President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that the United States had only a decade left to confront a global climate crisis, using his second day touring a wildfire-ravaged West to try to rally the public, and congressional Democrats, to support measures that his administration hopes will reduce the burning of fossil fuels.

Biden’s stops this week in Colorado; Boise, Idaho; and Long Beach and the Sacramento area in California amounted to more than an opportunity to call attention to the severe destruction of wildfires and other natural disasters that have been exacerbated by climate change. The visits were a last-ditch opportunity to sell the importance of measures aimed at mitigating climate change, some of which appear increasingly at risk in his spending packages.

“A drought or a fire doesn’t see a property line,” Biden said during remarks at a federal renewable energy laboratory. “It doesn’t give a damn for which party you belong to. Disasters aren’t going to stop. That’s the nature of the climate threat. But we know what we have to do. We just need to summon the courage and the creativity to do it.”

Underscoring the urgency, Biden added: “We don’t have much more than 10 years.”

Democratic leaders drafting a $3.5 trillion spending bill are struggling to match the urgency of Biden’s pleas with pushback from energy lobbyists and some key Democrats, who want a far less expansive effort than what Biden has in mind.

On Monday, during a visit to California’s Office of Emergency Services in the Sacramento area, Biden appeared to recognize that. Before he received a briefing on the wildfire damage, he reminded dozens of emergency workers in the conference room that he was not able to include all of his proposed investments to combat climate change in a bipartisan agreement that he reached this summer on infrastructure. He said he was focused on including them in the more sweeping $3.5 trillion package but acknowledged that it could fall short of his ambitions.

“Whether that passes or not, exactly how much, I don’t know. But we’re going to get it passed,” Biden said.

Tax writers in the House have already made a concession of sorts on climate. A bill released earlier this week omits any tax on carbon emissions, even though such revenue could help pay for the giant package, which Democrats plan to pass along party lines and without Republican support.

Many Senate Democrats have pushed to include either a direct tax on emissions or an indirect one, like a tariff on goods imported from high-emission countries such as China. But the party is not aligned, and given the slim majorities in the House and Senate, such a plan would probably have trouble gaining the 50 votes needed in the Senate.

Centrist concerns over the size and scope of some proposed tax increases could force party leaders to pare back incentives for low-carbon energy deployment in the plan. So could influential Democrats who have resisted the party’s previous climate legislation, like Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia.

A coal-state moderate, Manchin is the committee chair charged with drafting the Senate version of the single largest effort to reduce emissions in the bill: a carrot-and-stick approach to push electric utilities to draw more power from low-carbon sources over the coming decade.

“The transition is happening,” Manchin said, speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “Now they’re wanting to pay companies to do what they’re already doing. Makes no sense to me at all for us to take billions of dollars and pay utilities for what they’re going to do as the market transitions.”

He declined to comment further on Tuesday, telling reporters he preferred to negotiate in private. Senate Democrats used a weekly caucus lunch to provide an update on efforts to cobble together pieces of the legislation during the annual summer break, though it was unclear how swiftly they would reconcile differences within and between both chambers.

Biden used his western swing to highlight what his aides hope will be a call to climate action for those who have not committed to a more aggressive plan.

Throughout the trip, Biden heard from emergency officials and governors — including those at odds with the administration on the pandemic and other issues — about the urgent need to address natural disasters. Biden told the emergency workers in California that he had recently spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, about emergency response.

“Some of my more conservative —” Biden said before stopping himself and resuming, “some of my less believing friends in this notion of global warming are all of a sudden having an altar call.”

“They’re seeing the Lord,” Biden said.

When Biden received his fire briefing later from officials at the Office of Emergency Services, a woman presenting a map of wildfires to him could be heard saying, “That’s why this is so important.”

On Tuesday, Biden watched a wind turbine demonstration at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Flatirons Campus in Arvada, Colorado, then recounted the damage from hurricanes and wildfires he had seen in trips across the United States this month. He called for tax credits to speed deployment of solar power and electric vehicles and for the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps to conserve public lands and help make them more resilient to climate change.

Biden’s economic team has not clarified whether the president would embrace an emissions tax as part of the package. He refused to agree to a Republican proposal to raise the federal gasoline tax to help pay for infrastructure, citing his pledge not to raise income taxes on anyone earning less than $400,000. But his administration has not objected to a tax increase on cigarettes, which the House included in its tax plan and which would disproportionately hit lower earners.

Administration officials have also not said how far a final agreement must go on emission reduction in order for Biden to accept it. Asked by a reporter in Arvada if he would sign the $3.5 trillion spending package if it included slimmed-down measures to address climate change, Biden pumped his fist. “I’m up for more climate measures,” he said.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, told reporters on Air Force One that Biden was strongly committed to the climate components of the bill. But, she said, “the Biden climate agenda doesn’t hinge on just reconciliation or infrastructure package alone.”

“We are looking at every sector of the economy for opportunities to grow clean-energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she said, “especially in the decisive — in this decisive decade.”

President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that the United States had only a decade left to confront a global climate crisis, using his second day touring a wildfire-ravaged West to try to rally the public, and congressional Democrats, to support measures that his administration hopes will reduce the burning of fossil fuels.

President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that the United States had only a decade left to confront a global climate crisis, using his second day touring a wildfire-ravaged West to try to rally the public, and congressional Democrats, to support measures that his administration hopes will reduce the burning of fossil fuels. Biden’s stops this week in Colorado; Boise, Idaho; and Long Beach and the Sacramento area in California amounted to more than an opportunity to call attention to the severe destruction of wildfires and other natural disasters that have been exacerbated by climate change. The visits were a last-ditch opportunity to sell the importance of measures aimed at mitigating climate change, some of which appear increasingly at risk in his spending packages. “A drought or a fire doesn’t see a property line,” Biden said during remarks at a federal renewable energy laboratory. “It doesn’t give a damn for which party you belong to. Disasters aren’t going to stop. That’s the nature of the climate threat. But we know what we have to do. We just need to summon the courage and the creativity to do it.” Underscoring the urgency, Biden added: “We don’t have much more than 10 years.” Democratic leaders drafting a $3.5 trillion spending bill are struggling to match the urgency of Biden’s pleas with pushback from energy lobbyists and some key Democrats, who want a far less expansive effort than what Biden has in mind. On Monday, during a visit to California’s Office of Emergency Services in the Sacramento area, Biden appeared to recognize that. Before he received a briefing on the wildfire damage, he reminded dozens of emergency workers in the conference room that he was not able to include all of his proposed investments to combat climate change in a bipartisan agreement that he reached this summer on infrastructure. He said he was focused on including them in the more sweeping $3.5 trillion package but acknowledged that it could fall short of his ambitions. “Whether that passes or not, exactly how much, I don’t know. But we’re going to get it passed,” Biden said. Tax writers in the House have already made a concession of sorts on climate. A bill released earlier this week omits any tax on carbon emissions, even though such revenue could help pay for the giant package, which Democrats plan to pass along party lines and without Republican support. Many Senate Democrats have pushed to include either a direct tax on emissions or an indirect one, like a tariff on goods imported from high-emission countries such as China. But the party is not aligned, and given the slim majorities in the House and Senate, such a plan would probably have trouble gaining the 50 votes needed in the Senate. Centrist concerns over the size and scope of some proposed tax increases could force party leaders to pare back incentives for low-carbon energy deployment in the plan. So could influential Democrats who have resisted the party’s previous climate legislation, like Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia. A coal-state moderate, Manchin is the committee chair charged with drafting the Senate version of the single largest effort to reduce emissions in the bill: a carrot-and-stick approach to push electric utilities to draw more power from low-carbon sources over the coming decade. “The transition is happening,” Manchin said, speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “Now they’re wanting to pay companies to do what they’re already doing. Makes no sense to me at all for us to take billions of dollars and pay utilities for what they’re going to do as the market transitions.” He declined to comment further on Tuesday, telling reporters he preferred to negotiate in private. Senate Democrats used a weekly caucus lunch to provide an update on efforts to cobble together pieces of the legislation during the annual summer break, though it was unclear how swiftly they would reconcile differences within and between both chambers. Biden used his western swing to highlight what his aides hope will be a call to climate action for those who have not committed to a more aggressive plan. Throughout the trip, Biden heard from emergency officials and governors — including those at odds with the administration on the pandemic and other issues — about the urgent need to address natural disasters. Biden told the emergency workers in California that he had recently spoken with Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, about emergency response. “Some of my more conservative —” Biden said before stopping himself and resuming, “some of my less believing friends in this notion of global warming are all of a sudden having an altar call.” “They’re seeing the Lord,” Biden said. When Biden received his fire briefing later from officials at the Office of Emergency Services, a woman presenting a map of wildfires to him could be heard saying, “That’s why this is so important.” On Tuesday, Biden watched a wind turbine demonstration at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Flatirons Campus in Arvada, Colorado, then recounted the damage from hurricanes and wildfires he had seen in trips across the United States this month. He called for tax credits to speed deployment of solar power and electric vehicles and for the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps to conserve public lands and help make them more resilient to climate change. Biden’s economic team has not clarified whether the president would embrace an emissions tax as part of the package. He refused to agree to a Republican proposal to raise the federal gasoline tax to help pay for infrastructure, citing his pledge not to raise income taxes on anyone earning less than $400,000. But his administration has not objected to a tax increase on cigarettes, which the House included in its tax plan and which would disproportionately hit lower earners. Administration officials have also not said how far a final agreement must go on emission reduction in order for Biden to accept it. Asked by a reporter in Arvada if he would sign the $3.5 trillion spending package if it included slimmed-down measures to address climate change, Biden pumped his fist. “I’m up for more climate measures,” he said. Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, told reporters on Air Force One that Biden was strongly committed to the climate components of the bill. But, she said, “the Biden climate agenda doesn’t hinge on just reconciliation or infrastructure package alone.” “We are looking at every sector of the economy for opportunities to grow clean-energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she said, “especially in the decisive — in this decisive decade.”

Biden urges climate action: ‘We don’t have much more than 10 years’

Rain poured on the highest point of the Greenland ice sheet for the first time in recorded history in August.

It didn't even make the news.

However, rain in a country known for its severe cold foreshadows a future that would alter global coastlines and submerge entire towns.&nbsp;

The US Snow and Ice Data Center stated that rain was seen for many hours on August 14 at a measurement site more than 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) above the sheet.

"This is an extreme event as it may never have happened before. This is probably a sign of global warming.," Martin Stendel, a researcher at the Danish Meteorological Institute, said.

Only nine times in the past 2,000 years have temperatures at the pinnacle of the sheet reached above freezing. Three of those incidents have occurred in the last ten years, although there was no rain on the prior two occasions, in 2012 and 2019, he said.&nbsp;

Temperatures must be above or just below zero degrees Celsius for the rain to fall, indicating the danger that rising temperatures pose to the world's second-largest ice sheet, behind Antarctica.&nbsp;

Outside of Antarctica, the Greenland ice sheet has four times the amount of ice as all other glaciers and ice fields combined.

Greenland, the world's largest island, is more than 36,000 times the size of Manhattan and is covered in ice that is thousands of feet thick in many areas.

The ice sheet disintegrates as carbon dioxide and methane collect in our atmosphere, causing our planet to heat (the last six years have been the warmest on record).

In the last decade, Greenland has lost more ice than it did in the previous century.&nbsp;

In a paper published two years ago in Nature, a respected scientific publication, a group of climate scientists estimated that if Greenland continues to melt, tens of millions of people might face annual floods and displacement by 2030 – less than nine years from now.

By the end of the century, when Antarctica, which has far more ice than Greenland, begins a phase of catastrophic melting, the number of people at risk of flooding might have risen to about half a billion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Rain poured on the highest point of the Greenland ice sheet for the first time in recorded history in August. It didn't even make the news. However, rain in a country known for its severe cold foreshadows a future that would alter global coastlines and submerge entire towns.

Rain poured on the highest point of the Greenland ice sheet for the first time in recorded history in August. It didn't even make the news. However, rain in a country known for its severe cold foreshadows a future that would alter global coastlines and submerge entire towns. The US Snow and Ice Data Center stated that rain was seen for many hours on August 14 at a measurement site more than 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) above the sheet. "This is an extreme event as it may never have happened before. This is probably a sign of global warming.," Martin Stendel, a researcher at the Danish Meteorological Institute, said. Only nine times in the past 2,000 years have temperatures at the pinnacle of the sheet reached above freezing. Three of those incidents have occurred in the last ten years, although there was no rain on the prior two occasions, in 2012 and 2019, he said. Temperatures must be above or just below zero degrees Celsius for the rain to fall, indicating the danger that rising temperatures pose to the world's second-largest ice sheet, behind Antarctica. Outside of Antarctica, the Greenland ice sheet has four times the amount of ice as all other glaciers and ice fields combined. Greenland, the world's largest island, is more than 36,000 times the size of Manhattan and is covered in ice that is thousands of feet thick in many areas. The ice sheet disintegrates as carbon dioxide and methane collect in our atmosphere, causing our planet to heat (the last six years have been the warmest on record). In the last decade, Greenland has lost more ice than it did in the previous century. In a paper published two years ago in Nature, a respected scientific publication, a group of climate scientists estimated that if Greenland continues to melt, tens of millions of people might face annual floods and displacement by 2030 – less than nine years from now. By the end of the century, when Antarctica, which has far more ice than Greenland, begins a phase of catastrophic melting, the number of people at risk of flooding might have risen to about half a billion. (With inputs from agencies)

Experts warn first-ever rain in Greenland ice sheet shows risks of climate change

The United Nations chief warned Friday that the world is "moving in the wrong direction" and exhorted nations to take urgent action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.&nbsp;

"COVID-19 is a wake-up call, and we are oversleeping," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a press conference.

Speaking ahead the UN General Assembly that kicks off in New York on September&nbsp;21, Guterres lamented that vaccine-manufacturing nations have been unable to ramp up production toward the goal of vaccinating some 70 percent of the world population by the first half of 2022.&nbsp;

"The pandemic has demonstrated our collective failure to come together and make joint decisions for the common good, even in the face of an immediate, life-threatening global emergency," Guterres said.&nbsp;

Guterres dismissed calls to delay a major UN climate summit, known as COP26, due to take place in Scotland in November. Climate activists have called for postponing the event due to vaccine inequality, the raging Covid pandemic and logistical difficulties in organising the event.

"To delay the COP is not a good thing," Guterres said. "Delays have been so many and the issue is so urgent."

Guterres urged the United States and China, the world's two biggest polluters, to do more to combat climate change.

"We need a stronger engagement of the US, namely in financing for development, for climate-related development issues, mitigation, adaptation, and we need an additional effort from China in relation to emissions," Guterres said.

The United Nations chief warned Friday that the world is "moving in the wrong direction" and exhorted nations to take urgent action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

The United Nations chief warned Friday that the world is "moving in the wrong direction" and exhorted nations to take urgent action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. "COVID-19 is a wake-up call, and we are oversleeping," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a press conference. Speaking ahead the UN General Assembly that kicks off in New York on September 21, Guterres lamented that vaccine-manufacturing nations have been unable to ramp up production toward the goal of vaccinating some 70 percent of the world population by the first half of 2022. "The pandemic has demonstrated our collective failure to come together and make joint decisions for the common good, even in the face of an immediate, life-threatening global emergency," Guterres said. Guterres dismissed calls to delay a major UN climate summit, known as COP26, due to take place in Scotland in November. Climate activists have called for postponing the event due to vaccine inequality, the raging Covid pandemic and logistical difficulties in organising the event. "To delay the COP is not a good thing," Guterres said. "Delays have been so many and the issue is so urgent." Guterres urged the United States and China, the world's two biggest polluters, to do more to combat climate change. "We need a stronger engagement of the US, namely in financing for development, for climate-related development issues, mitigation, adaptation, and we need an additional effort from China in relation to emissions," Guterres said.

UN chief calls for action on COVID-19, climate

If the world wants to control the ongoing climate crisis, the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves owned by developed countries and companies should remain in the ground, an analysis has claimed.

A group of researchers have described the climate change situation to be "absolutely desperate" and have said that 90 per cent of coal and 60 per cent of oil and gas reserves could not be extracted if there is even some chance of keeping global heating below 1.5 C.

