Microsoft co-founder&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;Gates&nbsp;on Thursday said his climate fund would pour $1.5 billion into projects with the United States if the government enacts a program to cut carbon emissions currently working its way through Congress.

A $1.2 trillion infrastructure package passed by the US Senate this week would funnel billions of dollars to the Department of Energy for projects battling climate change.

If the infrastructure package&nbsp;becomes law, "this collaboration will not only send us on a more durable path to net zero, but will create both immediate and long-term jobs in communities across the country,"&nbsp;Gates&nbsp;said in a statement published by CNBC.

By funding work on roads, bridges and ports, as well as clean water and high-speed internet, US President Joe Biden said the&nbsp;bill, which still needs House approval,&nbsp;would create thousands of high-paying jobs for people without college degrees.

"This historic investment in infrastructure is what I believe you, the American people, want," Biden said in a White House address.&nbsp;

Needing just a simple majority, the package passed by 69 votes to 30 with backing from a third of Republican Senators.

The measure now faces a make-or-break vote in the House of Representatives in coming weeks, where its future is less certain as divisions have sprung up in the Democratic majority.

The ambitious plan provides for $550 billion in new federal spending on transport infrastructure, and also for public transit, broadband internet and clean water, as well as electric charging stations and other measures to fight climate change.

A&nbsp;Gates&nbsp;fund run by his Breakthrough Energy company would spend the $1.5 billion over the course of three years with the goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change, according to US media reports.

Projects could include airplanes that don't spew pollution and technology for capturing carbon from the air.

"Critical for all these climate technologies is to get the costs down and to be able to scale them up to a pretty gigantic level,"&nbsp;Gates&nbsp;was quoted as telling the Wall Street Journal.

"You'll never get that scale up unless the government's coming in with the right policies, and the right policy is exactly what's in that infrastructure&nbsp;bill."

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Thursday said his climate fund would pour $1.5 billion into projects with the United States if the government enacts a program to cut carbon emissions currently working its way through Congress.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Thursday said his climate fund would pour $1.5 billion into projects with the United States if the government enacts a program to cut carbon emissions currently working its way through Congress. A $1.2 trillion infrastructure package passed by the US Senate this week would funnel billions of dollars to the Department of Energy for projects battling climate change. If the infrastructure package becomes law, "this collaboration will not only send us on a more durable path to net zero, but will create both immediate and long-term jobs in communities across the country," Gates said in a statement published by CNBC. By funding work on roads, bridges and ports, as well as clean water and high-speed internet, US President Joe Biden said the bill, which still needs House approval, would create thousands of high-paying jobs for people without college degrees. "This historic investment in infrastructure is what I believe you, the American people, want," Biden said in a White House address. Needing just a simple majority, the package passed by 69 votes to 30 with backing from a third of Republican Senators. The measure now faces a make-or-break vote in the House of Representatives in coming weeks, where its future is less certain as divisions have sprung up in the Democratic majority. The ambitious plan provides for $550 billion in new federal spending on transport infrastructure, and also for public transit, broadband internet and clean water, as well as electric charging stations and other measures to fight climate change. A Gates fund run by his Breakthrough Energy company would spend the $1.5 billion over the course of three years with the goal of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change, according to US media reports. Projects could include airplanes that don't spew pollution and technology for capturing carbon from the air. "Critical for all these climate technologies is to get the costs down and to be able to scale them up to a pretty gigantic level," Gates was quoted as telling the Wall Street Journal. "You'll never get that scale up unless the government's coming in with the right policies, and the right policy is exactly what's in that infrastructure bill."

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates offers $1.5 billion in climate help if US takes legislative action

When some 200 scientists convened by the United Nations all but demanded on Monday that the nations immediately band together to cut emissions, they portrayed it as a brief window to avert the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

But as their call ricocheted around the planet, it only underscored the challenge ahead: getting the world’s biggest polluters and its most vulnerable countries to cooperate against a grave global threat.

In unequivocal terms, the new UN&nbsp;report said that the world has been so slow to cut emissions, it was certain to miss one of its basic goals to limit warming. It said atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide had not been this high in at least 2 million years, and the past decade is likely the hottest the planet has been in 125,000 years. And in unusually direct terms, it said that human activity — burning oil, gas and coal — was squarely to blame.

The report prompted outrage among some of the world’s most vulnerable countries, whose leaders demanded that rich, industrialized powers immediately reduce their planet-warming pollution, compensate poor countries for the damage caused and help fund their preparations for a perilous future.

“What science is now saying is actually happening in front of our eyes,” said Malik Amin Aslam, special assistant on climate change to the prime minister of Pakistan, where temperatures exceeded 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) last year. “It’s like a hammer hitting us on the head every day.”

Tensions over the report’s findings are likely to course through negotiations taking place ahead of a major U.N. climate conference set for November in Glasgow.

The report concluded that essentially all of the rise in global average temperatures since the 19th century has been driven by humans burning fossil fuels, clearing forests and loading the atmosphere with greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat.

Environmental groups said those findings will bolster international legal strategies to try to hold fossil fuel companies and governments accountable. The report may prove particularly valuable because, unlike previous reports, it focuses extensively on regional effects of climate change. That may allow environmental groups to fashion stronger, more specific legal arguments.

“It’s like a turbocharge” for some of the legal strategies that Greenpeace and other organizations have been pursuing in courts for years, said Jennifer Morgan, the executive director of Greenpeace International. Earlier this year, Greenpeace successfully sued Royal Dutch Shell in a Dutch court using evidence from an earlier U.N. report.

“I just expect the pace and the scale of the calls for action, whether they be in the courtrooms or on the streets or in the committee hearing rooms, to be clearer louder, bigger than ever before,” Morgan said.

Hours after the report was published, demonstrations were being planned for later this month in London and other cities.

The report shows that if emissions of greenhouse gases continue at the same levels or are only slightly reduced, the outcome will be continued warming and worsening effects for at least the rest of the century. But if governments make immediate, drastic cuts in emissions, they can stabilize the climate at about 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming compared to preindustrial levels.

The Earth has already warmed by about 1.1 degrees Celsius.

Despite the jolt the report sent through world capitals, it was clear that some of the biggest polluters, including China and the United States, were unlikely to make the kind of immediate pivot away from fossil fuels that scientists say is needed to hold the rise in global average temperatures to 1.5 or even 2 degrees Celsius, the higher limit set by the 2015 Paris climate accord, an agreement among nations to fight global warming. Nearly every nation that signed the accord is far off track to meet its commitment.

At this point, every fraction of a degree of warming would bring ever more destructive floods, deadlier heat waves and worsening droughts as well as accelerating sea-level rise that could threaten the existence of some island nations, the report said.

The United States, which historically has pumped more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than any other country, in April pledged to roughly halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. While that is an ambitious goal, it is slightly below the target enshrined in law by the European Union and significantly below that of Britain.

John Kerry, President Joe Biden’s climate envoy, said the U.N. report showed that “we need all countries to take the bold steps required” to limit global warming to relatively safe levels. Unmentioned was the fact that current U.S. laws and regulations are insufficient to meet its own climate goals.

China, the world’s biggest current producer of greenhouse gases, is still increasing its emissions from power plants, transportation and industry. It plans to hit peak emissions by 2030 before starting to cut back until it no longer produces a net increase of carbon dioxide by 2060.

The Chinese government didn’t respond to the U.N. findings. But in a recent talk, the country’s top climate negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, objected to proposals to set new goals to cut global emissions beyond the level agreed upon by nations in 2015 as part of the Paris climate accord.

“As we’ve already achieved this consensus, there’s no need to ignite fresh controversy now over this goal,” Xie told an event organized by a Hong Kong foundation, adding, “Our issue now is taking action and stepping up.”

And in India, where emissions per capita are a fraction of those of wealthy nations yet growing at a rapid pace, the government said the U.N. findings point to the need for industrialized nations to do more. India also has been resistant to new language demanding all nations take stronger action to hold global temperatures to a 1.5 degree Celsius increase, arguing wealthy countries have not yet made good on their own targets.

“Developed countries have usurped far more than their fair share of the global carbon budget,” Bhupender Yadav, India’s environment minister, said in a statement. The report “vindicates India’s position that historical cumulative emissions are the source of the climate crisis that the world faces today,” he said.

Referring to the report as “a code red for humanity,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for an end to the construction of new coal-burning plants as well as an end to fossil fuel subsidies by governments. “This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels, before they destroy our planet,” he said in a statement.

The American Petroleum Institute, which represents major oil and natural gas producers in the United States, said in a statement that “reducing methane emissions and addressing the risks of climate change are top priorities for our industry.” It added that the industry has already made gains but said, “we have more work to do.”

A representative from Shell declined to comment; Exxon Mobil did not respond to a request for comment.

For the most vulnerable countries, the report may have given new life to a fight that they have waged with mixed success in recent years to persuade wealthy nations to pay for the climate-change-related damages they are suffering.

“What’s happening in the science affects us immediately,” said Tina Stege, a climate envoy for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a nation of coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean, much of which is only about 6 feet above sea level. Wealthier polluting countries need to step up their assistance “not just to protect our future generations, but current generations,” she said.

Vulnerable island nations said they require financial assistance for relocation efforts, early warning systems and other critical steps to adapt to a changing climate.

Wealthy nations agreed in 2009 to deliver $100 billion annually by 2020 in public and private finance to help developing countries adapt to climate change and transition to clean, renewable energy like wind and solar. That promise hasn’t been met. At the same time, poor countries have sought money to address the climate-fueled disasters happening now.

“People are suffering and somebody needs to pay for this,” said Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development at the Independent University, Bangladesh. Noting that Germany’s Cabinet recently approved $472 million to help its citizens recover from recent devastating floods, he questioned why nations could not find money for disasters being suffered by the countries that did the least to cause climate change.

Sveinung Rotevatn, Norway’s minister of climate and the environment, sidestepped the issue of whether wealthy nations would agree to pay compensation to vulnerable countries. Europe and the United States have resisted calls for climate compensation to poor nations.

“It remains of vital importance that the limited funding should be directed at saving lives, adapting to climate change and also to mitigation efforts,” Rotevatn said.

Mohamed Adow, the director of Power Shift Africa, a climate think tank based in Nairobi, said the U.N. report predicts a dire future that some are already experiencing. “Those of us who live in Africa have been aware of the urgency of the climate crisis for many years,” he said. “Lives and livelihoods have been shattered. It was time, Adow added, “for us to act on the scientific words.”

When some 200 scientists convened by the United Nations all but demanded on Monday that the nations immediately band together to cut emissions, they portrayed it as a brief window to avert the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

