and May in 2010, which saw the highest combined average April and May temperature since 1900.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hit-monsoons-arrive-in-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-temperatures-to-drop-in-northern-india-479837">Monsoon arrives in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, temperatures to drop in northern India</a>

The attribution study, which determines the influence of climate change on a particular weather event, shows that the natural probability of a heat wave exceeding the average temperature in 2010 was once in 312 years.

However, in the current climate scenario that accounts for climate change, the probabilities increase to once in every 3.1 years.

The scientists estimated that by the end of the century, the probability of heat wave will increase to once every 1.15 years.

"With temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in recent days, it is clear the current heat wave is an extreme weather event affecting communities and livelihoods," Professor Peter Stott, Met Office Science Fellow in Climate Attribution, said in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;Severe heatwave grips South Asia: People struggle under scorching sun

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Although a new record is thought likely, climate scientists will have to wait until after the end of the month, when all the temperature records for the April-May period have been collated to see whether the current heat wave will exceed the levels experienced in 2010.

"Spells of heat have always been a feature of the region's pre-monsoon climate during April and May," said Nikos Christidis, who produced the study.

"Our study shows that climate change is driving the heat intensity of these spells making record-breaking temperatures 100 times more likely. By the end of the century increasing climate change is likely to drive temperatures of these values on average every year, Christidis said.

The scientists adopted the peer-reviewed risk-based methodology that infers probabilities of extreme events with and without the effect of human influence from large multi-model ensembles of climate model simulations.

They noted that extreme pre-monsoon heatwave has eased a little after peak temperatures reached 51 degrees Celsius in Pakistan on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hit-delhi-grapples-with-water-shortage-no-response-from-haryana-478935">Delhi grapples with water shortage amid heatwave</a>

"However, the heat looks likely to build again from mid-week, peaking later in the week or into the weekend, with maximum temperatures again likely to reach 50 degrees Celsius in some spots, with continued very high overnight temperatures," said Paul Hutcheon, of the UK Met Office's Global Guidance Unit.

"Through the weekend temperatures are likely to lower again closer to average. There is also a continued enhanced risk of fires (largely from planned agricultural burning) in the region which would further add to the poor air quality. Some strong winds will lift dust plumes at times too, Hutcheon added.&nbsp;

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Climate change has made the record breaking heat waves in India and Pakistan over 100 times more likely, and also increased the chances that such events will occur more frequently in the future, according to a study by the UK Met Office.

Climate change has made the record breaking heat waves in India and Pakistan over 100 times more likely, and also increased the chances that such events will occur more frequently in the future, according to a study by the UK Met Office. The analysis released on Wednesday means extreme temperature events once expected every three centuries are now likely to happen every three years. The study estimated the chances of exceeding the record temperature witnessed in April and May in 2010, which saw the highest combined average April and May temperature since 1900. Also read | Monsoon arrives in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, temperatures to drop in northern India The attribution study, which determines the influence of climate change on a particular weather event, shows that the natural probability of a heat wave exceeding the average temperature in 2010 was once in 312 years. However, in the current climate scenario that accounts for climate change, the probabilities increase to once in every 3.1 years. The scientists estimated that by the end of the century, the probability of heat wave will increase to once every 1.15 years. "With temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in recent days, it is clear the current heat wave is an extreme weather event affecting communities and livelihoods," Professor Peter Stott, Met Office Science Fellow in Climate Attribution, said in a statement. Watch | Severe heatwave grips South Asia: People struggle under scorching sun Although a new record is thought likely, climate scientists will have to wait until after the end of the month, when all the temperature records for the April-May period have been collated to see whether the current heat wave will exceed the levels experienced in 2010. "Spells of heat have always been a feature of the region's pre-monsoon climate during April and May," said Nikos Christidis, who produced the study. "Our study shows that climate change is driving the heat intensity of these spells making record-breaking temperatures 100 times more likely. By the end of the century increasing climate change is likely to drive temperatures of these values on average every year, Christidis said. The scientists adopted the peer-reviewed risk-based methodology that infers probabilities of extreme events with and without the effect of human influence from large multi-model ensembles of climate model simulations. They noted that extreme pre-monsoon heatwave has eased a little after peak temperatures reached 51 degrees Celsius in Pakistan on Sunday. Also read | Delhi grapples with water shortage amid heatwave "However, the heat looks likely to build again from mid-week, peaking later in the week or into the weekend, with maximum temperatures again likely to reach 50 degrees Celsius in some spots, with continued very high overnight temperatures," said Paul Hutcheon, of the UK Met Office's Global Guidance Unit. "Through the weekend temperatures are likely to lower again closer to average. There is also a continued enhanced risk of fires (largely from planned agricultural burning) in the region which would further add to the poor air quality. Some strong winds will lift dust plumes at times too, Hutcheon 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.