This research has highlighted the gap between the reality of the situation and the goals set by world leaders in the Paris Agreement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/as-earth-warms-up-animals-are-shape-shifting-to-survive-better-study-411890" hreflang="en">As Earth warms up, animals are 'shape-shifting' to survive better: Study</a>

"The (analysis) implies that many operational and planned fossil fuel projects (are) unviable,"&nbsp;the scientists said.

Experts have said that the new plans of fossil fuel industry make sense only if the leaders and countries believe that the oil, gas and coal production has already peaked and a decline of three per cent will now be commencing.

They also warned that countries who rely heavily on fossil fuel revenue, such as Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, are the ones who will be at greater risk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-shark-toothed-dinosaur-gave-tough-competition-to-t-rex-411826" hreflang="en">This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex</a>

The analysis has stated that US, Russia and the former Soviet states will have to keep 97 per cent of coal reserves in the ground to make sure the temperature stays below 2.5 C, while China will have to keep 76 per cent in the ground.

Similarly, all Middle Eastern states should keep two-thirds oil reserves on ground and Canada should keep 83 per cent oil from tar sands should be left untouched.

"It is absolutely desperate," said Prof. Paul Ekins of University College London, and one of the research team. "We are nowhere near the Paris target in terms of the fossil fuels people are planning to produce."

(With inputs from agencies)

If the world wants to control the ongoing climate crisis, the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves owned by developed countries and companies should remain in the ground, an analysis has claimed.

If the world wants to control the ongoing climate crisis, the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves owned by developed countries and companies should remain in the ground, an analysis has claimed. A group of researchers have described the climate change situation to be "absolutely desperate" and have said that 90 per cent of coal and 60 per cent of oil and gas reserves could not be extracted if there is even some chance of keeping global heating below 1.5 C. This research has highlighted the gap between the reality of the situation and the goals set by world leaders in the Paris Agreement. Also read | As Earth warms up, animals are 'shape-shifting' to survive better: Study "The (analysis) implies that many operational and planned fossil fuel projects (are) unviable," the scientists said. Experts have said that the new plans of fossil fuel industry make sense only if the leaders and countries believe that the oil, gas and coal production has already peaked and a decline of three per cent will now be commencing. They also warned that countries who rely heavily on fossil fuel revenue, such as Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, are the ones who will be at greater risk. Also read | This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex The analysis has stated that US, Russia and the former Soviet states will have to keep 97 per cent of coal reserves in the ground to make sure the temperature stays below 2.5 C, while China will have to keep 76 per cent in the ground. Similarly, all Middle Eastern states should keep two-thirds oil reserves on ground and Canada should keep 83 per cent oil from tar sands should be left untouched. "It is absolutely desperate," said Prof. Paul Ekins of University College London, and one of the research team. "We are nowhere near the Paris target in terms of the fossil fuels people are planning to produce." (With inputs from agencies)

Majority of fossil fuels should 'remain in ground' to fight climate change crisis

World's largest plant that sucks carbon dioxide directly from air and deposits it deep underground to be mineralised started operating in Iceland on Wednesday, said the company behind the technology.

Swiss start-up Climeworks AG has partnered with Iceland's Carbfix to develop a plant that absorbs up to 4,000 tons of CO2 per year. Climeworks AG specialises in capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air while Carbfix is a carbon storage firm.&nbsp;

4000 tons of carbon is equivalent to annual emissions from about 790 cars

Last year, global CO2-emissions totalled 31.5 billion tonnes, according to the International Energy Agency.

Extracting carbon dioxide directly from atmosphere is viewed by scientists to be a technology vital to limit global warming.

The Orca plant, a reference to the Icelandic word for energy, consists of eight large containers similar in looks to those used in the shipping industry, which employ high-tech filters and fans to extract carbon dioxide.

The isolated carbon is then mixed with water and pumped deep underground, where it slowly turns into rock. Both technologies are powered by renewable energy sourced from a nearby geothermal power plant.

Direct air capture is still a fledgling and costly technology, but developers hope to drive down prices by scaling up as more companies and consumers look to reduce their carbon footprint.

There are currently 15 direct air capture plants operating worldwide, capturing more than 9,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, according to the IEA.

US&nbsp;oil firm Occidental is currently developing the largest direct-air-capture facility, to pull 1 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide from the open air near some of its Texas oilfields.

Climeworks, which recently signed a 10-year carbon removal purchase agreement with major insurance firm Swiss Re (SRENH.S), also offers a subscription service, which allows consumers to pay for carbon removal through monthly payments.

(With inputs from agencies)

World's largest plant that sucks carbon dioxide directly from air and deposits it deep underground to be mineralised started operating in Iceland on Wednesday, said the company behind the technology.

World's largest plant that sucks carbon dioxide directly from air and deposits it deep underground to be mineralised started operating in Iceland on Wednesday, said the company behind the technology. Swiss start-up Climeworks AG has partnered with Iceland's Carbfix to develop a plant that absorbs up to 4,000 tons of CO2 per year. Climeworks AG specialises in capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air while Carbfix is a carbon storage firm. 4000 tons of carbon is equivalent to annual emissions from about 790 cars Last year, global CO2-emissions totalled 31.5 billion tonnes, according to the International Energy Agency. Extracting carbon dioxide directly from atmosphere is viewed by scientists to be a technology vital to limit global warming. The Orca plant, a reference to the Icelandic word for energy, consists of eight large containers similar in looks to those used in the shipping industry, which employ high-tech filters and fans to extract carbon dioxide. The isolated carbon is then mixed with water and pumped deep underground, where it slowly turns into rock. Both technologies are powered by renewable energy sourced from a nearby geothermal power plant. Direct air capture is still a fledgling and costly technology, but developers hope to drive down prices by scaling up as more companies and consumers look to reduce their carbon footprint. There are currently 15 direct air capture plants operating worldwide, capturing more than 9,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, according to the IEA. US oil firm Occidental is currently developing the largest direct-air-capture facility, to pull 1 million tonnes per year of carbon dioxide from the open air near some of its Texas oilfields. Climeworks, which recently signed a 10-year carbon removal purchase agreement with major insurance firm Swiss Re (SRENH.S), also offers a subscription service, which allows consumers to pay for carbon removal through monthly payments. (With inputs from agencies)

World's largest carbon dioxide capturing plant starts in Iceland

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change. All this pieces together the puzzle of evolution nicely.

A study has revealed that some animals are 'shape shifting' and various parts of their bodies are transforming to better adapt global warming. Some of them are developing bigger tails. Others are developing different beaks and ears in order to survive in the changing conditions. Researchers have found that bigger body parts are developing so that these animals could lose body heat more effectively.

Climate change is heaping "a whole lot of pressure" on animals, said Sara Ryding of Deakin University in Australia, who led the study, in a press release.

"It's high time we recognised that animals also have to adapt to these changes, but this is occurring over a far shorter timescale than would have occurred through most of evolutionary time," she said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-shark-toothed-dinosaur-gave-tough-competition-to-t-rex-411826">This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex</a>

The study has been published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. The study reviewed previous research "where climatic warming is a potential hidden explanatory variable for the occurrence of shape-shifting" and found trends particularly noticeable in birds.

The Australian parrot, for example, had shown an average 4-10 percent increase in the size of its bill since 1871 and the authors said this positively correlated with the summer temperature each year.&nbsp;

Other birds, like North American dark-eyed juncos, thrushes and Galapagos finches also saw bill size increases. 
Meanwhile, the wings of the great roundleaf bat grew, the European rabbit developed bigger ears, while the tails and legs of masked shrews were found to be larger. &nbsp;

"Shape-shifting does not mean that animals are coping with climate change and that all is 'fine'," said Ryding.&nbsp;

"It just means they are evolving to survive it -- but we're not sure what the other ecological consequences of these changes are, or indeed that all species are capable of changing and surviving."

(With inputs from agencies)

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change.

Whether it's about new climate or new workplace, adapting to changing circumstances proves to be an important trait for survival. Animals and even plants in the wild show examples of modifying their behaviour and even biology as conditions change. All this pieces together the puzzle of evolution nicely. A study has revealed that some animals are 'shape shifting' and various parts of their bodies are transforming to better adapt global warming. Some of them are developing bigger tails. Others are developing different beaks and ears in order to survive in the changing conditions. Researchers have found that bigger body parts are developing so that these animals could lose body heat more effectively. Climate change is heaping "a whole lot of pressure" on animals, said Sara Ryding of Deakin University in Australia, who led the study, in a press release. "It's high time we recognised that animals also have to adapt to these changes, but this is occurring over a far shorter timescale than would have occurred through most of evolutionary time," she said. Also Read: This 'shark-toothed' dinosaur gave tough competition to T-Rex The study has been published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. The study reviewed previous research "where climatic warming is a potential hidden explanatory variable for the occurrence of shape-shifting" and found trends particularly noticeable in birds. The Australian parrot, for example, had shown an average 4-10 percent increase in the size of its bill since 1871 and the authors said this positively correlated with the summer temperature each year. Other birds, like North American dark-eyed juncos, thrushes and Galapagos finches also saw bill size increases. Meanwhile, the wings of the great roundleaf bat grew, the European rabbit developed bigger ears, while the tails and legs of masked shrews were found to be larger. "Shape-shifting does not mean that animals are coping with climate change and that all is 'fine'," said Ryding. "It just means they are evolving to survive it -- but we're not sure what the other ecological consequences of these changes are, or indeed that all species are capable of changing and surviving." (With inputs from agencies)

As Earth warms up, animals are 'shape-shifting' to survive better: Study

On September 7, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service stated that Europe had its hottest summer on record this year.

The scorching summer temperatures come as climate scientists increasingly warn that time is running out to avoid the worst effects of climate change.&nbsp;

According to Copernicus, the average temperature from June to August this year was about 1 degree Celsius higher than the average from 1991 to 2020.

This summer was the warmest in the service's database, which dates back to 1950.

Temperatures in Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain were extremely high.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe was 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in August in the Italian area of Sicily.

Eastern Europe saw warmer-than-normal temperatures in August, according to the service, while northern Europe had temperatures that were below average.&nbsp;

The data was released after Europe was hit by a slew of catastrophic weather events this summer.

Amid sweltering heatwaves, wildfires burned not only in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain, but also in France, Portugal, and Russia.

The greatest flooding in decades hit Germany, Belgium, and several other European countries, killing a total of 242 people.

Extreme weather events, according to scientists, are being driven by the phenomenon of global warming.

According to a new assessment, due to the impact of climate change, glaciers in southern Europe in the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France will diminish to ice patches in the coming decades.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On September 7, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service stated that Europe had its hottest summer on record this year. The scorching summer temperatures come as climate scientists increasingly warn that time is running out to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

On September 7, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service stated that Europe had its hottest summer on record this year. The scorching summer temperatures come as climate scientists increasingly warn that time is running out to avoid the worst effects of climate change. According to Copernicus, the average temperature from June to August this year was about 1 degree Celsius higher than the average from 1991 to 2020. This summer was the warmest in the service's database, which dates back to 1950. Temperatures in Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain were extremely high. The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe was 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in August in the Italian area of Sicily. Eastern Europe saw warmer-than-normal temperatures in August, according to the service, while northern Europe had temperatures that were below average. The data was released after Europe was hit by a slew of catastrophic weather events this summer. Amid sweltering heatwaves, wildfires burned not only in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Spain, but also in France, Portugal, and Russia. The greatest flooding in decades hit Germany, Belgium, and several other European countries, killing a total of 242 people. Extreme weather events, according to scientists, are being driven by the phenomenon of global warming. According to a new assessment, due to the impact of climate change, glaciers in southern Europe in the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France will diminish to ice patches in the coming decades. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe’s hottest summer on record: Climate scientists

The Biden administration on Wednesday released a plan to produce almost half of the nation’s electricity from the sun by 2050 as part of its effort to combat climate change.

Solar energy provided less than four&nbsp;per cent of the country’s electricity last year and the administration’s target of 45&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;would represent a huge leap and will most likely take a fundamental reshaping of the energy industry. In a new report, the Energy Department said the country needed to double the amount of solar energy installed every year over the next four years compared with last year. And then it will need to double annual installations again by 2030.

Adding that many solar panels, on rooftops and on open ground, will not be easy. In February, a division of the Energy Department projected that the share of electricity produced by all renewable sources, including solar, wind and hydroelectric dams, would reach 42&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;by 2050 based on current trends and policies.

The new department blueprint is in line with what most climate scientists say is needed. Those experts say that reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases to zero by 2050 is essential to limiting the worst effects of global warming — and much greater use of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines will be needed to achieve that goal.

But administration officials have provided only a broad outline for how they hope to get there. Many of the details will ultimately be decided by lawmakers in Congress, which is working on a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a much larger Democratic measure that could authorise $3.5 trillion in federal spending.

One thing going for the administration is that the cost of solar panels has fallen substantially over the last decade, making them the cheapest source of energy in many parts of the country. The use of solar and wind energy has also grown much faster in recent years than most government and independent analysts had predicted.

“One of the things we’re hoping that people see and take from this report is that it is affordable to decarbonise the grid,” said Becca Jones-Albertus, director of the Solar Energy Technology Office in the Energy Department. “The grid will remain reliable. We just need to build.”

The administration is making the case that the United States needs to act quickly because not doing anything to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels also has significant costs, particularly from extreme weather linked to climate change. In a Tuesday visit to inspect damage from the intense rainfall caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in New Jersey and New York, President Joe Biden said, “The nation and the world are in peril.”

Some recent natural disasters have been compounded by weaknesses in the energy system. Ida, for example, dealt a huge blow to the electric grid in Louisiana, where hundreds of thousands of people have been without power for days. Last winter, a storm left much of Texas without electricity for days, too. And in California, utility equipment has ignited several large wildfires, killing scores of people and destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

Even so, many analysts and even some in the solar industry are skeptical that the administration can achieve its green targets. In addition to the 45&nbsp;per cent solar target, Biden has said he wants to bring net planet-warming emissions from the power sector to zero by 2035. He also wants to add hundreds of offshore wind turbines to the seven currently in the waters off the nation’s coasts and have as many as half of all new cars sold be electric by 2030.

While renewable energy has grown fast, it contributes about 20 per cent of the country’s electricity. Natural gas and coal contribute about 60per cent.

“That kind of quick acceleration of deployment is only going to happen through smart policy decisions,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “That’s the part where having a goal is important, but having clear steps on how to get there is the issue.”

Challenges like trade disputes could also complicate Biden’s push for more solar power. China dominates the global supply chain for solar panels, and the administration recently began blocking imports connected with China’s Xinjiang region over concerns about the use of forced labor. While many solar companies say they are working to shift away from materials made in Xinjiang, energy experts say the import ban could slow the construction of solar projects throughout the country in the short term.

Biden wants to use tax credits to encourage the use of solar power systems and batteries at homes, businesses and utilities. The administration also wants local governments to make it quicker to obtain permits and build new solar projects — in some places it can take months to put panels on a single-family house, for example. And officials want to offer various incentives to utility companies to encourage the use of solar.

Jennifer Granholm, Biden’s energy secretary, said part of the administration’s strategy would focus on its Clean Electricity Payment Program, which would reward utilities for adding more renewable energy to the electric grid, including rooftop solar. Many utility companies have fought against rooftop solar panels because they see a threat to their business and would rather build large solar farms that they own and control.

“Both have to happen, and the utilities will be incentivised to take down the barriers,” Granholm said. “We’ve got to do a series of things.”

The Biden administration on Wednesday released a plan to produce almost half of the nation’s electricity from the sun by 2050 as part of its effort to combat climate change.