When some 200 scientists convened by the United Nations all but demanded on Monday that the nations immediately band together to cut emissions, they portrayed it as a brief window to avert the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. But as their call ricocheted around the planet, it only underscored the challenge ahead: getting the world’s biggest polluters and its most vulnerable countries to cooperate against a grave global threat. In unequivocal terms, the new UN report said that the world has been so slow to cut emissions, it was certain to miss one of its basic goals to limit warming. It said atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide had not been this high in at least 2 million years, and the past decade is likely the hottest the planet has been in 125,000 years. And in unusually direct terms, it said that human activity — burning oil, gas and coal — was squarely to blame. The report prompted outrage among some of the world’s most vulnerable countries, whose leaders demanded that rich, industrialized powers immediately reduce their planet-warming pollution, compensate poor countries for the damage caused and help fund their preparations for a perilous future. “What science is now saying is actually happening in front of our eyes,” said Malik Amin Aslam, special assistant on climate change to the prime minister of Pakistan, where temperatures exceeded 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) last year. “It’s like a hammer hitting us on the head every day.” Tensions over the report’s findings are likely to course through negotiations taking place ahead of a major U.N. climate conference set for November in Glasgow. The report concluded that essentially all of the rise in global average temperatures since the 19th century has been driven by humans burning fossil fuels, clearing forests and loading the atmosphere with greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat. Environmental groups said those findings will bolster international legal strategies to try to hold fossil fuel companies and governments accountable. The report may prove particularly valuable because, unlike previous reports, it focuses extensively on regional effects of climate change. That may allow environmental groups to fashion stronger, more specific legal arguments. “It’s like a turbocharge” for some of the legal strategies that Greenpeace and other organizations have been pursuing in courts for years, said Jennifer Morgan, the executive director of Greenpeace International. Earlier this year, Greenpeace successfully sued Royal Dutch Shell in a Dutch court using evidence from an earlier U.N. report. “I just expect the pace and the scale of the calls for action, whether they be in the courtrooms or on the streets or in the committee hearing rooms, to be clearer louder, bigger than ever before,” Morgan said. Hours after the report was published, demonstrations were being planned for later this month in London and other cities. The report shows that if emissions of greenhouse gases continue at the same levels or are only slightly reduced, the outcome will be continued warming and worsening effects for at least the rest of the century. But if governments make immediate, drastic cuts in emissions, they can stabilize the climate at about 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming compared to preindustrial levels. The Earth has already warmed by about 1.1 degrees Celsius. Despite the jolt the report sent through world capitals, it was clear that some of the biggest polluters, including China and the United States, were unlikely to make the kind of immediate pivot away from fossil fuels that scientists say is needed to hold the rise in global average temperatures to 1.5 or even 2 degrees Celsius, the higher limit set by the 2015 Paris climate accord, an agreement among nations to fight global warming. Nearly every nation that signed the accord is far off track to meet its commitment. At this point, every fraction of a degree of warming would bring ever more destructive floods, deadlier heat waves and worsening droughts as well as accelerating sea-level rise that could threaten the existence of some island nations, the report said. The United States, which historically has pumped more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than any other country, in April pledged to roughly halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. While that is an ambitious goal, it is slightly below the target enshrined in law by the European Union and significantly below that of Britain. John Kerry, President Joe Biden’s climate envoy, said the U.N. report showed that “we need all countries to take the bold steps required” to limit global warming to relatively safe levels. Unmentioned was the fact that current U.S. laws and regulations are insufficient to meet its own climate goals. China, the world’s biggest current producer of greenhouse gases, is still increasing its emissions from power plants, transportation and industry. It plans to hit peak emissions by 2030 before starting to cut back until it no longer produces a net increase of carbon dioxide by 2060. The Chinese government didn’t respond to the U.N. findings. But in a recent talk, the country’s top climate negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, objected to proposals to set new goals to cut global emissions beyond the level agreed upon by nations in 2015 as part of the Paris climate accord. “As we’ve already achieved this consensus, there’s no need to ignite fresh controversy now over this goal,” Xie told an event organized by a Hong Kong foundation, adding, “Our issue now is taking action and stepping up.” And in India, where emissions per capita are a fraction of those of wealthy nations yet growing at a rapid pace, the government said the U.N. findings point to the need for industrialized nations to do more. India also has been resistant to new language demanding all nations take stronger action to hold global temperatures to a 1.5 degree Celsius increase, arguing wealthy countries have not yet made good on their own targets. “Developed countries have usurped far more than their fair share of the global carbon budget,” Bhupender Yadav, India’s environment minister, said in a statement. The report “vindicates India’s position that historical cumulative emissions are the source of the climate crisis that the world faces today,” he said. Referring to the report as “a code red for humanity,” U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres renewed his call for an end to the construction of new coal-burning plants as well as an end to fossil fuel subsidies by governments. “This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels, before they destroy our planet,” he said in a statement. The American Petroleum Institute, which represents major oil and natural gas producers in the United States, said in a statement that “reducing methane emissions and addressing the risks of climate change are top priorities for our industry.” It added that the industry has already made gains but said, “we have more work to do.” A representative from Shell declined to comment; Exxon Mobil did not respond to a request for comment. For the most vulnerable countries, the report may have given new life to a fight that they have waged with mixed success in recent years to persuade wealthy nations to pay for the climate-change-related damages they are suffering. “What’s happening in the science affects us immediately,” said Tina Stege, a climate envoy for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a nation of coral atolls in the Pacific Ocean, much of which is only about 6 feet above sea level. Wealthier polluting countries need to step up their assistance “not just to protect our future generations, but current generations,” she said. Vulnerable island nations said they require financial assistance for relocation efforts, early warning systems and other critical steps to adapt to a changing climate. Wealthy nations agreed in 2009 to deliver $100 billion annually by 2020 in public and private finance to help developing countries adapt to climate change and transition to clean, renewable energy like wind and solar. That promise hasn’t been met. At the same time, poor countries have sought money to address the climate-fueled disasters happening now. “People are suffering and somebody needs to pay for this,” said Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development at the Independent University, Bangladesh. Noting that Germany’s Cabinet recently approved $472 million to help its citizens recover from recent devastating floods, he questioned why nations could not find money for disasters being suffered by the countries that did the least to cause climate change. Sveinung Rotevatn, Norway’s minister of climate and the environment, sidestepped the issue of whether wealthy nations would agree to pay compensation to vulnerable countries. Europe and the United States have resisted calls for climate compensation to poor nations. “It remains of vital importance that the limited funding should be directed at saving lives, adapting to climate change and also to mitigation efforts,” Rotevatn said. Mohamed Adow, the director of Power Shift Africa, a climate think tank based in Nairobi, said the U.N. report predicts a dire future that some are already experiencing. “Those of us who live in Africa have been aware of the urgency of the climate crisis for many years,” he said. “Lives and livelihoods have been shattered. It was time, Adow added, “for us to act on the scientific words.”

Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say

As deadly wildfires rage across Turkey, Spain and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/apocalyptic-greek-inferno-triggers-mass-evacuation-as-hundreds-left-homeless-403916">Greece</a>, reports said the Sicily region in Italy may have recorded the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe reporting 48.8 Centigrades.

The previous hottest temperature 48&nbsp;Centigrades was recorded in Athens in 1977 by the World Meteorological Organisation(WMO). The current readings which were recorded by local authorities need to be corroborated by the WMO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sixth-day-of-greek-fires-blaze-ravages-evia-island-like-a-horror-movie-404258">In Pics:&nbsp;Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie'</a>

Meteorologists in June had predicted temperatures in Italy's southern areas would rise to 44 or 45 Degree Centigrades amid the heatwave.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-climate-change-could-sink-entire-nations-404528/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sicily faced devasting fires as Greek and Israeli aircraft waterbombed wildfires in Cyprus recently. There have been heatwaves and drought in Cyprus in recent years with temperatures topping 40 Degrees Celsius amid less rainfall.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had said recently that Greece is facing the worst <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-report-warns-more-vicious-floods-heatwaves-worsening-droughts-and-rise-in-sea-levels-404186">heatwave</a> since 1987 as wildfires destroyed vast pine and olive groves.

The Greek prime minister urged citizens to use less power as the country's electricity network was put under strain amid the wildfire. A Greek minister described the situation as a "climate threat" moving away from calling it "climate change".

Turkey also faced the worst wildfire as it deployed hundreds of firefighters as eight people lost their lives amid the uncontrollable firestorm.

EU nations pledged to send aid to Greece, Italy, Albania and Northern Macedonia to fight the forest fires as several homes were destroyed in Greece and large scale evacuation ordered in the south.

Forest fires have been raging in the Mediterranean engulfing Spain and Turkey as tourists were evacuated in Italy earlier even as Europe was hit with floods last month in Germany and Belgium in which 209 people had died and several reported missing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

As deadly wildfires rage across Turkey, Spain and Greece, reports said the Sicily region in Italy may have recorded the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe reporting 48.

As deadly wildfires rage across Turkey, Spain and Greece, reports said the Sicily region in Italy may have recorded the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe reporting 48.8 Centigrades. The previous hottest temperature 48 Centigrades was recorded in Athens in 1977 by the World Meteorological Organisation(WMO). The current readings which were recorded by local authorities need to be corroborated by the WMO. In Pics: Greek fires: Blaze ravages Evia island 'like a horror movie' Meteorologists in June had predicted temperatures in Italy's southern areas would rise to 44 or 45 Degree Centigrades amid the heatwave. Watch: Sicily faced devasting fires as Greek and Israeli aircraft waterbombed wildfires in Cyprus recently. There have been heatwaves and drought in Cyprus in recent years with temperatures topping 40 Degrees Celsius amid less rainfall. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had said recently that Greece is facing the worst heatwave since 1987 as wildfires destroyed vast pine and olive groves. The Greek prime minister urged citizens to use less power as the country's electricity network was put under strain amid the wildfire. A Greek minister described the situation as a "climate threat" moving away from calling it "climate change". Turkey also faced the worst wildfire as it deployed hundreds of firefighters as eight people lost their lives amid the uncontrollable firestorm. EU nations pledged to send aid to Greece, Italy, Albania and Northern Macedonia to fight the forest fires as several homes were destroyed in Greece and large scale evacuation ordered in the south. Forest fires have been raging in the Mediterranean engulfing Spain and Turkey as tourists were evacuated in Italy earlier even as Europe was hit with floods last month in Germany and Belgium in which 209 people had died and several reported missing. (With inputs from Agencies)

Italy's Sicily region may have recorded Europe's hottest temperature on record

Accelerating climate change could sink entire nations by the end of this century. Low-lying nations are clubbing together and demanding action. Is it too late to prevent a generation of climate refugees? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Climate change could sink entire nations

When the summer heat intensifies, all eyes are focused on the temperature. But often, experts say, it’s the heat index that should draw more concern.

While it’s the temperature that ends up on 10-day forecasts and electronic signs outside banks, the heat index is often a better indicator of the intensity of the heat, and the dangers it can present to people.

What is the heat index?

The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels outside, when humidity and other factors are considered along with the temperature, according to Kimberly McMahon, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-to-know-about-the-heat-wave-394925">What to know about the heat wave</a>

“The heat index matters — and this is especially true in the Northeast — because it includes the amount of moisture or humidity that’s in the air, and that moisture or humidity can make the air temperature feel even higher,” McMahon said.

Why is the heat index used?

Aside from using it to provide a more accurate measure of what it feels like outside, the National Weather Service relies on the heat index to let people know how much heat the human body can handle before it becomes dangerous.

Sometimes, if it’s humid enough, it doesn’t need to be that hot outside for the weather to be harmful.

“With the high humidity, it’s harder to have the human body sweat, and then have that sweat evaporate,” McMahon said. “With the inability to inefficiently cool off, that increases a person’s heat stress.”

For example, on a day when the temperature outside is 92 degrees and the humidity is 70 per cent, the heat index is 112 degrees. When the heat index reaches that level, it’s dangerous, and it can cause sunstroke, muscle cramps and heat exhaustion. For those doing physical activities or who are outside long enough under those conditions, heatstroke is also a risk..

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-canada-experience-heatwave-un-confirms-record-heat-in-antarctica-395224">As US &amp; Canada experience heatwave, UN confirms record heat in Antarctica</a>

The National Weather Service uses heat index values to know when to issue heat advisories, watches and warnings, which urge residents in an area to avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day.

While other countries also use heat index to gauge how hot it feels outside, an additional measure used in some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, is wet-bulb temperature.

The National Weather Service refers to “WetBulb Globe Temperature” as a measure of heat stress under direct sunlight that factors in temperature, humidity, wind speed, cloud coverage and the angle of the sun.

How common are heat-related illnesses?

Weather-related deaths and injuries are often associated with more drastic events like tornadoes and hurricanes, but heat-related illnesses are the leading cause of death related to weather or environmental events, according to the American Public Health Association.

Every year, more than 600 people across the country die because of extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-report-warns-more-vicious-floods-heatwaves-worsening-droughts-and-rise-in-sea-levels-404186">UN report warns more vicious floods, heatwaves, worsening droughts and rise in sea levels</a>

Regardless of whether someone lives in an area where they are accustomed to the heat, McMahon said it’s important to pay attention to heat-related watches and warnings when they are in effect.

“Both heat is dangerous, whether it be heat with high humidities or the dry heat that they get out in the desert Southwest,” she said. “People need to always pay attention and take it seriously because it is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States.”

How is the heat index calculated?

The heat index is measured using a multiple regression analysis that uses the actual temperature and humidity to produce a number that is more representative of how hot it feels outside.

The equation is long (-42.379 + 2.04901523T + 10.14333127R - 0.22475541TR - 6.83783 x 10-3T2 - 5.481717 x 10-2R2 + 1.22874 x 10-3T2R + 8.5282 x 10-4TR2 - 1.99 x 10-6T2R2), which uses R to represent humidity and T to represent temperature.

Because that’s a long math problem to do on the fly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses a simple chart that anyone can understand.

According to the chart, on a day when temperatures reach 106 degrees, and the humidity is 50 per cent, the heat index is 137 degrees.

Heat index values were created assuming shady conditions with a light wind, so full exposure to sunlight can make it feel even hotter by as much as 15 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

When the summer heat intensifies, all eyes are focused on the temperature. But often, experts say, it’s the heat index that should draw more concern. While it’s the temperature that ends up on 10-day forecasts and electronic signs outside banks, the heat index is often a better indicator of the intensity of the heat, and the dangers it can present to people.