Climate change making extreme heat waves in India 100 times more likely: Study

As per the weather forecasting agency, India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon entered Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Monday (May 16), marking the start of the four months of seasonal rains that are critical to the primarily agri-dependent economy.&nbsp;

However, the arrival of the monsoon season in the islands was a day late, as per the IMD.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-capital-delhi-sizzles-as-max-temp-breach-49-degrees-mark-minor-relief-likely-from-monday-479233">India’s capital Delhi sizzles as max temp breaches 49 degrees mark, minor relief likely from Monday</a>

The weather department said that the rainfall has been falling in the islands and surrounding areas due to intensifying south-westerly winds in the lower troposphere.&nbsp;

IMD in a statement stated, “Conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of south Bay of Bengal, entire Andaman Sea &amp; Andaman Islands and some parts of east-central Bay of Bengal during next 2-3 days."

Watch |&nbsp;Severe heatwave grips south Asia, over a billion affected in India and Pakistan

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According to the India Meteorological Department, the temperature in the national capital dropped to 42.4 degrees Celsius on Monday (May 16) after reaching 45.6 degrees Celsius a day earlier.&nbsp;

The weather agency said thunderstorms and rains are forecast to deliver further relief from the sweltering heat portions of northern India during the following few days.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hit-delhi-grapples-with-water-shortage-no-response-from-haryana-478935">Delhi grapples with water shortage amid heatwave</a>

In&nbsp;areas of Gurugram, Haryana, the temperature dropped to 44.7 degrees Celsius from 48.1 degrees Celsius on Sunday (May 15).

Amritsar, Punjab, saw a high of 42.6 degrees Celsius down four degrees from a day before.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

As per the weather forecasting agency, India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon entered Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Monday (May 16), marking the start of the four months of seasonal rains that are critical to the primarily agri-dependent economy.

As per the weather forecasting agency, India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon entered Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Monday (May 16), marking the start of the four months of seasonal rains that are critical to the primarily agri-dependent economy. However, the arrival of the monsoon season in the islands was a day late, as per the IMD. Also read | India’s capital Delhi sizzles as max temp breaches 49 degrees mark, minor relief likely from Monday The weather department said that the rainfall has been falling in the islands and surrounding areas due to intensifying south-westerly winds in the lower troposphere. IMD in a statement stated, “Conditions are favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of south Bay of Bengal, entire Andaman Sea & Andaman Islands and some parts of east-central Bay of Bengal during next 2-3 days." Watch | Severe heatwave grips south Asia, over a billion affected in India and Pakistan According to the India Meteorological Department, the temperature in the national capital dropped to 42.4 degrees Celsius on Monday (May 16) after reaching 45.6 degrees Celsius a day earlier. The weather agency said thunderstorms and rains are forecast to deliver further relief from the sweltering heat portions of northern India during the following few days. Also read | Delhi grapples with water shortage amid heatwave In areas of Gurugram, Haryana, the temperature dropped to 44.7 degrees Celsius from 48.1 degrees Celsius on Sunday (May 15). Amritsar, Punjab, saw a high of 42.6 degrees Celsius down four degrees from a day before. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Monsoon arrives in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, temperatures to drop in northern India

New Mexico firefighters battle United States' largest active wildfire, 145 thousand acres go up in smoke

A sandstorm hit Saudi Arabia’s capital and other desert regions on Tuesday (May 17), obstructing visibility and impeding travel, as reported by the news agency AFP.