The Biden administration on Wednesday released a plan to produce almost half of the nation’s electricity from the sun by 2050 as part of its effort to combat climate change. Solar energy provided less than four per cent of the country’s electricity last year and the administration’s target of 45 per cent would represent a huge leap and will most likely take a fundamental reshaping of the energy industry. In a new report, the Energy Department said the country needed to double the amount of solar energy installed every year over the next four years compared with last year. And then it will need to double annual installations again by 2030. Adding that many solar panels, on rooftops and on open ground, will not be easy. In February, a division of the Energy Department projected that the share of electricity produced by all renewable sources, including solar, wind and hydroelectric dams, would reach 42 per cent by 2050 based on current trends and policies. The new department blueprint is in line with what most climate scientists say is needed. Those experts say that reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases to zero by 2050 is essential to limiting the worst effects of global warming — and much greater use of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines will be needed to achieve that goal. But administration officials have provided only a broad outline for how they hope to get there. Many of the details will ultimately be decided by lawmakers in Congress, which is working on a bipartisan infrastructure bill and a much larger Democratic measure that could authorise $3.5 trillion in federal spending. One thing going for the administration is that the cost of solar panels has fallen substantially over the last decade, making them the cheapest source of energy in many parts of the country. The use of solar and wind energy has also grown much faster in recent years than most government and independent analysts had predicted. “One of the things we’re hoping that people see and take from this report is that it is affordable to decarbonise the grid,” said Becca Jones-Albertus, director of the Solar Energy Technology Office in the Energy Department. “The grid will remain reliable. We just need to build.” The administration is making the case that the United States needs to act quickly because not doing anything to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels also has significant costs, particularly from extreme weather linked to climate change. In a Tuesday visit to inspect damage from the intense rainfall caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in New Jersey and New York, President Joe Biden said, “The nation and the world are in peril.” Some recent natural disasters have been compounded by weaknesses in the energy system. Ida, for example, dealt a huge blow to the electric grid in Louisiana, where hundreds of thousands of people have been without power for days. Last winter, a storm left much of Texas without electricity for days, too. And in California, utility equipment has ignited several large wildfires, killing scores of people and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Even so, many analysts and even some in the solar industry are skeptical that the administration can achieve its green targets. In addition to the 45 per cent solar target, Biden has said he wants to bring net planet-warming emissions from the power sector to zero by 2035. He also wants to add hundreds of offshore wind turbines to the seven currently in the waters off the nation’s coasts and have as many as half of all new cars sold be electric by 2030. While renewable energy has grown fast, it contributes about 20 per cent of the country’s electricity. Natural gas and coal contribute about 60per cent. “That kind of quick acceleration of deployment is only going to happen through smart policy decisions,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “That’s the part where having a goal is important, but having clear steps on how to get there is the issue.” Challenges like trade disputes could also complicate Biden’s push for more solar power. China dominates the global supply chain for solar panels, and the administration recently began blocking imports connected with China’s Xinjiang region over concerns about the use of forced labor. While many solar companies say they are working to shift away from materials made in Xinjiang, energy experts say the import ban could slow the construction of solar projects throughout the country in the short term. Biden wants to use tax credits to encourage the use of solar power systems and batteries at homes, businesses and utilities. The administration also wants local governments to make it quicker to obtain permits and build new solar projects — in some places it can take months to put panels on a single-family house, for example. And officials want to offer various incentives to utility companies to encourage the use of solar. Jennifer Granholm, Biden’s energy secretary, said part of the administration’s strategy would focus on its Clean Electricity Payment Program, which would reward utilities for adding more renewable energy to the electric grid, including rooftop solar. Many utility companies have fought against rooftop solar panels because they see a threat to their business and would rather build large solar farms that they own and control. “Both have to happen, and the utilities will be incentivised to take down the barriers,” Granholm said. “We’ve got to do a series of things.”

From 4% to 45%: Biden sets an ambitious blueprint for solar energy

In a bid to help speed the global shipping industry's move towards a more sustainable future, leading shipping associations have proposed a levy on ship carbon emissions.

There is growing pressure for the sector to become more environmentally friendly or green, cleaner and just overall reduce its ecological footprint. The sector, which is responsible for about three per cent of the world's CO2 emissions, carries&nbsp;about 90 per cent of global trade via sea.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/overlapping-disasters-expose-harsh-climate-reality-the-us-is-not-ready-410417" hreflang="en">Overlapping disasters expose harsh climate reality: the US is not ready</a>

In a first, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Intercargo jointly proposed a levy that would involve mandatory contributions by ships trading globally and&nbsp;exceeding 5,000 gross tonnage, for each tonne of CO2 emitted.

The proposal was submitted to the UN's shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Friday. According to it, the money collected through these mandatory contributions would be put into a climate fund that would be used to install bunkering infrastructure in ports around the world to supply cleaner fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia.

According to an IMO spokesperson, all proposals are welcome and will be put up for discussion later this year. The spokesperson also added that the&nbsp;"proposals on market-based measures are in line with the initial IMO GHG (greenhouse gas) strategy".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-vital-signs-are-worsening-due-to-climate-change-scientists-warn-401135">Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn</a>

"What shipping needs is a truly global market-based measure like this that will reduce the price gap between zero-carbon fuels and conventional fuels," said Guy Platten, ICS Secretary-General.

The IMO will hold an intersessional working group meeting scheduled for late October, ahead of a late-November session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, which will address issues including carbon-reduction efforts.

In July, the European Commission proposed adding shipping to the bloc's carbon market, a move intended at a sector that had avoided pollution fees for more than a decade.

The ICS has claimed that "piecemeal" approaches such as that of the EU proposal, would complicate the conduct of maritime trade significantly.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to help speed the global shipping industry's move towards a more sustainable future, leading shipping associations have proposed a levy on ship carbon emissions.

In a bid to help speed the global shipping industry's move towards a more sustainable future, leading shipping associations have proposed a levy on ship carbon emissions. There is growing pressure for the sector to become more environmentally friendly or green, cleaner and just overall reduce its ecological footprint. The sector, which is responsible for about three per cent of the world's CO2 emissions, carries about 90 per cent of global trade via sea. Also read | Overlapping disasters expose harsh climate reality: the US is not ready In a first, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Intercargo jointly proposed a levy that would involve mandatory contributions by ships trading globally and exceeding 5,000 gross tonnage, for each tonne of CO2 emitted. The proposal was submitted to the UN's shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Friday. According to it, the money collected through these mandatory contributions would be put into a climate fund that would be used to install bunkering infrastructure in ports around the world to supply cleaner fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia. According to an IMO spokesperson, all proposals are welcome and will be put up for discussion later this year. The spokesperson also added that the "proposals on market-based measures are in line with the initial IMO GHG (greenhouse gas) strategy". Also read | Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn "What shipping needs is a truly global market-based measure like this that will reduce the price gap between zero-carbon fuels and conventional fuels," said Guy Platten, ICS Secretary-General. The IMO will hold an intersessional working group meeting scheduled for late October, ahead of a late-November session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, which will address issues including carbon-reduction efforts. In July, the European Commission proposed adding shipping to the bloc's carbon market, a move intended at a sector that had avoided pollution fees for more than a decade. The ICS has claimed that "piecemeal" approaches such as that of the EU proposal, would complicate the conduct of maritime trade significantly. (With inputs from agencies)

To achieve a zero carbon future, international shipping industry proposes levy

Global warming is already affecting people's health so much that emergency action on climate change cannot be put on hold while the world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, medical journals across the globe warned on Monday.

"Health is already being harmed by global temperature increases and the destruction of the natural world," read an editorial published in more than 220 leading journals ahead of the Cop26 climate summit in November.

Since the pre-industrial era, temperatures have risen around 1.1 degrees Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit).

The editorial, written by the editors-in-chief of over a dozen journals including the Lancet, the East African Medical Journal, Brazil's Revista de Saude Publica and the International Nursing Review, said this had caused a plethora of health problems.

"In the past 20 years, heat-related mortality among people older than 65 years has increased by more than 50 percent," it read.

"Higher temperatures have brought increased dehydration and renal function loss, dermatological malignancies, tropical infections, adverse mental health outcomes, pregnancy complications, allergies, and cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity and mortality."

It also pointed to the decline in agricultural production, "hampering efforts to reduce undernutrition." 
These effects, which hit those most vulnerable like minorities, children and poorer communities hardest, are just the beginning, it warned.

As things stand, global warming could reach +1.5C on pre-industrial levels around 2030, according to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

And that, along with the continued loss of biodiversity, "risk catastrophic harm to health that will be impossible to reverse," the editorial warned.

"Despite the world's necessary preoccupation with Covid-19, we cannot wait for the pandemic to pass to rapidly reduce emissions."

In a statement ahead of the publication of the editorial, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "The risks posed by climate change could dwarf those of any single disease."

"The Covid-19 pandemic will end, but there is no vaccine for the climate crisis.

"Every action taken to limit emissions and warming brings us closer to a healthier and safer future."

The editorial pointed out that many governments met the threat of Covid-19 with "unprecedented funding" and called for "a similar emergency response" to the environmental crisis, highlighting the benefits.

"Better air quality alone would realise health benefits that easily offset the global costs of emissions reductions," it read.

The authors also said "governments must make fundamental changes to how our societies and economies are organised and how we live."

Global warming is already affecting people's health so much that emergency action on climate change cannot be put on hold while the world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, medical journals across the globe warned on Monday.

Global warming is already affecting people's health so much that emergency action on climate change cannot be put on hold while the world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, medical journals across the globe warned on Monday. "Health is already being harmed by global temperature increases and the destruction of the natural world," read an editorial published in more than 220 leading journals ahead of the Cop26 climate summit in November. Since the pre-industrial era, temperatures have risen around 1.1 degrees Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit). The editorial, written by the editors-in-chief of over a dozen journals including the Lancet, the East African Medical Journal, Brazil's Revista de Saude Publica and the International Nursing Review, said this had caused a plethora of health problems. "In the past 20 years, heat-related mortality among people older than 65 years has increased by more than 50 percent," it read. "Higher temperatures have brought increased dehydration and renal function loss, dermatological malignancies, tropical infections, adverse mental health outcomes, pregnancy complications, allergies, and cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity and mortality." It also pointed to the decline in agricultural production, "hampering efforts to reduce undernutrition." These effects, which hit those most vulnerable like minorities, children and poorer communities hardest, are just the beginning, it warned. As things stand, global warming could reach +1.5C on pre-industrial levels around 2030, according to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. And that, along with the continued loss of biodiversity, "risk catastrophic harm to health that will be impossible to reverse," the editorial warned. "Despite the world's necessary preoccupation with Covid-19, we cannot wait for the pandemic to pass to rapidly reduce emissions." In a statement ahead of the publication of the editorial, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "The risks posed by climate change could dwarf those of any single disease." "The Covid-19 pandemic will end, but there is no vaccine for the climate crisis. "Every action taken to limit emissions and warming brings us closer to a healthier and safer future." The editorial pointed out that many governments met the threat of Covid-19 with "unprecedented funding" and called for "a similar emergency response" to the environmental crisis, highlighting the benefits. "Better air quality alone would realise health benefits that easily offset the global costs of emissions reductions," it read. The authors also said "governments must make fundamental changes to how our societies and economies are organised and how we live."

Climate action cannot wait for pandemic to end, medical journals warn

A new study has revealed that changes in the Arctic are contributing to the extreme winter weather in parts of the United States.

The study, published in the journal Science shows Arctic Circle is melting due to climate change which has disturbed the circular pattern of winds called the Polar Vortex.

This triggered a series of events that caused snowfall in Texas during February which usually experiences sweltering heat.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-heres-what-climate-change-is-doing-to-us-401602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Dr. Judah Cohen, director of AER’s seasonal forecasts and lead author of the study, ''Last winter, the harsh cold waves across Texas heated the debate over whether climate change could contribute to the more severe winter weather, but the physical relationship between climate change and Texas.''

“The integration of both observational analysis and computer model experiments is a special strength of this study and greatly enhances confidence in the results,'' as per Mathew Barlow, a professor of environmental, earth, and atmospheric sciences at UMass Lowell, co-author of this study.

The Arctic region has experienced the largest impact of climate change on Earth over the last three decades.

Scientists have expressed concern over warming in the region and its implications for the rest of the planet.

Satellite observations have shown that there has been an increase in such events since 1979.

A new study has revealed that changes in the Arctic are contributing to the extreme winter weather in parts of the United States. The study, published in the journal Science shows Arctic Circle is melting due to climate change which has disturbed the circular pattern of winds called the Polar Vortex.

A new study has revealed that changes in the Arctic are contributing to the extreme winter weather in parts of the United States. The study, published in the journal Science shows Arctic Circle is melting due to climate change which has disturbed the circular pattern of winds called the Polar Vortex. This triggered a series of events that caused snowfall in Texas during February which usually experiences sweltering heat. According to Dr. Judah Cohen, director of AER’s seasonal forecasts and lead author of the study, ''Last winter, the harsh cold waves across Texas heated the debate over whether climate change could contribute to the more severe winter weather, but the physical relationship between climate change and Texas.'' “The integration of both observational analysis and computer model experiments is a special strength of this study and greatly enhances confidence in the results,'' as per Mathew Barlow, a professor of environmental, earth, and atmospheric sciences at UMass Lowell, co-author of this study. The Arctic region has experienced the largest impact of climate change on Earth over the last three decades. Scientists have expressed concern over warming in the region and its implications for the rest of the planet. Satellite observations have shown that there has been an increase in such events since 1979.

Climate change: US extreme weather conditions associated to Arctic warming

In Louisiana and Mississippi, nearly 1 million people lack electricity and drinking water after a hurricane obliterated power lines. In California, wildfire menaces Lake Tahoe, forcing tens of thousands to flee. In Tennessee, flash floods killed at least 20; hundreds more perished in a heat wave in the Northwest. And in New York City, 10 inches of rain fell in just hours Wednesday, drowning people in their basements.

Disasters cascading across the country this summer have exposed a harsh reality: The United States is not ready for the extreme weather that is now becoming frequent as a result of a warming planet.

“These events tell us we’re not prepared,” said Alice Hill, who oversaw planning for climate risks on the National Security Council during the Obama administration. “We have built our cities, our communities, to a climate that no longer exists.”

In remarks Thursday, President Joe Biden acknowledged the challenge ahead.

“And to the country, the past few days of Hurricane Ida and the wildfires in the West and the unprecedented flash floods in New York and New Jersey is yet another reminder that these extreme storms and the climate crisis are here,” said Biden, who noted that a $1 trillion infrastructure bill pending in Congress includes some money to gird communities against disasters. “We need to do — be better prepared. We need to act.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-says-weather-disasters-becoming-costlier-calls-for-better-mitigation-plan-410347">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-says-weather-disasters-becoming-costlier-calls-for-better-mitigation-plan-410347/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country faces two separate but interlaced problems, according to climate and resilience experts.

First, governments have not spent enough time and money to brace for climate shocks that have long been predicted: everything from maintaining and fortifying electrical lines and stormwater systems to clearing forests of undergrowth in order to reduce the ferocity of wildfires.

“We’re feeling all the effects of that deferred maintenance,” said Kristina Dahl, a senior climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

But there’s a second, more sobering lesson: There are limits to how much the country, and the world, can adapt. And if nations don’t do more to cut greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change, they may soon run up against the outer edges of resilience.

“If we already can’t cope with where we are, then there’s little hope that it’s going to improve in a warming climate,” Dahl said.

The country’s vulnerability in the face of extreme weather was punctuated by the downpour that flooded the country's largest city. New York City has invested billions of dollars in storm protection since Hurricane Sandy in 2012 — investments that seemed to do little to blunt the impact of the storm.

Rain poured down in furious torrents, turning the subway system into a kind of flume ride. Central Park recorded 7.19 inches of rain, nearly double the previous record set in 1927 for the same date, according to the National Weather Service, which issued the city’s first-ever flash flood emergency alert.

Before the storm, city and state officials activated preparation plans — clearing drains, erecting flood barriers in the subway and other sensitive areas, and warning the public. But the rainfall dumped more water, and faster, than what the city had factored into its new stormwater maps as an “extreme” flood event.

The pattern of damage reflects the relationship between climate exposure and racial inequality: Impacts were more apparent in low-income communities of color, which, because of historic inequalities, are typically more prone to flooding, receive less maintenance from city services, and frequently experience lax housing code enforcement.

Most of those killed in New York City drowned when floodwaters rushed into their basement apartments. Many such apartments do not meet safety requirements but have proliferated as affordable housing for the working poor and immigrants living in the city illegally, who may fear complaining to authorities about safety violations.

In one case, Tara Ramskriet, 43, and her son Nick, 22, drowned when water filled their basement apartment in the Hollis section of Queens so quickly that family members could not pull them out against the flow, and a wall collapsed, trapping them inside.

Neighbors were outraged, saying it took fatalities to bring city inspectors to the scene.

