A new study has said that the Earth's ice is melting faster than in the mid-1990s as climate change continues to push the temperature higher.&nbsp;

Since the mid-1990s, an estimated 28 trillion metric tons of ice have melted away from the glaciers, sea ice, and ice sheets.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The report published in the journal the Cryosphere said that annually, the melt rate is 57 per cent faster than it was 30 years ago.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-glaciers-give-insights-on-the-planets-many-ice-ages-358330">Mars' glaciers give insights on the planet's many ice ages</a>

"It was a surprise to see such a large increase in just 30 years," said co-author Thomas Slater, a glaciologist at Leeds University in the UK was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The land ice melted in Antarctica, Greenland, and mountain glaciers added so much water in the 30 year-period that the overall global sea level rose by 3.5 centimetres.&nbsp;

The melting of mountain glaciers contributed to 22 per cent of the yearly ice loss, which is substantial since only about 1 per cent of all ice atop land, Slater said.&nbsp;

In the Arctic too, the loss of sea ice is noteworthy as in the last year, it witnessed the second-lowest sea ice extent in over 40 years of satellite monitoring.&nbsp;

The loss of sea ice also brings into play dark water which absorbs solar radiation, thereby causing a rise in regional temperatures.&nbsp;

A new study has said that the Earth's ice is melting faster than in the mid-1990s as climate change continues to push the temperature higher. Since the mid-1990s, an estimated 28 trillion metric tons of ice have melted away from the glaciers, sea ice, and ice sheets.

A new study has said that the Earth's ice is melting faster than in the mid-1990s as climate change continues to push the temperature higher. Since the mid-1990s, an estimated 28 trillion metric tons of ice have melted away from the glaciers, sea ice, and ice sheets. Watch | The report published in the journal the Cryosphere said that annually, the melt rate is 57 per cent faster than it was 30 years ago. Also read | Mars' glaciers give insights on the planet's many ice ages "It was a surprise to see such a large increase in just 30 years," said co-author Thomas Slater, a glaciologist at Leeds University in the UK was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. The land ice melted in Antarctica, Greenland, and mountain glaciers added so much water in the 30 year-period that the overall global sea level rose by 3.5 centimetres. The melting of mountain glaciers contributed to 22 per cent of the yearly ice loss, which is substantial since only about 1 per cent of all ice atop land, Slater said. In the Arctic too, the loss of sea ice is noteworthy as in the last year, it witnessed the second-lowest sea ice extent in over 40 years of satellite monitoring. The loss of sea ice also brings into play dark water which absorbs solar radiation, thereby causing a rise in regional temperatures.

Earth's ice is vanishing faster today than in the mid-1990s: Study

Boris Johnson and Joe Biden on Saturday vowed to deepen ties and cooperate on tackling climate change in their first conversation since the US president's inauguration, the British prime minister's office said.

Johnson used his first phone call with the US&nbsp;president to welcome&nbsp;Biden's announcements that the United States would rejoin the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate and the World Health Organization, and they discussed the prospects of a free trade deal.

Biden on Friday spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his first call to a foreign leader.

The White House in a readout of the call said that Biden "conveyed his intention to strengthen the special relationship between our countries and also "noted the importance of cooperation, including through multilateral organizations, on shared challenges".

"Great to speak to President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;this evening," Johnson said on Twitter. "I look forward to deepening the longstanding alliance between our two countries as we drive a green and sustainable recovery from COVID-19."

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Great to speak to President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> this evening. I look forward to deepening the longstanding alliance between our two countries as we drive a green and sustainable recovery from COVID-19. <a href="https://t.co/Y4P3G74PPz">pic.twitter.com/Y4P3G74PPz</a>
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The White House said&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;and Johnson talked about cooperation, including through multilateral organizations, on curbing climate change and fighting COVID-19.

Biden&nbsp;also conveyed his intention to "strengthen the special relationship between our countries and revitalize transatlantic ties, underscoring the critical role of NATO to our collective defence and shared values," the White House said in a release.

A spokeswoman for Johnson said the leaders "also discussed the benefits of a potential free trade deal between our two countries." Britain left the European Union last year.&nbsp;Biden's call with Johnson was his first with a European leader since taking office.

The conversation appeared aimed at warming frosty relations after Biden in 2019 described Johnson as a "physical and emotional clone" of Donald Trump, his predecessor as US president.

Biden has also been critical of Johnson's Brexit policy, but the Downing Street statement said the leaders "discussed the benefits of a potential free trade deal between our two countries".

Johnson said he intended to resolve current trade issues "as soon as possible".

Biden, who has Irish roots, had warned ahead of his election that if Brexit damaged the 1998 Good Friday Agreement he would not consent to a trade deal. That agreement ended 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland.

Johnson praised Biden for swiftly reversing policy decisions made by his predecessor.&nbsp;

He "warmly welcomed" Biden's decision to put the United States back into the Paris climate accord and rejoin the World Health Organization. The prime minister also praised Biden's commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Boris Johnson and Joe Biden on Saturday vowed to deepen ties and cooperate on tackling climate change in their first conversation since the US president's inauguration, the British prime minister's office said.

Boris Johnson and Joe Biden on Saturday vowed to deepen ties and cooperate on tackling climate change in their first conversation since the US president's inauguration, the British prime minister's office said. Johnson used his first phone call with the US president to welcome Biden's announcements that the United States would rejoin the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate and the World Health Organization, and they discussed the prospects of a free trade deal. Biden on Friday spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his first call to a foreign leader. The White House in a readout of the call said that Biden "conveyed his intention to strengthen the special relationship between our countries and also "noted the importance of cooperation, including through multilateral organizations, on shared challenges". "Great to speak to President Joe Biden this evening," Johnson said on Twitter. "I look forward to deepening the longstanding alliance between our two countries as we drive a green and sustainable recovery from COVID-19." Great to speak to President @JoeBiden this evening. I look forward to deepening the longstanding alliance between our two countries as we drive a green and sustainable recovery from COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/Y4P3G74PPz — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 23, 2021 × The White House said Biden and Johnson talked about cooperation, including through multilateral organizations, on curbing climate change and fighting COVID-19. Biden also conveyed his intention to "strengthen the special relationship between our countries and revitalize transatlantic ties, underscoring the critical role of NATO to our collective defence and shared values," the White House said in a release. A spokeswoman for Johnson said the leaders "also discussed the benefits of a potential free trade deal between our two countries." Britain left the European Union last year. Biden's call with Johnson was his first with a European leader since taking office. The conversation appeared aimed at warming frosty relations after Biden in 2019 described Johnson as a "physical and emotional clone" of Donald Trump, his predecessor as US president. Biden has also been critical of Johnson's Brexit policy, but the Downing Street statement said the leaders "discussed the benefits of a potential free trade deal between our two countries". Johnson said he intended to resolve current trade issues "as soon as possible". Biden, who has Irish roots, had warned ahead of his election that if Brexit damaged the 1998 Good Friday Agreement he would not consent to a trade deal. That agreement ended 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland. Johnson praised Biden for swiftly reversing policy decisions made by his predecessor. He "warmly welcomed" Biden's decision to put the United States back into the Paris climate accord and rejoin the World Health Organization. The prime minister also praised Biden's commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Boris Johnson and Joe Biden vow to deepen ties and cooperate on tackling climate change

United Nations says the world is not doing enough to deal with the catastrophic effects of climate change. The agency added that countries are falling short of promises part of the Paris deal.

UN added how countries are failing at “adaptation” which refers to measures in place to reduce the effects of climate change on communities, and improving the ability of communities to deal with disasters like floods and drought.&nbsp;

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Adaptation is one of the key dictates of the Paris deal.

As part of the Paris deal, countries are required to implement adaptation measures through planning. In addition, it also has a provision for funding for countries that at the highest risk of dealing with the fallout of climate change.

In the UN Environment Programme Adaptation Gap report, it was revealed that the current financing of $30 billion annually falls short of the $70 billion required in developing nations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/2020-ties-2016-as-hottest-year-on-record-eu-climate-change-service-says-355342" hreflang="en">2020 ties 2016 as hottest year on record, EU climate change service says</a>

In addition, the report claimed that the real cost of adapting to climate change and its effects in developing countries could be as high as $300 billion every year. By mid-century this could shoot up to $500 billion.

"The hard truth is that climate change is upon us," Inger Andersen, UNEP executive director said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-pm-urges-using-scientific-advances-to-battle-climate-change-349383" hreflang="en">UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change</a>

"Its impacts will intensify and hit vulnerable countries and communities the hardest -- even if we meet the Paris Agreement goals of holding global warming this century to well below 2C”, Andersen added.

In addition, the report urged for more funding for adaptation measures, through both public and private players. It also suggest a nature-based approach which focuses on protecting and restoring ecosystems.

United Nations says the world is not doing enough to deal with the catastrophic effects of climate change. The agency added that countries are falling short of promises part of the Paris deal.

United Nations says the world is not doing enough to deal with the catastrophic effects of climate change. The agency added that countries are falling short of promises part of the Paris deal. UN added how countries are failing at “adaptation” which refers to measures in place to reduce the effects of climate change on communities, and improving the ability of communities to deal with disasters like floods and drought. Adaptation is one of the key dictates of the Paris deal. As part of the Paris deal, countries are required to implement adaptation measures through planning. In addition, it also has a provision for funding for countries that at the highest risk of dealing with the fallout of climate change. In the UN Environment Programme Adaptation Gap report, it was revealed that the current financing of $30 billion annually falls short of the $70 billion required in developing nations. Also read: 2020 ties 2016 as hottest year on record, EU climate change service says In addition, the report claimed that the real cost of adapting to climate change and its effects in developing countries could be as high as $300 billion every year. By mid-century this could shoot up to $500 billion. "The hard truth is that climate change is upon us," Inger Andersen, UNEP executive director said. Also read: UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change "Its impacts will intensify and hit vulnerable countries and communities the hardest -- even if we meet the Paris Agreement goals of holding global warming this century to well below 2C”, Andersen added. In addition, the report urged for more funding for adaptation measures, through both public and private players. It also suggest a nature-based approach which focuses on protecting and restoring ecosystems.

Countries failing to fund climate change adaptation measures, says United Nations

Global migration has slowed down by nearly 30 per cent, owing to restrictions that were put in place to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A United Nations report from Friday revealed that two million fewer people migrated between 2019-20 than expected. 
 
In 2020, 281 million people were living outside their country of origin, the report added.

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Titled “International Migration 2020”, the report showed how two-thirds of registered migrants lived in less than 20 countries.

The United States topped the list, hosting over 51 million migrants in 2020. 
 
Germany came in second with 16 million migrants, followed by Saudi Arabia with 13 million migrants. Russia came close with 12 million migrants, and Britain with nine million. 
 
In terms of the largest diasporas in 2020, India topped the list. 18 million Indians were living outside their country of birth in 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/global-warming-could-create-63-million-migrants-in-south-asia-by-2050-352907" hreflang="en">Global warming could create 63 million migrants in South Asia by 2050</a>

Other countries with a large population outside their country of origin include Mexico, Russia with 11 million each, followed by China with 10 million, then by Syria with eight million.

The most number of migrants lived in Europe in 2020 - 87 million to be precise.

Almost half of foreign migrants moved nearby their countries of origin. In Europe, for instance, seventy per cent migrants that were born in Europe are now living in a different European country. 
 
Out of the international migrants, refugees accounted for 12 per cent of those, as per the report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/us-sues-facebook-for-allegedly-favouring-immigrants-over-us-workers-347344" hreflang="en">US sues Facebook for allegedly favouring immigrants over US workers&nbsp;</a> 
 
The global climate crisis could see more than 63 million people displaced from their homes within South Asian countries in the next 30 years, according to a new report.

According to a report by ActionAid International and Climate Action Network South Asia, if global warming continues on its current path then the rising sea levels and droughts will force a huge part of South Asian population to migrate. 
&nbsp;

Global migration has slowed down by nearly 30 per cent, owing to restrictions that were put in place to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A United Nations report from Friday revealed that two million fewer people migrated between 2019-20 than expected.

Global migration has slowed down by nearly 30 per cent, owing to restrictions that were put in place to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A United Nations report from Friday revealed that two million fewer people migrated between 2019-20 than expected. In 2020, 281 million people were living outside their country of origin, the report added. Titled “International Migration 2020”, the report showed how two-thirds of registered migrants lived in less than 20 countries. The United States topped the list, hosting over 51 million migrants in 2020. Germany came in second with 16 million migrants, followed by Saudi Arabia with 13 million migrants. Russia came close with 12 million migrants, and Britain with nine million. In terms of the largest diasporas in 2020, India topped the list. 18 million Indians were living outside their country of birth in 2020. Also read: Global warming could create 63 million migrants in South Asia by 2050 Other countries with a large population outside their country of origin include Mexico, Russia with 11 million each, followed by China with 10 million, then by Syria with eight million. The most number of migrants lived in Europe in 2020 - 87 million to be precise. Almost half of foreign migrants moved nearby their countries of origin. In Europe, for instance, seventy per cent migrants that were born in Europe are now living in a different European country. Out of the international migrants, refugees accounted for 12 per cent of those, as per the report. Also read: US sues Facebook for allegedly favouring immigrants over US workers The global climate crisis could see more than 63 million people displaced from their homes within South Asian countries in the next 30 years, according to a new report. According to a report by ActionAid International and Climate Action Network South Asia, if global warming continues on its current path then the rising sea levels and droughts will force a huge part of South Asian population to migrate.