Sandstorms are common in parts of Saudi Arabia between the month of March and May, with their densities varying. Storms have been more frequent in the region in recent months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-surpasses-apple-is-now-worlds-most-valued-company-478237">Saudi Aramco surpasses Apple; is now world’s most valued company</a>

Since mid-April, eight sandstorms have hit neighbouring Iraq, a phenomenon to be fuelled by soil degradation, severe droughts, and linked low rainfall to climate change.&nbsp;

Despite no reported aircraft delays or flight cancellations, a heavy grey haze made renowned Riyadh buildings like Kingdom Centre nearly impossible to see from more than a few hundred metres away. As per the Saudi Press Agency, the kingdom’s weather centre predicted "surface dusty winds" in the country’s east and in Riyadh, which would “reduce horizontal sight.”

Watch |&nbsp;Male model challenges gender norms in Saudi Arabia

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As per the forecast, dusty conditions were also expected further west in Mecca and Medina, the holy towns.&nbsp;

Due to the reduced visibility, electronic signals posted along Riyadh’s motorways advised the cars to go slow.

Sand blanketed cars and buildings in central Riyadh, as inhabitants tried to keep it out of their homes.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-reports-its-fastest-economic-growth-rate-in-a-decade-475634">Saudi Arabia reports its fastest economic growth rate in a decade</a>

An individual in conversation with AFP said that he’s grateful that he works indoors.

As per the official media, government offices, schools and universities in various areas in Iran were closed on Tuesday owing to this “unhealthy weather” and sandstorms.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

A sandstorm hit Saudi Arabia’s capital and other desert regions on Tuesday (May 17), obstructing visibility and impeding travel, as reported by the news agency AFP.

A sandstorm hit Saudi Arabia’s capital and other desert regions on Tuesday (May 17), obstructing visibility and impeding travel, as reported by the news agency AFP. Sandstorms are common in parts of Saudi Arabia between the month of March and May, with their densities varying. Storms have been more frequent in the region in recent months. Also read | Saudi Aramco surpasses Apple; is now world’s most valued company Since mid-April, eight sandstorms have hit neighbouring Iraq, a phenomenon to be fuelled by soil degradation, severe droughts, and linked low rainfall to climate change. Despite no reported aircraft delays or flight cancellations, a heavy grey haze made renowned Riyadh buildings like Kingdom Centre nearly impossible to see from more than a few hundred metres away. As per the Saudi Press Agency, the kingdom’s weather centre predicted "surface dusty winds" in the country’s east and in Riyadh, which would “reduce horizontal sight.” Watch | Male model challenges gender norms in Saudi Arabia As per the forecast, dusty conditions were also expected further west in Mecca and Medina, the holy towns. Due to the reduced visibility, electronic signals posted along Riyadh’s motorways advised the cars to go slow. Sand blanketed cars and buildings in central Riyadh, as inhabitants tried to keep it out of their homes. Also read | Saudi Arabia reports its fastest economic growth rate in a decade An individual in conversation with AFP said that he’s grateful that he works indoors. As per the official media, government offices, schools and universities in various areas in Iran were closed on Tuesday owing to this “unhealthy weather” and sandstorms. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Sandstorm hits Saudi Arabia’s capital and other desert regions

Warning against impending climate catastrophe, the United Nations has said that four key climate change indicators— Greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification—all set record highs in 2021.

A report&nbsp;released by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization&nbsp;said these extreme climate changes caused hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses.

“It wreaked a heavy toll on human lives and well-being and triggered shocks for food and water security and displacement that have accentuated in 2022,” the WMO said in its report State of the Global Climate in 2021.

“This is yet another clear sign that human activities are causing planetary-scale changes on land, in the ocean, and in the atmosphere, with harmful and long-lasting ramifications for sustainable development and ecosystems," it said.

The UN agency said that in 2021, the levels of climate-warming carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere surpassed previous records.

The report also confirmed that the past seven years were the top seven hottest years on record.

