Polluted water prevented from entering the lake with high ecological sensitivity. Local water quality was gradually improved. This is the story of Huzhou city in East China.

The Story of Huzhou city in East China | Achieving Eco-friendly development | WION

India sends assistance to Mauritius to contain the oil spill on its south-east coast and to deal with the environmental crisis arising off it, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Sunday (August 16, 2020).

India sends 30 tonnes of technical equipment as assistance to Mauritius to contain oil spill

A ship that has leaked tons of oil off the coast of Mauritius has split apart, authorities said on Saturday.

Why the Mauritius oil spill is threatening | MV Wakashio | Climate Change | Aquatic ecosystem

After years of summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall, eastern Germany’s lakelands are drying out, local scientists say, to the detriment of fish and plant life as well as fishermen.

Seddiner lake, in the state of Brandenburg, south-west of Berlin, has sunk 60 cm annually on average over the past few years, with local geographer Knut Kaiser calling it the beginning of the end for the region’s lakes.

“You could say that Seddiner is a symbol of a situation, or to put it more dramatically, it has become a portent for climate change here in Brandenburg,” Kaiser, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, told Reuters TV.

Spanning 218 hectares, it is fed from groundwater, leaving it at the mercy of rainfall and human water usage.

At a high point in 2013, the lake was full enough to flow naturally into a smaller neighbouring lake. In 2020, piers along the water’s edge stand high and dry.

The state has the third most lakes in Germany relative to its size, but is the second most arid, according to the German Weather Agency.

After the drought years of 2018 and 2019, Kaiser said the lake will likely lose a massive amount of water in 2020 for the third year running.

“This is a bad sign! You could put it more starkly: It is a horror story for the region’s water landscape,” he said.

While scientists agree that the main problems facing Brandenburg’s lakes are linked to climate change, human influence also plays a role.

Reeds, which clean the lake and act as a place for fish to spawn, have been exposed by low water and are often trampled by people heading to beaches, Kaiser said.

Falling water levels pose a problem for locals like Mannfred Mannheim. He used to catch enough fish for the family smokery business from the lake, but now has to source it elsewhere.

“For the last three years I have been waiting and things are just getting worse,” Mannheim said. “One day this lake won’t be here anymore.”

After years of summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall, eastern Germany’s lakelands are drying out, local scientists say, to the detriment of fish and plant life as well as fishermen.

After years of summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall, eastern Germany’s lakelands are drying out, local scientists say, to the detriment of fish and plant life as well as fishermen. Seddiner lake, in the state of Brandenburg, south-west of Berlin, has sunk 60 cm annually on average over the past few years, with local geographer Knut Kaiser calling it the beginning of the end for the region’s lakes. “You could say that Seddiner is a symbol of a situation, or to put it more dramatically, it has become a portent for climate change here in Brandenburg,” Kaiser, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, told Reuters TV. Spanning 218 hectares, it is fed from groundwater, leaving it at the mercy of rainfall and human water usage. At a high point in 2013, the lake was full enough to flow naturally into a smaller neighbouring lake. In 2020, piers along the water’s edge stand high and dry. The state has the third most lakes in Germany relative to its size, but is the second most arid, according to the German Weather Agency. After the drought years of 2018 and 2019, Kaiser said the lake will likely lose a massive amount of water in 2020 for the third year running. “This is a bad sign! You could put it more starkly: It is a horror story for the region’s water landscape,” he said. While scientists agree that the main problems facing Brandenburg’s lakes are linked to climate change, human influence also plays a role. Reeds, which clean the lake and act as a place for fish to spawn, have been exposed by low water and are often trampled by people heading to beaches, Kaiser said. Falling water levels pose a problem for locals like Mannfred Mannheim. He used to catch enough fish for the family smokery business from the lake, but now has to source it elsewhere. “For the last three years I have been waiting and things are just getting worse,” Mannheim said. “One day this lake won’t be here anymore.”

Drying Brandenburg lake is symbol of climate change, say scientists

After years of summer heatwaves and minimal rainfall, eastern Germany's lakelands are drying out, local scientists say, to the detriment of fish and plant life as well as fishermen.

The Seddiner lake in Germany disappearing steadily

A new research has found that rising temperatures are set to cause specific annihilation in poorer, hotter parts of the world that will battle to adjust to terrible conditions that will slaughter huge numbers of individuals.

According to a new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, Climate change and global warming could drive temperatures up to the point where they would lead to 85 deaths per 100,000 people globally per year by the end of the century. That’s more than are currently killed by all infectious diseases across the globe.

The study projects that climate change’s effect on temperatures could raise global mortality rates by 73 deaths per 100,000 people in 2100 under a continued high emissions scenario, compared to a world with no warming. That level is roughly equal to the current death rate for all infectious diseases—including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and diseases transmitted by ticks, mosquitos, and parasites—combined (approximately 74 deaths per 100,000 globally).