When the summer heat intensifies, all eyes are focused on the temperature. But often, experts say, it’s the heat index that should draw more concern. While it’s the temperature that ends up on 10-day forecasts and electronic signs outside banks, the heat index is often a better indicator of the intensity of the heat, and the dangers it can present to people. What is the heat index? The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels outside, when humidity and other factors are considered along with the temperature, according to Kimberly McMahon, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Also read | What to know about the heat wave “The heat index matters — and this is especially true in the Northeast — because it includes the amount of moisture or humidity that’s in the air, and that moisture or humidity can make the air temperature feel even higher,” McMahon said. Why is the heat index used? Aside from using it to provide a more accurate measure of what it feels like outside, the National Weather Service relies on the heat index to let people know how much heat the human body can handle before it becomes dangerous. Sometimes, if it’s humid enough, it doesn’t need to be that hot outside for the weather to be harmful. “With the high humidity, it’s harder to have the human body sweat, and then have that sweat evaporate,” McMahon said. “With the inability to inefficiently cool off, that increases a person’s heat stress.” For example, on a day when the temperature outside is 92 degrees and the humidity is 70 per cent, the heat index is 112 degrees. When the heat index reaches that level, it’s dangerous, and it can cause sunstroke, muscle cramps and heat exhaustion. For those doing physical activities or who are outside long enough under those conditions, heatstroke is also a risk.. Also read | As US & Canada experience heatwave, UN confirms record heat in Antarctica The National Weather Service uses heat index values to know when to issue heat advisories, watches and warnings, which urge residents in an area to avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day. While other countries also use heat index to gauge how hot it feels outside, an additional measure used in some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, is wet-bulb temperature. The National Weather Service refers to “WetBulb Globe Temperature” as a measure of heat stress under direct sunlight that factors in temperature, humidity, wind speed, cloud coverage and the angle of the sun. How common are heat-related illnesses? Weather-related deaths and injuries are often associated with more drastic events like tornadoes and hurricanes, but heat-related illnesses are the leading cause of death related to weather or environmental events, according to the American Public Health Association. Every year, more than 600 people across the country die because of extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also read | UN report warns more vicious floods, heatwaves, worsening droughts and rise in sea levels Regardless of whether someone lives in an area where they are accustomed to the heat, McMahon said it’s important to pay attention to heat-related watches and warnings when they are in effect. “Both heat is dangerous, whether it be heat with high humidities or the dry heat that they get out in the desert Southwest,” she said. “People need to always pay attention and take it seriously because it is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States.” How is the heat index calculated? The heat index is measured using a multiple regression analysis that uses the actual temperature and humidity to produce a number that is more representative of how hot it feels outside. The equation is long (-42.379 + 2.04901523T + 10.14333127R - 0.22475541TR - 6.83783 x 10-3T2 - 5.481717 x 10-2R2 + 1.22874 x 10-3T2R + 8.5282 x 10-4TR2 - 1.99 x 10-6T2R2), which uses R to represent humidity and T to represent temperature. Because that’s a long math problem to do on the fly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses a simple chart that anyone can understand. According to the chart, on a day when temperatures reach 106 degrees, and the humidity is 50 per cent, the heat index is 137 degrees. Heat index values were created assuming shady conditions with a light wind, so full exposure to sunlight can make it feel even hotter by as much as 15 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

What is the Heat Index, and why does it matter?

Australia's conservative prime minister rejected growing calls Tuesday to adopt more&nbsp;ambitious&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;targets,&nbsp;insisting the country was doing enough to tackle <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>.

Hours after a landmark UN climate report warned catastrophic global warming is occurring far more quickly than previously forecast, Prime Minister Scott Morrison signalled he would not adopt a net-zero target.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sustainable-development-report-ranks-australia-last-on-climate-action-395157">Sustainable development report ranks Australia last on climate action</a>

"Australia&nbsp;is doing its part," Morrison said. "I won't be signing a blank cheque on behalf of Australians to&nbsp;targets&nbsp;without plans."

Australia&nbsp;is at the forefront of the global climate crisis, as one of the world's largest fossil fuel exporters and the victim of multiple climate-worsened disasters.

In recent years, the country has suffered intense droughts, the largest bushfires in its recorded history, floods and coastal erosion among other disasters.

But ahead of a major climate summit later this year, Morrison has rejected calls -- including from allies such as the United States,&nbsp;to adopt a formal target for reducing or offsetting carbon&nbsp;emissions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-greta-thunberg-steps-up-climate-change-activism-388693">'Australia's Greta Thunberg' steps up climate change activism</a>

Australia&nbsp;has suggested it will achieve net-zero carbon&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;"as soon as possible", and preferably by 2050, but has not made any commitments to do so.

Instead, Morrison sought to deflect focus onto developing countries and the need for new technology, which he said was key to solving the crisis.

"We need to take a different approach. We need to focus on the technological breakthroughs that are necessary to change the world, and how we operate," Morrison said.

Many politicians within Morrison's conservative coalition with close ties to the coal industry have denied climate change is happening or sought to play down the risks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-report-must-be-death-knell-for-fossil-fuels-un-chief-404307">Climate report must be 'death knell' for fossil fuels: UN chief</a>

Senator Matthew Canavan described the latest UN climate report as "fear porn" and said the panel that drafted it was always warning "the sky is falling in, and it never does".

The prime minister once brought a lump of coal onto the floor of parliament, urging people not to be scared of it.&nbsp;

His Liberal Party and&nbsp;Australia's opposition Labour party both support continued coal mining, despite global investment in the sector drying up and importers shifting to cleaner fuels.

Australia&nbsp;has one of the highest rates of&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;per capita in the rich world and is among the world's largest exporters of coal and natural gas.

It faces mounting political and economic pressure to act.

Both the United States and the European Union are moving toward imposing carbon import tariffs that could effectively sanction&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and other countries shirking measures to tackle climate change.

One of the UN panel's authors, Mark Howden of Australian National University, said the Pacific region would be one of the worst affected by projected warming.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/this-is-code-red-for-humanity-warns-un-climate-report-404384/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If we don't start to reduce our&nbsp;emissions&nbsp;significantly before 2050, the world is extremely likely to exceed two degrees Celsius of warming during the 21st century," he said.

"Global temperature rises will have serious impacts across the Pacific region. This includes dramatic and devastating sea level rise."

Australia's conservative prime minister rejected growing calls Tuesday to adopt more ambitious emissions targets, insisting the country was doing enough to tackle climate change.

Australia's conservative prime minister rejected growing calls Tuesday to adopt more ambitious emissions targets, insisting the country was doing enough to tackle climate change. Hours after a landmark UN climate report warned catastrophic global warming is occurring far more quickly than previously forecast, Prime Minister Scott Morrison signalled he would not adopt a net-zero target. Also read | Sustainable development report ranks Australia last on climate action "Australia is doing its part," Morrison said. "I won't be signing a blank cheque on behalf of Australians to targets without plans." Australia is at the forefront of the global climate crisis, as one of the world's largest fossil fuel exporters and the victim of multiple climate-worsened disasters. In recent years, the country has suffered intense droughts, the largest bushfires in its recorded history, floods and coastal erosion among other disasters. But ahead of a major climate summit later this year, Morrison has rejected calls -- including from allies such as the United States, to adopt a formal target for reducing or offsetting carbon emissions. Also read | 'Australia's Greta Thunberg' steps up climate change activism Australia has suggested it will achieve net-zero carbon emissions "as soon as possible", and preferably by 2050, but has not made any commitments to do so. Instead, Morrison sought to deflect focus onto developing countries and the need for new technology, which he said was key to solving the crisis. "We need to take a different approach. We need to focus on the technological breakthroughs that are necessary to change the world, and how we operate," Morrison said. Many politicians within Morrison's conservative coalition with close ties to the coal industry have denied climate change is happening or sought to play down the risks. Also read | Climate report must be 'death knell' for fossil fuels: UN chief Senator Matthew Canavan described the latest UN climate report as "fear porn" and said the panel that drafted it was always warning "the sky is falling in, and it never does". The prime minister once brought a lump of coal onto the floor of parliament, urging people not to be scared of it. His Liberal Party and Australia's opposition Labour party both support continued coal mining, despite global investment in the sector drying up and importers shifting to cleaner fuels. Australia has one of the highest rates of emissions per capita in the rich world and is among the world's largest exporters of coal and natural gas. It faces mounting political and economic pressure to act. Both the United States and the European Union are moving toward imposing carbon import tariffs that could effectively sanction Australia and other countries shirking measures to tackle climate change. One of the UN panel's authors, Mark Howden of Australian National University, said the Pacific region would be one of the worst affected by projected warming. "If we don't start to reduce our emissions significantly before 2050, the world is extremely likely to exceed two degrees Celsius of warming during the 21st century," he said. "Global temperature rises will have serious impacts across the Pacific region. This includes dramatic and devastating sea level rise."

'Won't be signing blank cheque': Australia rejects emissions targets despite damning UN report

The UN climate panel report released Monday on the physical science of climate change uses five possible scenarios for the future. Here's the explainer

'This is code red for humanity', warns UN Climate report

Climate change was the day's top headline, but for years it was buried in page 10. So what changed today? The IPCC published what's being called a 'red code for humanity'. Palki Sharma tells you all about it.

Gravitas: IPCC sounds alarm on climate change

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;on Monday called for a deal at the UN November climate conference that matches the gravity of the situation, after a new report underlined the dire peril posed by climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/upcoming-un-climate-report-presents-starkest-warning-yet-403984" hreflang="en">Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet'</a>

"The time for outrage is behind us... In November, in Glasgow, let's seal a deal that matches the urgency," he wrote on Twitter after the UN report warned that global warming will see Earth's average temperature reach 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels around 2030.

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Le rapport du GIEC est sans appel. À nouveau. Le temps de l’indignation est derrière nous. 
Accord de Paris, neutralité carbone au niveau européen, loi climat… La France restera du côté de ceux qui agissent. En novembre, à Glasgow, scellons un accord à la hauteur de l’urgence!
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(More to follow)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a deal at the UN November climate conference that matches the gravity of the situation, after a new report underlined the dire peril posed by climate change.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a deal at the UN November climate conference that matches the gravity of the situation, after a new report underlined the dire peril posed by climate change. Also read | Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet' "The time for outrage is behind us... In November, in Glasgow, let's seal a deal that matches the urgency," he wrote on Twitter after the UN report warned that global warming will see Earth's average temperature reach 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels around 2030. Le rapport du GIEC est sans appel. À nouveau. Le temps de l’indignation est derrière nous. Accord de Paris, neutralité carbone au niveau européen, loi climat… La France restera du côté de ceux qui agissent. En novembre, à Glasgow, scellons un accord à la hauteur de l’urgence! — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 9, 2021 × (More to follow)

Macron calls for climate deal 'that matches the urgency'

A bombshell climate science report "must sound a death knell" for coal, oil and gas, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, warning that fossil fuels were destroying the planet.

The Intergovernmental Panel on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">Climate Change</a> concluded that the 1.5C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement would likely be breached around 2030 -- a decade earlier than it itself projected just three years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/upcoming-un-climate-report-presents-starkest-warning-yet-403984" hreflang="en">Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet'</a>

Guterres called the IPCC's assessment -- the most detailed review of climate science ever conducted -- "code red for humanity".

"This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels, before they destroy our planet," he said in a statement.

"Countries should also end all new fossil fuel exploration and production, and shift fossil fuel subsidies into renewable energy."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eus-copernicus-sentinel-3-releases-satellite-images-of-mega-drought-from-climate-change-403330" hreflang="en">EU's Copernicus Sentinel-3 releases satellite images of 'mega-drought' from climate change</a>

In its first major scientific assessment since 2014, the IPCC said that Earth's average surface temperature is projected to hit 1.5 or 1.6 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels at around 2030, no matter what trajectory greenhouse gas emissions take in the meantime.

By mid-century, the 1.5C threshold will have been breached across the board, by a tenth of a degree along the most ambitious pathway, and by nearly a full degree at the opposite extreme.

'The alarm bells are deafening'&nbsp;

In his most frontal assault yet on the fossil fuel industry that powers the global economy, Guterres said: "immediate action" was needed to decarbonise the energy sector.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-set-target-of-half-of-us-car-sales-to-be-zero-emission-by-2030-white-house-403259" hreflang="en">Biden to set target of half of US car sales to be zero-emission by 2030: White House</a>

"The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk," said Guterres.

The Portuguese diplomat said keeping the 1.5C temperature goal in play meant that no new coal plants could be built and that all energy derived from burning coal must come from renewable sources by 2040.