“This happens all the time,” said Jennifer Mooklal, 33, who lives across the street from the Ramskriets. “Even if it’s just rain, our basement gets flooded. We’ve been dealing with this problem for years and have been asking the city, but no one is listening to us.”

Damage from extreme weather, and threats to human life, will only increase as the planet warms. For every 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit of global warming, the atmosphere holds about 7% more moisture, scientists have found. That means much heavier rainfall when storms do occur.

Across the continental United States, the heaviest downpours have become more frequent and severe, according to the federal government’s National Climate Assessment. The Northeast has seen 50% more rainfall during the heaviest storms compared with the first half of the 20th century.

New York City is particularly vulnerable to flooding. Three-fourths of the city is covered by impervious surfaces like asphalt, which means runoff is channeled into streets and sewers rather than being absorbed by the ground.

And the city’s century-old subway system was not designed for a warming climate. Even on dry days, a network of pumps pours out 14 million gallons of water from its tunnels and stations. Heavy rains can overwhelm the system, as they did on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has invested $2.6 billion in resiliency projects since Hurricane Sandy inundated the city’s subways in 2012, including fortifying 3,500 subway vents, staircases and elevator shafts against flooding. Still, this week’s flash floods showed that the system remains vulnerable.

One reason is that city and federal officials focused on protecting against the kind of coastal storm surge that Sandy wrought, according to Amy Chester, managing director of Rebuild by Design, a nonprofit group that works on climate resilience.

But in the case of Hurricane Ida, the main threat was rainwater flowing downhill, not storm surge pushing in from the coast. So much water fell that it overwhelmed storm drains, overflowed riverbanks and poured into basements, from the hilly parts of Manhattan’s Washington Heights to the inland flats of Jamaica in Queens.

The investments that protect against storm surge differ from those that guard against extreme rain, Chester said.

Coping with severe rainfall means more places to absorb and hold water, whether with so-called green solutions like parks and bioswales or traditional structures like underground retention tanks. And it means increasing the capacity of the sewer system to handle a greater volume of water.

Because New York has mostly been spared the type of severe rainfall that occurred Wednesday, officials have made it less of a priority.

Other countries have heeded the warnings of climate scientists and acted.

In the Netherlands, where much of the country lies below sea level, the government strengthened flood design standards and in 2007 created a program called Room for the River, which in essence authorized the wholesale redesign and rebuilding of dozens of vulnerable watersheds around cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The goal was to prepare for the sort of one-in-10,000-year floods that Dutch scientists were warning might become more frequent.

In that country, government water boards have the ultimate authority over land use. If they determine an area is needed for flood protection, its residents must move.

Specific taxes are dedicated to water management. There is no National Flood Insurance Program for residents in flood zones in the Netherlands because, the Dutch argue, the government’s job is to protect people from floods, not help homeowners rebuild in areas vulnerable to damage.

Among other things, Room for the River created dozens of new parks, enhancing underserved neighborhoods, resettling populations living in flood zones into new homes out of harm’s way, and girding the nation’s economy in the process.

In the United States, efforts to protect U.S. cities from damage by severe storms and rising seas have been plodding. There are many reasons, including government reluctance to impose on private property, a legacy of racial and economic injustice, and a system of governance and regulation that often moves far slower than the hastening pace of climate change.

In Louisiana and Mississippi, nearly 1 million people lack electricity and drinking water after a hurricane obliterated power lines. In California, wildfire menaces Lake Tahoe, forcing tens of thousands to flee.

In Louisiana and Mississippi, nearly 1 million people lack electricity and drinking water after a hurricane obliterated power lines. In California, wildfire menaces Lake Tahoe, forcing tens of thousands to flee. In Tennessee, flash floods killed at least 20; hundreds more perished in a heat wave in the Northwest. And in New York City, 10 inches of rain fell in just hours Wednesday, drowning people in their basements. Disasters cascading across the country this summer have exposed a harsh reality: The United States is not ready for the extreme weather that is now becoming frequent as a result of a warming planet. “These events tell us we’re not prepared,” said Alice Hill, who oversaw planning for climate risks on the National Security Council during the Obama administration. “We have built our cities, our communities, to a climate that no longer exists.” In remarks Thursday, President Joe Biden acknowledged the challenge ahead. “And to the country, the past few days of Hurricane Ida and the wildfires in the West and the unprecedented flash floods in New York and New Jersey is yet another reminder that these extreme storms and the climate crisis are here,” said Biden, who noted that a $1 trillion infrastructure bill pending in Congress includes some money to gird communities against disasters. “We need to do — be better prepared. We need to act.” WATCH | The country faces two separate but interlaced problems, according to climate and resilience experts. First, governments have not spent enough time and money to brace for climate shocks that have long been predicted: everything from maintaining and fortifying electrical lines and stormwater systems to clearing forests of undergrowth in order to reduce the ferocity of wildfires. “We’re feeling all the effects of that deferred maintenance,” said Kristina Dahl, a senior climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. But there’s a second, more sobering lesson: There are limits to how much the country, and the world, can adapt. And if nations don’t do more to cut greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change, they may soon run up against the outer edges of resilience. “If we already can’t cope with where we are, then there’s little hope that it’s going to improve in a warming climate,” Dahl said. The country’s vulnerability in the face of extreme weather was punctuated by the downpour that flooded the country's largest city. New York City has invested billions of dollars in storm protection since Hurricane Sandy in 2012 — investments that seemed to do little to blunt the impact of the storm. Rain poured down in furious torrents, turning the subway system into a kind of flume ride. Central Park recorded 7.19 inches of rain, nearly double the previous record set in 1927 for the same date, according to the National Weather Service, which issued the city’s first-ever flash flood emergency alert. Before the storm, city and state officials activated preparation plans — clearing drains, erecting flood barriers in the subway and other sensitive areas, and warning the public. But the rainfall dumped more water, and faster, than what the city had factored into its new stormwater maps as an “extreme” flood event. The pattern of damage reflects the relationship between climate exposure and racial inequality: Impacts were more apparent in low-income communities of color, which, because of historic inequalities, are typically more prone to flooding, receive less maintenance from city services, and frequently experience lax housing code enforcement. Most of those killed in New York City drowned when floodwaters rushed into their basement apartments. Many such apartments do not meet safety requirements but have proliferated as affordable housing for the working poor and immigrants living in the city illegally, who may fear complaining to authorities about safety violations. In one case, Tara Ramskriet, 43, and her son Nick, 22, drowned when water filled their basement apartment in the Hollis section of Queens so quickly that family members could not pull them out against the flow, and a wall collapsed, trapping them inside. Neighbors were outraged, saying it took fatalities to bring city inspectors to the scene. “This happens all the time,” said Jennifer Mooklal, 33, who lives across the street from the Ramskriets. “Even if it’s just rain, our basement gets flooded. We’ve been dealing with this problem for years and have been asking the city, but no one is listening to us.” Damage from extreme weather, and threats to human life, will only increase as the planet warms. For every 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit of global warming, the atmosphere holds about 7% more moisture, scientists have found. That means much heavier rainfall when storms do occur. Across the continental United States, the heaviest downpours have become more frequent and severe, according to the federal government’s National Climate Assessment. The Northeast has seen 50% more rainfall during the heaviest storms compared with the first half of the 20th century. New York City is particularly vulnerable to flooding. Three-fourths of the city is covered by impervious surfaces like asphalt, which means runoff is channeled into streets and sewers rather than being absorbed by the ground. And the city’s century-old subway system was not designed for a warming climate. Even on dry days, a network of pumps pours out 14 million gallons of water from its tunnels and stations. Heavy rains can overwhelm the system, as they did on Wednesday. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has invested $2.6 billion in resiliency projects since Hurricane Sandy inundated the city’s subways in 2012, including fortifying 3,500 subway vents, staircases and elevator shafts against flooding. Still, this week’s flash floods showed that the system remains vulnerable. One reason is that city and federal officials focused on protecting against the kind of coastal storm surge that Sandy wrought, according to Amy Chester, managing director of Rebuild by Design, a nonprofit group that works on climate resilience. But in the case of Hurricane Ida, the main threat was rainwater flowing downhill, not storm surge pushing in from the coast. So much water fell that it overwhelmed storm drains, overflowed riverbanks and poured into basements, from the hilly parts of Manhattan’s Washington Heights to the inland flats of Jamaica in Queens. The investments that protect against storm surge differ from those that guard against extreme rain, Chester said. Coping with severe rainfall means more places to absorb and hold water, whether with so-called green solutions like parks and bioswales or traditional structures like underground retention tanks. And it means increasing the capacity of the sewer system to handle a greater volume of water. Because New York has mostly been spared the type of severe rainfall that occurred Wednesday, officials have made it less of a priority. Other countries have heeded the warnings of climate scientists and acted. In the Netherlands, where much of the country lies below sea level, the government strengthened flood design standards and in 2007 created a program called Room for the River, which in essence authorized the wholesale redesign and rebuilding of dozens of vulnerable watersheds around cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The goal was to prepare for the sort of one-in-10,000-year floods that Dutch scientists were warning might become more frequent. In that country, government water boards have the ultimate authority over land use. If they determine an area is needed for flood protection, its residents must move. Specific taxes are dedicated to water management. There is no National Flood Insurance Program for residents in flood zones in the Netherlands because, the Dutch argue, the government’s job is to protect people from floods, not help homeowners rebuild in areas vulnerable to damage. Among other things, Room for the River created dozens of new parks, enhancing underserved neighborhoods, resettling populations living in flood zones into new homes out of harm’s way, and girding the nation’s economy in the process. In the United States, efforts to protect U.S. cities from damage by severe storms and rising seas have been plodding. There are many reasons, including government reluctance to impose on private property, a legacy of racial and economic injustice, and a system of governance and regulation that often moves far slower than the hastening pace of climate change.

Overlapping disasters expose harsh climate reality: the US is not ready

Over the past half-century, the number of weather-related disasters has increased dramatically, resulting in massive damages even as better warning systems have led to fewer deaths, the UN reported Wednesday.

This report by&nbsp;UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) examines&nbsp;mortality and economic losses due to weather, climate and water extremes between 1970 and 2019.

The report found that disasters have increased fivefold in that time frame, largely driven by climate change. According to the report, this trend is expected to continue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-research-estimates-that-30-of-the-worlds-tree-species-face-extinction-409947" hreflang="en">New research estimates that 30% of the world's tree species face extinction</a>

WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas says that&nbsp;"The number of weather, climate and water extremes are increasing and will become more frequent and severe in many parts of the world as a result of climate change,".

Worldwide, more than two million people have died and $3.64 trillion has been lost as a result of some 11,000 disasters since 1970.

According to Taalas, Hurricane Ida, which slammed into the US Gulf Coast over the weekend and killed at least four people, could become the costliest weather disaster on record, surpassing Katrina which had&nbsp;an economic cost of around $164 billion.

"There is a chance that the economic cost will be higher than Katrina," he said, pointing out that better preventative and protective measures had ensured Ida caused only a fraction of the deaths caused by Katrina 16 years ago.&nbsp;

On average 115 die every day

The report found that on average, a weather,&nbsp;climate and water extremes&nbsp;related disaster has occurred every single day for the past 50 years, killing 115 people and causing $202 million in daily losses.

91 per cent of the deaths took place in developing countries.

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Droughts made up the greatest percentage of human fatalities, totalling some 650,000, while storms caused over 577,000 deaths.

Nearly 59,000 people perished in floods over the past 50 years, while close to 56,000 have died in extreme temperatures, according to the report.

The number of deaths falls

A positive finding of the report is that the number of deaths associated with weather and climate disasters declined nearly threefold even as the number of such disasters ballooned.

According to WMO, fewer than 20,000 people died each year during the 2010s compared to over 50,000 in the 1970s.

While there were 170 related deaths per day during the 1970s and 1980s, the daily average dropped to 90 in the 1990s, then to 40 during the 2010s.

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Taalas attributed the drop in deaths largely to improvements in early warning systems.&nbsp;"Quite simply, we are better than ever before at saving lives," he said.

But while early warning systems have saved lives, there has been little protection against a swell of economic damage to disaster-prone areas.

The reported losses between 2010 to 2019 averaged $383 million per day, seven times higher than the $49 million losses per day in the 1970s.

Seven of the costliest 10 disasters in the past 50 years have happened since Katrina hit in 2005, with three of them in 2017 alone: Hurricane Harvey, which caused nearly $97 billion in damages, followed by Maria at close to $70 billion and Irma at almost $60 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Over the past half-century, the number of weather-related disasters has increased dramatically, resulting in massive damages even as better warning systems have led to fewer deaths, the UN reported Wednesday.

Over the past half-century, the number of weather-related disasters has increased dramatically, resulting in massive damages even as better warning systems have led to fewer deaths, the UN reported Wednesday. This report by UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) examines mortality and economic losses due to weather, climate and water extremes between 1970 and 2019. The report found that disasters have increased fivefold in that time frame, largely driven by climate change. According to the report, this trend is expected to continue. Also read | New research estimates that 30% of the world's tree species face extinction WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas says that "The number of weather, climate and water extremes are increasing and will become more frequent and severe in many parts of the world as a result of climate change,". Worldwide, more than two million people have died and $3.64 trillion has been lost as a result of some 11,000 disasters since 1970. According to Taalas, Hurricane Ida, which slammed into the US Gulf Coast over the weekend and killed at least four people, could become the costliest weather disaster on record, surpassing Katrina which had an economic cost of around $164 billion. "There is a chance that the economic cost will be higher than Katrina," he said, pointing out that better preventative and protective measures had ensured Ida caused only a fraction of the deaths caused by Katrina 16 years ago. On average 115 die every day The report found that on average, a weather, climate and water extremes related disaster has occurred every single day for the past 50 years, killing 115 people and causing $202 million in daily losses. 91 per cent of the deaths took place in developing countries. Also read | WHO warns against a new variant that may be resistant to vaccines Droughts made up the greatest percentage of human fatalities, totalling some 650,000, while storms caused over 577,000 deaths. Nearly 59,000 people perished in floods over the past 50 years, while close to 56,000 have died in extreme temperatures, according to the report. The number of deaths falls A positive finding of the report is that the number of deaths associated with weather and climate disasters declined nearly threefold even as the number of such disasters ballooned. According to WMO, fewer than 20,000 people died each year during the 2010s compared to over 50,000 in the 1970s. While there were 170 related deaths per day during the 1970s and 1980s, the daily average dropped to 90 in the 1990s, then to 40 during the 2010s. Also read | Study shows Brazilian viper venom may become tool in fight against COVID-19 Taalas attributed the drop in deaths largely to improvements in early warning systems. "Quite simply, we are better than ever before at saving lives," he said. But while early warning systems have saved lives, there has been little protection against a swell of economic damage to disaster-prone areas. The reported losses between 2010 to 2019 averaged $383 million per day, seven times higher than the $49 million losses per day in the 1970s. Seven of the costliest 10 disasters in the past 50 years have happened since Katrina hit in 2005, with three of them in 2017 alone: Hurricane Harvey, which caused nearly $97 billion in damages, followed by Maria at close to $70 billion and Irma at almost $60 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

UN report: Despite a decline in deaths from weather-related events, the economic cost rises

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before.

As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week.

Hydrologist and director of Global Water Futures Dr John Pomeroy say that it is harrowing to observe that the iconic sight was virtually unrecognizable from what was one&nbsp;or two years ago.

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According to him, the glacier could lose up to seven metres of ice if this rate of melt continues, which would be the most drastic downward melt ever recorded for the glacier.

During the early 1900s, Banff National Park's famous Peyto Glacier stretched three and a half kilometres farther than it does today;&nbsp;stretching down the valley resting near the turquoise water of Peyto Lake.&nbsp;

Pomeroy said he was astonished and horrified by the glacial tongue's retreat of 200 metres over the past year, 10 times faster than the 50-year retreat. According to him&nbsp;widespread wildfires and record heat domes this season contributed to faster glacial melting.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-says-ocean-surface-climates-may-disappear-by-2100-408799" hreflang="en">Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100</a>

Peyto Glacier forms the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River and with its snowpack and ice melt, it maintains stream flows in the Prairie provinces.

Scientists are concerned about the downstream effects of the decline of this crucial source of water.