Such data would help the governments around the world to identify the origin of problem.

But countries are not willing to fix the problem. Their focus has been damage control but knee-jerk reactions and stop-gap solutions will not work anymore.&nbsp;

The effects of climate change are being felt by the people. Air is polluted, the forest cover is dwindling at a rapid rate, and it has become a public health crisis.

Rampaging wildfires and receding glaciers are slowly making life difficult in this planet and failure to act against global warming will accelerate the extinction of life as we know it.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new research has found that rising temperatures are set to cause specific annihilation in poorer, hotter parts of the world that will battle to adjust to terrible conditions that will slaughter huge numbers of individuals.

A new research has found that rising temperatures are set to cause specific annihilation in poorer, hotter parts of the world that will battle to adjust to terrible conditions that will slaughter huge numbers of individuals. According to a new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, Climate change and global warming could drive temperatures up to the point where they would lead to 85 deaths per 100,000 people globally per year by the end of the century. That’s more than are currently killed by all infectious diseases across the globe. The study projects that climate change’s effect on temperatures could raise global mortality rates by 73 deaths per 100,000 people in 2100 under a continued high emissions scenario, compared to a world with no warming. That level is roughly equal to the current death rate for all infectious diseases—including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and diseases transmitted by ticks, mosquitos, and parasites—combined (approximately 74 deaths per 100,000 globally). Such data would help the governments around the world to identify the origin of problem. But countries are not willing to fix the problem. Their focus has been damage control but knee-jerk reactions and stop-gap solutions will not work anymore. The effects of climate change are being felt by the people. Air is polluted, the forest cover is dwindling at a rapid rate, and it has become a public health crisis. Rampaging wildfires and receding glaciers are slowly making life difficult in this planet and failure to act against global warming will accelerate the extinction of life as we know it. (With inputs from agencies)

Global warming could cause more deaths than all infectious diseases: Study

According to the state of climate report, last year was one of the warmest years on record with "all major greenhouse gases released into Earth’s atmosphere reaching new record high concentrations in 2019."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-warns-climate-change-crisis-could-be-worse-than-covid-19-pandemic-318665">Also Read:&nbsp;Bill Gates warns climate change crisis could be worse than COVID-19 pandemic</a>

There were also a record number of extreme cool days compared to the last 70 years, but there were more cool days compared to the average of just the past decade, the report noted.

The report added that&nbsp;&nbsp;2019 was among the warmest years on record and the last decade was&nbsp;the hottest since records began in 1800s.

The climate report said that "lake temperatures had increased on average across the globe in 2019" while asserting that over land, the growing season was an average of eight days longer than the 2000–10 average in the northern hemisphere and the global surface temperatures were near-record high with atmospheric temperatures at record or near-record setting.

The report said that the summer monsoon season set in over Kerala in southern peninsular India on 8 June last year, seven days later than its climatological normal date. &nbsp;"The monsoon covered the entire country on 19 July, four days later than its climatological normal date. Even with the late start and suppressed monsoon in June, India experienced one of its heaviest summer monsoon rains since 1995." it said.

"The Arctic land surface temperature for 2019 was the second-highest in the 120-year record with record high temperatures in Alaska and northwest Canada with the Arctic sea ice reaching its maximum extent for the year in March 2019.

"Winter sea ice coverage in the Bering Sea was by far the lowest since at least 1850, the second year in row to break the record low. In September, the minimum sea ice extent at the end of summer tied with 2007 and 2016 for the second smallest in the 41-year satellite record," the report said.

According to the state of climate report, last year was one of the warmest years on record with "all major greenhouse gases released into Earth’s atmosphere reaching new record high concentrations in 2019.

According to the state of climate report, last year was one of the warmest years on record with "all major greenhouse gases released into Earth’s atmosphere reaching new record high concentrations in 2019." Also Read: Bill Gates warns climate change crisis could be worse than COVID-19 pandemic There were also a record number of extreme cool days compared to the last 70 years, but there were more cool days compared to the average of just the past decade, the report noted. The report added that 2019 was among the warmest years on record and the last decade was the hottest since records began in 1800s. The climate report said that "lake temperatures had increased on average across the globe in 2019" while asserting that over land, the growing season was an average of eight days longer than the 2000–10 average in the northern hemisphere and the global surface temperatures were near-record high with atmospheric temperatures at record or near-record setting. The report said that the summer monsoon season set in over Kerala in southern peninsular India on 8 June last year, seven days later than its climatological normal date. "The monsoon covered the entire country on 19 July, four days later than its climatological normal date. Even with the late start and suppressed monsoon in June, India experienced one of its heaviest summer monsoon rains since 1995." it said. "The Arctic land surface temperature for 2019 was the second-highest in the 120-year record with record high temperatures in Alaska and northwest Canada with the Arctic sea ice reaching its maximum extent for the year in March 2019. "Winter sea ice coverage in the Bering Sea was by far the lowest since at least 1850, the second year in row to break the record low. In September, the minimum sea ice extent at the end of summer tied with 2007 and 2016 for the second smallest in the 41-year satellite record," the report said.