Coronavirus slowed down global migration by 30%; Indian diaspora the largest: UN report

Istanbul may&nbsp;run out of water in 45 days with&nbsp;Turkey facing the worst drought in 10 years with dams drying across the country.

Sprawling underdevelopment and poor rainfall are&nbsp;being blamed for putting Istanbul, the megacity of 17 million people close to running out water.

Earlier, Ankara's mayor Mansur Yavas had confirmed that city's Omerli dam had only 110 days worth of water left in its&nbsp;reservoir, the lowest in last 15 years.

Meanwhile, Turkey's next two biggest cities, Izmir and Bursa are also struggling with their dam capacity being depleted to 36 and 24 per cent respectively.

Turkey is a ''water-stressed'' country as it produces only 1346 cubic metres of water per capita per year. The critically low rainfall in the second half of 2020 led farmers to warn of crop failure.

Turkey has faced several droughts since the 1980s due to industrialisation, population growth and climate change.

As per&nbsp;Istanbul Technical University academic&nbsp;Sevinç Asilhan, ''Turkey has a semi-arid climate due to its geographical location and said the country's reduction in the number of forests and green areas has made the drought more severe.''

Dr Akgün İlhan, a water management expert at the Istanbul Policy Center said: “Instead of focusing on measures to keep water demand under control, Turkey insists on expanding its water supply through building more dams …&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has built hundreds of dams in the last two decades.”

“The warning signs have been there for decades but not much has been done in practice.”

Turkey has been criticised for prioritising economic growth and neglecting environmental concerns and remains the only G20 country besides the United States to ratify the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Istanbul may run out of water in 45 days with Turkey facing the worst drought in 10 years with dams drying across the country. Sprawling underdevelopment and poor rainfall are being blamed for putting Istanbul, the megacity of 17 million people close to running out water.

Istanbul may run out of water in 45 days with Turkey facing the worst drought in 10 years with dams drying across the country. Sprawling underdevelopment and poor rainfall are being blamed for putting Istanbul, the megacity of 17 million people close to running out water. Earlier, Ankara's mayor Mansur Yavas had confirmed that city's Omerli dam had only 110 days worth of water left in its reservoir, the lowest in last 15 years. Meanwhile, Turkey's next two biggest cities, Izmir and Bursa are also struggling with their dam capacity being depleted to 36 and 24 per cent respectively. Turkey is a ''water-stressed'' country as it produces only 1346 cubic metres of water per capita per year. The critically low rainfall in the second half of 2020 led farmers to warn of crop failure. Turkey has faced several droughts since the 1980s due to industrialisation, population growth and climate change. As per Istanbul Technical University academic Sevinç Asilhan, ''Turkey has a semi-arid climate due to its geographical location and said the country's reduction in the number of forests and green areas has made the drought more severe.'' Dr Akgün İlhan, a water management expert at the Istanbul Policy Center said: “Instead of focusing on measures to keep water demand under control, Turkey insists on expanding its water supply through building more dams … Turkey has built hundreds of dams in the last two decades.” “The warning signs have been there for decades but not much has been done in practice.” Turkey has been criticised for prioritising economic growth and neglecting environmental concerns and remains the only G20 country besides the United States to ratify the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Istanbul may run out of water in 45 days due to severe drought

Encroaching sands have left little evidence that the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants and curious visitors are coming to rediscover the hamlet engulfed by the desert.

Salem al-Arimi, originally from the area, looked out nostalgically over the expanse.

According to local elders, "all the houses in the village were invaded by the sand that assailed them 30 years ago, forcing the inhabitants to leave their homes," he said.

Building tops and sections of stone wall emerge here and there, bearing witness to those who once lived here.

Deserts are expanding all over the world, pushed on by climate change, and affected populations have few weapons to fight back.

Wadi al-Murr's inhabitants, who mostly relied on pastoral activities, had to give up their village, swelling the ranks of those migrating to towns and cities.

Nostalgia

Located at the bottom of a valley nearly 400 kilometres (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, Wadi al-Murr is cut off from main roads and only reachable via a long, rough track.

Its isolation, including from the electricity and water grids, contributed to its slide into obscurity.

But that has not prevented erstwhile residents from returning to visit, along with trekking enthusiasts who take desert hikes in the region.

Mohammed al-Ghanbousi, a former inhabitant, said the moving dunes had re-exposed some dwellings after they were covered by sand.

This phenomenon has prompted "nostalgic people to visit the village, whose structures still stand because they are built from stone," he said.

"The village has recently been included in trekking tours and also attracts photography enthusiasts," he added.

A mosque that sits within the village, which in its heyday had about 30 houses and 150 inhabitants, is one building that has resurfaced.

Mohammed al-Alaoui said that when his mother learnt some homes had reappeared, she asked him to take her back.

"She often wants to go, and she likes to be there while she relates her memories of the old days, and sheds a few tears," he said.

Tourism

Rashed al-Ameri is among the Omani tourists who have come to discover the hamlet swallowed by the desert.

He travelled from Sur, hundreds of kilometres away, with two friends who were also keen to see Wadi al-Murr.

Oman, which is trying to diversify its oil-reliant economy, is seeking to develop its tourism industry -- capitalising on its rich heritage, scenic coasts and stunning mountain geography.

The sultanate attracted three million foreign tourists in 2019, but like almost everywhere else, the novel coronavirus pandemic reduced visitors to a trickle in 2020.&nbsp;

Ameri is among those who believe Wadi al-Murr could easily be included on Oman's tourist trail.

"What amazed me was that the force of nature could erase an entire village," he said.

"And what's more amazing is how this place, with its old walls, resists these assaults."

Encroaching sands have left little evidence that the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants and curious visitors are coming to rediscover the hamlet engulfed by the desert.

Encroaching sands have left little evidence that the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants and curious visitors are coming to rediscover the hamlet engulfed by the desert. Salem al-Arimi, originally from the area, looked out nostalgically over the expanse. According to local elders, "all the houses in the village were invaded by the sand that assailed them 30 years ago, forcing the inhabitants to leave their homes," he said. Building tops and sections of stone wall emerge here and there, bearing witness to those who once lived here. Deserts are expanding all over the world, pushed on by climate change, and affected populations have few weapons to fight back. Wadi al-Murr's inhabitants, who mostly relied on pastoral activities, had to give up their village, swelling the ranks of those migrating to towns and cities. Nostalgia Located at the bottom of a valley nearly 400 kilometres (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, Wadi al-Murr is cut off from main roads and only reachable via a long, rough track. Its isolation, including from the electricity and water grids, contributed to its slide into obscurity. But that has not prevented erstwhile residents from returning to visit, along with trekking enthusiasts who take desert hikes in the region. Mohammed al-Ghanbousi, a former inhabitant, said the moving dunes had re-exposed some dwellings after they were covered by sand. This phenomenon has prompted "nostalgic people to visit the village, whose structures still stand because they are built from stone," he said. "The village has recently been included in trekking tours and also attracts photography enthusiasts," he added. A mosque that sits within the village, which in its heyday had about 30 houses and 150 inhabitants, is one building that has resurfaced. Mohammed al-Alaoui said that when his mother learnt some homes had reappeared, she asked him to take her back. "She often wants to go, and she likes to be there while she relates her memories of the old days, and sheds a few tears," he said. Tourism Rashed al-Ameri is among the Omani tourists who have come to discover the hamlet swallowed by the desert. He travelled from Sur, hundreds of kilometres away, with two friends who were also keen to see Wadi al-Murr. Oman, which is trying to diversify its oil-reliant economy, is seeking to develop its tourism industry -- capitalising on its rich heritage, scenic coasts and stunning mountain geography. The sultanate attracted three million foreign tourists in 2019, but like almost everywhere else, the novel coronavirus pandemic reduced visitors to a trickle in 2020. Ameri is among those who believe Wadi al-Murr could easily be included on Oman's tourist trail. "What amazed me was that the force of nature could erase an entire village," he said. "And what's more amazing is how this place, with its old walls, resists these assaults."

Omanis revive memory of village swallowed by desert

Scientists at the University of Michigan have discovered a bacteria called ''Iron Man'' that they believe can help in protecting the environment, in the latest study.

The study published in the&nbsp;Frontiers in Microbiology shows that&nbsp;microbes are capable of an incredible feat that could help reclaim a valuable natural resource and soak up toxic pollutants.

The research led by&nbsp;Gemma Reguera,&nbsp;a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Michigan State University, can open doors for the bacteria's application&nbsp;in recycling and remediation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-new-state-of-matter-liquid-glass-355332" hreflang="en">Scientists discover new state of matter: Liquid Glass</a>

The lesson is that we really need to think outside the box, especially in biology. We just know the tip of the iceberg. Microbes have been on earth for billions of years, and to think that they can't do something precludes us from so many ideas and applications," said Reguera.

Reguera's team works with bacteria found in soil and sediment known as Geobacter. In its latest project, the team investigated what happened to the bacteria when they encounter cobalt.

Cobalt is a valuable but increasingly scarce metal used in batteries for electric vehicles and alloys for spacecraft. It`s also highly toxic to livings things, including humans and bacteria. It&nbsp;kills a lot of microbes by penetrating&nbsp;their cells and wreaks havoc.

But the team suspected Geobacter might be able to escape that fate. These microbes are a hardy bunch. They can block uranium contaminants from getting into groundwater, and they can power themselves by pulling energy from minerals containing iron oxide. "They respire rust," Reguera said.

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In picture:&nbsp;This Geobacter cell, which looks a bit like a gray peanut in this microscope image, is speckled with a dark coating of cobalt minerals that would be toxic to many organisms. Credit: Hunter Dulay, MSU

Scientists know little about how microbes interact with cobalt in the environment, but many researchers, including one grant reviewer, believed that the toxic metal would be too much for the microbes.

But Reguera's team challenged that thinking and found Geobacter to be effective cobalt "miners," extracting the metal from rust without letting it penetrate their cells and kill them. Rather, the bacteria essentially coat themselves with the metal.

"They form cobalt nanoparticles on their surface. They metallize themselves and it`s like a shield that protects them," Reguera said. "It's like Iron Man when he puts on the suit."

The Spartan team included Kazem Kashefi, an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and graduate students Hunter Dulay and Marcela Tabares, who are "two amazing and relatively junior investigators," Reguera said.

She sees this discovery as a proof-of-concept that opens the door to a number of exciting possibilities. For example, Geobacter could form the basis of new biotechnology built to reclaim and recycle cobalt from lithium-ion batteries, reducing the nation`s dependence on foreign cobalt mines.

It also invites researchers to study Geobacter as a means to soak up other toxic metals that were previously believed to be death sentences for the bacteria. Reguera is particularly interested in seeing if Geobacter could help clean up cadmium, a metal that`s found in industrial pollution that disproportionately affects America`s most disadvantaged communities.

"This is a reminder to be creative and not limited in the possibilities. Research is the freedom to explore, to search and search and search," Reguera said.

"We have textbook opinions about what microbes can and should do, but life is so diverse and colourful. There are other processes out there waiting to be discovered."&nbsp;

Scientists at the University of Michigan have discovered a bacteria called ''Iron Man'' that they believe can help in protecting the environment, in the latest study.

Scientists at the University of Michigan have discovered a bacteria called ''Iron Man'' that they believe can help in protecting the environment, in the latest study. The study published in the Frontiers in Microbiology shows that microbes are capable of an incredible feat that could help reclaim a valuable natural resource and soak up toxic pollutants. The research led by Gemma Reguera, a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Michigan State University, can open doors for the bacteria's application in recycling and remediation. Also read: Scientists discover new state of matter: Liquid Glass The lesson is that we really need to think outside the box, especially in biology. We just know the tip of the iceberg. Microbes have been on earth for billions of years, and to think that they can't do something precludes us from so many ideas and applications," said Reguera. Reguera's team works with bacteria found in soil and sediment known as Geobacter. In its latest project, the team investigated what happened to the bacteria when they encounter cobalt. Cobalt is a valuable but increasingly scarce metal used in batteries for electric vehicles and alloys for spacecraft. It`s also highly toxic to livings things, including humans and bacteria. It kills a lot of microbes by penetrating their cells and wreaks havoc. But the team suspected Geobacter might be able to escape that fate. These microbes are a hardy bunch. They can block uranium contaminants from getting into groundwater, and they can power themselves by pulling energy from minerals containing iron oxide. "They respire rust," Reguera said. In picture: This Geobacter cell, which looks a bit like a gray peanut in this microscope image, is speckled with a dark coating of cobalt minerals that would be toxic to many organisms. Credit: Hunter Dulay, MSU Scientists know little about how microbes interact with cobalt in the environment, but many researchers, including one grant reviewer, believed that the toxic metal would be too much for the microbes. But Reguera's team challenged that thinking and found Geobacter to be effective cobalt "miners," extracting the metal from rust without letting it penetrate their cells and kill them. Rather, the bacteria essentially coat themselves with the metal. "They form cobalt nanoparticles on their surface. They metallize themselves and it`s like a shield that protects them," Reguera said. "It's like Iron Man when he puts on the suit." The Spartan team included Kazem Kashefi, an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and graduate students Hunter Dulay and Marcela Tabares, who are "two amazing and relatively junior investigators," Reguera said. She sees this discovery as a proof-of-concept that opens the door to a number of exciting possibilities. For example, Geobacter could form the basis of new biotechnology built to reclaim and recycle cobalt from lithium-ion batteries, reducing the nation`s dependence on foreign cobalt mines. It also invites researchers to study Geobacter as a means to soak up other toxic metals that were previously believed to be death sentences for the bacteria. Reguera is particularly interested in seeing if Geobacter could help clean up cadmium, a metal that`s found in industrial pollution that disproportionately affects America`s most disadvantaged communities. "This is a reminder to be creative and not limited in the possibilities. Research is the freedom to explore, to search and search and search," Reguera said. "We have textbook opinions about what microbes can and should do, but life is so diverse and colourful. There are other processes out there waiting to be discovered."