This year, the rivers and streams that aren't fed by glacial melt are experiencing some of the lowest flows ever recorded. By contrast, the flow of streams that are fed by the glacier has been above average this summer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-multiple-injured-in-sweltering-aftermath-of-hurricane-ida-409820" hreflang="en">Four dead, multiple injured in sweltering aftermath of Hurricane Ida</a>

In the Rocky Mountain national parks alone, 300 glaciers disappeared between 1920 and 2005, according to Sanford.

Pomeroy, who has been documenting Peyto&nbsp;for years, says that he never imagined that he would document the glacier's death; he believes it will not survive the next decade.

However, he adds, glaciers might re-grow in the future, provided that humans are able to get a hold on climate change.

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before. As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week.

Following an exceptionally warm summer, the iconic ice of the Canadian Rockies is melting at a rate that has never been seen before. As observed by scientists, during the hot spell in early July and late June the glacier was experiencing 2/3 of ice melt per week. Hydrologist and director of Global Water Futures Dr John Pomeroy say that it is harrowing to observe that the iconic sight was virtually unrecognizable from what was one or two years ago. Also read | ‘World’s northernmost island’ discovered off coast of Greenland by scientists According to him, the glacier could lose up to seven metres of ice if this rate of melt continues, which would be the most drastic downward melt ever recorded for the glacier. During the early 1900s, Banff National Park's famous Peyto Glacier stretched three and a half kilometres farther than it does today; stretching down the valley resting near the turquoise water of Peyto Lake. Pomeroy said he was astonished and horrified by the glacial tongue's retreat of 200 metres over the past year, 10 times faster than the 50-year retreat. According to him widespread wildfires and record heat domes this season contributed to faster glacial melting. Also read | Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100 Peyto Glacier forms the headwaters of the North Saskatchewan River and with its snowpack and ice melt, it maintains stream flows in the Prairie provinces. Scientists are concerned about the downstream effects of the decline of this crucial source of water. This year, the rivers and streams that aren't fed by glacial melt are experiencing some of the lowest flows ever recorded. By contrast, the flow of streams that are fed by the glacier has been above average this summer. Also read | Four dead, multiple injured in sweltering aftermath of Hurricane Ida In the Rocky Mountain national parks alone, 300 glaciers disappeared between 1920 and 2005, according to Sanford. Pomeroy, who has been documenting Peyto for years, says that he never imagined that he would document the glacier's death; he believes it will not survive the next decade. However, he adds, glaciers might re-grow in the future, provided that humans are able to get a hold on climate change.

Heatwave causes unprecedented glacial ice melt in Canadian Rocky Mountains

New research estimates that 30 per cent of the world's tree species are at risk of extinction in the wild. This includes oaks, magnolias, and tropical timber trees, among other species.

At least 30 per cent of the 60,000 trees in the world are under threat of extinction, according to the report, State of the World's Trees.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-save-the-environment-berlin-universities-go-almost-meatless-409691" hreflang="en">To save the environment, Berlin universities go 'almost' meatless</a>

The number of threatened tree species is estimated to be 17,500, which is twice the number of threatened mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptile&nbsp;species combined.

In the face of threats like deforestation, logging, and climate change, conservation groups are clamouring for urgent protection.

According to the authors, increasing sea level rise, extreme weather patterns, and climate change also pose growing threats to trees. However, conservation may offer hope for the future, according to the authors.

Dr Malin Rivers, of the charity Botanic Gardens Conservation International, says that nearly 60,000 tree species exist on this planet, and for the first time, experts have knowledge of which trees need to be conserved, where they are located and from what threats they are most at risk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/destroying-stereotypes-study-finds-that-older-adults-support-govt-efforts-to-tackle-climate-change-409522" hreflang="en">Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change</a>

Having diverse tree species is crucial to the health of our planet, says Sara Oldfield,&nbsp;co-chair of the Global Tree Specialist Group of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature).

She explained that each species of tree has a unique ecological function, and with 30 per cent of the world's tree species threatened with extinction, conservation must be scaled up urgently.

There are 142 species already extinct, while 442 others are teetering on the brink, with fewer than 50 trees remaining in the wild.

Clearance for crop production (affecting 29 per cent), logging (27 per cent), clearance for livestock grazing or farming (14 per cent), clearing for development (13 per cent) and fire (13 per cent) are the top threats for trees worldwide.

The report, said Rivers, lays out a road map to mobilise the conservation community and other players to ensure that tree conservation is a high priority in conservation agendas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-says-ocean-surface-climates-may-disappear-by-2100-408799" hreflang="en">Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100</a>

In addition to increasing funding for tree conservation,&nbsp;experts recommend; conserving existing forests and expanding protected areas, preserving threatened species in botanic gardens or seed banks with the hope of one day reintroducing them into the wild.&nbsp;

Additionally, they suggest awareness programs that teach people about effective reforestation and planting programs, ensuring all trees are planted according to scientific principles, including rare and threatened species.

There are more than one million species of plants and animals threatened with extinction, according to scientists.

Approximately 40 per cent of the global forest area has been lost over the last 300 years, and 29 countries have lost more than 90 per cent of their forests.

New research estimates that 30 per cent of the world's tree species are at risk of extinction in the wild. This includes oaks, magnolias, and tropical timber trees, among other species.

New research estimates that 30 per cent of the world's tree species are at risk of extinction in the wild. This includes oaks, magnolias, and tropical timber trees, among other species. At least 30 per cent of the 60,000 trees in the world are under threat of extinction, according to the report, State of the World's Trees. Also read | To save the environment, Berlin universities go 'almost' meatless The number of threatened tree species is estimated to be 17,500, which is twice the number of threatened mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptile species combined. In the face of threats like deforestation, logging, and climate change, conservation groups are clamouring for urgent protection. According to the authors, increasing sea level rise, extreme weather patterns, and climate change also pose growing threats to trees. However, conservation may offer hope for the future, according to the authors. Dr Malin Rivers, of the charity Botanic Gardens Conservation International, says that nearly 60,000 tree species exist on this planet, and for the first time, experts have knowledge of which trees need to be conserved, where they are located and from what threats they are most at risk. Also read | Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change Having diverse tree species is crucial to the health of our planet, says Sara Oldfield, co-chair of the Global Tree Specialist Group of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). She explained that each species of tree has a unique ecological function, and with 30 per cent of the world's tree species threatened with extinction, conservation must be scaled up urgently. There are 142 species already extinct, while 442 others are teetering on the brink, with fewer than 50 trees remaining in the wild. Clearance for crop production (affecting 29 per cent), logging (27 per cent), clearance for livestock grazing or farming (14 per cent), clearing for development (13 per cent) and fire (13 per cent) are the top threats for trees worldwide. The report, said Rivers, lays out a road map to mobilise the conservation community and other players to ensure that tree conservation is a high priority in conservation agendas. Also read | Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100 In addition to increasing funding for tree conservation, experts recommend; conserving existing forests and expanding protected areas, preserving threatened species in botanic gardens or seed banks with the hope of one day reintroducing them into the wild. Additionally, they suggest awareness programs that teach people about effective reforestation and planting programs, ensuring all trees are planted according to scientific principles, including rare and threatened species. There are more than one million species of plants and animals threatened with extinction, according to scientists. Approximately 40 per cent of the global forest area has been lost over the last 300 years, and 29 countries have lost more than 90 per cent of their forests.

New research estimates that 30% of the world's tree species face extinction

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options;&nbsp;from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless.&nbsp;

From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian,&nbsp;and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/destroying-stereotypes-study-finds-that-older-adults-support-govt-efforts-to-tackle-climate-change-409522">Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change</a>

While there will be meat on the menu, but it'll be limited to only one option four days a week.

Daniela Kummle of Studierendenwerk, which provides economic, social, health, and cultural support to students living in Berlin's universities, explains that they developed this nutritional concept after students requested an environmental-friendly menu at the canteens.

According to a survey conducted in 2019, 13.5 per cent of Berlin's student population describes themselves as vegans, compared with only 1.6 per cent of the country's total population, while 33 per cent consider themselves vegetarians.&nbsp;The Berlin universities' canteens served 5.6 million students that year.

After years of increasing demand, German university canteens and cafeterias already offer 30-50 per cent vegetarian meals, said Stefan Grob, a spokesperson for Deutsches Studentenwerk the umbrella organization for student support services.

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Student consumers' consumption habits are changing, according to Kummle, Director of the Studierendenwerk Association. A trend toward fewer animal-based products is very evident, according to him.

Since 2010, the Free University of Berlin has had a vegetarian canteen called Veggie No.&nbsp;1 and 2019 saw the opening of a restaurant serving only vegan food called Veggie No. 2.

Among Berlin's university students, climate protection has become a pressing concern.

In 2019, almost 300 staff members at Humboldt University&nbsp;and Technische Universität Berlin signed a letter agreeing to forego short-distance travel related to their jobs for journeys shorter than 1,000km.

Humboldt University aims to be climate neutral by 2030, while Technische Universität Berlin hopes to be climate neutral by 2045.

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options; from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless. From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian, and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent.

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options; from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless. From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian, and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent. Also read | Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change While there will be meat on the menu, but it'll be limited to only one option four days a week. Daniela Kummle of Studierendenwerk, which provides economic, social, health, and cultural support to students living in Berlin's universities, explains that they developed this nutritional concept after students requested an environmental-friendly menu at the canteens. According to a survey conducted in 2019, 13.5 per cent of Berlin's student population describes themselves as vegans, compared with only 1.6 per cent of the country's total population, while 33 per cent consider themselves vegetarians. The Berlin universities' canteens served 5.6 million students that year. After years of increasing demand, German university canteens and cafeterias already offer 30-50 per cent vegetarian meals, said Stefan Grob, a spokesperson for Deutsches Studentenwerk the umbrella organization for student support services. Also read | 'Blood-soaked' naked activists protest against meat consumption in Spain Student consumers' consumption habits are changing, according to Kummle, Director of the Studierendenwerk Association. A trend toward fewer animal-based products is very evident, according to him. Since 2010, the Free University of Berlin has had a vegetarian canteen called Veggie No. 1 and 2019 saw the opening of a restaurant serving only vegan food called Veggie No. 2. Among Berlin's university students, climate protection has become a pressing concern. In 2019, almost 300 staff members at Humboldt University and Technische Universität Berlin signed a letter agreeing to forego short-distance travel related to their jobs for journeys shorter than 1,000km. Humboldt University aims to be climate neutral by 2030, while Technische Universität Berlin hopes to be climate neutral by 2045.

To save the environment, Berlin universities go 'almost' meatless

A study finds that older adults overwhelmingly support government efforts to tackle climate change, even if it raises prices.

The results of a survey of more than 500 over-50s revealed that almost two-thirds of the respondents favour ministers moving faster on climate initiatives, regardless of whether such initiatives mean that products and services would become more expensive as time passed or become more challenging to obtain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-says-ocean-surface-climates-may-disappear-by-2100-408799" hreflang="en">Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100</a>

This study, which was conducted by Rest Less, found that challenging the stereotypes and assumptions about older generations' attitudes toward the issue, only a minority of older people are unconcerned about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>.

Stuart Lewis, the founder of Rest Less, a website that supports and provides advice to older people, says that their research shows that mid-lifers&nbsp;feel a responsibility for planetary health as well as for reducing climate change.

About half of the people polled reported reducing their vehicle use and consuming less meat and dairy in recent years in an effort to reduce waste, while almost two in three respondents revealed they had bought fewer clothes recently in order to cut down on waste.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-mountain-forests-store-two-thirds-more-carbon-than-previously-believed-study-408374" hreflang="en">African mountain forests store two-thirds more carbon than previously believed: Study</a>

In addition, half of the respondents have reduced home energy usage, while almost one in five reported only buying seasonal foods.

According to Lewis, many midlifers that they surveyed are already making changes to their lifestyle.

Despite these findings, another research suggests that older homeowners will not likely benefit financially from greening their homes.

By 2035, the government intends to have as many homes as possible rated C or better in terms of energy efficiency. Improvements might include insulating water tanks, installing solar panel systems, and installing heat pumps.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unicef-report-finds-that-virtually-no-child-will-escape-the-impact-of-global-warming-407151" hreflang="en">UNICEF report finds that virtually no child will escape the impact of global warming</a>

However, older people's spending on improvements is often much higher since they tend to own older and less energy-efficient homes.&nbsp;

In a study done by Nationwide building society, the average cost of improvement projects was found to be about £8,100, which increased to £25,800 for homes with F or G energy efficiency rating.

A study finds that older adults overwhelmingly support government efforts to tackle climate change, even if it raises prices. The results of a survey of more than 500 over-50s revealed that almost two-thirds of the respondents favour ministers moving faster on climate initiatives, regardless of whether such initiatives mean that products and services would become more expensive as time passed or become more challenging to obtain.

A study finds that older adults overwhelmingly support government efforts to tackle climate change, even if it raises prices. The results of a survey of more than 500 over-50s revealed that almost two-thirds of the respondents favour ministers moving faster on climate initiatives, regardless of whether such initiatives mean that products and services would become more expensive as time passed or become more challenging to obtain. Also read | Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100 This study, which was conducted by Rest Less, found that challenging the stereotypes and assumptions about older generations' attitudes toward the issue, only a minority of older people are unconcerned about climate change. Stuart Lewis, the founder of Rest Less, a website that supports and provides advice to older people, says that their research shows that mid-lifers feel a responsibility for planetary health as well as for reducing climate change. About half of the people polled reported reducing their vehicle use and consuming less meat and dairy in recent years in an effort to reduce waste, while almost two in three respondents revealed they had bought fewer clothes recently in order to cut down on waste. Also read | African mountain forests store two-thirds more carbon than previously believed: Study In addition, half of the respondents have reduced home energy usage, while almost one in five reported only buying seasonal foods. According to Lewis, many midlifers that they surveyed are already making changes to their lifestyle. Despite these findings, another research suggests that older homeowners will not likely benefit financially from greening their homes. By 2035, the government intends to have as many homes as possible rated C or better in terms of energy efficiency. Improvements might include insulating water tanks, installing solar panel systems, and installing heat pumps. Also read | UNICEF report finds that virtually no child will escape the impact of global warming However, older people's spending on improvements is often much higher since they tend to own older and less energy-efficient homes. In a study done by Nationwide building society, the average cost of improvement projects was found to be about £8,100, which increased to £25,800 for homes with F or G energy efficiency rating.

Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change

Bruichladdich distillery&nbsp;has always enjoyed great patronage among drinkers&nbsp;and revelled&nbsp;itself for making the “finest whisky” in Scotland.

However, the company is facing a significant problem. Like other 164 distilleries in the neighbourhood&nbsp;in Scotland, it relies on fuel oil, brought in on diesel-powered ferries, to fire the boilers.&nbsp;

Nine distilleries in Scotland’s Islay&nbsp;burn 15m litres of oil each year, contributing significantly to the highest per capita CO2 emissions of any community in Scotland, according to the Guardian.

Hoping to buck the trend, the company has vowed to ensure that by 2025 its distillation process achieves net zero emission, which means&nbsp;maintaining a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere

Bruichladdich is working on an innovative type of green hydrogen production using green electricity and water electrolysis, unlike the conventional method which uses natural gas and emits CO2 in the atmosphere.

For now it is depending on a green tariff, but it plans to use renewables installed around the island over the next few years, most likely wind, but there are hopes that tidal power will be possible at some point.

Douglas Taylor, Bruichladdich’s chief executive, believes that if successful the technique could help power Islay’s other distilleries, businesses and homes.

Watch |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-money-heist-in-real-life-hostages-tied-to-cars-in-bank-robbery-in-brazil-as-human-shields-409456"> 'Money Heist in real life?': Hostages tied to cars in bank robbery in Brazil as human shields</a>

“We have this view of ‘think big, start small, but start today’. And that’s one of the things you need in the industry: to take a brave and courageous step to represent what change could look like,” he told the Guardian. “What you have to do is start with what you can control.”

Whisky is the UK’s most valuable net export product, worth nearly £5bn in 2019, but its largest distilleries have depended for years on burning gas. Fuel oil is widely used across remoter areas.

Moreover, whisky producers are aware that the droughts and seasonal variations of climate change will hit Scottish barley harvests and the water supplies essential to whisky production, said Morag Garden, the Scotch Whisky Association’s head of sustainability. Flooding will hit distilleries and transport.