Atmospheric levels of planet-warming CO2 are currently at their highest in at least the last two million years, with methane and nitrous oxide levels at their highest since 800,000 years ago.

Despite a record drop in carbon pollution last year driven by pandemic restrictions, the IPCC found "no detectable decrease" in the rate of greenhouse gas accumulation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-carbon-calculation-how-many-deaths-do-emissions-cause-401587" hreflang="en">A carbon calculation: How many deaths do emissions cause?</a>

Guterres called on world leaders to ensure the COP26 climate summit in November leads to ramped up emissions cuts and finance to countries already dealing with the fallout from global heating.&nbsp;

"If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe," he said.&nbsp;

"But, as today's report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses."

A bombshell climate science report "must sound a death knell" for coal, oil and gas, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, warning that fossil fuels were destroying the planet.

A bombshell climate science report "must sound a death knell" for coal, oil and gas, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, warning that fossil fuels were destroying the planet. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that the 1.5C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement would likely be breached around 2030 -- a decade earlier than it itself projected just three years ago. Also read | Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet' Guterres called the IPCC's assessment -- the most detailed review of climate science ever conducted -- "code red for humanity". "This report must sound a death knell for coal and fossil fuels, before they destroy our planet," he said in a statement. "Countries should also end all new fossil fuel exploration and production, and shift fossil fuel subsidies into renewable energy." Also read | EU's Copernicus Sentinel-3 releases satellite images of 'mega-drought' from climate change In its first major scientific assessment since 2014, the IPCC said that Earth's average surface temperature is projected to hit 1.5 or 1.6 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels at around 2030, no matter what trajectory greenhouse gas emissions take in the meantime. By mid-century, the 1.5C threshold will have been breached across the board, by a tenth of a degree along the most ambitious pathway, and by nearly a full degree at the opposite extreme. 'The alarm bells are deafening' In his most frontal assault yet on the fossil fuel industry that powers the global economy, Guterres said: "immediate action" was needed to decarbonise the energy sector. Also read | Biden to set target of half of US car sales to be zero-emission by 2030: White House "The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk," said Guterres. The Portuguese diplomat said keeping the 1.5C temperature goal in play meant that no new coal plants could be built and that all energy derived from burning coal must come from renewable sources by 2040. Atmospheric levels of planet-warming CO2 are currently at their highest in at least the last two million years, with methane and nitrous oxide levels at their highest since 800,000 years ago. Despite a record drop in carbon pollution last year driven by pandemic restrictions, the IPCC found "no detectable decrease" in the rate of greenhouse gas accumulation. Also read | A carbon calculation: How many deaths do emissions cause? Guterres called on world leaders to ensure the COP26 climate summit in November leads to ramped up emissions cuts and finance to countries already dealing with the fallout from global heating. "If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe," he said. "But, as today's report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses."

Climate report must be 'death knell' for fossil fuels: UN chief

The United Nations' intergovernmental panel on climate change panel has projected the global temperatures to shoot up over the next 20 years. The report has delivered the starkest warning yet about the deepening climate emergency.

UN's landmark climate report delivers starkest warning on climate change

A UN’s climate panel delivered their starkest warning yet about the deepening climate emergency, with some of the changes already set in motion thought to be “irreversible” for centuries to come.

UN unveils landmark report on climate change

A report by Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group-I study issued on Monday stated that greater heat waves and droughts, increased rainfall events, and higher cyclonic activity are projected to occur across India and the subcontinent during the next several decades.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dixie-blaze-california-wildfire-becomes-second-worst-in-states-history-404173">In Pics:&nbsp;Dixie blaze: California wildfire becomes second-worst in state's history</a>

According to this frightening report on the condition of the world's climate, the fatal heat waves, floods, and droughts that are upending the lives of millions of people throughout the world will only grow worse as global temperatures continue to climb. &nbsp;

For the Indian subcontinent, the report stated, “the observed mean surface temperature increase has clearly emerged out of the range of internal variability compared to 1850-1900. Heat extremes have increased while cold extremes have decreased, and these trends will continue over the coming decades.” 
 
Watch: Dixie Wildfire, largest single blaze in California history

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dixie-wildfire-largest-single-blaze-in-california-history-404174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the latest research by the WGI (Working Group I), the world would warm by 1.5 degrees Celsius in all scenarios. 
 
Even under the most aggressive emissions cut scenario, the temperature would rise to 1.5°C in the 2030s, overshoot to 1.6°C, and then fall to 1.4°C by the end of the century.&nbsp;

Warming over India is likely to follow the worldwide average, with an increase in the frequency and intensity of hot extremes, according to the IPCC study, which also forecasts a rise in annual mean precipitation.&nbsp;Rainfall the monsoon season is also expected to rise.

The most recent study includes a far better grasp of how people are unmistakably to blame for climate change that has occurred since pre-industrial times.

The scientists warn that there is clear doubt that human activities have warmed the globe and caused quick and broad changes, with some effects already locked in. &nbsp;

Without substantial, profound emissions reductions, the study predicts that the world would continue to suffer unprecedented change.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A report by Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group-I study issued on Monday stated that greater heat waves and droughts, increased rainfall events, and higher cyclonic activity are projected to occur across India and the subcontinent during the next several decades.

A report by Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group-I study issued on Monday stated that greater heat waves and droughts, increased rainfall events, and higher cyclonic activity are projected to occur across India and the subcontinent during the next several decades. In Pics: Dixie blaze: California wildfire becomes second-worst in state's history According to this frightening report on the condition of the world's climate, the fatal heat waves, floods, and droughts that are upending the lives of millions of people throughout the world will only grow worse as global temperatures continue to climb. For the Indian subcontinent, the report stated, “the observed mean surface temperature increase has clearly emerged out of the range of internal variability compared to 1850-1900. Heat extremes have increased while cold extremes have decreased, and these trends will continue over the coming decades.” Watch: Dixie Wildfire, largest single blaze in California history According to the latest research by the WGI (Working Group I), the world would warm by 1.5 degrees Celsius in all scenarios. Even under the most aggressive emissions cut scenario, the temperature would rise to 1.5°C in the 2030s, overshoot to 1.6°C, and then fall to 1.4°C by the end of the century. Warming over India is likely to follow the worldwide average, with an increase in the frequency and intensity of hot extremes, according to the IPCC study, which also forecasts a rise in annual mean precipitation. Rainfall the monsoon season is also expected to rise. The most recent study includes a far better grasp of how people are unmistakably to blame for climate change that has occurred since pre-industrial times. The scientists warn that there is clear doubt that human activities have warmed the globe and caused quick and broad changes, with some effects already locked in. Without substantial, profound emissions reductions, the study predicts that the world would continue to suffer unprecedented change. (With inputs from agencies)

Deadly heat waves, floods, drought to occur across India, warns IPCC report from UN

The UN report on climate warned that global warming is on track to hit 1.5 degrees Celsius around 2030.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) said 1.5 Celcius warming threshold would be surpassed by 2050 even if fossil fuels were&nbsp;aggressively taken off.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dixie-blaze-california-wildfire-becomes-second-worst-in-states-history-404173">In Pics:&nbsp;Dixie blaze: California wildfire becomes second-worst in state's history</a>

"It has been clear for decades that the Earth's climate is changing, and the role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed," Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group 1 co-chair Valerie Masson-Delmotte said.

The report said heatwaves, rainfall and droughts are "unprecedented in the observational record" as the climate body warned&nbsp;extreme weather would sweep&nbsp;the world.

"Climate report must be death knell for fossil fuels," the UN chief Guterres said.

The UN report said rising sea levels and the melting of Earth's frozen spaces are now "irreversible for centuries or millenia".

Nearly 1 billion people worldwide could swelter in more frequent life-threatening heat waves, the report said, adding, hundreds of millions more would struggle for water because of severe droughts with some animal and plant species becoming extent.

"The alarm bells are deafening&nbsp;and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk," said Guterres.

Coral reefs, which sustain fisheries for large swaths of the globe, will suffer more frequent mass die-offs, the report warned.

The report said that if nations fail in their efforts, global average temperatures will keep rising potentially passing 2 degrees, 3 degrees or even 4 degrees Celsius compared with the preindustrial era.

The UK said the report was "a stark warning... that human activity is damaging the planet at an alarming rate".

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

The UN report on climate warned that global warming is on track to hit 1.5 degrees Celsius around 2030. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) said 1.

The UN report on climate warned that global warming is on track to hit 1.5 degrees Celsius around 2030. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) said 1.5 Celcius warming threshold would be surpassed by 2050 even if fossil fuels were aggressively taken off. In Pics: Dixie blaze: California wildfire becomes second-worst in state's history "It has been clear for decades that the Earth's climate is changing, and the role of human influence on the climate system is undisputed," Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group 1 co-chair Valerie Masson-Delmotte said. The report said heatwaves, rainfall and droughts are "unprecedented in the observational record" as the climate body warned extreme weather would sweep the world. "Climate report must be death knell for fossil fuels," the UN chief Guterres said. The UN report said rising sea levels and the melting of Earth's frozen spaces are now "irreversible for centuries or millenia". Nearly 1 billion people worldwide could swelter in more frequent life-threatening heat waves, the report said, adding, hundreds of millions more would struggle for water because of severe droughts with some animal and plant species becoming extent. "The alarm bells are deafening and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk," said Guterres. Coral reefs, which sustain fisheries for large swaths of the globe, will suffer more frequent mass die-offs, the report warned. The report said that if nations fail in their efforts, global average temperatures will keep rising potentially passing 2 degrees, 3 degrees or even 4 degrees Celsius compared with the preindustrial era. The UK said the report was "a stark warning... that human activity is damaging the planet at an alarming rate". (With inputs from Agencies)

UN report warns more vicious floods, heatwaves, worsening droughts and rise in sea levels

British COP26 president Alok Sharma described a forthcoming UN report about climate change in stark terms; as&nbsp;offering the international community&nbsp;its clearest warning about the risks of accelerating climate change.

An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to be released on Monday will show that the world is on the brink of a disaster, the chief for the November summit in Glasgow told the Observer newspaper.

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>

"This is going to be the starkest warning yet that human behaviour is alarmingly accelerating global warming and this is why COP26 has to be the moment we get this right," Sharma said.

Two years, five years, ten years won't suffice, this is the time, he explained, adding that without countries taking action now, time will soon run out.

As Britain strives to galvanise international action on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>, Sharma was forced to defend the country's own fossil-fuel projects, which include plans to license new oil and gas fields in the North Sea.

"Future (fossil fuel) licences are going to have to adhere to the fact we have committed to go to net zero by 2050 in legislation," the COP26 president said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-response-to-climate-change-is-missing-something-big-scientists-say-390706">Our response to climate change is missing something big, scientists say</a>

"There will be a climate check on any licences," he added.

Paris-based watchdog International Energy Agency (IAE) has warned that fossil fuel exploration and development must cease this year in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius.

In recent weeks there have been a number of natural disasters, including floods and fires around the world, including in Europe and Asia. Sharma said these issues have drawn attention to the issue of global warming.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-an-idea-to-reverse-climate-change-alter-the-orbit-of-the-moon-390689">Here's an idea to reverse climate change: Alter the orbit of the Moon</a>

"We're seeing the impacts across the world," Sharma said. "Every day you will see a new high being recorded in one way or another across the world," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

British COP26 president Alok Sharma described a forthcoming UN report about climate change in stark terms; as offering the international community its clearest warning about the risks of accelerating climate change.

British COP26 president Alok Sharma described a forthcoming UN report about climate change in stark terms; as offering the international community its clearest warning about the risks of accelerating climate change. An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report to be released on Monday will show that the world is on the brink of a disaster, the chief for the November summit in Glasgow told the Observer newspaper. Also read | Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn "This is going to be the starkest warning yet that human behaviour is alarmingly accelerating global warming and this is why COP26 has to be the moment we get this right," Sharma said. Two years, five years, ten years won't suffice, this is the time, he explained, adding that without countries taking action now, time will soon run out. As Britain strives to galvanise international action on climate change, Sharma was forced to defend the country's own fossil-fuel projects, which include plans to license new oil and gas fields in the North Sea. "Future (fossil fuel) licences are going to have to adhere to the fact we have committed to go to net zero by 2050 in legislation," the COP26 president said. Also read | Our response to climate change is missing something big, scientists say "There will be a climate check on any licences," he added. Paris-based watchdog International Energy Agency (IAE) has warned that fossil fuel exploration and development must cease this year in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius. In recent weeks there have been a number of natural disasters, including floods and fires around the world, including in Europe and Asia. Sharma said these issues have drawn attention to the issue of global warming. Also read | Here's an idea to reverse climate change: Alter the orbit of the Moon "We're seeing the impacts across the world," Sharma said. "Every day you will see a new high being recorded in one way or another across the world," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Upcoming UN climate report presents 'starkest warning yet'

Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey.