Scientists believe bacteria called 'Iron Man' can help in protecting the environment

Last year has tied 2016 as the hottest year on record, the European Union's climate monitoring service said Friday.

The six years since 2015 are the six warmest ever registered, as are 20 of the last 21, evidence of a persistent and deepening trend, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported.

In 2020, temperatures globally were an average of 1.25 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) higher than in pre-industrial times, Copernicus said. The last six years were the world’s hottest on record.

“The extraordinary climate events of 2020 and the data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service show us that we have no time to lose,” said Matthias Petschke, Director for Space in the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm. The bloc’s space programmes include the Copernicus earth observation satellites.

A preliminary tally found that 13 of last year’s disasters led to at least 188 deaths and costs of $46.6 billion, Smith said. NOAA was to release a complete survey of damages in 2020 at 1600 GMT (1100 a.m. EST) on Friday.

Last year also saw the highest temperature ever reliably recorded, when in August a California heatwave pushed the temperature at Death Valley in the Mojave Desert up to 54.4C (129.92°F).

The Arctic and northern Siberia continued to warm more quickly than the planet as a whole in 2020, with temperatures in parts of these regions averaging more than 6C above a 30-year average used as a baseline.

(with inputs from agencies)

Last year has tied 2016 as the hottest year on record, the European Union's climate monitoring service said Friday. The six years since 2015 are the six warmest ever registered, as are 20 of the last 21, evidence of a persistent and deepening trend, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported.

Last year has tied 2016 as the hottest year on record, the European Union's climate monitoring service said Friday. The six years since 2015 are the six warmest ever registered, as are 20 of the last 21, evidence of a persistent and deepening trend, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported. In 2020, temperatures globally were an average of 1.25 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) higher than in pre-industrial times, Copernicus said. The last six years were the world’s hottest on record. “The extraordinary climate events of 2020 and the data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service show us that we have no time to lose,” said Matthias Petschke, Director for Space in the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm. The bloc’s space programmes include the Copernicus earth observation satellites. A preliminary tally found that 13 of last year’s disasters led to at least 188 deaths and costs of $46.6 billion, Smith said. NOAA was to release a complete survey of damages in 2020 at 1600 GMT (1100 a.m. EST) on Friday. Last year also saw the highest temperature ever reliably recorded, when in August a California heatwave pushed the temperature at Death Valley in the Mojave Desert up to 54.4C (129.92°F). The Arctic and northern Siberia continued to warm more quickly than the planet as a whole in 2020, with temperatures in parts of these regions averaging more than 6C above a 30-year average used as a baseline. (with inputs from agencies)

2020 ties 2016 as hottest year on record, EU climate change service says

The changing climate and fast-disappearing glaciers have coincided with a move from the countryside to the cities of Bolivia.

Bolivia's Tuni Glacier is disappearing earlier than predicted; Watch this report

The impact of climate change is extremely complex and studying it in its entirety is pretty hard. However, researchers are now looking to try & understand as to have prehistoric beech forests may explain to us the concept of coping with climate change.

Scientists conducting study on Climate change trying to understand forest's regeneration

Extreme weather events due to climate change have cost the world billions in damages in 2020, says a new report, including the terrible floods that struck India cost $10 billion.

As many as 2,067 lives were lost during the June-October floods, the highest number of fatalities due to climate change-induced weather events this year, said global NGO Christian Aid in its report The Cost: A Year of Climate Breakdown, where 15 of the most damaging extreme weather events globally in 2020 were studied.&nbsp;

According to the report 10 of those events cost $1.5 billion or more.&nbsp;

The US was hit by the highest costs due to the record-breaking hurricane season and fires.

Most of these estimates are based only on insured losses, meaning the true financial costs are likely to be higher.

While the report focuses on financial costs, which are usually higher in richer countries because they have more valuable property, some extreme weather events in 2020 were devastating in poorer countries, even though the price tag was lower.

South Sudan, for example, experienced one of its worst floods on record, which killed 138 people and destroyed the year's crops.

Some of the disasters hit fast, like cyclone Amphan, which struck the Bay of Bengal in May and caused losses valued at $13 billion in just a few days.

Other events unfolded over months, like floods in China and India, which had an estimated cost of $32 billion and $10 billion respectively.

Six of the 10 most costly events took place in Asia, five of them associated with an unusually rainy monsoon.

And in Africa, huge locust swarms ravaged crops and vegetation across several countries, causing damages estimated at $8.5 billion.

The outbreak has been linked to wet conditions brought about by unusual rains fuelled by climate change.

But the impact of extreme weather was felt all over the world. In Europe, two extra-tropical cyclones, Ciara and Alex, had a combined cost of almost $6 billion.

The US suffered from both a record-breaking hurricane season and a record-breaking fire season adding up to more than $60 billion in damages.

Some less populated places also suffered the consequences of a warming world.

In Siberia, a heatwave during the first half of the year set a record in the city of Verkhoyansk, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius. 
A few months later, on the other side of the world, heat and drought drove the fires in Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

While there were no human casualties reported from these events, the destruction of these areas has a great impact on biodiversity and the planet's capacity to respond to a warmer world.

While climate change may have influenced all these events, many of the countries that bear little responsibility for global warming were affected.

This includes Nicaragua, which was hit by hurricane Iota, the strongest storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the Philippines, where typhoons Goni and Vamco made landfall almost back-to-back.

These extreme events highlight the need for urgent climate action. 
The Paris Agreement, which set the goal of keeping temperature rise "well below" 2 degrees Celsius, and ideally 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels, has just turned five years old.

Countries must commit to bold new targets ahead of the next climate conference, which will take place in Glasgow in November 2021.

The report's author Kat Kramer, Christian Aid's climate policy lead, told IANS: "The Covid-19 pandemic has understandably been a major worry this year. For millions of people in vulnerable parts of the world, climate breakdown has compounded this.

"The good news is that, like the vaccine for Covid-19, we do know how to fix the climate crisis. We need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, boost clean energy investment and help those who are suffering on the frontline.

"Whether it floods in Asia, locusts in Africa or storms in Europe and the Americas, climate change has continued to rage in 2020. It is vital that 2021 ushers in a new era of activity to turn this tide.

"With US President-elect Biden in the White House, social movements across the world calling for urgent action, post-Covid green recovery investment and a crucial UN climate summit hosted by the UK, there is a major opportunity for countries to put us on a path to a safe future." Roxy Mathew Koll, the climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, said: "2020 was exceptionally warm, as far as the Indian Ocean is concerned. We saw record temperatures in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, straddling between 30-33 degrees Celsius.

"These high temperatures had the characteristics of marine heatwaves that might have led to the rapid intensification of the pre-monsoon cyclones Amphan and Nisarga. Amphan was one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal during the pre-monsoon season."

M. Shahjahan Mondal, a climate scientist and Director of the Institute of Flood and Water Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, said: "Scientific evidence shows that the intensity of the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal has been increasing over the past few years because of the temperature rise, and cyclone Amphan was one of the strongest ever recorded this year as a consequence.

"Moreover, the 2020 flood was one of the worst in history (of Bangladesh), as more than a quarter of the country was under water."

"Not only is this linked with changing climatic conditions and global warming, but also linked with changing land-use patterns and deforestation. Unfortunately, the situation might be worsening in the coming years if we fail to achieve the Paris climate goal to restrict global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius."

(With inputs from agencies)

Extreme weather events due to climate change have cost the world billions in damages in 2020, says a new report, including the terrible floods that struck India cost $10 billion.

Extreme weather events due to climate change have cost the world billions in damages in 2020, says a new report, including the terrible floods that struck India cost $10 billion. As many as 2,067 lives were lost during the June-October floods, the highest number of fatalities due to climate change-induced weather events this year, said global NGO Christian Aid in its report The Cost: A Year of Climate Breakdown, where 15 of the most damaging extreme weather events globally in 2020 were studied. According to the report 10 of those events cost $1.5 billion or more. The US was hit by the highest costs due to the record-breaking hurricane season and fires. Most of these estimates are based only on insured losses, meaning the true financial costs are likely to be higher. While the report focuses on financial costs, which are usually higher in richer countries because they have more valuable property, some extreme weather events in 2020 were devastating in poorer countries, even though the price tag was lower. South Sudan, for example, experienced one of its worst floods on record, which killed 138 people and destroyed the year's crops. Some of the disasters hit fast, like cyclone Amphan, which struck the Bay of Bengal in May and caused losses valued at $13 billion in just a few days. Other events unfolded over months, like floods in China and India, which had an estimated cost of $32 billion and $10 billion respectively. Six of the 10 most costly events took place in Asia, five of them associated with an unusually rainy monsoon. And in Africa, huge locust swarms ravaged crops and vegetation across several countries, causing damages estimated at $8.5 billion. The outbreak has been linked to wet conditions brought about by unusual rains fuelled by climate change. But the impact of extreme weather was felt all over the world. In Europe, two extra-tropical cyclones, Ciara and Alex, had a combined cost of almost $6 billion. The US suffered from both a record-breaking hurricane season and a record-breaking fire season adding up to more than $60 billion in damages. Some less populated places also suffered the consequences of a warming world. In Siberia, a heatwave during the first half of the year set a record in the city of Verkhoyansk, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius. A few months later, on the other side of the world, heat and drought drove the fires in Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. While there were no human casualties reported from these events, the destruction of these areas has a great impact on biodiversity and the planet's capacity to respond to a warmer world. While climate change may have influenced all these events, many of the countries that bear little responsibility for global warming were affected. This includes Nicaragua, which was hit by hurricane Iota, the strongest storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the Philippines, where typhoons Goni and Vamco made landfall almost back-to-back. These extreme events highlight the need for urgent climate action. The Paris Agreement, which set the goal of keeping temperature rise "well below" 2 degrees Celsius, and ideally 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels, has just turned five years old. Countries must commit to bold new targets ahead of the next climate conference, which will take place in Glasgow in November 2021. The report's author Kat Kramer, Christian Aid's climate policy lead, told IANS: "The Covid-19 pandemic has understandably been a major worry this year. For millions of people in vulnerable parts of the world, climate breakdown has compounded this. "The good news is that, like the vaccine for Covid-19, we do know how to fix the climate crisis. We need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, boost clean energy investment and help those who are suffering on the frontline. "Whether it floods in Asia, locusts in Africa or storms in Europe and the Americas, climate change has continued to rage in 2020. It is vital that 2021 ushers in a new era of activity to turn this tide. "With US President-elect Biden in the White House, social movements across the world calling for urgent action, post-Covid green recovery investment and a crucial UN climate summit hosted by the UK, there is a major opportunity for countries to put us on a path to a safe future." Roxy Mathew Koll, the climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, said: "2020 was exceptionally warm, as far as the Indian Ocean is concerned. We saw record temperatures in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, straddling between 30-33 degrees Celsius. "These high temperatures had the characteristics of marine heatwaves that might have led to the rapid intensification of the pre-monsoon cyclones Amphan and Nisarga. Amphan was one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal during the pre-monsoon season." M. Shahjahan Mondal, a climate scientist and Director of the Institute of Flood and Water Management, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, said: "Scientific evidence shows that the intensity of the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal has been increasing over the past few years because of the temperature rise, and cyclone Amphan was one of the strongest ever recorded this year as a consequence. "Moreover, the 2020 flood was one of the worst in history (of Bangladesh), as more than a quarter of the country was under water." "Not only is this linked with changing climatic conditions and global warming, but also linked with changing land-use patterns and deforestation. Unfortunately, the situation might be worsening in the coming years if we fail to achieve the Paris climate goal to restrict global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius." (With inputs from agencies)

2020’s weather disasters: India lost $10 billion, over 2000 killed

The ten costliest weather disasters worldwide this year saw insured damages worth $150 billion, topping the figure for 2019 and reflecting a long-term impact of global warming, according to a report Monday.

The same disasters claimed at least 3,500 lives and displaced more than 13.5 million people.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-exceeding-paris-climate-targets-pm-narendra-modi-at-g20-climate-event-344725">India exceeding Paris climate targets: PM Narendra Modi at G20 climate event</a>

From Australia's out-of-control wildfires in January to a record number of Atlantic hurricanes through November, the true cost of the year's climate-enhanced calamities was in fact far higher because most losses were uninsured.

Not surprisingly, the burden fell disproportionately on poor nations, according to the annual tally from global NGO Christian Aid, entitled "Count the cost of 2020: a year of climate breakdown".

Only four per cent of economic losses from climate-impacted extreme events in low-income countries were insured, compared with 60 per cent in high-income economies, the report said, citing a study last month in The Lancet.