The global annual mean temperature difference is considered from pre-industrial conditions (1850-1900) for six global temperature data sets (1850-2021).

The report confirmed that put of those seven warm years on record, the year 2021 was "only" because of a La Nina event (ocean phenomenon in the Pacifics) at the start and end of the year.

"This had a temporary cooling effect but did not reverse the overall trend of rising temperatures. The average global temperature in 2021 was about 1.11 (plus/minus 0.13) degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level.

It is just a matter of time before we see another warmest year on record," said WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Warning against impending climate catastrophe, the United Nations has said that four key climate change indicators— Greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification—all set record highs in 2021.

Warning against impending climate catastrophe, the United Nations has said that four key climate change indicators— Greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rise, ocean heat and ocean acidification—all set record highs in 2021. A report released by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization said these extreme climate changes caused hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses. “It wreaked a heavy toll on human lives and well-being and triggered shocks for food and water security and displacement that have accentuated in 2022,” the WMO said in its report State of the Global Climate in 2021. “This is yet another clear sign that human activities are causing planetary-scale changes on land, in the ocean, and in the atmosphere, with harmful and long-lasting ramifications for sustainable development and ecosystems," it said. The UN agency said that in 2021, the levels of climate-warming carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere surpassed previous records. The report also confirmed that the past seven years were the top seven hottest years on record. The global annual mean temperature difference is considered from pre-industrial conditions (1850-1900) for six global temperature data sets (1850-2021). The report confirmed that put of those seven warm years on record, the year 2021 was "only" because of a La Nina event (ocean phenomenon in the Pacifics) at the start and end of the year. "This had a temporary cooling effect but did not reverse the overall trend of rising temperatures. The average global temperature in 2021 was about 1.11 (plus/minus 0.13) degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level. It is just a matter of time before we see another warmest year on record," said WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Greenhouse gas, sea level all broke records in 2021, says UN, warns of 'climate catastrophe'

According to a report by International Food Policy Research Institute on climate change and food systems, the number of Indians at risk of hunger in 2030 is expected to be about 74 million if the effects of climate change are to be factored in it would increase to 90.6 million

IFPRI's Global Food Report 2022: 74 mn Indians at risk due to climate change

The United Nations has now issued another grim warning on climate change. They have warned that the global energy system is driving humanity towards a catastrophe. The UN Secretary General has called upon the countries now to fasten their transition from fossil fuels in a bid to combat climate change

UN: Global Energy system driving humanity towards catastrophe

The impact of climate change is also impacting the Insurance industry. A recent report says that only eight percent of insurers are preparing adequately for the impact of climate change

Report: Climate change impacting Insurance Industry

A new study conducted by the University of Exeter has found that climate change and water sports are posing a threat to sea turtles.

The study, published in the journal Endangered Species Research, shows that tens and thousands of sea turtles are dying every year.

During the research, scientists reviewed the evidence about sea turtles from the last 57 years along the coast of Kenya, Somalia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania.

According to the study's leader author Casper van de Geer, a Ph.D. student at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall, "Turtles face many threats along the African east coast, from egg to adult."

“Our aim was to bring together everything that is currently known about these turtles and to identify opportunities to better protect them in this rapidly developing region. We found that there’s still a lot we don’t know about these turtle populations, like how many there actually are or where they spend most of their time and migrate to.”

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"If we use clutches of eggs laid as a measure of population, then we see that some have recovered well in some places. For example, loggerhead turtles appear to be recovering in South Africa and Mozambique. However, leatherbacks in the same areas have not responded as positively to conservation efforts—suggesting there's something going on in their lifecycle that's stopping them from bouncing back as quickly,"&nbsp;Geer added.

Kenyan waters are host to the green, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles. The most frequently encountered off Tiwi and Diani beaches south of Mombasa are the hawksbill turtle and green turtles.&nbsp;

Sometimes Kenyan people are lucky enough to get a rare sighting of loggerheads or leatherbacks. But these sea turtles face a multitude of obstacles to their survival.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/worlds-largest-green-turtle-colony-found-in-australia-bigger-than-imagined-304782">Also see | The world's&nbsp;largest green turtle colony found in Australia bigger than imagined</a>

“Local knowledge was key to this research, just as it is vital to turtle conservation,” explained Van De Geer.&nbsp;

“Conservation work is most effective when it is supported by the local stakeholders and this is achieved through genuine engagement and cultural sensitivity.”