More than 1,450 Greek firefighters backed by at least 15 aircraft were battling the fires, with reinforcements arriving from other countries, the fire service said.

The blazes in Greece are set to continue, with strong winds and temperatures of up to 38 degrees C (100 F) forecast in some regions on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozen-homes-destroyed-five-hospitalised-in-greece-forest-fire-402086">Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire</a>

This year's fires have been far more destructive than in previous years.

In the last 10 days, 56,655 hectares (140,000 acres) have been burnt in Greece,&nbsp;according to the European Forest Fire Information System. The average number of hectares burnt over the same period between 2008 and 2020 was 1,700 hectares.

"When this nightmarish summer ends we will reverse the damage as soon as possible," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged on Saturday.

Rains help Turkey&nbsp;

Greece and Turkey have been fighting devastating fires for more than a week as the region suffers its worst heatwave in decades. Officials and experts have linked such intense weather events to climate change.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-firefighters-battle-to-extinguish-forest-blaze-402198">Greek firefighters battle to extinguish forest blaze</a>

So far, they have killed two people in Greece and eight in Turkey, with dozens more hospitalised there during 10 days of the blazes.

A UN draft report seen by AFP labelled the Mediterranean region a "climate change hotspot", warning that heatwaves, droughts and fires would become more fierce in the future, supercharged by rising temperatures.

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But the weather gave Turkey some respite Saturday. Officials in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya said the blazes were under control in the southwestern province after rainfall there.

And heavy rainfall was expected to continue until the afternoon in areas including Manavgat, one of the most affected by the fires.

The situation remained serious however around the tourist hotspot of Mugla, where at least three neighbourhoods have been ordered to evacuate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-greece-reel-from-raging-wildfires-during-heatwave-403133">Turkey and Greece reel from raging wildfires during heatwave</a>

There have been over 200 fires in 47 of Turkey's 81 provinces, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli tweeted early on Saturday. Thirteen fires continue in five provinces.

Fears of more high winds&nbsp;

Greek Civil Protection deputy minister, Nikos Hardalias said on Saturday that 55 blazes were raging across Greece.

They were burning on Evia, the country's second-largest island, which lies&nbsp;east of the capital; in the Peloponnese region in the southwest; and Fthiotida in Central Greece.

The fire front on Evia alone ran across 30 kilometres (18 miles) long, said Fanis Spanos, the regional governor of Central Greece, but in the Attica peninsula there the situation was "more stable".

There is, however, concern as winds are expected to pick up the pace later in the day, the Fire Brigade said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-evacuated-as-wildfire-reaches-turkeys-thermal-power-plant-402978">Hundreds evacuated as wildfire reaches Turkey's thermal power plant</a>

Part of a motorway linking Athens to the north of the country that had been shut down as a precaution was reopened Saturday.

In the northern Evia, where more than 1,300 people fled the fires on ferry boats Friday from the coastal village of Limni, another 23 were evacuated Saturday morning from a nearby beach at Rovies.&nbsp;

Navy warships are on high alert off the north of the island in case more evacuations are required.

Local officials, there have already called for more air support in the firefighting efforts warning for hundreds of homeless families.

Fanis Spanos told the Athens News Agency (ANA) that more than 300 families whose homes had been burned down were being sheltered in hotels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-new-fire-breaks-out-in-thermal-power-plant-402921">Turkey: New fire breaks out in thermal power plant</a>

The situation remained dire in Mani, in the Peloponnese, where 5,000 people were evacuated on Friday.&nbsp;

Eleni Drakoulakou, the mayor of East Mani, told ERT TV on Saturday that half the town had been burnt, blaming a lack of water-dropping air support during the critical first hours of the wildfire.&nbsp;

ANA also reported that two people had been charged for arson.

In Athens, police arrested a woman in a park on Friday as she was carrying two lighters, petrol and flammable materials,&nbsp;a few minutes after a fire broke out there.

Authorities have banned visits to parks and forests through Greece.

A 43-year-old man was arrested in the area of Krioneri and charged with arson, according to ANA.

Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey.

Hundreds of firefighters fought wildfires and flare-ups that have devoured record numbers of woodlands in Greece Saturday and left hundreds of families homeless, but heavy rains brought some respite to hard-hit Turkey. More than 1,450 Greek firefighters backed by at least 15 aircraft were battling the fires, with reinforcements arriving from other countries, the fire service said. The blazes in Greece are set to continue, with strong winds and temperatures of up to 38 degrees C (100 F) forecast in some regions on Saturday. Also read | Dozen homes destroyed, five hospitalised in Greece forest fire This year's fires have been far more destructive than in previous years. In the last 10 days, 56,655 hectares (140,000 acres) have been burnt in Greece, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. The average number of hectares burnt over the same period between 2008 and 2020 was 1,700 hectares. "When this nightmarish summer ends we will reverse the damage as soon as possible," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged on Saturday. Rains help Turkey Greece and Turkey have been fighting devastating fires for more than a week as the region suffers its worst heatwave in decades. Officials and experts have linked such intense weather events to climate change. Also read | Greek firefighters battle to extinguish forest blaze So far, they have killed two people in Greece and eight in Turkey, with dozens more hospitalised there during 10 days of the blazes. A UN draft report seen by AFP labelled the Mediterranean region a "climate change hotspot", warning that heatwaves, droughts and fires would become more fierce in the future, supercharged by rising temperatures. But the weather gave Turkey some respite Saturday. Officials in the Turkish coastal city of Antalya said the blazes were under control in the southwestern province after rainfall there. And heavy rainfall was expected to continue until the afternoon in areas including Manavgat, one of the most affected by the fires. The situation remained serious however around the tourist hotspot of Mugla, where at least three neighbourhoods have been ordered to evacuate. Also read | Turkey and Greece reel from raging wildfires during heatwave There have been over 200 fires in 47 of Turkey's 81 provinces, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli tweeted early on Saturday. Thirteen fires continue in five provinces. Fears of more high winds Greek Civil Protection deputy minister, Nikos Hardalias said on Saturday that 55 blazes were raging across Greece. They were burning on Evia, the country's second-largest island, which lies east of the capital; in the Peloponnese region in the southwest; and Fthiotida in Central Greece. The fire front on Evia alone ran across 30 kilometres (18 miles) long, said Fanis Spanos, the regional governor of Central Greece, but in the Attica peninsula there the situation was "more stable". There is, however, concern as winds are expected to pick up the pace later in the day, the Fire Brigade said. Also read | Hundreds evacuated as wildfire reaches Turkey's thermal power plant Part of a motorway linking Athens to the north of the country that had been shut down as a precaution was reopened Saturday. In the northern Evia, where more than 1,300 people fled the fires on ferry boats Friday from the coastal village of Limni, another 23 were evacuated Saturday morning from a nearby beach at Rovies. Navy warships are on high alert off the north of the island in case more evacuations are required. Local officials, there have already called for more air support in the firefighting efforts warning for hundreds of homeless families. Fanis Spanos told the Athens News Agency (ANA) that more than 300 families whose homes had been burned down were being sheltered in hotels. Also read | Turkey: New fire breaks out in thermal power plant The situation remained dire in Mani, in the Peloponnese, where 5,000 people were evacuated on Friday. Eleni Drakoulakou, the mayor of East Mani, told ERT TV on Saturday that half the town had been burnt, blaming a lack of water-dropping air support during the critical first hours of the wildfire. ANA also reported that two people had been charged for arson. In Athens, police arrested a woman in a park on Friday as she was carrying two lighters, petrol and flammable materials, a few minutes after a fire broke out there. Authorities have banned visits to parks and forests through Greece. A 43-year-old man was arrested in the area of Krioneri and charged with arson, according to ANA.

Hundreds of families homeless as Greek fires rage, Turkey saved by the rain

The European Union's&nbsp;Copernicus&nbsp;Sentinel-3 has released&nbsp;satellite images of a 'mega-drought' and&nbsp;snow deficit affecting the Andes mountain range,&nbsp;which draws skiers to South America

Scientists have linked the historically low snowfall this year during a decade-long drought&nbsp;to global warming.&nbsp;

Scant rain and snowfall are leaving many of the majestic mountains between Ecuador and Argentina with patchy snow cover or no snow at all as dry brown earth lies exposed.

<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>

As precipitation declines and glaciers retreat across the region, communities that depend on the mountains for water supply are likely to suffer shortages, said Ricardo Villalba, principal investigator for the Argentine Institute of Snow, Glacier and Environment Science Studies (IANIGLA).

"Here we are seeing a process of long-term decrease in precipitation, a mega-drought," Villalba said.

"If you look at the precipitation levels right now for the entire Cordillera (Andes range), they ​​show that it has either not snowed at all or has snowed very little," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The difference between 1.5°C &amp; 3°C global warming means vastly different scenarios for our future. 
 
The length of droughts, the spread of diseases &amp; more hinge on these few degrees. 
 
Limiting temperature rise is still possible if we <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ActNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ActNow</a>. <a href="https://t.co/X0ShwftNUV">https://t.co/X0ShwftNUV</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/UNFCCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNFCCC</a> <a href="https://t.co/apczD3C4SK">pic.twitter.com/apczD3C4SK</a>
— United Nations (@UN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN/status/1423495295086718978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Southern Hemisphere is experiencing winter, when snowfall should peak.

Ski resorts have reopened after lengthy closures during the pandemic and are attracting jubilant skiers to the Argentina-Chile border. But scarce snowfall is forcing many resorts to move snow to cover popular runs or make artificial snow.

Satellite images from July 2020 and this year show a marked decrease in snow cover. That is mirrored in water level measurements for rivers.

The Andes' glaciers, which between 2000-2010 remained the same size or even grew, are now receding, Villalba said.

"The glaciers are in a very dramatic process of retreat that is much more accelerated than we have seen before," he said.

"This is unfortunately happening in all the glaciers of the Cordillera, and is strongly linked to the global warming process that is affecting the entire planet."

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union's Copernicus Sentinel-3 has released satellite images of a 'mega-drought' and snow deficit affecting the Andes mountain range, which draws skiers to South America Scientists have linked the historically low snowfall this year during a decade-long drought to global warming.

The European Union's Copernicus Sentinel-3 has released satellite images of a 'mega-drought' and snow deficit affecting the Andes mountain range, which draws skiers to South America Scientists have linked the historically low snowfall this year during a decade-long drought to global warming. Scant rain and snowfall are leaving many of the majestic mountains between Ecuador and Argentina with patchy snow cover or no snow at all as dry brown earth lies exposed. As precipitation declines and glaciers retreat across the region, communities that depend on the mountains for water supply are likely to suffer shortages, said Ricardo Villalba, principal investigator for the Argentine Institute of Snow, Glacier and Environment Science Studies (IANIGLA). "Here we are seeing a process of long-term decrease in precipitation, a mega-drought," Villalba said. "If you look at the precipitation levels right now for the entire Cordillera (Andes range), they show that it has either not snowed at all or has snowed very little," he said. The difference between 1.5°C & 3°C global warming means vastly different scenarios for our future. The length of droughts, the spread of diseases & more hinge on these few degrees. Limiting temperature rise is still possible if we #ActNow. https://t.co/X0ShwftNUV via @UNFCCC pic.twitter.com/apczD3C4SK — United Nations (@UN) August 6, 2021 × The Southern Hemisphere is experiencing winter, when snowfall should peak. Ski resorts have reopened after lengthy closures during the pandemic and are attracting jubilant skiers to the Argentina-Chile border. But scarce snowfall is forcing many resorts to move snow to cover popular runs or make artificial snow. Satellite images from July 2020 and this year show a marked decrease in snow cover. That is mirrored in water level measurements for rivers. The Andes' glaciers, which between 2000-2010 remained the same size or even grew, are now receding, Villalba said. "The glaciers are in a very dramatic process of retreat that is much more accelerated than we have seen before," he said. "This is unfortunately happening in all the glaciers of the Cordillera, and is strongly linked to the global warming process that is affecting the entire planet." (With inputs from agencies)

EU's Copernicus Sentinel-3 releases satellite images of 'mega-drought' from climate change

Climate experts are growing afraid that global warming may cause tipping points in the Earth's natural systems, resulting in widespread and potentially irreversible calamity unless immediate action is taken.&nbsp;

In the short term, reducing methane gas emissions is critical for combating climate change.