"Whether floods in Asia, locusts in Africa, or storms in Europe and the Americas, climate change has continued to rage in 2020," said Christian Aid's climate policy lead, Kat Kramer.

Extreme weather disasters, of course, have plagued humanity long before manmade global warming began to mess with the planet's climate system.

But more than a century of temperature and precipitation data, along with decades of satellite data on hurricanes and sea level rise, have left no doubt that Earth's warming surface temperature is amplifying their impact.

Massive tropical storms -- variously known as hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones -- are now more likely, for example, to be stronger, last longer, carry more water and wander beyond their historical range.&nbsp;

2020's record-breaking 30 named Atlantic hurricanes -- with at least 400 fatalities and $41 billion in damages -- suggest the world could see more such storms as well.&nbsp;

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) had to use Greek symbols after running out of letters in the Latin alphabet.

<h2>Extremes, not averages&nbsp;</h2>

Intense summer flooding in China and India, where the monsoon season brought abnormal amounts of rainfall for the second year running, are also consistent with projections on how climate will impact precipitation.

Five of the most costly extreme weather events in 2020 were related to Asia's unusually rainy monsoon.&nbsp;

"The 2020 flood was one of the worst in the history of Bangladesh, more than a quarter of the country was under water," said Shahjahan Mondal, director of the Institute of Flood and Water Management at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Wildfires that scorched record areas in California, Australia and even Russia's Siberian hinterland, much of it within the Arctic Circle, are also consistent with a warmer world, and a predicted to get worse as temperatures climb.

The planet's average surface temperature has gone up at least 1.1 degrees Celsius on average compared to the late 19th-century, with much of that warming occurring in the last half-century.&nbsp;

The 2015 Paris Agreement enjoins the world's nations to collectively cap global warming at "well below" 2C, and even 1.5C if feasible.&nbsp;

A landmark report in 2018 from the UN's IPCC climate science advisory panel showed that 1.5C is a safer threshold, but the likelihood of staying below it have grown vanishingly small, according to many experts.

"Ultimately, the impacts of climate change will be felt via the extremes, and not average changes," noted Sarah Perkins-Kilpatrick, a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales' Climate Change Research Centre.&nbsp;

If the growing frequency and intensity of natural weather disasters is consistent with modelling projections, the new field of attribution science is now able to put a number on how much more likely such an event is due to global warming.&nbsp;

The unprecedented wildfires that destroyed 20 percent of Australia's forests and killed tens of millions of wild animals in late 2019 and early 2020, for example, were made at least 30 per cent more likely, according to research led by Friederike Otto at the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute.

In Europe, meanwhile, the chance of deadly heatwaves occurring has risen nearly 100 fold compared to a century ago, according to recent research.

"Heatwaves and floods which used to be 'once in a century' events are becoming more regular occurrences," noted WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

The ten costliest weather disasters worldwide this year saw insured damages worth $150 billion, topping the figure for 2019 and reflecting a long-term impact of global warming, according to a report Monday.

The ten costliest weather disasters worldwide this year saw insured damages worth $150 billion, topping the figure for 2019 and reflecting a long-term impact of global warming, according to a report Monday. The same disasters claimed at least 3,500 lives and displaced more than 13.5 million people. Also read | India exceeding Paris climate targets: PM Narendra Modi at G20 climate event From Australia's out-of-control wildfires in January to a record number of Atlantic hurricanes through November, the true cost of the year's climate-enhanced calamities was in fact far higher because most losses were uninsured. Not surprisingly, the burden fell disproportionately on poor nations, according to the annual tally from global NGO Christian Aid, entitled "Count the cost of 2020: a year of climate breakdown". Only four per cent of economic losses from climate-impacted extreme events in low-income countries were insured, compared with 60 per cent in high-income economies, the report said, citing a study last month in The Lancet. "Whether floods in Asia, locusts in Africa, or storms in Europe and the Americas, climate change has continued to rage in 2020," said Christian Aid's climate policy lead, Kat Kramer. Extreme weather disasters, of course, have plagued humanity long before manmade global warming began to mess with the planet's climate system. But more than a century of temperature and precipitation data, along with decades of satellite data on hurricanes and sea level rise, have left no doubt that Earth's warming surface temperature is amplifying their impact. Massive tropical storms -- variously known as hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones -- are now more likely, for example, to be stronger, last longer, carry more water and wander beyond their historical range. 2020's record-breaking 30 named Atlantic hurricanes -- with at least 400 fatalities and $41 billion in damages -- suggest the world could see more such storms as well. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) had to use Greek symbols after running out of letters in the Latin alphabet. Extremes, not averages Intense summer flooding in China and India, where the monsoon season brought abnormal amounts of rainfall for the second year running, are also consistent with projections on how climate will impact precipitation. Five of the most costly extreme weather events in 2020 were related to Asia's unusually rainy monsoon. "The 2020 flood was one of the worst in the history of Bangladesh, more than a quarter of the country was under water," said Shahjahan Mondal, director of the Institute of Flood and Water Management at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Wildfires that scorched record areas in California, Australia and even Russia's Siberian hinterland, much of it within the Arctic Circle, are also consistent with a warmer world, and a predicted to get worse as temperatures climb. The planet's average surface temperature has gone up at least 1.1 degrees Celsius on average compared to the late 19th-century, with much of that warming occurring in the last half-century. The 2015 Paris Agreement enjoins the world's nations to collectively cap global warming at "well below" 2C, and even 1.5C if feasible. A landmark report in 2018 from the UN's IPCC climate science advisory panel showed that 1.5C is a safer threshold, but the likelihood of staying below it have grown vanishingly small, according to many experts. "Ultimately, the impacts of climate change will be felt via the extremes, and not average changes," noted Sarah Perkins-Kilpatrick, a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales' Climate Change Research Centre. If the growing frequency and intensity of natural weather disasters is consistent with modelling projections, the new field of attribution science is now able to put a number on how much more likely such an event is due to global warming. The unprecedented wildfires that destroyed 20 percent of Australia's forests and killed tens of millions of wild animals in late 2019 and early 2020, for example, were made at least 30 per cent more likely, according to research led by Friederike Otto at the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute. In Europe, meanwhile, the chance of deadly heatwaves occurring has risen nearly 100 fold compared to a century ago, according to recent research. "Heatwaves and floods which used to be 'once in a century' events are becoming more regular occurrences," noted WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

10 costliest disasters of 2020 insured damages worth $150 billion: Report

The growing impacts of climate change have already pushed more than 18 million people to migrate within South Asian countries, but that could more than triple if global warming continues on its current path, researchers warned on Friday.

Fineprint: Climate change could create 63 million migrants in South Asia

A deadly brain-eating&nbsp;amoeba called Naegleria fowleri is gradually advancing northwards from the southern United States due to climate change, according to the latest report.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that&nbsp;the geographic range of these cases has been shifting northward, with more cases popping up in Midwestern states than before.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2020-just-got-worse-351470/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Naegleria fowleri is typically found in living, breathing people of freshwater, including lakes and streams. When an individual is infected,&nbsp;a really uncommon event typically coming about because of swimming or diving in infected waters,&nbsp;the single adaptable cell goes from the nose into the mind.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/rock-collected-220-years-ago-turns-out-to-be-an-entirely-new-mineral-351971">Rock collected 220 years ago turns out to be an entirely new mineral</a>

It causes staggering mind contamination known as essential amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is all around lethal. Diseases happen when debased water goes up an individual's nose, permitting the creature to enter the cerebrum through the olfactory nerves (answerable for your feeling of smell) and decimate mind tissue. Gulping tainted water won't cause disease, the CDC says.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/vexas-syndrome-scientists-discover-new-fatal-disorder-in-men-338852">VEXAS syndrome: Scientists discover new fatal disorder in men</a>

Since N. fowleri flourishes in warm waters, up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius), it's possible that warming global temperatures may affect the organisms' geographic range, the authors said.

In the new examination, distributed Wednesday (December&nbsp;16) in the diary Emerging Infectious Diseases, the specialists investigated U.S. instances of N. fowleri connected to recreational water presentation —, for example, swimming in lakes, lakes, waterways, or stores — from 1978 to 2018. They recognized an aggregate of 85 instances of N. fowleri that met their standards for the investigation (for example cases that were attached to recreational water presentation and included area information.)&nbsp;

During this time, the quantity of yearly announced cases was genuinely consistent, going from zero to six every year. By far most of the cases, 74, happened in southern states; yet six were accounted for in the Midwest, including Minnesota, Kansas, and Indiana. Of these six cases, five happened after 2010, the report said.

The uplifting news: there have just been 34 contaminations announced in the US over the most recent ten years, as per CDC information.&nbsp;

The examination, which inspected CDC information from 1978 t0 2018, found that new cases moved northwards at about 8.2 miles every year.&nbsp;

"It is conceivable that rising temperatures and resulting increments in recreational water use, for example, swimming and water sports, could add to the changing the study of disease transmission of PAM," the paper peruses.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A deadly brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri is gradually advancing northwards from the southern United States due to climate change, according to the latest report.

A deadly brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri is gradually advancing northwards from the southern United States due to climate change, according to the latest report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the geographic range of these cases has been shifting northward, with more cases popping up in Midwestern states than before. Naegleria fowleri is typically found in living, breathing people of freshwater, including lakes and streams. When an individual is infected, a really uncommon event typically coming about because of swimming or diving in infected waters, the single adaptable cell goes from the nose into the mind. Also Read | Rock collected 220 years ago turns out to be an entirely new mineral It causes staggering mind contamination known as essential amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is all around lethal. Diseases happen when debased water goes up an individual's nose, permitting the creature to enter the cerebrum through the olfactory nerves (answerable for your feeling of smell) and decimate mind tissue. Gulping tainted water won't cause disease, the CDC says. Also read: VEXAS syndrome: Scientists discover new fatal disorder in men Since N. fowleri flourishes in warm waters, up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius), it's possible that warming global temperatures may affect the organisms' geographic range, the authors said. In the new examination, distributed Wednesday (December 16) in the diary Emerging Infectious Diseases, the specialists investigated U.S. instances of N. fowleri connected to recreational water presentation —, for example, swimming in lakes, lakes, waterways, or stores — from 1978 to 2018. They recognized an aggregate of 85 instances of N. fowleri that met their standards for the investigation (for example cases that were attached to recreational water presentation and included area information.) During this time, the quantity of yearly announced cases was genuinely consistent, going from zero to six every year. By far most of the cases, 74, happened in southern states; yet six were accounted for in the Midwest, including Minnesota, Kansas, and Indiana. Of these six cases, five happened after 2010, the report said. The uplifting news: there have just been 34 contaminations announced in the US over the most recent ten years, as per CDC information. The examination, which inspected CDC information from 1978 t0 2018, found that new cases moved northwards at about 8.2 miles every year. "It is conceivable that rising temperatures and resulting increments in recreational water use, for example, swimming and water sports, could add to the changing the study of disease transmission of PAM," the paper peruses.

Deadly brain-eating amoeba is spreading in US, scientists issue warning

U.S President- Elect Joe Biden introduce key members of its diverse environment team on Saturday. He said his incoming administration would make the fight against global warming.

President- Elect Joe Biden unveils diverse environment team

US President-elect Joe Biden has introduced key members of his environmental team -- tasked with fighting against global warming in what can be called a pillar of his drive to rebuild the pandemic-hit US economy.

Biden, a Democrat who will be inaugurated on January 20, has vowed to make tackling climate change a top priority. But with a slim majority in the House of Representatives and control of the Senate still undecided, his agenda may see little success in Congress and instead rely on rules from his regulatory agencies to enact sweeping change.

The nominees introduced Saturday include Representative Deb Haaland of New Mexico to&nbsp;be Interior Secretary -- the first Native American to hold a Cabinet position.

Biden said these nominees would lead his administration's ambitious plan&nbsp;to address an existential threat of our time -- climate change.

"Folks, we're in a crisis," Biden said at the event in Wilmington, Delaware. "Just like we need to be a unified nation to respond to Covid-19, we need a unified national response to climate change."

Biden said his administration would work to modernise water, transportation and energy infrastructure to make it better equipped to resist extreme weather conditions -- and create many jobs along the way.

Biden also said he wanted to build 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations and 1.5 million energy-efficient homes and public housing units.

The president-elect repeated he would rejoin the Paris climate accord, which outgoing president Donald Trump abandoned, and restore a slew of Obama-era environmental regulations.

Biden's team includes Gina McCarthy, Obama's Environmental Protection Agency administrator, to lead a new White House Office of Climate Policy.

He has also tapped Michael Regan, North Carolina's top environmental regulator, to run the Environmental Protection Agency and&nbsp;Brenda Mallory, an environmental attorney, to direct the Council on Environmental Quality.&nbsp;

Biden's Cabinet will feature six African Americans.

Michael Regan would become the first Black man to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if confirmed by the Senate. Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm will be Biden's energy secretary if confirmed.

"Today's nominees are ready on day one, which is essential because we literally have no time to waste," Biden said.

Biden wants the United States to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which would require the world's second-largest emitter to transform its economy including transportation, power generation and farming.

US President-elect Joe Biden has introduced key members of his environmental team -- tasked with fighting against global warming in what can be called a pillar of his drive to rebuild the pandemic-hit US economy.