However, the industry has set a net zero target date of 2040, 10 years earlier than the UK government’s current goal and five years earlier than Scotland’s, according to the SWA, and is partway towards achieving it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-propose-travel-restrictions-on-us-visitors-409454">EU set to propose travel restrictions on US visitors</a>

A number of major distilleries are switching to anaerobic digestion using their own whisky-production byproduct, known as draff; biomass boilers; and, as a step to replace fuel oils, more efficient gas boilers.

The hydrogen production technique destined for testing at Bruichladdich has been designed by Protium, a London-based energy firm, with £74,000 in development funding from the UK government, using a US technology.

The government has set aside £10m for research on helping the UK’s whisky and spirits industries go net zero, and Protium has just applied for a second wave of funding.

Hydrogen will be part of a comprehensive shift of Bruichladdich’s business towards self-sufficiency and sustainability, says Taylor. The distillery, owned by Rémy Cointreau, a French luxury drinks firm, was the first in Scotland to achieve B Corp status – a corporate ethics designation intended to balance “purpose with profit”.

“We’re trying to pioneer something for a wider island benefit. We’re very much supportive of the idea that whatever we look at, could then be taken up by other distilleries but also other businesses on the island, and the community,” Taylor said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bruichladdich distillery has always enjoyed great patronage among drinkers and revelled itself for making the “finest whisky” in Scotland. However, the company is facing a significant problem.

Bruichladdich distillery has always enjoyed great patronage among drinkers and revelled itself for making the “finest whisky” in Scotland. However, the company is facing a significant problem. Like other 164 distilleries in the neighbourhood in Scotland, it relies on fuel oil, brought in on diesel-powered ferries, to fire the boilers. Nine distilleries in Scotland’s Islay burn 15m litres of oil each year, contributing significantly to the highest per capita CO2 emissions of any community in Scotland, according to the Guardian. Hoping to buck the trend, the company has vowed to ensure that by 2025 its distillation process achieves net zero emission, which means maintaining a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere Bruichladdich is working on an innovative type of green hydrogen production using green electricity and water electrolysis, unlike the conventional method which uses natural gas and emits CO2 in the atmosphere. For now it is depending on a green tariff, but it plans to use renewables installed around the island over the next few years, most likely wind, but there are hopes that tidal power will be possible at some point. Douglas Taylor, Bruichladdich’s chief executive, believes that if successful the technique could help power Islay’s other distilleries, businesses and homes. Watch | 'Money Heist in real life?': Hostages tied to cars in bank robbery in Brazil as human shields “We have this view of ‘think big, start small, but start today’. And that’s one of the things you need in the industry: to take a brave and courageous step to represent what change could look like,” he told the Guardian. “What you have to do is start with what you can control.” Whisky is the UK’s most valuable net export product, worth nearly £5bn in 2019, but its largest distilleries have depended for years on burning gas. Fuel oil is widely used across remoter areas. Moreover, whisky producers are aware that the droughts and seasonal variations of climate change will hit Scottish barley harvests and the water supplies essential to whisky production, said Morag Garden, the Scotch Whisky Association’s head of sustainability. Flooding will hit distilleries and transport. However, the industry has set a net zero target date of 2040, 10 years earlier than the UK government’s current goal and five years earlier than Scotland’s, according to the SWA, and is partway towards achieving it. Also read | EU set to propose travel restrictions on US visitors A number of major distilleries are switching to anaerobic digestion using their own whisky-production byproduct, known as draff; biomass boilers; and, as a step to replace fuel oils, more efficient gas boilers. The hydrogen production technique destined for testing at Bruichladdich has been designed by Protium, a London-based energy firm, with £74,000 in development funding from the UK government, using a US technology. The government has set aside £10m for research on helping the UK’s whisky and spirits industries go net zero, and Protium has just applied for a second wave of funding. Hydrogen will be part of a comprehensive shift of Bruichladdich’s business towards self-sufficiency and sustainability, says Taylor. The distillery, owned by Rémy Cointreau, a French luxury drinks firm, was the first in Scotland to achieve B Corp status – a corporate ethics designation intended to balance “purpose with profit”. “We’re trying to pioneer something for a wider island benefit. We’re very much supportive of the idea that whatever we look at, could then be taken up by other distilleries but also other businesses on the island, and the community,” Taylor said. (With inputs from agencies)

Eco-friendly scotch: Scottish distillery firm aiming for net zero whisky

Up to 95 percent of Earth's ocean surface will have changed by the end of the century unless humanity reins in its carbon emissions, according to research published Thursday.&nbsp;

Ocean surface climates, defined by surface water temperature, acidity, and the concentration of the mineral aragonite,&nbsp;which many marine animals use to form bones and shell,&nbsp;support the vast majority of sea life.&nbsp;

The world's seas have absorbed around a third of all carbon pollution produced since the Industrial Revolution.

But with&nbsp;atmospheric CO2 levels increasing at a rate unprecedented in at least three million years, there are fears that ocean surface climates may become less hospitable to the species it hosts.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-heres-what-climate-change-is-doing-to-us-401602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US-based researchers wanted to see what effect carbon pollution has already had on ocean surface since the mid-18th century. They also projected the impact of emissions through to 2100.

To do so, they modelled global ocean climates across three time periods: the early 19th century (1795-1834); the late 20th century (1965-2004); and the late 21st century (2065-2014).&nbsp;

They then ran the models through two emissions scenarios. The first, known as RCP4.5,&nbsp;envisions a peak in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 followed by a slow decrease across the rest of the century.

The second scenario, RCP8.5,&nbsp;is a "business as usual" approach, where emissions continue to rise throughout the next 80 years.

Writing in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, the researchers found that under the RCP4.5 scenario, 36 percent of the ocean surface conditions present throughout the 20th century are likely to disappear by 2100.

Under the high emissions scenario, that figure rises to 95 percent.&nbsp;

The team also found that while ocean surface climates showed little sign of change during the 20th century, by 2100, up to 82 percent of ocean surface may experience climates not seen in recent history.

These include seas that are hotter, more acidic and that contain fewer minerals vital for sea life to grow.

Lead study author Katie Lotterhos, from Northeastern University's Marine&nbsp;Science&nbsp;Center, said the ocean's changing composition due to carbon pollution would likely impact all surface species.

"Species that are narrowly adapted to a climate that is disappearing will have to adapt to different conditions," she told AFP.

"A climate in which the&nbsp;temperature and&nbsp;chemistry&nbsp;of the water is common today will be rare or absent in the future."

Diminishing options&nbsp;

While surface species have so far been able to move around in order to avoid anomalously warm or acidic areas of ocean, Thursday's study suggests that in the future their options may be limited due to near-uniform warming and acidification.

"Already, many marine species have shifted their ranges in response to warmer waters," said Lotterhos.&nbsp;

"The communities of species that are found in one area will continue to shift and change rapidly over the coming decades."

She said that governments needed to monitor future shifting habits in marine surface species.&nbsp;

But, ultimately, the world's oceans need the emissions driving their heating and acidification to cease.

"Without (emissions) mitigation,&nbsp;novel and disappearing climates in the sea surface will be widespread around the globe by 2100," said Lotterhos.

Up to 95 percent of Earth's ocean surface will have changed by the end of the century unless humanity reins in its carbon emissions, according to research published Thursday.

Up to 95 percent of Earth's ocean surface will have changed by the end of the century unless humanity reins in its carbon emissions, according to research published Thursday. Ocean surface climates, defined by surface water temperature, acidity, and the concentration of the mineral aragonite, which many marine animals use to form bones and shell, support the vast majority of sea life. The world's seas have absorbed around a third of all carbon pollution produced since the Industrial Revolution. But with atmospheric CO2 levels increasing at a rate unprecedented in at least three million years, there are fears that ocean surface climates may become less hospitable to the species it hosts. US-based researchers wanted to see what effect carbon pollution has already had on ocean surface since the mid-18th century. They also projected the impact of emissions through to 2100. To do so, they modelled global ocean climates across three time periods: the early 19th century (1795-1834); the late 20th century (1965-2004); and the late 21st century (2065-2014). They then ran the models through two emissions scenarios. The first, known as RCP4.5, envisions a peak in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 followed by a slow decrease across the rest of the century. The second scenario, RCP8.5, is a "business as usual" approach, where emissions continue to rise throughout the next 80 years. Writing in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, the researchers found that under the RCP4.5 scenario, 36 percent of the ocean surface conditions present throughout the 20th century are likely to disappear by 2100. Under the high emissions scenario, that figure rises to 95 percent. The team also found that while ocean surface climates showed little sign of change during the 20th century, by 2100, up to 82 percent of ocean surface may experience climates not seen in recent history. These include seas that are hotter, more acidic and that contain fewer minerals vital for sea life to grow. Lead study author Katie Lotterhos, from Northeastern University's Marine Science Center, said the ocean's changing composition due to carbon pollution would likely impact all surface species. "Species that are narrowly adapted to a climate that is disappearing will have to adapt to different conditions," she told AFP. "A climate in which the temperature and chemistry of the water is common today will be rare or absent in the future." Diminishing options While surface species have so far been able to move around in order to avoid anomalously warm or acidic areas of ocean, Thursday's study suggests that in the future their options may be limited due to near-uniform warming and acidification. "Already, many marine species have shifted their ranges in response to warmer waters," said Lotterhos. "The communities of species that are found in one area will continue to shift and change rapidly over the coming decades." She said that governments needed to monitor future shifting habits in marine surface species. But, ultimately, the world's oceans need the emissions driving their heating and acidification to cease. "Without (emissions) mitigation, novel and disappearing climates in the sea surface will be widespread around the globe by 2100," said Lotterhos.

Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100

The extreme rainfall that triggered devastating floods across Germany and Belgium in July was made “up to nine times more likely” due to climate change, a research study has noted, giving credence to findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) report that warned of extreme weather events.

The study has also pointed out that human-made global warming has caused downpours in the region up to 20% heavier.

Germany and Belgium join a list of other countries that have been facing floods and extreme weather events. In the past one month, there were floods in China, extreme heatwaves in northwest America&nbsp;and forest fires in Russia, Greece, Turkey and the US.&nbsp;

The report, compiled by 39 scientists, used meteorological measurements, high-resolution computer models and peer-reviewed research methods. It compared the frequency of extreme rainfall that occurred in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in today’s heated climate with the frequency expected in a world where there had been no human-caused climate change.

It found the climate crisis has made extreme rainfall between 1.2 and nine times more likely to happen and that such downpours in the region are now 3% to 19% more intense.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-vital-signs-are-worsening-due-to-climate-change-scientists-warn-401135">Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn</a>

“The huge human and economic costs of these floods are a stark reminder that countries around the world need to prepare for more extreme weather events and that we urgently need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid such risks from getting even further out of hand,” Prof Maarten van Aalst, who is one of the who conducted the research, told the Guardian.

Over 222 people were killed in flooding in Germany and Belgium.

On August 9, the IPCC came out with a damning assessment on global warming, saying that extreme heatwaves, droughts, and flooding, are going to be more pronounced in this decade.

The 3,000-plus-page report said global warming is already accelerating sea-level rise and worsening extremes such as heatwaves, droughts, floods and storms. Tropical cyclones are getting stronger and wetter, while Arctic sea ice is dwindling in the summer and permafrost is thawing.

All of these trends will get worse, the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The extreme rainfall that triggered devastating floods across Germany and Belgium in July was made “up to nine times more likely” due to climate change, a research study has noted, giving credence to findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) report that warned of extreme weather events.

The extreme rainfall that triggered devastating floods across Germany and Belgium in July was made “up to nine times more likely” due to climate change, a research study has noted, giving credence to findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) report that warned of extreme weather events. The study has also pointed out that human-made global warming has caused downpours in the region up to 20% heavier. Germany and Belgium join a list of other countries that have been facing floods and extreme weather events. In the past one month, there were floods in China, extreme heatwaves in northwest America and forest fires in Russia, Greece, Turkey and the US. The report, compiled by 39 scientists, used meteorological measurements, high-resolution computer models and peer-reviewed research methods. It compared the frequency of extreme rainfall that occurred in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in today’s heated climate with the frequency expected in a world where there had been no human-caused climate change. It found the climate crisis has made extreme rainfall between 1.2 and nine times more likely to happen and that such downpours in the region are now 3% to 19% more intense. Also read | Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn “The huge human and economic costs of these floods are a stark reminder that countries around the world need to prepare for more extreme weather events and that we urgently need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid such risks from getting even further out of hand,” Prof Maarten van Aalst, who is one of the who conducted the research, told the Guardian. Over 222 people were killed in flooding in Germany and Belgium. On August 9, the IPCC came out with a damning assessment on global warming, saying that extreme heatwaves, droughts, and flooding, are going to be more pronounced in this decade. The 3,000-plus-page report said global warming is already accelerating sea-level rise and worsening extremes such as heatwaves, droughts, floods and storms. Tropical cyclones are getting stronger and wetter, while Arctic sea ice is dwindling in the summer and permafrost is thawing. All of these trends will get worse, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate change made deadly Europe floods up to nine times more likely: Study

Troubled with rising temperatures, the calls for naming of the heatwaves are rising among the scientists in Greece. &nbsp;

The scientists of the country have begun discussing the need to name and rank heatwaves. They are better known for their invisibility.&nbsp;

The rampant wildfires, which are triggered by the heatwaves, have made the realities of the climate crisis come to fore.&nbsp;

The move could act as a preventative measure to enable policymakers and affected populations to get prepared for the 'silent killer’ heatwaves.&nbsp;

Since June, Greece has witnessed two bouts of extreme heat. Both were unusually prolonged and intense.&nbsp;

Last week, a new rise in temperatures saw Athens once again fall victim to fires as devastating blazes broke out north-west of the capital. &nbsp;

Dr Kostas Lagouvardos, research director, National Observatory, Athens told the Observer, “It is clear the extreme heat has been underestimated.”&nbsp;

It is essential that people are aware of the dangers posed by it. “We believe people will be more prepared to face an upcoming weather event when the event has a name. They’ll become more aware of the possible problems it could cause to their lives and to their properties … heatwaves cause a lot of deaths; they don’t make noise and they may not be visible but they’re a silent killer,” Lagouvardos said.&nbsp;

Troubled with rising temperatures, the calls for naming of the heatwaves are rising among the scientists in Greece. The scientists of the country have begun discussing the need to name and rank heatwaves.

Troubled with rising temperatures, the calls for naming of the heatwaves are rising among the scientists in Greece. The scientists of the country have begun discussing the need to name and rank heatwaves. They are better known for their invisibility. The rampant wildfires, which are triggered by the heatwaves, have made the realities of the climate crisis come to fore. The move could act as a preventative measure to enable policymakers and affected populations to get prepared for the 'silent killer’ heatwaves. Since June, Greece has witnessed two bouts of extreme heat. Both were unusually prolonged and intense. Last week, a new rise in temperatures saw Athens once again fall victim to fires as devastating blazes broke out north-west of the capital. Dr Kostas Lagouvardos, research director, National Observatory, Athens told the Observer, “It is clear the extreme heat has been underestimated.” It is essential that people are aware of the dangers posed by it. “We believe people will be more prepared to face an upcoming weather event when the event has a name. They’ll become more aware of the possible problems it could cause to their lives and to their properties … heatwaves cause a lot of deaths; they don’t make noise and they may not be visible but they’re a silent killer,” Lagouvardos said.

Greece scientists look to name heatwaves in line with storms

Globally, nearly half of the 2.2 billion children&nbsp;are at serious risk due to climate change, according to a new UNICEF report.

The report found that almost every child today faces the threat of one of these events; heatwaves, floods, cyclones, disease, droughts, and air pollution.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-for-real-glacier-melts-makes-swedish-peak-shrink-by-2-metres-in-a-year-406593" hreflang="en">Climate change&nbsp;for real?&nbsp;Glacier melts, makes&nbsp;Swedish peak shrink by&nbsp;2 metres&nbsp;in a year</a>

1 billion children in 33 countries, however, are experiencing more than one of these simultaneously. Among the most vulnerable countries are India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and most of sub-Saharan Africa.

This report is the first one to combine high-resolution maps of environmental impacts with maps depicting child vulnerability such as poverty, health care access, access to clean water and education.&nbsp;

Nick Rees, one of the report's authors, said that it essentially shows the likelihood of children surviving <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>.