Natural gas contains methane, which is created when living things decompose.

Unlike carbon dioxide, methane only lasts a short time in the atmosphere, yet it is a considerably more potent global warming gas than CO2.&nbsp;

Experts have cautioned that reducing carbon dioxide alone would not be enough to solve the climate issue; the world must also move quickly to address another potent greenhouse gas, methane, to keep global temperatures from rising.

In a historic study due out on Monday, leading climate scientists will issue their most dire warning yet, warning that we are on the verge of climatic disaster.

A warning that methane is playing an increasingly large role in global warming is expected to be one of the main action items for policymakers.&nbsp;

The carbon-rich gas, which is produced by animal farming, shale gas wells, and poorly managed conventional oil and gas extraction, heats the world far more effectively than CO2 – it has a "warming potential" more than 80 times that of CO2 – but has a shorter life in the atmosphere, lasting only about a decade before degrading into CO2.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Climate experts are growing afraid that global warming may cause tipping points in the Earth's natural systems, resulting in widespread and potentially irreversible calamity unless immediate action is taken.

Climate experts are growing afraid that global warming may cause tipping points in the Earth's natural systems, resulting in widespread and potentially irreversible calamity unless immediate action is taken. In the short term, reducing methane gas emissions is critical for combating climate change. Natural gas contains methane, which is created when living things decompose. Unlike carbon dioxide, methane only lasts a short time in the atmosphere, yet it is a considerably more potent global warming gas than CO2. Experts have cautioned that reducing carbon dioxide alone would not be enough to solve the climate issue; the world must also move quickly to address another potent greenhouse gas, methane, to keep global temperatures from rising. In a historic study due out on Monday, leading climate scientists will issue their most dire warning yet, warning that we are on the verge of climatic disaster. A warning that methane is playing an increasingly large role in global warming is expected to be one of the main action items for policymakers. The carbon-rich gas, which is produced by animal farming, shale gas wells, and poorly managed conventional oil and gas extraction, heats the world far more effectively than CO2 – it has a "warming potential" more than 80 times that of CO2 – but has a shorter life in the atmosphere, lasting only about a decade before degrading into CO2. (With inputs from agencies)

Cut down methane emissions or face climate catastrophe, scientists warn

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> will on Thursday unveil a target backed by the Detroit automakers for half of all cars sold in the United States by 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, the White House announced.

The move is the latest reversal by Biden of former President Donald Trump's climate and environmental policies, and aims to promote a transformation of American transportation, the biggest source of the country's carbon emissions.

"The president will sign an executive order that sets an ambitious new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles," a White House statement said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-tells-florida-texas-leaders-to-help-on-covid-19-or-get-out-of-the-way-402737" hreflang="en">Biden tells Florida, Texas leaders to help on COVID-19 or 'get out of the way'</a>

The order will position "America to drive the electric vehicle future forward, outcompete China and tackle the climate crisis," it added.

News of the announcement drew modest praise from environmentalists, who stressed the need for additional measures given the worsening climate situation.

The Sierra Club's Katherine Garcia called the move a "meaningful signal to manufacturers," but said the target should be raised to 60 percent and be supplemented with "the strongest clean car standards possible."

Signficantly increasing electric vehicle (EV) usage in the United States -- which accounted for only about two percent of 2020 car sales -- is expected to depend on expanding charging stations and other infrastructure, as well as convincing Americans to buy the cars.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-us-has-approved-potential-sales-of-howitzers-to-taiwan-402976" hreflang="en">Pentagon says US has approved potential sales of howitzers to Taiwan</a>

Top US automakers General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have all significantly expanded their EV investments, making the target "most likely achievable" by 2030, Executive Director of Insights at auto website Edmunds.com Jessica Caldwell said.

"But what's possibly the biggest hurdle ahead is consumer acceptance: what will it take for Americans to be willing to change their car ownership habits to go electric?" Caldwell said.

Infrastructure debate

In a joint statement, the "Big 3" automakers expressed their "shared aspiration to achieve sales of 40-50 percent" of the vehicles, but said the shift "can be achieved only" with initiatives such as consumer incentives to buy EVs and new infrastructure like a charging network.

Some of these measures are not included in the current infrastructure bill pending in the United States Senate, or are not funded at levels sought by the Biden administration.

The manufacturers BMW, Honda, Volkswagen and Volvo -- whose electric vehicles are often considered more advanced than their US competitors -- issued their own statement applauding the initiative.

One of America's largest unions, United Auto Workers (UAW), also rallied behind the move.&nbsp;

"The members of the UAW, current and future, are ready to build these electric cars and trucks and the batteries that go in them," President Ray Curry said in a statement released by the Biden administration.

The White House made no mention of Tesla, Elon Musk's company that has been credited with disrupting the US market towards EVs and leads the US market in their sales.

Although the 50 percent figure would not exceed what many American manufacturers were already considering, it is a steep target for the United States as a whole.

While around 10 percent of European car sales are of electric vehicles, they account for less than two percent in the United States, the International Energy Agency said in 2020.

Biden also intends to beef up fuel consumption and emissions regulations, which had been dramatically rolled back under Trump.

Measured praise

The current emissions regulations, which date from March 2020, require manufacturers to improve by 1.5 percent the energy efficiency of their vehicles between 2021 and 2026, less than the five percent demanded under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama.

The Biden administration did not immediately unveil a new emissions objective.

Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp praised the announcement as positioning the United States to compete in the emerging transportation economy.

"Countries around the world are racing to eliminate pollution from their cars and trucks," Krupp said. "(Americans) can win this race, and our prize will be good jobs, savings at the gas pump for American families, cleaner air and a safer climate."

But the Natural Resources Defense Council's Simon Mui said more aggressive action was needed immediately "given how climate change has already turned our weather so violent."

The Environmental Protection Agency "must now move expeditiously to put strong standards in place to ensure automakers deliver on that goal while also slashing pollution from gasoline and diesel vehicles," Mui said.&nbsp;

"Anything less puts our health and climate at unnecessary risk."

President Joe Biden will on Thursday unveil a target backed by the Detroit automakers for half of all cars sold in the United States by 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, the White House announced.

President Joe Biden will on Thursday unveil a target backed by the Detroit automakers for half of all cars sold in the United States by 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, the White House announced. The move is the latest reversal by Biden of former President Donald Trump's climate and environmental policies, and aims to promote a transformation of American transportation, the biggest source of the country's carbon emissions. "The president will sign an executive order that sets an ambitious new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles," a White House statement said. Also read | Biden tells Florida, Texas leaders to help on COVID-19 or 'get out of the way' The order will position "America to drive the electric vehicle future forward, outcompete China and tackle the climate crisis," it added. News of the announcement drew modest praise from environmentalists, who stressed the need for additional measures given the worsening climate situation. The Sierra Club's Katherine Garcia called the move a "meaningful signal to manufacturers," but said the target should be raised to 60 percent and be supplemented with "the strongest clean car standards possible." Signficantly increasing electric vehicle (EV) usage in the United States -- which accounted for only about two percent of 2020 car sales -- is expected to depend on expanding charging stations and other infrastructure, as well as convincing Americans to buy the cars. Also read | Pentagon says US has approved potential sales of howitzers to Taiwan Top US automakers General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have all significantly expanded their EV investments, making the target "most likely achievable" by 2030, Executive Director of Insights at auto website Edmunds.com Jessica Caldwell said. "But what's possibly the biggest hurdle ahead is consumer acceptance: what will it take for Americans to be willing to change their car ownership habits to go electric?" Caldwell said. Infrastructure debate In a joint statement, the "Big 3" automakers expressed their "shared aspiration to achieve sales of 40-50 percent" of the vehicles, but said the shift "can be achieved only" with initiatives such as consumer incentives to buy EVs and new infrastructure like a charging network. Some of these measures are not included in the current infrastructure bill pending in the United States Senate, or are not funded at levels sought by the Biden administration. The manufacturers BMW, Honda, Volkswagen and Volvo -- whose electric vehicles are often considered more advanced than their US competitors -- issued their own statement applauding the initiative. One of America's largest unions, United Auto Workers (UAW), also rallied behind the move. "The members of the UAW, current and future, are ready to build these electric cars and trucks and the batteries that go in them," President Ray Curry said in a statement released by the Biden administration. The White House made no mention of Tesla, Elon Musk's company that has been credited with disrupting the US market towards EVs and leads the US market in their sales. Although the 50 percent figure would not exceed what many American manufacturers were already considering, it is a steep target for the United States as a whole. While around 10 percent of European car sales are of electric vehicles, they account for less than two percent in the United States, the International Energy Agency said in 2020. Biden also intends to beef up fuel consumption and emissions regulations, which had been dramatically rolled back under Trump. Measured praise The current emissions regulations, which date from March 2020, require manufacturers to improve by 1.5 percent the energy efficiency of their vehicles between 2021 and 2026, less than the five percent demanded under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama. The Biden administration did not immediately unveil a new emissions objective. Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp praised the announcement as positioning the United States to compete in the emerging transportation economy. "Countries around the world are racing to eliminate pollution from their cars and trucks," Krupp said. "(Americans) can win this race, and our prize will be good jobs, savings at the gas pump for American families, cleaner air and a safer climate." But the Natural Resources Defense Council's Simon Mui said more aggressive action was needed immediately "given how climate change has already turned our weather so violent." The Environmental Protection Agency "must now move expeditiously to put strong standards in place to ensure automakers deliver on that goal while also slashing pollution from gasoline and diesel vehicles," Mui said. "Anything less puts our health and climate at unnecessary risk."

Biden to set target of half of US car sales to be zero-emission by 2030: White House

A new study has found that the number of people exposed to floods worldwide has surged almost a quarter over the last 20 years.

The research is based on&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;data that shows an additional 86 million now live within flood-prone regions.

Flooding is by far the most common of extreme weather events made more frequent and potent by rainfall patterns supercharged by climate change.&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>

Deadly inundations, such as recently in India, China, Germany and Belgium, inflict billions worth of damage, often disproportionally affecting poorer sectors of society.

Most flood maps rely on modelling based on ground-level observations such as rainfall and elevation, but they can often entirely miss regions that are historically not flood-prone.&nbsp;

To fill in those gaps, a team of US-based researchers examined satellite data from twice-daily imaging of more than 900 individual flood events in 169 countries since 2000.&nbsp;

They used the data to create the Global Flood Database, which provides open source information on the death toll, displacement and rainfall levels linked to each of the 913 floods. &nbsp;

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chinese-city-picks-through-the-debris-after-record-rains-kill-33-399739">Chinese city picks through the debris after record rains kill 33</a>

Writing in the journal Nature, the researchers found that up to 86 million people, driven by economic necessity, moved into known flood regions between 2000-2015, a 24-percent increase.&nbsp;

A total of 2.23 million square kilometres (860,000 square miles), more than the entire area of Greenland, were flooded between 2000 and 2018, affecting up to 290 million people.

And it's only going to get worse.&nbsp;

Computer modelling produced estimates that climate change and shifting demographics would mean an additional 25 countries facing a high risk of flooding by 2030.&nbsp;

Lead study author Beth Tellman, a researcher at Columbia University's Earth Institute and co-founder of the flood analytics firm Cloud to Street, said&nbsp;the number of additional people now at risk of flooding was 10 times higher than previous estimates.&nbsp;

"We are able to map floods that are often unmapped or not typically represented in flood models, such as ice melt floods or dam breaks," said Tellman.&nbsp;

"Dam breaks are especially impactful. In these dam overflow or dam break events, up to 13 million people were impacted, across just these 13 events."

The majority of flood-prone countries were in South and Southeast Asia, but the satellite data showed previously unidentified increases in &nbsp;exposure across Latin America and the Middle East.&nbsp;

'Retreat only option'

Just 1.5 degrees Centigrade of warming, the most ambitious Paris Agreement temperature goal,&nbsp;would see two or three times more people affected by floods in Colombia, Brazil and Argentina, four times more in Ecuador and Uruguay, and a five-fold jump in Peru, the IPCC report said.&nbsp;

Most flood events in the database unveiled were caused by excess rainfall, followed by storm surges, snow or ice melt, and dam breaks.&nbsp;

Tellman said the research showed the benefit of building in flood prevention measures to rural and urban planning.&nbsp;

"It is well known that spending $1 on disaster management and prevention can save up to $6 on relief and recovery efforts," she said.&nbsp;

In a linked comment, Brenden Jongman, an expert at the World Bank, said the flood database was a "crucial step" in understanding the link between climate change and socio-economic development.&nbsp;

"Satellite technology can track changes in protective ecosystems, similarly to its use in monitoring flooding and population changes," he said. &nbsp;

"However, even the best combination of infrastructure and nature-based approaches might be insufficient to deal with rising sea levels,&nbsp;the only option for some communities will be to manage their retreat out of flood-prone areas," added Jongman.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study has found that the number of people exposed to floods worldwide has surged almost a quarter over the last 20 years. The research is based on satellite data that shows an additional 86 million now live within flood-prone regions.