US President-elect Joe Biden has introduced key members of his environmental team -- tasked with fighting against global warming in what can be called a pillar of his drive to rebuild the pandemic-hit US economy. Biden, a Democrat who will be inaugurated on January 20, has vowed to make tackling climate change a top priority. But with a slim majority in the House of Representatives and control of the Senate still undecided, his agenda may see little success in Congress and instead rely on rules from his regulatory agencies to enact sweeping change. The nominees introduced Saturday include Representative Deb Haaland of New Mexico to be Interior Secretary -- the first Native American to hold a Cabinet position. Biden said these nominees would lead his administration's ambitious plan to address an existential threat of our time -- climate change. "Folks, we're in a crisis," Biden said at the event in Wilmington, Delaware. "Just like we need to be a unified nation to respond to Covid-19, we need a unified national response to climate change." Biden said his administration would work to modernise water, transportation and energy infrastructure to make it better equipped to resist extreme weather conditions -- and create many jobs along the way. Biden also said he wanted to build 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations and 1.5 million energy-efficient homes and public housing units. The president-elect repeated he would rejoin the Paris climate accord, which outgoing president Donald Trump abandoned, and restore a slew of Obama-era environmental regulations. Biden's team includes Gina McCarthy, Obama's Environmental Protection Agency administrator, to lead a new White House Office of Climate Policy. He has also tapped Michael Regan, North Carolina's top environmental regulator, to run the Environmental Protection Agency and Brenda Mallory, an environmental attorney, to direct the Council on Environmental Quality. Biden's Cabinet will feature six African Americans. Michael Regan would become the first Black man to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if confirmed by the Senate. Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm will be Biden's energy secretary if confirmed. "Today's nominees are ready on day one, which is essential because we literally have no time to waste," Biden said. Biden wants the United States to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which would require the world's second-largest emitter to transform its economy including transportation, power generation and farming.

Biden unveils environment team tasked with tackling 'existential threat'

India and Europe have decided to fight climate change together. To this end, lawmakers and experts from both regions have begun discussing solutions for the climate crisis.

India and European Union delegates discuss climate crisis

China on Saturday promised incremental new steps to address climate change in the next decade, but signaled that it would not reveal all of its plans before seeing the next moves taken by its main global rival, the United States.

Speaking at an online summit on the fifth anniversary of the Paris climate agreement, Xi Jinping, China’s leader, said that by 2030, China would reduce its carbon intensity by over 65%. Carbon intensity is a measure of greenhouse gas emissions relative to economic activity. That goal means that as China’s economy grows, so will its emissions, but at a slower rate than before.

Xi also said China would triple wind and solar power capacity to over 1 billion kilowatts and expand its forests.

Xi has used his recent speeches to international meetings to draw an implicit contrast with the Trump administration’s go-it-alone rhetoric, and Xi’s video speech Saturday also struck that theme.

“In meeting the climate challenge, no one can be aloof and unilateralism will get us nowhere,” Xi said. “Only by upholding multilateralism, unity and cooperation can we deliver shared benefits and win-win for all nations.”

Xi’s statement Saturday came three months after he announced in September that China would reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouses gases that have warmed the planet since the dawn of the industrial era, to net-zero, meaning that China would remove from the atmosphere whatever emissions it could not cut, by 2060.

China, the factory of the world, is the world’s biggest producer of planet-warming gases, and whatever it does to tamp down its emissions is a key to addressing climate change.

China’s greenhouse gas emissions have continued to increase since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, and Xi’s statement on Saturday reiterated that they would keep growing and peak only some time “before 2030.” That fell short of the timeline that many climate advocates had hoped for: that China would peak its emissions by 2025.

Xi said nothing about setting an absolute limit on China’s carbon dioxide emissions, nor whether or how he planned to reduce the country’s dependence on coal. China is by far the world’s largest consumer of coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, and Xi has continued to expand coal-fired power plants at home and abroad.

The statement was a carefully calibrated move to demonstrate that China intends to move more quickly toward a sustainable economy, without revealing a lot of details before a new administration takes over in Washington. “I think China is waiting to see what the Biden administration will announce and can deliver on,” said Jake Schmidt of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “They are trying to signal that they’re going to continue to move forward on climate action domestically but they’re also holding back.”

As China’s economy, global status and greenhouse emissions have risen, Beijing has tried to show that it is committed to reducing emissions. But the government also wants to maintain industrial growth and rapid urbanization.

“We will promote greener economic and social development in all respects while pursuing high-quality development,” Xi said in his speech. He is likely to reveal more about how he intends to balance those goals early next year, when China unveils its next five-year plan that will include climate and energy goals.

With the pandemic having postponed the annual international climate negotiations by a full year, the online summit was intended to nudge countries to announce more ambitious climate plans for the short term. António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations and one of the hosts of the summit, called on every country to redirect coronavirus recovery funds away from fossil fuels and toward climate-friendly sectors. “We cannot use these resources to lock in policies that burden future generations with a mountain of debt on a broken planet,” he said, calling on world leaders to declare “a climate emergency.”

“Can anybody still deny that we are facing a dramatic emergency?” Guterres said in his address.

Scientists have repeatedly said that it is imperative to halve global greenhouse gas emissions within the next decade in order to stave off the most disastrous effects of climate change, including widening wildfires and the inundation of coastal cities. In the days leading up to the summit, a handful of industrialized countries set emissions reductions goals for the next decade. The European Union on Friday reached agreement with its member nations to slash emissions by 55% over the next decade, relative to 1990 levels. Britain earlier said it would cut its emissions by 68% by 2030, and on Friday announced that it would also stop funding fossil fuel projects abroad with its taxpayer money. Canada said it would substantially increase its levy on carbon dioxide to $170 a ton.

Some smaller countries made notable announcements at the summit as well on Saturday. Pakistan said it would stop building new coal-fired power plants by 2030, noting that it had already shelved plans on some large coal projects. Barbados said it hoped most homes on the island would have rooftop solar panels and electric cars within the next decade, but said that its dangerously high levels of debt in the wake of the pandemic were making its climate goals all the more challenging. Notably, neither France, the host of the Paris Agreement, nor India, a major source of emissions, made new commitments. And there were absences, like Australia, Brazil and the United States.

The departing Trump administration has pulled out of the Paris Agreement altogether. President-elect Joe Biden repeated, in a statement, that he would join the accord on his first day in office and convene an international summit within the first 100 days of his administration.

Environmental advocates had hoped Xi would pledge to reduce carbon intensity more sharply, but the economic downturn spurred by the coronavirus pandemic may have tempered Beijing’s plans. Carbon intensity has traditionally grown with a country’s economy, and so any significant reductions require a major rewiring of the economy.

Li Shuo, a policy analyst at Greenpeace, said China needed to take swift action to implement what it has promised. He noted that China’s post-pandemic recovery package is “anything but green,” as it continues to grow its coal plants and promote infrastructure projects that increase pollution.

“Five years on from Paris, China’s progress remains fragile,” he said. “China’s announcement today is a salute to the Paris Agreement. But there is no time for Champagne. The hard work begins tomorrow.”

China on Saturday promised incremental new steps to address climate change in the next decade, but signaled that it would not reveal all of its plans before seeing the next moves taken by its main global rival, the United States.

China on Saturday promised incremental new steps to address climate change in the next decade, but signaled that it would not reveal all of its plans before seeing the next moves taken by its main global rival, the United States. Speaking at an online summit on the fifth anniversary of the Paris climate agreement, Xi Jinping, China’s leader, said that by 2030, China would reduce its carbon intensity by over 65%. Carbon intensity is a measure of greenhouse gas emissions relative to economic activity. That goal means that as China’s economy grows, so will its emissions, but at a slower rate than before. Xi also said China would triple wind and solar power capacity to over 1 billion kilowatts and expand its forests. Xi has used his recent speeches to international meetings to draw an implicit contrast with the Trump administration’s go-it-alone rhetoric, and Xi’s video speech Saturday also struck that theme. “In meeting the climate challenge, no one can be aloof and unilateralism will get us nowhere,” Xi said. “Only by upholding multilateralism, unity and cooperation can we deliver shared benefits and win-win for all nations.” Xi’s statement Saturday came three months after he announced in September that China would reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouses gases that have warmed the planet since the dawn of the industrial era, to net-zero, meaning that China would remove from the atmosphere whatever emissions it could not cut, by 2060. China, the factory of the world, is the world’s biggest producer of planet-warming gases, and whatever it does to tamp down its emissions is a key to addressing climate change. China’s greenhouse gas emissions have continued to increase since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, and Xi’s statement on Saturday reiterated that they would keep growing and peak only some time “before 2030.” That fell short of the timeline that many climate advocates had hoped for: that China would peak its emissions by 2025. Xi said nothing about setting an absolute limit on China’s carbon dioxide emissions, nor whether or how he planned to reduce the country’s dependence on coal. China is by far the world’s largest consumer of coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, and Xi has continued to expand coal-fired power plants at home and abroad. The statement was a carefully calibrated move to demonstrate that China intends to move more quickly toward a sustainable economy, without revealing a lot of details before a new administration takes over in Washington. “I think China is waiting to see what the Biden administration will announce and can deliver on,” said Jake Schmidt of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “They are trying to signal that they’re going to continue to move forward on climate action domestically but they’re also holding back.” As China’s economy, global status and greenhouse emissions have risen, Beijing has tried to show that it is committed to reducing emissions. But the government also wants to maintain industrial growth and rapid urbanization. “We will promote greener economic and social development in all respects while pursuing high-quality development,” Xi said in his speech. He is likely to reveal more about how he intends to balance those goals early next year, when China unveils its next five-year plan that will include climate and energy goals. With the pandemic having postponed the annual international climate negotiations by a full year, the online summit was intended to nudge countries to announce more ambitious climate plans for the short term. António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations and one of the hosts of the summit, called on every country to redirect coronavirus recovery funds away from fossil fuels and toward climate-friendly sectors. “We cannot use these resources to lock in policies that burden future generations with a mountain of debt on a broken planet,” he said, calling on world leaders to declare “a climate emergency.” “Can anybody still deny that we are facing a dramatic emergency?” Guterres said in his address. Scientists have repeatedly said that it is imperative to halve global greenhouse gas emissions within the next decade in order to stave off the most disastrous effects of climate change, including widening wildfires and the inundation of coastal cities. In the days leading up to the summit, a handful of industrialized countries set emissions reductions goals for the next decade. The European Union on Friday reached agreement with its member nations to slash emissions by 55% over the next decade, relative to 1990 levels. Britain earlier said it would cut its emissions by 68% by 2030, and on Friday announced that it would also stop funding fossil fuel projects abroad with its taxpayer money. Canada said it would substantially increase its levy on carbon dioxide to $170 a ton. Some smaller countries made notable announcements at the summit as well on Saturday. Pakistan said it would stop building new coal-fired power plants by 2030, noting that it had already shelved plans on some large coal projects. Barbados said it hoped most homes on the island would have rooftop solar panels and electric cars within the next decade, but said that its dangerously high levels of debt in the wake of the pandemic were making its climate goals all the more challenging. Notably, neither France, the host of the Paris Agreement, nor India, a major source of emissions, made new commitments. And there were absences, like Australia, Brazil and the United States. The departing Trump administration has pulled out of the Paris Agreement altogether. President-elect Joe Biden repeated, in a statement, that he would join the accord on his first day in office and convene an international summit within the first 100 days of his administration. Environmental advocates had hoped Xi would pledge to reduce carbon intensity more sharply, but the economic downturn spurred by the coronavirus pandemic may have tempered Beijing’s plans. Carbon intensity has traditionally grown with a country’s economy, and so any significant reductions require a major rewiring of the economy. Li Shuo, a policy analyst at Greenpeace, said China needed to take swift action to implement what it has promised. He noted that China’s post-pandemic recovery package is “anything but green,” as it continues to grow its coal plants and promote infrastructure projects that increase pollution. “Five years on from Paris, China’s progress remains fragile,” he said. “China’s announcement today is a salute to the Paris Agreement. But there is no time for Champagne. The hard work begins tomorrow.”

China, in nudge to US, makes a new promise to tackle global warming

India and Europe have decided to fight climate change together. To this end, lawmakers and experts from both regions have begun discussing solutions for the climate crisis.

In the run up to the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the global ‘Climate Action Summit’ on Saturday (December 12), parliamentarians and climate change experts from India and the Europe came together on a common platform to discuss the mutual cooperation and brainstorm on avenues for working together to tackle climate change this week in a webinar organised by UK based think tank Europe Asia Foundation Limited (EAFL).

EAFL is a UK-based organisation that provides a platform that brings together democracies of Europe and Asia.

The webinar on climate change was a part of the ‘India Talks’ series initiative of the EAFL. The panelists included MEP Bas Eickhout, Rajya Sabha MP MJ Akbar, and India’s former Ambassador to EU Manjeev Puri, and European Policy Centre’s Senior Policy Analyst Annika Hedberg. Former German Environment Minister and MEP Jo Leinen chaired and moderated the event while the Director of the Europe Asia Foundation Limited and former MEP Neena Gill hosted the event.&nbsp;

MJ Akbar highlighted the possibilities of cooperation in green energy through International Solar Alliance - an ambitious project of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He then argued, "While solar energy on paper is cheaper, however, unless the battery storage problem isn’t sorted out, it can’t be a fully dependable initiative. We are working fast to sort this out. We will have to provide a better life for people.&nbsp;

"Nations that have used coal extensively and have contributed hugely to the crisis cannot give us sermons and lectures. There is a commitment that has been made. 100 billion dollars is a term that has been mentioned. I don’t know how many of these dollars have reached developing countries. If we have not learned anything from this year, then our future is definitely pessimistic."