The report was released on the third anniversary of Greta Thunberg's historic first school strike that ignited the global climate movement.

A key aspect of this report is that it emphasises the necessity of involving young people in all climate negotiations and decisions, including during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow in November.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humans-pushing-planet-towards-tipping-point-global-citizens-concerned-406315" hreflang="en">Humans pushing planet towards 'tipping point'; Global citizens concerned</a>

Thunberg, 18, said the&nbsp;UNICEF&nbsp;index confirmed children would be the worst affected, and when world leaders meet in Glasgow in November for COP26 they needed to act rather than just talk.

The report stated that climate crisis impacts were deeply inequitable, with a high chance of getting worse.&nbsp;

Rees estimates that the top ten countries at extremely high risk account for 0.5 per cent&nbsp;of global emissions.

Henrietta Fore,&nbsp;UNICEF&nbsp;executive director&nbsp;highlighted a survey by the organisation which found 9 out of 10 young people in 21 countries felt it was their responsibility to help tackle climate change.&nbsp;

Young people were leading by example, she said, adding that, compared to adults, children faced greater risks in the "increasingly unrecognisable" world they would inherit.&nbsp;They are less likely to be able to withstand extreme weather events and will be more susceptible to toxic chemicals, diseases and temperature changes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Globally, nearly half of the 2.2 billion children are at serious risk due to climate change, according to a new UNICEF report. The report found that almost every child today faces the threat of one of these events; heatwaves, floods, cyclones, disease, droughts, and air pollution.

Globally, nearly half of the 2.2 billion children are at serious risk due to climate change, according to a new UNICEF report. The report found that almost every child today faces the threat of one of these events; heatwaves, floods, cyclones, disease, droughts, and air pollution. Also read | Climate change for real? Glacier melts, makes Swedish peak shrink by 2 metres in a year 1 billion children in 33 countries, however, are experiencing more than one of these simultaneously. Among the most vulnerable countries are India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and most of sub-Saharan Africa. This report is the first one to combine high-resolution maps of environmental impacts with maps depicting child vulnerability such as poverty, health care access, access to clean water and education. Nick Rees, one of the report's authors, said that it essentially shows the likelihood of children surviving climate change. The report was released on the third anniversary of Greta Thunberg's historic first school strike that ignited the global climate movement. A key aspect of this report is that it emphasises the necessity of involving young people in all climate negotiations and decisions, including during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow in November. Also read | Humans pushing planet towards 'tipping point'; Global citizens concerned Thunberg, 18, said the UNICEF index confirmed children would be the worst affected, and when world leaders meet in Glasgow in November for COP26 they needed to act rather than just talk. The report stated that climate crisis impacts were deeply inequitable, with a high chance of getting worse. Rees estimates that the top ten countries at extremely high risk account for 0.5 per cent of global emissions. Henrietta Fore, UNICEF executive director highlighted a survey by the organisation which found 9 out of 10 young people in 21 countries felt it was their responsibility to help tackle climate change. Young people were leading by example, she said, adding that, compared to adults, children faced greater risks in the "increasingly unrecognisable" world they would inherit. They are less likely to be able to withstand extreme weather events and will be more susceptible to toxic chemicals, diseases and temperature changes. (With inputs from agencies)

UNICEF report finds that virtually no child will escape the impact of global warming

World Humanitarian Day is celebrated annually on August 19 to pay tribute to humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work, and to honour all aid and health workers who continue, despite the odds, to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need.

Background

The UN General Assembly in 2008 declared August&nbsp;19 World Humanitarian Day as a way to mark the 22 UN&nbsp;and aid agency workers, including Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who died during a 2003 bombing of the organization’s Baghdad headquarters.

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Every day, brave humanitarians around the world step up to help others &amp; save lives despite multiple challenges and threats. 
 
On Thursday's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldHumanitarianDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldHumanitarianDay</a>, we pay tribute to those real life heroes. <a href="https://t.co/sWSwTPP0gR">pic.twitter.com/sWSwTPP0gR</a>
— United Nations (@UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN/status/1428296934679224320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This year's theme

This year's World Humanitarian Day (19 August 2021) is devoted to dealing with the climate crisis, the single biggest health threat facing humanity. This day is a crucial milestone in the lead-up to the COP26 summit in November when leaders from 196 countries will meet to agree action to get climate change under control.&nbsp;

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The most vulnerable communities are at the greatest risk from climate change, and they have done the least to cause it. 
 
This <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldHumanitarianDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldHumanitarianDay</a>, join the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheHumanRace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheHumanRace</a>: a global challenge for climate action in solidarity with those who need it the most.<a href="https://twitter.com/UNOCHA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNOCHA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP26</a>
— COP26 (@COP26) <a href="https://twitter.com/COP26/status/1428235284152348672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As the world witnesses record-breaking heatwaves, catastrophic storms, and changing weather patterns,&nbsp;it is fitting that the theme of World Humanitarian Day should be the climate crisis.&nbsp;

Climate change is a health emergency, impacting food systems, disease dispersion, health systems, and societies at large.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

Since the Taliban entered Kabul over the weekend, scenes of chaos have unfolded as thousands seek to leave, fearing a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago.

Under the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule,&nbsp;women&nbsp;were prevented from working, girls were not allowed to go to school and&nbsp;women&nbsp;had to wear all-enveloping burqas to go out.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has said Afghanistan is experiencing&nbsp;a humanitarian crisis due to&nbsp;the escalating conflict brings increased human suffering and civilian displacement.

An estimated 270,000 Afghans have been newly displaced inside the country since January 2021, primarily due to insecurity and violence,&nbsp;bringing the total uprooted population to over 3.5 million.

Global humanitarian overview

In 2021, 235 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection.

This number has risen to 1 in 33 people worldwide, a significant increase from 1 in 45 at the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2020, which was already the highest figure in decades. The UN and partner organizations aim to assist 160 million people most in need across 56 countries and will require a total of $35 billion to do so.

Families forced to flee their homes in recent weeks cite the worsening security situation as the predominant reason for their flight.

In addition to ongoing fighting, displaced civilians have told UNHCR and partners of incidents of extortion by non-state armed groups and the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on major roads. Many have reported interruptions to social services and a loss of income due to rising insecurity.

The number of civilian casualties has risen 29 per cent during the first quarter of this year compared to 2020, according to UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. An increasing proportion of women and children were among those targeted. &nbsp;

World Humanitarian Day is celebrated annually on August 19 to pay tribute to humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work, and to honour all aid and health workers who continue, despite the odds, to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need.

World Humanitarian Day is celebrated annually on August 19 to pay tribute to humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work, and to honour all aid and health workers who continue, despite the odds, to provide life-saving support and protection to people most in need. Background The UN General Assembly in 2008 declared August 19 World Humanitarian Day as a way to mark the 22 UN and aid agency workers, including Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who died during a 2003 bombing of the organization’s Baghdad headquarters. Every day, brave humanitarians around the world step up to help others & save lives despite multiple challenges and threats. On Thursday's #WorldHumanitarianDay, we pay tribute to those real life heroes. pic.twitter.com/sWSwTPP0gR — United Nations (@UN) August 19, 2021 × This year's theme This year's World Humanitarian Day (19 August 2021) is devoted to dealing with the climate crisis, the single biggest health threat facing humanity. This day is a crucial milestone in the lead-up to the COP26 summit in November when leaders from 196 countries will meet to agree action to get climate change under control. The most vulnerable communities are at the greatest risk from climate change, and they have done the least to cause it. This #WorldHumanitarianDay, join the #TheHumanRace: a global challenge for climate action in solidarity with those who need it the most.@UNOCHA | #COP26 — COP26 (@COP26) August 19, 2021 × As the world witnesses record-breaking heatwaves, catastrophic storms, and changing weather patterns, it is fitting that the theme of World Humanitarian Day should be the climate crisis. Climate change is a health emergency, impacting food systems, disease dispersion, health systems, and societies at large. The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan Since the Taliban entered Kabul over the weekend, scenes of chaos have unfolded as thousands seek to leave, fearing a return to the austere interpretation of Islamic law imposed during the previous Taliban rule that ended 20 years ago. Under the Taliban's 1996-2001 rule, women were prevented from working, girls were not allowed to go to school and women had to wear all-enveloping burqas to go out. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has said Afghanistan is experiencing a humanitarian crisis due to the escalating conflict brings increased human suffering and civilian displacement. An estimated 270,000 Afghans have been newly displaced inside the country since January 2021, primarily due to insecurity and violence, bringing the total uprooted population to over 3.5 million. Global humanitarian overview In 2021, 235 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection. This number has risen to 1 in 33 people worldwide, a significant increase from 1 in 45 at the launch of the Global Humanitarian Overview 2020, which was already the highest figure in decades. The UN and partner organizations aim to assist 160 million people most in need across 56 countries and will require a total of $35 billion to do so. Families forced to flee their homes in recent weeks cite the worsening security situation as the predominant reason for their flight. In addition to ongoing fighting, displaced civilians have told UNHCR and partners of incidents of extortion by non-state armed groups and the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on major roads. Many have reported interruptions to social services and a loss of income due to rising insecurity. The number of civilian casualties has risen 29 per cent during the first quarter of this year compared to 2020, according to UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. An increasing proportion of women and children were among those targeted.

World Humanitarian Day 2021: History, significance, challenges and all you need to know

Owing to rising temperatures driven by climate change, the&nbsp;only remaining mountaintop glacier in&nbsp;Sweden, which used to be&nbsp;its highest peak&nbsp;until 2019,&nbsp;lost another two&nbsp;metres&nbsp;in height in&nbsp;a&nbsp;year, says&nbsp;Stockholm University.&nbsp;

After a third of its glacier melted,&nbsp;the south peak of the Kebnekaise massif was&nbsp;pushed to the second spot in the rankings of Swedish mountains in 2019.&nbsp;The highest peak in the Nordic country is&nbsp;Kebnekaise’s north peak, where there is no glacier.&nbsp;

In a statement on Tuesday,&nbsp;the university said,&nbsp;“On August&nbsp;14, the southern peak of Kebnekaise was measured at 2,094.6&nbsp;metres&nbsp;(6,912 feet) above sea level by researchers from&nbsp;Tarfala&nbsp;research station. This is the lowest height that has been measured since the measurements started in the 1940s.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The decrease in the peak and the changed appearance of the drift can mainly be explained by rising air temperatures but also changing wind conditions, which affect where the snow accumulates in the winter.&nbsp;The changes also reflect a longstanding warming of Sweden’s climate,”&nbsp;added&nbsp;the university.&nbsp;

In the mid-1990s,&nbsp;Kebnekaise’s south peak was measured as high as 2,118&nbsp;metres.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;recent UN climate panel report&nbsp;said&nbsp;global warming caused an unparalleled melting of glaciers and was close to&nbsp;spiraling&nbsp;out of control.&nbsp;

The Kebnekaise massif is&nbsp;part of the&nbsp;Laponia&nbsp;World Heritage Site. It is&nbsp;located around 150 km (90 miles) north of the Arctic Circle in the Scandinavian mountains range that stretches across large parts of northern Norway and Sweden.&nbsp;

Owing to rising temperatures driven by climate change, the only remaining mountaintop glacier in Sweden, which used to be its highest peak until 2019, lost another two metres in height in a year, says Stockholm University.

Owing to rising temperatures driven by climate change, the only remaining mountaintop glacier in Sweden, which used to be its highest peak until 2019, lost another two metres in height in a year, says Stockholm University. After a third of its glacier melted, the south peak of the Kebnekaise massif was pushed to the second spot in the rankings of Swedish mountains in 2019. The highest peak in the Nordic country is Kebnekaise’s north peak, where there is no glacier. In a statement on Tuesday, the university said, “On August 14, the southern peak of Kebnekaise was measured at 2,094.6 metres (6,912 feet) above sea level by researchers from Tarfala research station. This is the lowest height that has been measured since the measurements started in the 1940s.” “The decrease in the peak and the changed appearance of the drift can mainly be explained by rising air temperatures but also changing wind conditions, which affect where the snow accumulates in the winter. The changes also reflect a longstanding warming of Sweden’s climate,” added the university. In the mid-1990s, Kebnekaise’s south peak was measured as high as 2,118 metres. A recent UN climate panel report said global warming caused an unparalleled melting of glaciers and was close to spiraling out of control. The Kebnekaise massif is part of the Laponia World Heritage Site. It is located around 150 km (90 miles) north of the Arctic Circle in the Scandinavian mountains range that stretches across large parts of northern Norway and Sweden.

Climate change for real? Glacier melts, makes Swedish peak shrink by 2 metres in a year

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019.

Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae. After nearly four decades, a new species of algae has been discovered on the islands.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volcanic-eruption-under-sea-creates-new-crescent-shaped-island-in-japan-406290" hreflang="en">Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan</a>

According to the scientists, the name "Jalakanyaka" which means mermaid in Sanskrit, is a reference to the story of Little Mermaid by Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson.&nbsp;

The scientists confirmed that they had discovered this species for the first time after nearly two years of the laborious identification process.

Over 18 months, the researchers sequenced the plant DNA and compared its form with that of other plants.

Dr Felix Bast, who led the study, said the newly discovered species is stunning. Its caps appear to be umbrellas of mermaids.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/researchers-calculate-constant-pi-to-a-new-record-628tn-figures-406286" hreflang="en">Researchers calculate&nbsp;constant&nbsp;pi to&nbsp;a&nbsp;new record 62.8tn figures</a>

The plant consists of a single gigantic cell with a nucleus, which is its main characteristic. This discovery was described in an article in the Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands contain some of the world's last healthy coral reefs, as well as a rich diversity of other organisms and algae.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The looming threat of climate change, as well as higher seawater temperatures and acidifying oceans, poses major stress to these ecosystems.

As per Dr Bast, seawater temperatures are rising, leading to a decrease in oxygen concentration in the water, a consequence dangerous to everything that needs oxygen to survive, including this species.

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019. Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae.

The Andaman Islands' archipelago has yielded a new species of plant. Indian biologists discovered the marine green algae during a visit to the island in 2019. Researchers from the Punjab Central University have named the species Acetabularia jalakanyakae. After nearly four decades, a new species of algae has been discovered on the islands. Also read | Volcanic eruption under sea creates new crescent-shaped island in Japan According to the scientists, the name "Jalakanyaka" which means mermaid in Sanskrit, is a reference to the story of Little Mermaid by Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson. The scientists confirmed that they had discovered this species for the first time after nearly two years of the laborious identification process. Over 18 months, the researchers sequenced the plant DNA and compared its form with that of other plants. Dr Felix Bast, who led the study, said the newly discovered species is stunning. Its caps appear to be umbrellas of mermaids. Also read | Researchers calculate constant pi to a new record 62.8tn figures The plant consists of a single gigantic cell with a nucleus, which is its main characteristic. This discovery was described in an article in the Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences. Andaman and Nicobar Islands contain some of the world's last healthy coral reefs, as well as a rich diversity of other organisms and algae. The looming threat of climate change, as well as higher seawater temperatures and acidifying oceans, poses major stress to these ecosystems. As per Dr Bast, seawater temperatures are rising, leading to a decrease in oxygen concentration in the water, a consequence dangerous to everything that needs oxygen to survive, including this species.

A 'mermaid' species of algae discovered on Andaman and Nicobar islands

A recent Global survey found that three-quarters of people from the world's richest nations believe humanity is pushing the earth towards dangerous tipping points and favour a shift of priorities away from economic gain.

In the survey for the Global Commons Alliance (GCA), Ipsos Mori found that around 58 per cent of people are extremely concerned with the state of the planet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-dont-know-how-the-story-is-going-to-end-melting-glaciers-climate-change-alarm-scientists-405722" hreflang="en">'We don't know how the story is going to end': Melting glaciers, climate change alarm scientists</a>

Four out of five respondents reported willingness to do more to regenerate the global commons.

Owen Gaffney the lead author of this report, says the results show that the global community backs quick, decisive action to address the climate and ecological crises.

According to him, the world is aware of the crisis. People know we are taking huge risks, and they want their governments to do more.

The majority of respondents (59 per cent) stated that nature has already been damaged enough to no longer be able to meet human needs.