A new study has found that the number of people exposed to floods worldwide has surged almost a quarter over the last 20 years. The research is based on satellite data that shows an additional 86 million now live within flood-prone regions. Flooding is by far the most common of extreme weather events made more frequent and potent by rainfall patterns supercharged by climate change. Deadly inundations, such as recently in India, China, Germany and Belgium, inflict billions worth of damage, often disproportionally affecting poorer sectors of society. Most flood maps rely on modelling based on ground-level observations such as rainfall and elevation, but they can often entirely miss regions that are historically not flood-prone. To fill in those gaps, a team of US-based researchers examined satellite data from twice-daily imaging of more than 900 individual flood events in 169 countries since 2000. They used the data to create the Global Flood Database, which provides open source information on the death toll, displacement and rainfall levels linked to each of the 913 floods. Also see| Chinese city picks through the debris after record rains kill 33 Writing in the journal Nature, the researchers found that up to 86 million people, driven by economic necessity, moved into known flood regions between 2000-2015, a 24-percent increase. A total of 2.23 million square kilometres (860,000 square miles), more than the entire area of Greenland, were flooded between 2000 and 2018, affecting up to 290 million people. And it's only going to get worse. Computer modelling produced estimates that climate change and shifting demographics would mean an additional 25 countries facing a high risk of flooding by 2030. Lead study author Beth Tellman, a researcher at Columbia University's Earth Institute and co-founder of the flood analytics firm Cloud to Street, said the number of additional people now at risk of flooding was 10 times higher than previous estimates. "We are able to map floods that are often unmapped or not typically represented in flood models, such as ice melt floods or dam breaks," said Tellman. "Dam breaks are especially impactful. In these dam overflow or dam break events, up to 13 million people were impacted, across just these 13 events." The majority of flood-prone countries were in South and Southeast Asia, but the satellite data showed previously unidentified increases in exposure across Latin America and the Middle East. 'Retreat only option' Just 1.5 degrees Centigrade of warming, the most ambitious Paris Agreement temperature goal, would see two or three times more people affected by floods in Colombia, Brazil and Argentina, four times more in Ecuador and Uruguay, and a five-fold jump in Peru, the IPCC report said. Most flood events in the database unveiled were caused by excess rainfall, followed by storm surges, snow or ice melt, and dam breaks. Tellman said the research showed the benefit of building in flood prevention measures to rural and urban planning. "It is well known that spending $1 on disaster management and prevention can save up to $6 on relief and recovery efforts," she said. In a linked comment, Brenden Jongman, an expert at the World Bank, said the flood database was a "crucial step" in understanding the link between climate change and socio-economic development. "Satellite technology can track changes in protective ecosystems, similarly to its use in monitoring flooding and population changes," he said. "However, even the best combination of infrastructure and nature-based approaches might be insufficient to deal with rising sea levels, the only option for some communities will be to manage their retreat out of flood-prone areas," added Jongman. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds number of people exposed to floods worldwide has surged 25%

Bottled water has a 3,500 times higher impact on the natural resources of the Earth when compared to normal tap water, recent research has concluded.

In a first of its kind research, scientists studied the impact of bottled water on the Earth’s ecosystem in comparison to tap water.&nbsp; Experts found out that the bottled water can result in a 3,500 times higher cost of resource extraction than tap water consumption.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pesticides-harmful-for-bees-says-a-recent-study-403193" hreflang="en">Pesticides harmful for bees, says a recent study</a>

This research, conducted by the Barcelona&nbsp;Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), has come at a time when the consumption of bottled water is becoming increasingly popular in Barcelona. Experts have also claimed that the impact of bottled water is 1,400 times higher on the ecosystem than tap water.

"I think this study can help to reduce bottled water consumption, but we need more active policies to change that,"&nbsp;lead author of the study and ISGlobal researcher Cristina Villanueva said. "For example, in Barcelona, we could have more education campaigns to make the public aware that the health gains from drinking bottled water are minor compared to the environmental impacts. We need to improve access to public water, to public fountains, to public buildings where you can bring your own bottle and don’t need to buy one. We need to facilitate access to public water in public streets."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-to-test-if-cannabis-based-mouth-spray-can-treat-brain-tumours-402684" hreflang="en">Researchers to test if cannabis-based mouth spray can treat brain tumours</a>

"People trust bottled water because advertisers have done a good job of convincing people it’s a good option, so we need the effort on the other side," she added.

Researchers also pointed out that the process of treating drinking water generates low levels of trihalomethanes (THM), which are often associated with a high risk of bladder cancer.

However, the experts feel that "health reasons don’t justify the wide use of bottled water. Yes, strictly speaking, drinking tap water is worse for local health, but when you weigh both, what you gain from drinking bottled water is minimal. It’s quite obvious that the environmental impacts of bottled water are higher compared to tap water,"&nbsp;Villanueva explained.

Bottled water has a 3,500 times higher impact on the natural resources of the Earth when compared to normal tap water, recent research has concluded. In a first of its kind research, scientists studied the impact of bottled water on the Earth’s ecosystem in comparison to tap water.

Bottled water has a 3,500 times higher impact on the natural resources of the Earth when compared to normal tap water, recent research has concluded. In a first of its kind research, scientists studied the impact of bottled water on the Earth’s ecosystem in comparison to tap water. Experts found out that the bottled water can result in a 3,500 times higher cost of resource extraction than tap water consumption. Also read | Pesticides harmful for bees, says a recent study This research, conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), has come at a time when the consumption of bottled water is becoming increasingly popular in Barcelona. Experts have also claimed that the impact of bottled water is 1,400 times higher on the ecosystem than tap water. "I think this study can help to reduce bottled water consumption, but we need more active policies to change that," lead author of the study and ISGlobal researcher Cristina Villanueva said. "For example, in Barcelona, we could have more education campaigns to make the public aware that the health gains from drinking bottled water are minor compared to the environmental impacts. We need to improve access to public water, to public fountains, to public buildings where you can bring your own bottle and don’t need to buy one. We need to facilitate access to public water in public streets." Also read | Researchers to test if cannabis-based mouth spray can treat brain tumours "People trust bottled water because advertisers have done a good job of convincing people it’s a good option, so we need the effort on the other side," she added. Researchers also pointed out that the process of treating drinking water generates low levels of trihalomethanes (THM), which are often associated with a high risk of bladder cancer. However, the experts feel that "health reasons don’t justify the wide use of bottled water. Yes, strictly speaking, drinking tap water is worse for local health, but when you weigh both, what you gain from drinking bottled water is minimal. It’s quite obvious that the environmental impacts of bottled water are higher compared to tap water," Villanueva explained.

Bottled water has 3,500 times more impact on environment than tap water

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposal to list the emperor penguins as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Climate change, specifically melting sea ice, is the primary threat to the species, the agency said.

Climate change threat could see emperor penguins listed as endangered species

Turkey has been burning for the past couple of weeks and things seem to be getting worse as a new fire broke out in a thermal plant on Wednesday.

A fire appeared at the foot of a hill in front of the Yenikoy Kemerkoy thermal power plant, near the Aegean Sea town of Milas.

Also&nbsp;watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-turkey-sees-mysterious-meteor-explosion-that-made-the-sky-bright-green-402417">Turkey sees 'mysterious' meteor explosion that made the sky bright green</a>

As huge flames rose out of the plant, its chimney area was majorly covered in thick smoke. The plant on fire operates on coal and fuel oil, as per officials.

This fire has started out after the local firefighters have used all measures, including helicopters, to bring more than 150 fires under control in 32 provinces. However, new fires have been erupting. In the last few days, new fires have been reported in Isparta, Denizli, Balıkesir and Manisa.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/climate-threat-wildfires-rage-in-turkey-heatwave-hits-greece-402459#wildfires-rage-in-drought-hit%C2%A0turkey-402444">Climate threat: Wildfires rage in Turkey, heatwave hits Greece</a>

As per the Directorate of Forestry, nearly 174 fired broke out in the past eight days in 39 days and nearly 160 of them have been brought under control.

Firefighters have been using helicopters, planes and locals have been using buckets of water to battle the raging wildfires in the country, which started almost two weeks ago.

Turkey has been burning for the past couple of weeks and things seem to be getting worse as a new fire broke out in a thermal plant on Wednesday. A fire appeared at the foot of a hill in front of the Yenikoy Kemerkoy thermal power plant, near the Aegean Sea town of Milas.

Turkey has been burning for the past couple of weeks and things seem to be getting worse as a new fire broke out in a thermal plant on Wednesday. A fire appeared at the foot of a hill in front of the Yenikoy Kemerkoy thermal power plant, near the Aegean Sea town of Milas. Also watch | Turkey sees 'mysterious' meteor explosion that made the sky bright green As huge flames rose out of the plant, its chimney area was majorly covered in thick smoke. The plant on fire operates on coal and fuel oil, as per officials. This fire has started out after the local firefighters have used all measures, including helicopters, to bring more than 150 fires under control in 32 provinces. However, new fires have been erupting. In the last few days, new fires have been reported in Isparta, Denizli, Balıkesir and Manisa. Have a look | Climate threat: Wildfires rage in Turkey, heatwave hits Greece As per the Directorate of Forestry, nearly 174 fired broke out in the past eight days in 39 days and nearly 160 of them have been brought under control. Firefighters have been using helicopters, planes and locals have been using buckets of water to battle the raging wildfires in the country, which started almost two weeks ago.

Turkey: New fire breaks out in thermal power plant

Climate threat: Wildfires rage in Turkey, heatwave hits Greece

Over 83 million people are expected to die globally over the next 80 years as a result of global warming. Climate change is a reality. It has already killed 160 people in India in just a week. Watch this report to know what are the adverse effects of climate change in India.

What is climate change doing to India?

Heatwaves, landslides, wildfires, flooding, are not isolated incidents. Countries around the world are battling the onslaught of nature. The US climate envoy has issued a grim warning after taking account of the situation.

WION Climate Tracker: Climate Catastrophe looms over the world

Climate change has killed over 160 people in India in just one week. A study claims 83 million people will die over the next 80 years because of global warming. The pollution emitted by every 3 US residents in their lifetime will kill another person. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Heavy rains kill over 160 people in India

What is climate change doing to us? It is changing the way we play sports, it is interfering with our cup of coffee, also threatening our lives. Palki Sharma brings you 3 stories that show the impact of climate change.

Gravitas: Here's what climate change is doing to us

An unusual snowfall was captured in southern&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;on Wednesday, as videos uploaded to social media showed driveways and cars blanketed in ice.

Temperatures fell in swathes of&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;on Thursday - with rare snowfall overnight in some places - as a polar air mass advanced toward the centre-south of the global agricultural powerhouse, threatening coffee, sugarcane and orange crops with frosts.

Unusually cold weather in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;has already sent international prices for coffee and sugar higher and Friday (July 30) was forecast to be the coldest day of the year, according to Marco Antonio dos Santos, a partner at weather consultancy firm Rural Clima.

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Very unusual snowfall in Brazil.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brasil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brasil</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#snow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Climat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Climat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Weather?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Weather</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZerUJcaxK8">pic.twitter.com/ZerUJcaxK8</a>
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In a report on Thursday, dos Santos said the south of Goiás and the south of Mato Grosso do Sul, states where farmers grow crops like corn, would face cold temperatures on Friday as the wave of cold air marched northwards.

"With the polar air mass strengthening, it is getting even colder in most of the agricultural producing regions of center-south&nbsp;Brazil," Santos said. "As such, the chances of frosts in coffee, sugarcane and orange areas increased dramatically."

In&nbsp;Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, the cold wave has brought snow and cold rains to at least 13 cities on Wednesday.

Local television images showed tourists and locals taking photos and playing in the snow in the town of Sao Francisco de Paula as temperatures fell below zero.

The polar air mass should move over Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, major producers of sugar, citrus and coffee, on Friday, bringing freezing temperatures.