He further said that India and Europe can take a shared approach, adding, "no issues if all the world does not come together. India and Europe are massive and huge powers and can do a lot together."

Putting forward his expectations from COP-26 to be held at Glasgow, Akbar said, "I would like to reiterate the word of Elliott - 'The world will not end with a bang, but it might be through a whimper.' We need to communicate to people that if the world would end, it might not be due to murder, but due to suicide."

MEP Bas Eickhout opined that in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, "we all were wondering how it is going to change public perceptions. As far as the EU is concerned, the first reactions of governments were quite reactive and nationalistic. Especially during the first wave."

He added, "A green recovery is central as a part of that investment programme. An efficient formulation, intention, and direction of the European investment programme would help in investing in a more resilient economy, which is ready for the next crisis – that is the climate crisis." He also reiterated the importance of LULUCF, earlier mentioned by Manjeev Puri.

About his expectations from the upcoming COP-26 meeting, Eickhout said, “One of the major objectives of the Paris meeting was to review the progress every five years. However, the Emission Report that has been just now published has reflected that the world is not moving forward to tackle the issue at all. The five-years review should have been there. We now really have to look towards ourselves. Europe needs to have its own house in order. The US will come forward with their new plan back in play. The big question is what the other countries are going to do?”

Ambassador Manjeev Puri highlighted that it is very important to reaffirm that India and the EU have put climate change on their agenda very-very early.

He mentioned the report on ‘Climate Change Performance Index’, released on December 7 -- which highlighted that India is amongst the top ten best performers in climate change.

China was 33rd and the US was unfortunately near the bottom in the list.

Throwing light on India’s achievements in the field of solar energy, he said solar power has become cheaper in India than coal generated electricity in the day. This one fundamental change has propelled solar power change in India and there is no second example. He also mentioned two major objectives of India in the field of green power. First, to decarbonise electricity generation and second, to electrify everything else.&nbsp;

“India and the EU collaborate on a lot of things. The European Investment Bank has been proved to be of much help for India. Investments made by the Bank have led to wonderful outcomes. It also financed the Lucknow Metro. The fact that the metro is coming all over in India shall help us to ensure that carbon emissions from personal vehicles in India get rapidly reduced. India and Europe can get together on a huge global mission on hydrogen. Something similar to India-led initiative on solar power and perhaps, provide fast results as a consequence of the reduction in dependency on fossil fuels," he added.

Highlighting the importance of ‘green recovery’, Annika Hedberg stated, “We need to commit to green recovery from the coronavirus crisis. We also need to take into account other things and need to invest in the future in areas of utmost importance to society. Most importantly, we need to be people centric. In Europe, areas which have invested a lot on fossil fuels and are still dependent on coal. The transition for countries like Poland is going to be a major task.&nbsp;

"And at the same time, we need to help such countries in transition. There is a need to recognise the support system and extend help to upskill them. In Germany, there are significant regions that are heavily dependent over coal. These people are very keen on such a pattern and want to remain in the same energy space. We have been getting some very positive signals as important developments are taking place in the EU regarding such transitions. A number of regions are currently in the middle of the transition. The other member nations need to support these regions.”

Jo Leinen moderated the discussion and touched upon a number of burning topics related to prolonged as well as real-time issues, bringing up topics like biodiversity, adaptation, climate finance, cooperation, greenhouse emissions, COP-26, etc. in the discussion.&nbsp;

About India’s steps in the field of biodiversity, he said, “I know that there are social problems and economic problems but you are famous for biological products. Your products are much more enhancive and are accepted in most parts of the world and are really an asset for India. You have such beautiful landscapes and I think India can be an example in biodiversity globally.”

Neena Gill concluded the event, and presented the vote of thanks. She said, "We need to get this message and understanding across to a wider audience. That is one of the ambitions of this organisation to transmit such conversations into public space, to ordinary people. When we look at the 27 EU states, they are at different trajectories of climate change awareness and likewise are the states in India.&nbsp;

"I hope we would be able to take these debates to the state level, connecting with the local people in different states and connect countries through this initiative. The idea is to have a bottom-up approach that links local initiatives internationally. This is not the end of this debate but the beginning.”

The discussion becomes more important as Indian PM Modi is expected to participate in the summit and was invited by the UK government to attend the event earlier in November.

India and Europe have decided to fight climate change together. To this end, lawmakers and experts from both regions have begun discussing solutions for the climate crisis. In the run up to the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the global ‘Climate Action Summit’ on Saturday (December 12), parliamentarians and climate change experts from India and the Europe came together on a common platform to discuss the mutual cooperation and brainstorm on avenues for working together to tackle climate change this week in a webinar organised by UK based think tank Europe Asia Foundation Limited (EAFL). EAFL is a UK-based organisation that provides a platform that brings together democracies of Europe and Asia. The webinar on climate change was a part of the ‘India Talks’ series initiative of the EAFL. The panelists included MEP Bas Eickhout, Rajya Sabha MP MJ Akbar, and India’s former Ambassador to EU Manjeev Puri, and European Policy Centre’s Senior Policy Analyst Annika Hedberg. Former German Environment Minister and MEP Jo Leinen chaired and moderated the event while the Director of the Europe Asia Foundation Limited and former MEP Neena Gill hosted the event. MJ Akbar highlighted the possibilities of cooperation in green energy through International Solar Alliance - an ambitious project of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He then argued, "While solar energy on paper is cheaper, however, unless the battery storage problem isn’t sorted out, it can’t be a fully dependable initiative. We are working fast to sort this out. We will have to provide a better life for people. "Nations that have used coal extensively and have contributed hugely to the crisis cannot give us sermons and lectures. There is a commitment that has been made. 100 billion dollars is a term that has been mentioned. I don’t know how many of these dollars have reached developing countries. If we have not learned anything from this year, then our future is definitely pessimistic." He further said that India and Europe can take a shared approach, adding, "no issues if all the world does not come together. India and Europe are massive and huge powers and can do a lot together." Putting forward his expectations from COP-26 to be held at Glasgow, Akbar said, "I would like to reiterate the word of Elliott - 'The world will not end with a bang, but it might be through a whimper.' We need to communicate to people that if the world would end, it might not be due to murder, but due to suicide." MEP Bas Eickhout opined that in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, "we all were wondering how it is going to change public perceptions. As far as the EU is concerned, the first reactions of governments were quite reactive and nationalistic. Especially during the first wave." He added, "A green recovery is central as a part of that investment programme. An efficient formulation, intention, and direction of the European investment programme would help in investing in a more resilient economy, which is ready for the next crisis – that is the climate crisis." He also reiterated the importance of LULUCF, earlier mentioned by Manjeev Puri. About his expectations from the upcoming COP-26 meeting, Eickhout said, “One of the major objectives of the Paris meeting was to review the progress every five years. However, the Emission Report that has been just now published has reflected that the world is not moving forward to tackle the issue at all. The five-years review should have been there. We now really have to look towards ourselves. Europe needs to have its own house in order. The US will come forward with their new plan back in play. The big question is what the other countries are going to do?” Ambassador Manjeev Puri highlighted that it is very important to reaffirm that India and the EU have put climate change on their agenda very-very early. He mentioned the report on ‘Climate Change Performance Index’, released on December 7 -- which highlighted that India is amongst the top ten best performers in climate change. China was 33rd and the US was unfortunately near the bottom in the list. Throwing light on India’s achievements in the field of solar energy, he said solar power has become cheaper in India than coal generated electricity in the day. This one fundamental change has propelled solar power change in India and there is no second example. He also mentioned two major objectives of India in the field of green power. First, to decarbonise electricity generation and second, to electrify everything else. “India and the EU collaborate on a lot of things. The European Investment Bank has been proved to be of much help for India. Investments made by the Bank have led to wonderful outcomes. It also financed the Lucknow Metro. The fact that the metro is coming all over in India shall help us to ensure that carbon emissions from personal vehicles in India get rapidly reduced. India and Europe can get together on a huge global mission on hydrogen. Something similar to India-led initiative on solar power and perhaps, provide fast results as a consequence of the reduction in dependency on fossil fuels," he added. Highlighting the importance of ‘green recovery’, Annika Hedberg stated, “We need to commit to green recovery from the coronavirus crisis. We also need to take into account other things and need to invest in the future in areas of utmost importance to society. Most importantly, we need to be people centric. In Europe, areas which have invested a lot on fossil fuels and are still dependent on coal. The transition for countries like Poland is going to be a major task. "And at the same time, we need to help such countries in transition. There is a need to recognise the support system and extend help to upskill them. In Germany, there are significant regions that are heavily dependent over coal. These people are very keen on such a pattern and want to remain in the same energy space. We have been getting some very positive signals as important developments are taking place in the EU regarding such transitions. A number of regions are currently in the middle of the transition. The other member nations need to support these regions.” Jo Leinen moderated the discussion and touched upon a number of burning topics related to prolonged as well as real-time issues, bringing up topics like biodiversity, adaptation, climate finance, cooperation, greenhouse emissions, COP-26, etc. in the discussion. About India’s steps in the field of biodiversity, he said, “I know that there are social problems and economic problems but you are famous for biological products. Your products are much more enhancive and are accepted in most parts of the world and are really an asset for India. You have such beautiful landscapes and I think India can be an example in biodiversity globally.” Neena Gill concluded the event, and presented the vote of thanks. She said, "We need to get this message and understanding across to a wider audience. That is one of the ambitions of this organisation to transmit such conversations into public space, to ordinary people. When we look at the 27 EU states, they are at different trajectories of climate change awareness and likewise are the states in India. "I hope we would be able to take these debates to the state level, connecting with the local people in different states and connect countries through this initiative. The idea is to have a bottom-up approach that links local initiatives internationally. This is not the end of this debate but the beginning.” The discussion becomes more important as Indian PM Modi is expected to participate in the summit and was invited by the UK government to attend the event earlier in November.

India and Europe to fight climate change together

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India was not just on-track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but it will also exceed them beyond expectation. He was speaking at the Climate Ambition Summit hosted by the United Nations and UK. The Summit marked fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement.

"We have reduced our emission intensity by 21 per cent over 2005 levels. Our solar capacity has grown from 2.63GW in 2014 to 36 GW in 2020. Our renewable energy capacity is the fourth largest in the world. It will reach 175GW before 2022. "

He added that India had an even more ambitious target now: 450GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and the country has also succeeded in expanding its forest cover and safeguarding its biodiversity.

PM Modi said that as the world was setting its sight to achieve higher targets, it must not lose sight of the past.

"Also review our achievements against targets already set, only then can our voices be credible for future generations. India is not only on track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but to exceed them beyond expectations", said Modi.

PM Modi added that in 2047, India will celebrate 100 years as a modern independent nation.

"To all fellow residents of this planet, I make a solemn pledge today that Centennial India will not only meet its own targets but also exceed your expectations," said Modi.

Citing India`s contribution on a global level to fight climate change, Modi said on the world stage, India has pioneered two major initiatives -- the international solar alliance and coalition for disaster resilience infrastructure.

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. The agreement was adopted by 196 parties at 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, on December 12, 2015, and was enforced on November 4, 2016.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India was not just on-track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but it will also exceed them beyond expectation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India was not just on-track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but it will also exceed them beyond expectation. He was speaking at the Climate Ambition Summit hosted by the United Nations and UK. The Summit marked fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement. "We have reduced our emission intensity by 21 per cent over 2005 levels. Our solar capacity has grown from 2.63GW in 2014 to 36 GW in 2020. Our renewable energy capacity is the fourth largest in the world. It will reach 175GW before 2022. " He added that India had an even more ambitious target now: 450GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and the country has also succeeded in expanding its forest cover and safeguarding its biodiversity. PM Modi said that as the world was setting its sight to achieve higher targets, it must not lose sight of the past. "Also review our achievements against targets already set, only then can our voices be credible for future generations. India is not only on track to achieve its Paris Agreement targets, but to exceed them beyond expectations", said Modi. PM Modi added that in 2047, India will celebrate 100 years as a modern independent nation. "To all fellow residents of this planet, I make a solemn pledge today that Centennial India will not only meet its own targets but also exceed your expectations," said Modi. Citing India`s contribution on a global level to fight climate change, Modi said on the world stage, India has pioneered two major initiatives -- the international solar alliance and coalition for disaster resilience infrastructure. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. The agreement was adopted by 196 parties at 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, on December 12, 2015, and was enforced on November 4, 2016.

India will easily meet Paris Agreement targets and exceed them: PM Modi

COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a positive impact on the environment. Watch this video to know more.

COVID-19 lockdown's positive impact on environment

Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday lashed out at world leaders for failing to take action to prevent adverse consequences related to climate change.&nbsp;

Referring to the Paris climate deal signed in 2015, Thunberg said that since the world leaders committed themselves to limit global temperature, a lot has happened, but the "action needed is still nowhere in sight".