“There are great examples of this along the African east coast where people are trained and employed as rangers or monitors in the area where they grew up, and the use of community theatre or musical performances to inform people about the marine world and conservation. Ultimately, it’s the people who live in a place who have the knowledge and motivation to protect it,” he concluded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/scientists-find-new-fossils-of-car-sized-prehistoric-turtle-in-south-america-280519">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists find new fossils of car-sized prehistoric turtle in South America</a>

''There is an urgent need to identify and plan around essential areas used by marine turtles in the East African seascape,'' said Gladys Okemwa, of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute.

"Despite legal protection measures, illegal take and consumption of marine turtles, particularly green turtles, still persists in the region due to cultural values. Sustained community engagement and support towards community self-policing will help to make strides in tackling the issue."

"While significant progress has been made with regard to awareness, education, and law enforcement in coastal towns and villages, much work remains to be done to ensure the conservation of these magnificent animals, especially offshore, where 'ghost' (discarded or lost) fishing gear, industrial long-liners and plastic pollution still constitute a major threat," said Marcos Pereira, of NGO Centro Terra Viva in Mozambique.

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A new study conducted by the University of Exeter has found that climate change and water sports are posing a threat to sea turtles. The study, published in the journal Endangered Species Research, shows that tens and thousands of sea turtles are dying every year.

A new study conducted by the University of Exeter has found that climate change and water sports are posing a threat to sea turtles. The study, published in the journal Endangered Species Research, shows that tens and thousands of sea turtles are dying every year. During the research, scientists reviewed the evidence about sea turtles from the last 57 years along the coast of Kenya, Somalia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania. According to the study's leader author Casper van de Geer, a Ph.D. student at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall, "Turtles face many threats along the African east coast, from egg to adult." “Our aim was to bring together everything that is currently known about these turtles and to identify opportunities to better protect them in this rapidly developing region. We found that there’s still a lot we don’t know about these turtle populations, like how many there actually are or where they spend most of their time and migrate to.” "If we use clutches of eggs laid as a measure of population, then we see that some have recovered well in some places. For example, loggerhead turtles appear to be recovering in South Africa and Mozambique. However, leatherbacks in the same areas have not responded as positively to conservation efforts—suggesting there's something going on in their lifecycle that's stopping them from bouncing back as quickly," Geer added. Kenyan waters are host to the green, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles. The most frequently encountered off Tiwi and Diani beaches south of Mombasa are the hawksbill turtle and green turtles. Sometimes Kenyan people are lucky enough to get a rare sighting of loggerheads or leatherbacks. But these sea turtles face a multitude of obstacles to their survival. Also see | The world's largest green turtle colony found in Australia bigger than imagined “Local knowledge was key to this research, just as it is vital to turtle conservation,” explained Van De Geer. “Conservation work is most effective when it is supported by the local stakeholders and this is achieved through genuine engagement and cultural sensitivity.” “There are great examples of this along the African east coast where people are trained and employed as rangers or monitors in the area where they grew up, and the use of community theatre or musical performances to inform people about the marine world and conservation. Ultimately, it’s the people who live in a place who have the knowledge and motivation to protect it,” he concluded. Also read | Scientists find new fossils of car-sized prehistoric turtle in South America ''There is an urgent need to identify and plan around essential areas used by marine turtles in the East African seascape,'' said Gladys Okemwa, of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. "Despite legal protection measures, illegal take and consumption of marine turtles, particularly green turtles, still persists in the region due to cultural values. Sustained community engagement and support towards community self-policing will help to make strides in tackling the issue." "While significant progress has been made with regard to awareness, education, and law enforcement in coastal towns and villages, much work remains to be done to ensure the conservation of these magnificent animals, especially offshore, where 'ghost' (discarded or lost) fishing gear, industrial long-liners and plastic pollution still constitute a major threat," said Marcos Pereira, of NGO Centro Terra Viva in Mozambique. Watch WION's live TV here:

Study says climate change, water sports posing threat to sea turtles

In pics: Five things you need to know about strife-torn Somalia

Climate change is causing plankton in the seas to move away from their habitats, and this could cause a 17% dip in marine life. Plankton are tiny ocean creatures carried by tides and currents.