An unusual snowfall was captured in southern Brazil on Wednesday, as videos uploaded to social media showed driveways and cars blanketed in ice. Temperatures fell in swathes of Brazil on Thursday - with rare snowfall overnight in some places - as a polar air mass advanced toward the centre-south of the global agricultural powerhouse, threatening coffee, sugarcane and orange crops with frosts.

An unusual snowfall was captured in southern Brazil on Wednesday, as videos uploaded to social media showed driveways and cars blanketed in ice. Temperatures fell in swathes of Brazil on Thursday - with rare snowfall overnight in some places - as a polar air mass advanced toward the centre-south of the global agricultural powerhouse, threatening coffee, sugarcane and orange crops with frosts. Unusually cold weather in Brazil has already sent international prices for coffee and sugar higher and Friday (July 30) was forecast to be the coldest day of the year, according to Marco Antonio dos Santos, a partner at weather consultancy firm Rural Clima. Very unusual snowfall in Brazil.#Brasil #snow #Climat #Weather pic.twitter.com/ZerUJcaxK8 — Gérald DELISCAR-JOURDAN (@GDELISCAR) July 30, 2021 × In a report on Thursday, dos Santos said the south of Goiás and the south of Mato Grosso do Sul, states where farmers grow crops like corn, would face cold temperatures on Friday as the wave of cold air marched northwards. "With the polar air mass strengthening, it is getting even colder in most of the agricultural producing regions of center-south Brazil," Santos said. "As such, the chances of frosts in coffee, sugarcane and orange areas increased dramatically." In Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, the cold wave has brought snow and cold rains to at least 13 cities on Wednesday. Local television images showed tourists and locals taking photos and playing in the snow in the town of Sao Francisco de Paula as temperatures fell below zero. The polar air mass should move over Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, major producers of sugar, citrus and coffee, on Friday, bringing freezing temperatures.

Rare snowfall lashes southern Brazil threatening crops

Champagne makers are&nbsp;having a difficult year due to heavy rainfall earlier this month which has caused fungus that attacks the grapes and causes the leaves to dry up.

About 20&nbsp;to 25 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Champagne&nbsp;vineyard has been damaged by mildew fungus due caused by the rain, adding to severe losses caused by frosts earlier in the season.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-wine-war-france-vs-russia-396617/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Climate change is the big reason behind the new still-wine rush.&nbsp;Global warming allows grapes in this famously chilly region to ripen fully, giving wines more weight and flavor concentration.

The rise in the temperature in Champagne over the past three decades has been 1.1 Celcius, which also can advance harvest dates as grapes reach ripeness earlier.

The most prestigious of the world's sparkling wines,&nbsp;Champagne&nbsp;accounts for just nine percent of global sparkling wine consumption, but 33 percent of its value.

More than half the 244 million bottles shipped each year go to buyers outside France.

Champagne is most often a mixture of several vintages. Winegrowers can keep a reserve of past years' output that can be used when there is a drop in output or extra demand that had not been anticipated.

(With inputs from agencies)

Champagne makers are having a difficult year due to heavy rainfall earlier this month which has caused fungus that attacks the grapes and causes the leaves to dry up.

Champagne makers are having a difficult year due to heavy rainfall earlier this month which has caused fungus that attacks the grapes and causes the leaves to dry up. About 20 to 25 per cent of the Champagne vineyard has been damaged by mildew fungus due caused by the rain, adding to severe losses caused by frosts earlier in the season. Climate change is the big reason behind the new still-wine rush. Global warming allows grapes in this famously chilly region to ripen fully, giving wines more weight and flavor concentration. The rise in the temperature in Champagne over the past three decades has been 1.1 Celcius, which also can advance harvest dates as grapes reach ripeness earlier. The most prestigious of the world's sparkling wines, Champagne accounts for just nine percent of global sparkling wine consumption, but 33 percent of its value. More than half the 244 million bottles shipped each year go to buyers outside France. Champagne is most often a mixture of several vintages. Winegrowers can keep a reserve of past years' output that can be used when there is a drop in output or extra demand that had not been anticipated. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, Champagne vineyards hit by fungus due to climate change

Climate change is causing more frequent and severe flooding, droughts, storms, and heatwaves as average global temperatures rise to new records, sea ice melts in the Arctic, and sea levels rise.

Developing nations say the rich are lagging with a commitment dating back to 2009 to provide $100 billion a year by 2020, from public and private sources alike,&nbsp;to help them switch from fossil fuels to greener energy sources and adapt to the effects of climate change.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-salmon-boiled-alive-by-the-heatwave-in-canada-401292/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One of the annoying things about global warming, besides the likelihood it will ravage life on Earth,&nbsp;is all the new words we are expected to learn in order to track our descent into climate chaos.

Rising temperatures have not only boosted the intensity or frequency of major storms and heatwaves, but they have also spawned rare or novel weather phenomena, accompanied by new more-or-less scientific names.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-are-climate-mysteries-puzzling-worlds-leading-scientists-400037" hreflang="en">Why are climate 'mysteries' puzzling world's leading scientists?</a>

"Firenados", for example, occur when searing heat and turbulent winds rise above out-of-control forest fires in tornado-like columns.&nbsp;

California and Australia have seen plenty of these vertical flame-throwers, and will likely see a lot more, scientists say.&nbsp;

So-called "dry thunderstorms" in drought-stricken regions such as the southwestern United States are a big tease, producing thunder and lightning, but no rain.&nbsp;

The air below these high-altitude light-shows is so parched that any moisture produced evaporates on the way down.

Then there are the fire-induced, smoke-infused "pyrocumulonimbus" clouds that darkened Australian skies during the Black Summer of 2019-2020; or "urban heat islands" in big cities everywhere that run a couple degrees Celsius hotter than surrounding areas.

But nothing is more terrifying, perhaps, than the potentially deadly combination of heat and relative humidity.

A healthy human adult in the shade with unlimited drinking water will die if so-called "wet-bulb" temperatures (TW) exceed 35C for six hours, scientists have calculated.&nbsp;

It was long assumed this theoretical threshold would never be crossed, but US researchers reported last year on two locations -- one in Pakistan, another in the United Arab Emirates -- where the 35C TW barrier was breached more than once, if only fleetingly. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

'Savannafication'

An increase in algae blooms, sometimes known as "sea snot"&nbsp;is one thing, at least, that can't be blamed on climate change, according to a recent study.&nbsp;

A critical UN assessment of climate science currently under review by 196 nations, meanwhile, will highlight the rising threat of "tipping points" in Earth's climate system, according to sources who have seen drafts of the report.

Anyone who has tried to balance in a chair leaning back on two legs knows there is a point-of-no-return beyond which things crash to the floor. &nbsp;

And so it is with kilometres-thick ice sheets atop Greenland and West Antarctica holding enough frozen water to lift oceans more than a dozen metres (40 feet). It may take centuries or longer, but some scientists say that big chunks are already "committed", and the melting "locked-in".

Likewise with the Amazon basin.&nbsp;

Climate change coupled with fires set ablaze to clear land for cattle and crops are pushing the world's largest tropical forest -- a process dubbed "savannafication" -- into arid expanses of grasslands.

These shifts are accelerated by vicious cycles of warming that scientists call "feedbacks".&nbsp;

As the thin crust of snow-covered ice floating on the Arctic Ocean, for example, gives way over the years to deep blue sea, the Sun's planet-warming radiation is absorbed rather than bounced back into space. The reflective capacity of white surfaces is called "albedo". &nbsp;&nbsp;

How do humans reacts to all these grim tidings?

Some slip into "doomism", the understandable but useless idea that the "Earth system", now a branch of science,&nbsp;is in a terminal nose dive.

Humanity, they will point out, has almost used up its "carbon budget", and is on track to massively "overshoot" the Paris treaty goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees above preindustrial levels. &nbsp;

Others are suffering from a mental state known as "solastalgia", which combines melancholy, grief and nostalgia for a world that seems to be slipping from our grasp.

At the other extreme, the "Greta effect" has given rise to a generation of uncompromising climate warriors inspired by the young Swedish activist, and known in Italy as "Gretini".&nbsp;

Post-Covid, their parents dream of escaping to Bali or The Maldives for some "last chance tourism" before all the coral reefs die.&nbsp;

But "flight shaming" for the carbon foot print of flying half-way across the globe may prevent them from getting off the ground.

So the family might as well settle in for a "CliFi" movie on Netflix, Interstellar and Snowpiercer&nbsp;perhaps,&nbsp;or a documentary on how "blue carbon" in the ocean could save us all.

(With inputs from agencies)

Climate change is causing more frequent and severe flooding, droughts, storms, and heatwaves as average global temperatures rise to new records, sea ice melts in the Arctic, and sea levels rise.

Climate change is causing more frequent and severe flooding, droughts, storms, and heatwaves as average global temperatures rise to new records, sea ice melts in the Arctic, and sea levels rise. Developing nations say the rich are lagging with a commitment dating back to 2009 to provide $100 billion a year by 2020, from public and private sources alike, to help them switch from fossil fuels to greener energy sources and adapt to the effects of climate change. One of the annoying things about global warming, besides the likelihood it will ravage life on Earth, is all the new words we are expected to learn in order to track our descent into climate chaos. Rising temperatures have not only boosted the intensity or frequency of major storms and heatwaves, but they have also spawned rare or novel weather phenomena, accompanied by new more-or-less scientific names. Also read| Why are climate 'mysteries' puzzling world's leading scientists? "Firenados", for example, occur when searing heat and turbulent winds rise above out-of-control forest fires in tornado-like columns. California and Australia have seen plenty of these vertical flame-throwers, and will likely see a lot more, scientists say. So-called "dry thunderstorms" in drought-stricken regions such as the southwestern United States are a big tease, producing thunder and lightning, but no rain. The air below these high-altitude light-shows is so parched that any moisture produced evaporates on the way down. Then there are the fire-induced, smoke-infused "pyrocumulonimbus" clouds that darkened Australian skies during the Black Summer of 2019-2020; or "urban heat islands" in big cities everywhere that run a couple degrees Celsius hotter than surrounding areas. But nothing is more terrifying, perhaps, than the potentially deadly combination of heat and relative humidity. A healthy human adult in the shade with unlimited drinking water will die if so-called "wet-bulb" temperatures (TW) exceed 35C for six hours, scientists have calculated. It was long assumed this theoretical threshold would never be crossed, but US researchers reported last year on two locations -- one in Pakistan, another in the United Arab Emirates -- where the 35C TW barrier was breached more than once, if only fleetingly. 'Savannafication' An increase in algae blooms, sometimes known as "sea snot" is one thing, at least, that can't be blamed on climate change, according to a recent study. A critical UN assessment of climate science currently under review by 196 nations, meanwhile, will highlight the rising threat of "tipping points" in Earth's climate system, according to sources who have seen drafts of the report. Anyone who has tried to balance in a chair leaning back on two legs knows there is a point-of-no-return beyond which things crash to the floor. And so it is with kilometres-thick ice sheets atop Greenland and West Antarctica holding enough frozen water to lift oceans more than a dozen metres (40 feet). It may take centuries or longer, but some scientists say that big chunks are already "committed", and the melting "locked-in". Likewise with the Amazon basin. Climate change coupled with fires set ablaze to clear land for cattle and crops are pushing the world's largest tropical forest -- a process dubbed "savannafication" -- into arid expanses of grasslands. These shifts are accelerated by vicious cycles of warming that scientists call "feedbacks". As the thin crust of snow-covered ice floating on the Arctic Ocean, for example, gives way over the years to deep blue sea, the Sun's planet-warming radiation is absorbed rather than bounced back into space. The reflective capacity of white surfaces is called "albedo". How do humans reacts to all these grim tidings? Some slip into "doomism", the understandable but useless idea that the "Earth system", now a branch of science, is in a terminal nose dive. Humanity, they will point out, has almost used up its "carbon budget", and is on track to massively "overshoot" the Paris treaty goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees above preindustrial levels. Others are suffering from a mental state known as "solastalgia", which combines melancholy, grief and nostalgia for a world that seems to be slipping from our grasp. At the other extreme, the "Greta effect" has given rise to a generation of uncompromising climate warriors inspired by the young Swedish activist, and known in Italy as "Gretini". Post-Covid, their parents dream of escaping to Bali or The Maldives for some "last chance tourism" before all the coral reefs die. But "flight shaming" for the carbon foot print of flying half-way across the globe may prevent them from getting off the ground. So the family might as well settle in for a "CliFi" movie on Netflix, Interstellar and Snowpiercer perhaps, or a documentary on how "blue carbon" in the ocean could save us all. (With inputs from agencies)

'Savannafication': Brace yourself for new climate lingo that boggles the mind

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