In general, 74 per cent agreed that nations should focus more on the wellbeing and health of people and nature instead of GDP and profits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-is-a-hammer-hitting-us-on-the-head-developing-nations-say-405011">Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say</a>

Across the G20 nations, this was generally well supported. Just 25 per cent of respondents believed that governments should prioritize jobs and profits over nature.

The only country with a 50 per cent approval rate for economic priority was India.

In this survey of G20 nation's citizens, eighty-three per cent said they want to protect and restore nature more and more than two thirds (69 per cent) believe the benefits of protecting the global commons exceed the costs.&nbsp;

According to Kenya's environmentalist Elizabeth Wathuti, people are beginning to feel that nature is striking back.

She says that the power elite seems to believe it is okay to fell old trees, destruct natural ecosystems, dig up oil and plant new trees as long as they plant more trees later. However, these approaches are not working, and this report shows that many people aren't supportive of such economic idiocy, she added.

It is likely that vested political and economic interests will continue to resist moves to strengthen planetary ecosystems, as they have throughout the last half-century. Yet, a vast majority of the world's population supported overcoming those obstacles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-floods-scientists-warn-climate-change-may-cause-erratic-rain-patterns-worldwide-405692" hreflang="en">Japan floods: Scientists warn climate change may cause erratic rain patterns worldwide</a>

The report identified a group that they labelled&nbsp;“emerging planetary stewards”.

This group&nbsp;generally consists of well-educated, urban, first-generation, global female citizens, under 45 years of age. These people are&nbsp;the most aware of the risks and are eager to work for change.&nbsp;

However, among men, older individuals, rural dwellers, nationalists, and residents of wealthy countries, awareness and willingness to act were lowest.

&nbsp;

A recent Global survey found that three-quarters of people from the world's richest nations believe humanity is pushing the earth towards dangerous tipping points and favour a shift of priorities away from economic gain.

A recent Global survey found that three-quarters of people from the world's richest nations believe humanity is pushing the earth towards dangerous tipping points and favour a shift of priorities away from economic gain. In the survey for the Global Commons Alliance (GCA), Ipsos Mori found that around 58 per cent of people are extremely concerned with the state of the planet. Also read | 'We don't know how the story is going to end': Melting glaciers, climate change alarm scientists Four out of five respondents reported willingness to do more to regenerate the global commons. Owen Gaffney the lead author of this report, says the results show that the global community backs quick, decisive action to address the climate and ecological crises. According to him, the world is aware of the crisis. People know we are taking huge risks, and they want their governments to do more. The majority of respondents (59 per cent) stated that nature has already been damaged enough to no longer be able to meet human needs. In general, 74 per cent agreed that nations should focus more on the wellbeing and health of people and nature instead of GDP and profits. Also read | Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say Across the G20 nations, this was generally well supported. Just 25 per cent of respondents believed that governments should prioritize jobs and profits over nature. The only country with a 50 per cent approval rate for economic priority was India. In this survey of G20 nation's citizens, eighty-three per cent said they want to protect and restore nature more and more than two thirds (69 per cent) believe the benefits of protecting the global commons exceed the costs. According to Kenya's environmentalist Elizabeth Wathuti, people are beginning to feel that nature is striking back. She says that the power elite seems to believe it is okay to fell old trees, destruct natural ecosystems, dig up oil and plant new trees as long as they plant more trees later. However, these approaches are not working, and this report shows that many people aren't supportive of such economic idiocy, she added. It is likely that vested political and economic interests will continue to resist moves to strengthen planetary ecosystems, as they have throughout the last half-century. Yet, a vast majority of the world's population supported overcoming those obstacles. Also read | Japan floods: Scientists warn climate change may cause erratic rain patterns worldwide The report identified a group that they labelled “emerging planetary stewards”. This group generally consists of well-educated, urban, first-generation, global female citizens, under 45 years of age. These people are the most aware of the risks and are eager to work for change. However, among men, older individuals, rural dwellers, nationalists, and residents of wealthy countries, awareness and willingness to act were lowest.

Humans pushing planet towards 'tipping point'; Global citizens concerned

Climate change is demonstrated most dramatically by the disappearance and dwindling of glaciers throughout the world.

Before it shrank and split into much-diminished glacierets, Italy's Calderone ice formation claimed to be the southernmost glacier in Europe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-vital-signs-are-worsening-due-to-climate-change-scientists-warn-401135">Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn</a>

Following the melting of the Corral del Veleta in Spain in the early 20th century, it became Europe's southernmost glacier.

The Calderone glacier, which lies in the Gran Sasso d'Italia, an expanse in the Apennine Mountains, first split two decades ago.&nbsp;

However, due to climate change, global temperatures are rising at a faster rate than ever before, which is increasing the glacier's risk of melting away into the geological record books, a mere relic of the past.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Glaciology, since its split twenty years ago, the glacier has been in a headlong retreat: its volume decreased by around 90 per cent between 1916 and 1990.

"This was the southernmost glacier in Europe and that's why it was an icon and a symbol, but now it is shrinking more and more," says glaciologist Massimo Frezzotti while talking to AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/steps-enough-for-two-rounds-of-earth-scientists-discover-woolly-mammoths-massive-lifetime-mileage-405081">Steps enough for two rounds of Earth: Scientists discover woolly mammoth's massive lifetime mileage</a>

According to Frezzotti, president of the Italian Glaciological Committee, the glacier could disappear completely within 10-20 years.

A period during which glaciers lose more mass than they gain known as the ablation season had effectively "disappeared" because the temperatures were too high.

"The duration of the ablation seasons became longer, the rainfall remained constant but there is a reduction in the snowfall and of course the mass balance of the glacier has shrunk more and more," he said.

The Calderone glacier in Italy has been the subject of research by Massimo Pecci, another member of the group for the past 25 years.

He says that "Since 2000 we have been witnessing a gradual reduction of the thickness, of the area and a further fragmentation into smaller glacierets,".

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In the last century, human activity, mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels, has contributed to global warming by 1.1 degrees Celsius (2.0 degrees Fahrenheit) over mid-19th century levels.&nbsp;The temperature has risen most dramatically over the last fifty years.&nbsp;

"We don't know yet how the story is going to end... let's hope it's not going to end," Pecci said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Climate change is demonstrated most dramatically by the disappearance and dwindling of glaciers throughout the world. Before it shrank and split into much-diminished glacierets, Italy's Calderone ice formation claimed to be the southernmost glacier in Europe.

Climate change is demonstrated most dramatically by the disappearance and dwindling of glaciers throughout the world. Before it shrank and split into much-diminished glacierets, Italy's Calderone ice formation claimed to be the southernmost glacier in Europe. Also read | Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn Following the melting of the Corral del Veleta in Spain in the early 20th century, it became Europe's southernmost glacier. The Calderone glacier, which lies in the Gran Sasso d'Italia, an expanse in the Apennine Mountains, first split two decades ago. However, due to climate change, global temperatures are rising at a faster rate than ever before, which is increasing the glacier's risk of melting away into the geological record books, a mere relic of the past. According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Glaciology, since its split twenty years ago, the glacier has been in a headlong retreat: its volume decreased by around 90 per cent between 1916 and 1990. "This was the southernmost glacier in Europe and that's why it was an icon and a symbol, but now it is shrinking more and more," says glaciologist Massimo Frezzotti while talking to AFP. Also read | Steps enough for two rounds of Earth: Scientists discover woolly mammoth's massive lifetime mileage According to Frezzotti, president of the Italian Glaciological Committee, the glacier could disappear completely within 10-20 years. A period during which glaciers lose more mass than they gain known as the ablation season had effectively "disappeared" because the temperatures were too high. "The duration of the ablation seasons became longer, the rainfall remained constant but there is a reduction in the snowfall and of course the mass balance of the glacier has shrunk more and more," he said. The Calderone glacier in Italy has been the subject of research by Massimo Pecci, another member of the group for the past 25 years. He says that "Since 2000 we have been witnessing a gradual reduction of the thickness, of the area and a further fragmentation into smaller glacierets,". × In the last century, human activity, mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels, has contributed to global warming by 1.1 degrees Celsius (2.0 degrees Fahrenheit) over mid-19th century levels. The temperature has risen most dramatically over the last fifty years. "We don't know yet how the story is going to end... let's hope it's not going to end," Pecci said. (With inputs from agencies)

'We don't know how the story is going to end': Melting glaciers, climate change alarm scientists

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people,&nbsp;

In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/it-was-so-so-scary-rain-sparks-floods-landslides-in-japan-405571">'It was so, so scary': Rain sparks floods, landslides in Japan</a>

Recent rainfall levels have been termed "unprecedented" by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Scientists warn that in Japan and elsewhere, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a> increases the chance of heavy rains owing to a warmer atmosphere that holds more water.

The town of Ureshino, located in Saga prefecture, experienced about one metre (three feet) of rain during just four days. In the entire year 2020, the same town had 3.3 meters of rain, and in the year 2019, it had 2.3 metres.

There were fewer showers on Sunday in the hardest-hit region, with weather alerts downgraded&nbsp;from the top level, but more rain was predicted to fall late Sunday night.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

"It is still possible that extreme, severe rain will continue in many areas across the nation," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at an emergency cabinet meeting.

"Because it has been raining so much, ground soil in many areas is becoming looser, and large-scale disasters could happen at any time," he said, advising residents to exercise caution and stay in shelters.

Landslide warnings have been issued in 372 municipalities across Japan after 44 were detected, a quarter of them in Nagasaki,&nbsp;the land ministry said.

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Last month, heavy rains triggered a devastating wave of landslides in the central resort town of Atami, killing 23 people. Four more are unaccounted for.

There were more than 200 fatalities from floods and landslides in western Japan during the annual rainy season of 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people, In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge.

Japan braces for further downpours as rescuers sort through landslide and flood damage following record rainfall that killed at least six people, In the Southwest, residents are returning to check on their mud-covered homes after dozens of rivers overflowed, forcing nearly two million to seek refuge. Also read | 'It was so, so scary': Rain sparks floods, landslides in Japan Recent rainfall levels have been termed "unprecedented" by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Scientists warn that in Japan and elsewhere, climate change increases the chance of heavy rains owing to a warmer atmosphere that holds more water. The town of Ureshino, located in Saga prefecture, experienced about one metre (three feet) of rain during just four days. In the entire year 2020, the same town had 3.3 meters of rain, and in the year 2019, it had 2.3 metres. There were fewer showers on Sunday in the hardest-hit region, with weather alerts downgraded from the top level, but more rain was predicted to fall late Sunday night. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide "It is still possible that extreme, severe rain will continue in many areas across the nation," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at an emergency cabinet meeting. "Because it has been raining so much, ground soil in many areas is becoming looser, and large-scale disasters could happen at any time," he said, advising residents to exercise caution and stay in shelters. Landslide warnings have been issued in 372 municipalities across Japan after 44 were detected, a quarter of them in Nagasaki, the land ministry said. Last month, heavy rains triggered a devastating wave of landslides in the central resort town of Atami, killing 23 people. Four more are unaccounted for. There were more than 200 fatalities from floods and landslides in western Japan during the annual rainy season of 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan floods: Scientists warn climate change may cause erratic rain patterns worldwide

'It was so, so scary': Rain sparks floods, landslides in Japan

Following the Siberia wild fires and several other natural disasters around Russia, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has raised an alert on the "unprecedented"&nbsp;incidents.

As Siberia fights forest fires, Putin said the amount and scale of natural disasters that have hit Russia this year has been "absolutely unprecedented". He urged everyone to work together claiming it is "important" to work on climate change "systematically".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-areas-in-japan-issue-evacuation-alert-after-floods-and-landslides-405378" hreflang="en">Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides</a>

"In the south (of Russia), the monthly norm of rainfall now falls in a few hours and in the Far East on the contrary, forest fires in drought conditions are spreading rapidly," Putin said.

In the video conference, he urged the concerned authorities to quickly ready their plans for the evacuation of locals living in the fire-affected areas. He has also suggested economic assistance, including the rebuilding of houses, for everyone who has suffered a loss in these forest fires.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-is-a-hammer-hitting-us-on-the-head-developing-nations-say-405011" hreflang="en">Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say</a>

While Siberia and southern Russia suffers from natural disasters every year, the intensity has been getting worse with every year. Russian scientists have said climate change is the main reason behind these forest fires and floods that are affecting thousands of people in Russia and Siberia every year.

Meanwhile, Russia has initiated a national response centre and has deployed more firefighters to help Siberia put out the forest fires, which has already burned more than 9.4 million hectares&nbsp;in the country.

Following the Siberia wild fires and several other natural disasters around Russia, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has raised an alert on the "unprecedented" incidents.

Following the Siberia wild fires and several other natural disasters around Russia, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has raised an alert on the "unprecedented" incidents. As Siberia fights forest fires, Putin said the amount and scale of natural disasters that have hit Russia this year has been "absolutely unprecedented". He urged everyone to work together claiming it is "important" to work on climate change "systematically". Also read | Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides "In the south (of Russia), the monthly norm of rainfall now falls in a few hours and in the Far East on the contrary, forest fires in drought conditions are spreading rapidly," Putin said. In the video conference, he urged the concerned authorities to quickly ready their plans for the evacuation of locals living in the fire-affected areas. He has also suggested economic assistance, including the rebuilding of houses, for everyone who has suffered a loss in these forest fires. Also read | Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say While Siberia and southern Russia suffers from natural disasters every year, the intensity has been getting worse with every year. Russian scientists have said climate change is the main reason behind these forest fires and floods that are affecting thousands of people in Russia and Siberia every year. Meanwhile, Russia has initiated a national response centre and has deployed more firefighters to help Siberia put out the forest fires, which has already burned more than 9.4 million hectares in the country.

Putin says natural disasters in Russia are "unprecedented"

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger.<o:p></o:p>

In the western region of Japan, landslides and floods led to the death of at least one local and three people who have been reported missing.<o:p></o:p>

Seven regions have issued the highest level of evacuation orders as the level of rains are expected to increase in the near future. The order has mainly been issued for residents of the Kyushu island.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-urges-travel-curbs-as-covid-19-cases-surge-before-paralympics-405197">Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics</a>

<o:p></o:p>

While rescue operations have already begun, a 59-year-old woman has been declared dead and two of her family members are reported missing after a landslide razed two houses in the Unzen and Nagasaki.<o:p></o:p>

"More than 150 troops, police and firefighters were dispatched to the site for rescue operations,"&nbsp;Takumi Kumasaki&nbsp;told news agency AFP. "They are carefully searching for the missing residents while watching out for further mudslides as the heavy rain continues."

<o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-39-910-tonne-ship-splits-in-two-and-spills-oil-off-japans-coast-405004">Watch: 39, 910-tonne ship splits in two and spills oil off Japan's coast</a>

The reason behind 14 rivers bursting their banks and 14 landslides is climate change, scientists have claimed. Experts believe climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfalls in the area as a warmer temperature holds more water.<o:p></o:p>

"It's highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred,"&nbsp;Yushi Adachi, a meteorological agency official told local reporters. "The maximum alert is needed even in areas where risks of landslides and flooding are usually not so high."<o:p></o:p>

Local news reports have shown rescue officials going in boats to evacuate and save the locals from the affected areas.<o:p></o:p>

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger.

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger. In the western region of Japan, landslides and floods led to the death of at least one local and three people who have been reported missing. Seven regions have issued the highest level of evacuation orders as the level of rains are expected to increase in the near future. The order has mainly been issued for residents of the Kyushu island. Also read | Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics While rescue operations have already begun, a 59-year-old woman has been declared dead and two of her family members are reported missing after a landslide razed two houses in the Unzen and Nagasaki. "More than 150 troops, police and firefighters were dispatched to the site for rescue operations," Takumi Kumasaki told news agency AFP. "They are carefully searching for the missing residents while watching out for further mudslides as the heavy rain continues." Also read | Watch: 39, 910-tonne ship splits in two and spills oil off Japan's coast The reason behind 14 rivers bursting their banks and 14 landslides is climate change, scientists have claimed. Experts believe climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfalls in the area as a warmer temperature holds more water. "It's highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred," Yushi Adachi, a meteorological agency official told local reporters. "The maximum alert is needed even in areas where risks of landslides and flooding are usually not so high." Local news reports have shown rescue officials going in boats to evacuate and save the locals from the affected areas.

Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides

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