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/according-to-experts-climate-change-is-responsible-for-wildfires-in-us-know-the-science-behind-it-328290/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the video released ahead of the fifth anniversary of the accord, the Swedish activist also warned that "we are still speeding in the wrong direction."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-is-making-winter-ice-more-dangerous-344406">Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous</a>

"Hypothetical targets are being set and big speeches are being given, yet when it comes to the immediate action we need, we are still in state of complete denial," Thunberg said. &nbsp;

According to the deal, all the signatories pledged to cap global warming at 2 degrees C and if possible 1.5 degrees C, as compared to the pre-industrial era.

However, the United Nations on Wednesday said the temperatures are on track to record a rise of over 3 degrees C, despite a fall in emissions due to the lockdowns imposed to control the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The UN's Environment Programme, in its annual report, found that a seven per cent fall in carbon pollution would have a "negligible impact" on global warming if a broad and rapid approach to move away from fossil fuels is not undertaken.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday lashed out at world leaders for failing to take action to prevent adverse consequences related to climate change. Referring to the Paris climate deal signed in 2015, Thunberg said that since the world leaders committed themselves to limit global temperature, a lot has happened, but the "action needed is still nowhere in sight".

Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday lashed out at world leaders for failing to take action to prevent adverse consequences related to climate change. Referring to the Paris climate deal signed in 2015, Thunberg said that since the world leaders committed themselves to limit global temperature, a lot has happened, but the "action needed is still nowhere in sight". Watch | In the video released ahead of the fifth anniversary of the accord, the Swedish activist also warned that "we are still speeding in the wrong direction." Also read | Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous "Hypothetical targets are being set and big speeches are being given, yet when it comes to the immediate action we need, we are still in state of complete denial," Thunberg said. According to the deal, all the signatories pledged to cap global warming at 2 degrees C and if possible 1.5 degrees C, as compared to the pre-industrial era. However, the United Nations on Wednesday said the temperatures are on track to record a rise of over 3 degrees C, despite a fall in emissions due to the lockdowns imposed to control the coronavirus pandemic. The UN's Environment Programme, in its annual report, found that a seven per cent fall in carbon pollution would have a "negligible impact" on global warming if a broad and rapid approach to move away from fossil fuels is not undertaken.

Greta Thunberg lashes out at world leaders, says 'action needed not in sight'

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days. 
 
“This level of extreme heat would have been almost impossible in the absence of human-caused global warming,” the report said.

Greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high last year, putting us on track for an average temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius. 2020 could be the hottest year yet on record as temperatures continue to soar.

Some extreme weather events, such as heat- and cold-waves, intense precipitation events, and regional droughts, have become more frequent and intense.

COVID-19 lockdowns are likely to result in just a 0.01C reduction in global warming by 2050. However, green investment under government stimulus packages could cut up to 25% off emissions predicted in 2030.

The World Economic Forum also released data to illustrate the potential damage to the planet over the coming decades and stated that by 2030s – Climate change-related illnesses will kill 250,000 people each year.

According to the predictions, Up to 8 per cent of the global population will have seen a severe reduction in water availability. Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand will be threatened by annual floods, sparking mass migration.

By 2050s – temperatures will soar to 60°C and by 2100s – Florida will disappear and south Spain will become a desert.

The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s.&nbsp;

One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days.

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days. “This level of extreme heat would have been almost impossible in the absence of human-caused global warming,” the report said. Greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high last year, putting us on track for an average temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius. 2020 could be the hottest year yet on record as temperatures continue to soar. Some extreme weather events, such as heat- and cold-waves, intense precipitation events, and regional droughts, have become more frequent and intense. COVID-19 lockdowns are likely to result in just a 0.01C reduction in global warming by 2050. However, green investment under government stimulus packages could cut up to 25% off emissions predicted in 2030. The World Economic Forum also released data to illustrate the potential damage to the planet over the coming decades and stated that by 2030s – Climate change-related illnesses will kill 250,000 people each year. According to the predictions, Up to 8 per cent of the global population will have seen a severe reduction in water availability. Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand will be threatened by annual floods, sparking mass migration. By 2050s – temperatures will soar to 60°C and by 2100s – Florida will disappear and south Spain will become a desert. The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s. One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report. (With inputs from agencies)

Coming decades will see unbearable 60°C days, warns World Economic Forum

The report highlighted the need for urgent investments in climate action as part of COVID-19 recovery, to bring the world closer to the Paris Agreement

UN Environment Programme Report: Average temperature to rise by 3 degree celsius

This year Europe witnessed its hottest November on record, the European Union's satellite monitoring service said on Monday. &nbsp;

The analysis by Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) found that November 2020 was 0.8 C hotter than the 30-year average of 1981-2010, more than 0.1 C warmer than the previous highest.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-has-lost-28-trillion-tonnes-of-ice-since-1994-due-to-global-warming-322639/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the September-November period, known as boreal autumn, the temperatures in Europe were 1.9 C above the standard reference period, 0.4 C more than which was the previous warmest in 2006.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emission-even-to-zero-wont-stop-global-warming-study-342988">Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study</a>

"These records are consistent with the long-term warming trend of the global climate," said C3S director Carlo Buontempo, as reported by news agency AFP. &nbsp;

"All policy-makers who prioritise mitigating climate risks should see these records as alarm bells and consider more seriously than ever how to best comply with the international commitments set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement".

The analysis comes after the World Meteorological Organization's comments last week that said that 2020 was on track to be the hottest year ever recorded.&nbsp;

Satellite images analysed by C3S found that Arctic sea ice extent was the second-lowest for November in the database, which started in 1979.

C3S said that 2020 is on course to match 2016's record, which currently stands as the hottest year ever.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

This year Europe witnessed its hottest November on record, the European Union's satellite monitoring service said on Monday. The analysis by Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) found that November 2020 was 0.

This year Europe witnessed its hottest November on record, the European Union's satellite monitoring service said on Monday. The analysis by Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) found that November 2020 was 0.8 C hotter than the 30-year average of 1981-2010, more than 0.1 C warmer than the previous highest. Watch | In the September-November period, known as boreal autumn, the temperatures in Europe were 1.9 C above the standard reference period, 0.4 C more than which was the previous warmest in 2006. Also read | Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study "These records are consistent with the long-term warming trend of the global climate," said C3S director Carlo Buontempo, as reported by news agency AFP. "All policy-makers who prioritise mitigating climate risks should see these records as alarm bells and consider more seriously than ever how to best comply with the international commitments set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement". The analysis comes after the World Meteorological Organization's comments last week that said that 2020 was on track to be the hottest year ever recorded. Satellite images analysed by C3S found that Arctic sea ice extent was the second-lowest for November in the database, which started in 1979. C3S said that 2020 is on course to match 2016's record, which currently stands as the hottest year ever.

November 2020 was the hottest on record: EU

Rising temperatures and environmental pollutants are already endangering the health and well-being of Americans, with fatal consequences for thousands of older men and women, a team of public health experts warned Wednesday. Their report, published in The Lancet, called on lawmakers to stem the rise of planet-warming gases in the next five years.

The section on the United States presents climate change as a public health risk now, rather than a hazard faced by future generations. It points to the immediate dangers of extreme heat, wildfires and air pollution, and makes the case for rapidly shifting to a green economy as a way to improve public health.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/earth-has-lost-28-trillion-tonnes-of-ice-since-1994-due-to-global-warming-322639/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The coronavirus pandemic, the authors point out, has served as a reminder of the urgent need to strengthen the country’s public health system — something that’s going to be all the more necessary for Americans to deal with the health effects of climate change, which, the authors conclude, disproportionately harm those with the fewest resources to respond to threats.

“The overarching theme I stress to the incoming administration is making health central,” said Dr. Renee N. Salas, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and lead author of the U.S. policy paper contained in The Lancet report, in a call with reporters. “Climate action is a prescription for health.”

The report contains a set of broad recommendations aimed squarely at the incoming presidential administration. To improve the health of Americans, the authors recommend ending subsidies for fossil fuels, investing in public transit options, and reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizers on U.S. farms, which are a source of both air pollution and planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.

“We have to stop investing in what is a thing of the past and health-harming,” Salas said.

The report summarizes the research on how rising temperatures — and more frequent, more intense heat waves in particular — are already damaging human health around the world. In the past 20 years, the report finds, extreme heat has been linked to a 50% increase in deaths of people older than 65, with 296,000 deaths in 2018. Most of those deaths were in Japan, China, India and parts of Europe.

Extreme heat also makes it hard to work, especially outdoors. According to the report, 302 billion hours of potential labor productivity were lost in 2019 alone. Workers in hot, humid countries like India and Indonesia were most affected.

In the past 20 years, there were also more days when the risk of wildfires was high. Fires have grown bigger and more severe in landscapes like the Western United States, destroying 4 million acres in California alone this year. The number of days when there is wildfire smoke in the air have risen sharply, too.

The Lancet Countdown on Climate Change and Health, as the paper is formally known, is published each year by the medical journal. Wednesday’s edition was the fifth annual report and was written by experts from more than 35 research institutions all over the world.

The report found that climates suitable for infectious diseases had expanded, with areas ripe for dengue-spreading mosquitoes having grown by 15% since the 1950s. It pointed to worrying signs on food security as well. Between 1981 and 2019, the report found, the “yield potential” for several staple crops has dropped, meaning that crops are maturing faster and production is lower than average. The largest drops have been for maize, a staple in parts of Africa and Latin America. The world still produces enough food, though it doesn’t always go to the people who need it most.

The Lancet Countdown calls on national governments to make drastic reductions in emissions in the next five years. Without them, its authors say, it will be increasingly difficult to avert the worst effects of warming. “These next five years will be pivotal,” the authors wrote.

The United Nations published a separate report Wednesday concluding that governments must reduce the production of fossil fuels by 6% a year over the next 10 years to limit catastrophic warming.

Rising temperatures and environmental pollutants are already endangering the health and well-being of Americans, with fatal consequences for thousands of older men and women, a team of public health experts warned Wednesday.

Rising temperatures and environmental pollutants are already endangering the health and well-being of Americans, with fatal consequences for thousands of older men and women, a team of public health experts warned Wednesday. Their report, published in The Lancet, called on lawmakers to stem the rise of planet-warming gases in the next five years. The section on the United States presents climate change as a public health risk now, rather than a hazard faced by future generations. It points to the immediate dangers of extreme heat, wildfires and air pollution, and makes the case for rapidly shifting to a green economy as a way to improve public health. The coronavirus pandemic, the authors point out, has served as a reminder of the urgent need to strengthen the country’s public health system — something that’s going to be all the more necessary for Americans to deal with the health effects of climate change, which, the authors conclude, disproportionately harm those with the fewest resources to respond to threats. “The overarching theme I stress to the incoming administration is making health central,” said Dr. Renee N. Salas, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and lead author of the U.S. policy paper contained in The Lancet report, in a call with reporters. “Climate action is a prescription for health.” The report contains a set of broad recommendations aimed squarely at the incoming presidential administration. To improve the health of Americans, the authors recommend ending subsidies for fossil fuels, investing in public transit options, and reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizers on U.S. farms, which are a source of both air pollution and planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. “We have to stop investing in what is a thing of the past and health-harming,” Salas said. The report summarizes the research on how rising temperatures — and more frequent, more intense heat waves in particular — are already damaging human health around the world. In the past 20 years, the report finds, extreme heat has been linked to a 50% increase in deaths of people older than 65, with 296,000 deaths in 2018. Most of those deaths were in Japan, China, India and parts of Europe. Extreme heat also makes it hard to work, especially outdoors. According to the report, 302 billion hours of potential labor productivity were lost in 2019 alone. Workers in hot, humid countries like India and Indonesia were most affected. In the past 20 years, there were also more days when the risk of wildfires was high. Fires have grown bigger and more severe in landscapes like the Western United States, destroying 4 million acres in California alone this year. The number of days when there is wildfire smoke in the air have risen sharply, too. The Lancet Countdown on Climate Change and Health, as the paper is formally known, is published each year by the medical journal. Wednesday’s edition was the fifth annual report and was written by experts from more than 35 research institutions all over the world. The report found that climates suitable for infectious diseases had expanded, with areas ripe for dengue-spreading mosquitoes having grown by 15% since the 1950s. It pointed to worrying signs on food security as well. Between 1981 and 2019, the report found, the “yield potential” for several staple crops has dropped, meaning that crops are maturing faster and production is lower than average. The largest drops have been for maize, a staple in parts of Africa and Latin America. The world still produces enough food, though it doesn’t always go to the people who need it most. The Lancet Countdown calls on national governments to make drastic reductions in emissions in the next five years. Without them, its authors say, it will be increasingly difficult to avert the worst effects of warming. “These next five years will be pivotal,” the authors wrote. The United Nations published a separate report Wednesday concluding that governments must reduce the production of fossil fuels by 6% a year over the next 10 years to limit catastrophic warming.

A hotter planet is already killing Americans, health experts warn

2020 is on course to become one of three hottest years ever recorded in human history, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

Since records began in 1850, the last six years leading upto 2020 have been the warmest, and 2020 is expected to break 2016’s mercury record, as highlighted in the 2020 State of the Global Climate report.

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"2020 has, unfortunately, been yet another extraordinary year for our climate," said Petteri Taalas, WMO secretary-general.