Impact of climate change on marine life: Shifts in the season of Plankton blooms

Several warnings&nbsp;were issued and&nbsp;residents of Queensland have been advised to prepare their homes and evacuate if necessary.

About a dozen or so warnings have been issued.

The storm is now moving towards Brisbane and the heavily populated southeast area of Queensland.&nbsp;A&nbsp;person was killed earlier this week in the flooding in the states’ north, reported BBC.

The flood struck Queensland earlier in February, killing 13 people and inundating more than 20,000 houses, Floods in New South Wales claimed the lives of nine more people.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/early-voting-begins-in-australia-election-with-opposition-ahead-in-polls-477466">Early voting begins in Australia election with opposition ahead in polls</a>

The rivers reached 23 metres in the month of February and flooded 800 houses and businesses in the town. On Friday (May 13), floods in the Locker Valley, west of Brisbane, swamped some towns and cut off a major highway.

In the month of February, 68 houses were flooded and about 300 properties in the area were predicted to be affected.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Australia: Climate change key point in the election debates

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-climate-change-key-point-in-the-election-debates-478421/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland, flooding has closed over 550 highways across the country. Due to extreme circumstances, including strong gusts and dangerous waves, beaches across the state were closed, including all Gold Coast beaches, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bermuda-triangle-mystery-solved-claims-australian-scientist-477506">'Bermuda Triangle mystery solved', claims Australian scientist</a>

The Bureau of Meteorology predicted heavy rains on Friday (May 13) and said this might result in life-threatening flash floods and landslides. For the second time in recent months, residents in Gympie, north of the state capital, have been advised to expect flood in areas, BBC reported.&nbsp;

On May 21, Australians will vote in a federal election in which climate change is an important topic. Several protests have taken place where people demanded the government keep climate change in mind. The country has suffered severe drought, and historic bushfires earlier.&nbsp;

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<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>

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Several warnings were issued and residents of Queensland have been advised to prepare their homes and evacuate if necessary. About a dozen or so warnings have been issued.

Several warnings were issued and residents of Queensland have been advised to prepare their homes and evacuate if necessary. About a dozen or so warnings have been issued. The storm is now moving towards Brisbane and the heavily populated southeast area of Queensland. A person was killed earlier this week in the flooding in the states’ north, reported BBC. The flood struck Queensland earlier in February, killing 13 people and inundating more than 20,000 houses, Floods in New South Wales claimed the lives of nine more people. Also read | Early voting begins in Australia election with opposition ahead in polls The rivers reached 23 metres in the month of February and flooded 800 houses and businesses in the town. On Friday (May 13), floods in the Locker Valley, west of Brisbane, swamped some towns and cut off a major highway. In the month of February, 68 houses were flooded and about 300 properties in the area were predicted to be affected. Watch | Australia: Climate change key point in the election debates According to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland, flooding has closed over 550 highways across the country. Due to extreme circumstances, including strong gusts and dangerous waves, beaches across the state were closed, including all Gold Coast beaches, The Guardian reported. Also read | 'Bermuda Triangle mystery solved', claims Australian scientist The Bureau of Meteorology predicted heavy rains on Friday (May 13) and said this might result in life-threatening flash floods and landslides. For the second time in recent months, residents in Gympie, north of the state capital, have been advised to expect flood in areas, BBC reported. On May 21, Australians will vote in a federal election in which climate change is an important topic. Several protests have taken place where people demanded the government keep climate change in mind. The country has suffered severe drought, and historic bushfires earlier. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Australians advised to evacuate from Queensland as the country faces new flood emergency

In Australia, climate change is finally at the heart of the upcoming polls. Later surveys show climate issues as a crucial determinant in the poll outcomes.