The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change intends to cap global warming below the two degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, which refers to the time period between 1850-1900. Additionally, countries are pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 C.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/climate-change-is-making-winter-ice-more-dangerous-344406" hreflang="en">Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous</a>

"The average global temperature in 2020 is set to be about 1.2 C above the pre-industrial level," Taalas said. "There is at least a one in five chance of it temporarily exceeding 1.5 C by 2024”, he WMO secretary-general added.

Even though 2020 is set to become the hottest year ever, it could change due to the minor difference among the hottest 3 years.&nbsp;

One all of the data is in, the course could change. In essence, the years between 2015-2020 are "likely to be the six warmest on record", according to the report. Taalas added that 2020 “saw new extreme temperatures on land, sea and especially in the Arctic”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/93-brazilians-91-indians-perceive-climate-change-as-severe-survey-reveals-343883" hreflang="en">93% Brazilians, 91% Indians perceive climate change as severe, survey reveals</a>

"Wildfires consumed vast areas in Australia, Siberia, the US West Coast and South America, sending plumes of smoke circumnavigating the globe", the report added.

"Flooding in parts of Africa and southeast Asia led to massive population displacement and undermined food security for millions."

2020 is on course to become one of three hottest years ever recorded in human history, the United Nations said on Wednesday. Since records began in 1850, the last six years leading upto 2020 have been the warmest, and 2020 is expected to break 2016’s mercury record, as highlighted in the 2020 State of the Global Climate report.

2020 is on course to become one of three hottest years ever recorded in human history, the United Nations said on Wednesday. Since records began in 1850, the last six years leading upto 2020 have been the warmest, and 2020 is expected to break 2016’s mercury record, as highlighted in the 2020 State of the Global Climate report. "2020 has, unfortunately, been yet another extraordinary year for our climate," said Petteri Taalas, WMO secretary-general. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change intends to cap global warming below the two degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, which refers to the time period between 1850-1900. Additionally, countries are pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 C. Also read: Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous "The average global temperature in 2020 is set to be about 1.2 C above the pre-industrial level," Taalas said. "There is at least a one in five chance of it temporarily exceeding 1.5 C by 2024”, he WMO secretary-general added. Even though 2020 is set to become the hottest year ever, it could change due to the minor difference among the hottest 3 years. One all of the data is in, the course could change. In essence, the years between 2015-2020 are "likely to be the six warmest on record", according to the report. Taalas added that 2020 “saw new extreme temperatures on land, sea and especially in the Arctic”. Also read: 93% Brazilians, 91% Indians perceive climate change as severe, survey reveals "Wildfires consumed vast areas in Australia, Siberia, the US West Coast and South America, sending plumes of smoke circumnavigating the globe", the report added. "Flooding in parts of Africa and southeast Asia led to massive population displacement and undermined food security for millions."

2020 on course to become hottest year in the history of mankind

'Climate Guardian' Sentinel-6 satellite, jointly developed by Europe and the United States has been launched. The satellite will greatly help scientists keep track of the rise in global sea levels, one of the most daunting effects of climate change.

'Climate Guardian' Sentinel-6 satellite blasts off on ocean mission

New research on the connection between climate change and winter drownings has found that reported drowning deaths are increasing exponentially in areas with warmer winters.

The study, published Wednesday in the journal PLoS One, looked at drownings in 10 countries in the Northern Hemisphere. The largest number of drownings occurred when air temperatures were just below the freezing point, between minus 5 degrees Celsius and 0 Celsius (between 23 degrees Fahrenheit and 32 Fahrenheit).

Some of the sharpest increases were in areas where Indigenous customs and livelihood require extended time on ice. Across the countries studied, children under the age of 9 and teenagers and adults between 15 and 39 were the most vulnerable to winter drowning accidents.

Sapna Sharma, an associate professor of biology at York University in Toronto and a lead author of the study, said people did not always realize how global warming is increasing the risks that come with winter traditions like skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling.

“I think there’s a disconnect between climate change and the local, everyday impacts,” Sharma said. “If you think about climate change in winter, you’re thinking about polar bears and ice sheets, but not about these activities that are just ingrained in our culture.”

Those ingrained habits can lead to a false sense of security, Sharma said.

“It might be minus 20 Celsius today and tomorrow and the weekend, but last week it was 15 Celsius,” she said. “Well, we might have forgotten as individuals that it was warm and sunny last week on a Tuesday, but the ice didn’t forget.”

The lack of sustained cold, which leads to more freeze-thaw events, is crucial. Each time ice thaws and refreezes, it gets a little weaker — and it can stay that way for the remainder of the cold season.

“Milder temperatures mean that the ice is not as thick, or not as solid as it would otherwise be,” said Robert McLeman, a professor of geography and environmental studies at Wilfrid Laurier University who was not involved in the study. “And so people are going out onto it and not realizing that the ice is rotten.”

The authors compared death records and temperature data in Canada, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Italy, Japan, and the northern United States. They analyzed about 4,000 total records over a span of 26 years, though the time period varied depending on the available data in each country.

The researchers found that more cold-weather drownings occur in spring when daily low temperatures increase too much to support stable ice structures. At the same time, those warmer temperatures make it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors, meaning more people are spending time on ice.

Northern Canada and Alaska have higher rates of drowning, even in very cold temperatures. Sharma said that is probably because people there simply spend more time on the ice. Indigenous communities close to the Arctic rely on waterways for food and transportation, which means more time on the ice in winter and an increased risk of drowning.

The coronavirus pandemic could also put more people at risk.

“If this winter is anything like this summer was,” Sharma said, “a lot of people spent time in cottage country in Ontario because we just can’t go anywhere.”

She said that ice with sitting water, slush, or holes in the surface was generally unsafe.

“Snow cover is when it gets tricky,” Sharma said. “People think there’s so much snow on the ice, the ice must be thick,” but snow can also act as insulation, melting the ice more quickly.

“We need to, as individuals adapt our decision-making,” she added, and focus on how changing winters affect rivers, lakes and streams. “It may not be as safe now as it was 30 years or 40 years ago.”

New research on the connection between climate change and winter drownings has found that reported drowning deaths are increasing exponentially in areas with warmer winters.

New research on the connection between climate change and winter drownings has found that reported drowning deaths are increasing exponentially in areas with warmer winters. The study, published Wednesday in the journal PLoS One, looked at drownings in 10 countries in the Northern Hemisphere. The largest number of drownings occurred when air temperatures were just below the freezing point, between minus 5 degrees Celsius and 0 Celsius (between 23 degrees Fahrenheit and 32 Fahrenheit). Some of the sharpest increases were in areas where Indigenous customs and livelihood require extended time on ice. Across the countries studied, children under the age of 9 and teenagers and adults between 15 and 39 were the most vulnerable to winter drowning accidents. Sapna Sharma, an associate professor of biology at York University in Toronto and a lead author of the study, said people did not always realize how global warming is increasing the risks that come with winter traditions like skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling. “I think there’s a disconnect between climate change and the local, everyday impacts,” Sharma said. “If you think about climate change in winter, you’re thinking about polar bears and ice sheets, but not about these activities that are just ingrained in our culture.” Those ingrained habits can lead to a false sense of security, Sharma said. “It might be minus 20 Celsius today and tomorrow and the weekend, but last week it was 15 Celsius,” she said. “Well, we might have forgotten as individuals that it was warm and sunny last week on a Tuesday, but the ice didn’t forget.” The lack of sustained cold, which leads to more freeze-thaw events, is crucial. Each time ice thaws and refreezes, it gets a little weaker — and it can stay that way for the remainder of the cold season. “Milder temperatures mean that the ice is not as thick, or not as solid as it would otherwise be,” said Robert McLeman, a professor of geography and environmental studies at Wilfrid Laurier University who was not involved in the study. “And so people are going out onto it and not realizing that the ice is rotten.” The authors compared death records and temperature data in Canada, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Italy, Japan, and the northern United States. They analyzed about 4,000 total records over a span of 26 years, though the time period varied depending on the available data in each country. The researchers found that more cold-weather drownings occur in spring when daily low temperatures increase too much to support stable ice structures. At the same time, those warmer temperatures make it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors, meaning more people are spending time on ice. Northern Canada and Alaska have higher rates of drowning, even in very cold temperatures. Sharma said that is probably because people there simply spend more time on the ice. Indigenous communities close to the Arctic rely on waterways for food and transportation, which means more time on the ice in winter and an increased risk of drowning. The coronavirus pandemic could also put more people at risk. “If this winter is anything like this summer was,” Sharma said, “a lot of people spent time in cottage country in Ontario because we just can’t go anywhere.” She said that ice with sitting water, slush, or holes in the surface was generally unsafe. “Snow cover is when it gets tricky,” Sharma said. “People think there’s so much snow on the ice, the ice must be thick,” but snow can also act as insulation, melting the ice more quickly. “We need to, as individuals adapt our decision-making,” she added, and focus on how changing winters affect rivers, lakes and streams. “It may not be as safe now as it was 30 years or 40 years ago.”

Climate change is making winter ice more dangerous

China must stop building new coal power plants and ramp up its wind and solar capacity if it wants to become carbon neutral by 2060, researchers said Friday.

A new report published by the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air warned that overcapacity of existing plants and new ones being built mean it will be hard for Beijing to meet the much-lauded climate goal promised by President Xi Jinping earlier this year.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/burning-fossil-fuels-helped-drive-earths-most-massive-extinction-344082" hreflang="en">Burning fossil fuels helped drive Earth’s most massive extinction</a>

The research organisation called for the Chinese government to shut down all new coal-fired power plants built from 2020 and double the growth of wind and solar power in the next decade.

The country should aim to whittle its coal fleet down to about 680 gigawatts by 2030 — instead of current plans to expand it to about 1,300 gigawatts, it said.

Without proper policy intervention to retire these surplus plants early and halt the construction of new ones, the researchers claimed the level of carbon dioxide emitted by China would show almost no reduction compared to this year's level.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/greenlands-largest-glaciers-likely-to-melt-faster-than-feared-study-343852" hreflang="en">Greenland's largest glaciers likely to melt faster than feared: Study</a>

"The power section needs to achieve zero emissions as soon as possible," the report said.

"Coal power should be phased out rapidly in a cost-effective manner."

As part of the plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, China also pledged to reach its peak carbon emissions by 2030, which researchers claim needs coal-fired power to start reducing almost immediately.

"As long as coal consumption continues to drop significantly, peaking carbon emissions before 2030 will be a relatively achievable goal," Yuan Jiahai, Professor at North China Electric Power University, said in the report.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emission-even-to-zero-wont-stop-global-warming-study-342988" hreflang="en">Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study</a>

One way to reach this target, the report says, is to set a high carbon price in the carbon trading market, in turn incentivising the carbon-emitters to reduce coal-fired power generation.

The report also called for coordination among the Chinese government, think tanks and other NGOs to ensure the visibility and transparency of the process.

China's carbon promise, announced in September in a speech by Xi to the United Nations, came as a surprise as Beijing has relied heavily on coal to spur its economic emergence from poverty to superpower status over the last few decades.

China must stop building new coal power plants and ramp up its wind and solar capacity if it wants to become carbon neutral by 2060, researchers said Friday. A new report published by the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air warned that overcapacity of existing plants and new ones being built mean it will be hard for Beijing to meet the much-lauded climate goal promised by President Xi Jinping earlier this year.

China must stop building new coal power plants and ramp up its wind and solar capacity if it wants to become carbon neutral by 2060, researchers said Friday. A new report published by the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air warned that overcapacity of existing plants and new ones being built mean it will be hard for Beijing to meet the much-lauded climate goal promised by President Xi Jinping earlier this year. Also read| Burning fossil fuels helped drive Earth’s most massive extinction The research organisation called for the Chinese government to shut down all new coal-fired power plants built from 2020 and double the growth of wind and solar power in the next decade. The country should aim to whittle its coal fleet down to about 680 gigawatts by 2030 — instead of current plans to expand it to about 1,300 gigawatts, it said. Without proper policy intervention to retire these surplus plants early and halt the construction of new ones, the researchers claimed the level of carbon dioxide emitted by China would show almost no reduction compared to this year's level. Also read| Greenland's largest glaciers likely to melt faster than feared: Study "The power section needs to achieve zero emissions as soon as possible," the report said. "Coal power should be phased out rapidly in a cost-effective manner." As part of the plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, China also pledged to reach its peak carbon emissions by 2030, which researchers claim needs coal-fired power to start reducing almost immediately. "As long as coal consumption continues to drop significantly, peaking carbon emissions before 2030 will be a relatively achievable goal," Yuan Jiahai, Professor at North China Electric Power University, said in the report. Also read| Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study One way to reach this target, the report says, is to set a high carbon price in the carbon trading market, in turn incentivising the carbon-emitters to reduce coal-fired power generation. The report also called for coordination among the Chinese government, think tanks and other NGOs to ensure the visibility and transparency of the process. China's carbon promise, announced in September in a speech by Xi to the United Nations, came as a surprise as Beijing has relied heavily on coal to spur its economic emergence from poverty to superpower status over the last few decades.

China's new coal plants risk 2060 climate target: Researchers

Like every winter, the red-crowned Eurasian birds are back on Israel's Hula Lake - some for a stop-over en route from Russia, Finland and Estonia to Ethiopia's Lake Tana, and others here for the entire cold season. This year, however, some of the 100,000 cranes flew in a little late, with global warming a possible reason for the delay.

Flight delayed: Crane winter migration arrives late in Israel

climate-change

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