Australia: Climate change key point in the election debates

In Pics - Hit by drought, Las Vegas lake spits up skeletons of mafia victims

Indian Government's Union Ministry of Education has encouraged schools to start courses early in the morning and decrease work hours to enable children cope with the heatwave sweeping throughout the country.

The announcement comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts another heat wave in Delhi starting on Friday. High temperatures are causing problems in most sections of north, central, northwest, and east India.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hit-indian-states-ready-with-plans-says-official-476886">&nbsp;India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official</a>

According to the Ministry's guidelines, school hours may begin early and end before noon. It stated that the start time might be as early as 7:00 a.m., and the amount of school hours per day could be reduced.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry, sports or other outside activities that expose students to direct sunlight should be altered in the early morning. It was suggested that school assemblies be held in a covered location or in classrooms with shorter intervals.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry, comparable precautions may be used during dispersal after school has ended.

In an advisory the ministry, urged school officials to limit outside activities and ensure that student stay hydrated during the school hours. It further stated that teaching and non-teaching staffs to be trained to administer first aid in case a student suffers of mild heat-stroke.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Earth could heat up at alarming levels in 5 years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-earth-could-heat-up-at-alarming-levels-in-5-years-477989/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The guidelines also recommended&nbsp;schools to relax its uniform policies like neck ties and allow students to wear light coloured cotton clothes and allow students to wear Canvas shoes instead of leather.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-reels-under-heat-wave-kashmir-temperatures-at-below-20-degrees-476926">As India reels under heat wave, Kashmir temperatures at below 20 degrees</a>

The guidelines even&nbsp;had&nbsp;specified instructions related to food, advising teachers to check quality of the mid-day meals before serving it to students. It said, “Heat can spoil food therefore hot-cooked meals under PM POSHAN must be served hot and fresh. Children carrying tiffins may be advised not to carry food that can turn stale quickly… in every period, teachers should remind students to sip water from their water bottles.”

Schools are told to prepare strong first-aid facilities and ensure proper availability of oral rehydration solutions and plan for a speedy access to health centres nearby in emergency. &nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Government's Union Ministry of Education has encouraged schools to start courses early in the morning and decrease work hours to enable children cope with the heatwave sweeping throughout the country.

Indian Government's Union Ministry of Education has encouraged schools to start courses early in the morning and decrease work hours to enable children cope with the heatwave sweeping throughout the country. The announcement comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts another heat wave in Delhi starting on Friday. High temperatures are causing problems in most sections of north, central, northwest, and east India. Also read | India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official According to the Ministry's guidelines, school hours may begin early and end before noon. It stated that the start time might be as early as 7:00 a.m., and the amount of school hours per day could be reduced. According to the Ministry, sports or other outside activities that expose students to direct sunlight should be altered in the early morning. It was suggested that school assemblies be held in a covered location or in classrooms with shorter intervals. According to the Ministry, comparable precautions may be used during dispersal after school has ended. In an advisory the ministry, urged school officials to limit outside activities and ensure that student stay hydrated during the school hours. It further stated that teaching and non-teaching staffs to be trained to administer first aid in case a student suffers of mild heat-stroke. Watch | Gravitas: Earth could heat up at alarming levels in 5 years The guidelines also recommended schools to relax its uniform policies like neck ties and allow students to wear light coloured cotton clothes and allow students to wear Canvas shoes instead of leather. Also read | As India reels under heat wave, Kashmir temperatures at below 20 degrees The guidelines even had specified instructions related to food, advising teachers to check quality of the mid-day meals before serving it to students. It said, “Heat can spoil food therefore hot-cooked meals under PM POSHAN must be served hot and fresh. Children carrying tiffins may be advised not to carry food that can turn stale quickly… in every period, teachers should remind students to sip water from their water bottles.” Schools are told to prepare strong first-aid facilities and ensure proper availability of oral rehydration solutions and plan for a speedy access to health centres nearby in emergency. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

India's deadly heat wave: Govt issues guidelines for schools, asks to modify timings

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