2019 was among warmest years on record, Arctic temperatures also increased: Report

The last fully intact ice shelf in the Canadian Arctic has collapsed, losing more than 40% of its area in just two days at the end of July, researchers said.&nbsp;

The Milne Ice Shelf is at the fringe of Ellesmere Island, in the sparsely populated northern Canadian territory of Nunavut.

“Above normal air temperatures, offshore winds and open water in front of the ice shelf are all part of the recipe for ice shelf break up,” the Canadian Ice Service said on Twitter when it announced the loss on Sunday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nearly-half-of-worlds-beaches-disappearing-due-to-climate-change-study-283976">Also Read:&nbsp;Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change</a>

“Entire cities are that size. These are big pieces of ice,” said Luke Copland, a glaciologist at the University of Ottawa who was part of the research team studying the Milne Ice Shelf.

The shelf’s area shrank by about 80 square kilometers. By comparison, the island of Manhattan in New York covers roughly 60 square kilometers.

“This was the largest remaining intact ice shelf, and it’s disintegrated, basically,” Copland said.&nbsp;

The Arctic has been warming at twice the global rate for the last 30 years, due to a process known as Arctic amplification. But this year, temperatures in the polar region have been intense. The polar sea ice hit its lowest extent for July in 40 years. Record heat and wildfires have scorched Siberian Russia.

Summer in the Canadian Arctic this year in particular has been 5 degrees Celsius above the 30-year average, Copland said.

That has threatened smaller ice caps, which can melt quickly because they do not have the bulk that larger glaciers have to stay cold. As a glacier disappears, more bedrock is exposed, which then heats up and accelerates the melting process.

“The very small ones, we’re losing them dramatically,” he said, citing researchers’ reviews of satellite imagery. “You feel like you’re on a sinking island chasing these features, and these are large features. It’s not as if it’s a little tiny patch of ice you find in your garden.”&nbsp;

The ice shelf collapse on Ellesmere Island also meant the loss of the northern hemisphere’s last known epishelf lake, a geographic feature in which a body of freshwater is dammed by the ice shelf and floats atop ocean water.

A research camp, including instruments for measuring water flow through the ice shelf, was lost when the shelf collapsed. “It is lucky we were not on the ice shelf when this happened,” said researcher Derek Mueller of Carleton University in Ottawa, in an Aug. 2 blog post.

Ellesmere also lost its two St. Patrick Bay ice caps this summer.

“We saw them going, like someone with terminal cancer. It was only a matter of time,” said Mark Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado.

Serreze and other NSIDC scientists had published a 2017 study predicting the ice caps were likely to disappear within five years. The ice caps were believed to have formed several centuries ago.

The vanishing was confirmed last month, when NASA satellite shots of the region revealed a complete lack of snow and ice, said Serreze, who studied the caps as a graduate student on his first trip to the Arctic years ago. At the time, he said, the caps had seemed like immovable parts of the geography.&nbsp;

“When I was there in the 1980s I knew every square inch of those ice caps,” he said. “You have the memories. It’s like your first girlfriend.”

Meanwhile, another two ice caps on Ellesmere - called Murray and Simmons - are also diminishing and are likely to disappear within 10 years, Serreze said.

The last fully intact ice shelf in the Canadian Arctic has collapsed, losing more than 40% of its area in just two days at the end of July, researchers said. The Milne Ice Shelf is at the fringe of Ellesmere Island, in the sparsely populated northern Canadian territory of Nunavut.

The last fully intact ice shelf in the Canadian Arctic has collapsed, losing more than 40% of its area in just two days at the end of July, researchers said. The Milne Ice Shelf is at the fringe of Ellesmere Island, in the sparsely populated northern Canadian territory of Nunavut. “Above normal air temperatures, offshore winds and open water in front of the ice shelf are all part of the recipe for ice shelf break up,” the Canadian Ice Service said on Twitter when it announced the loss on Sunday. Also Read: Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change “Entire cities are that size. These are big pieces of ice,” said Luke Copland, a glaciologist at the University of Ottawa who was part of the research team studying the Milne Ice Shelf. The shelf’s area shrank by about 80 square kilometers. By comparison, the island of Manhattan in New York covers roughly 60 square kilometers. “This was the largest remaining intact ice shelf, and it’s disintegrated, basically,” Copland said. The Arctic has been warming at twice the global rate for the last 30 years, due to a process known as Arctic amplification. But this year, temperatures in the polar region have been intense. The polar sea ice hit its lowest extent for July in 40 years. Record heat and wildfires have scorched Siberian Russia. Summer in the Canadian Arctic this year in particular has been 5 degrees Celsius above the 30-year average, Copland said. That has threatened smaller ice caps, which can melt quickly because they do not have the bulk that larger glaciers have to stay cold. As a glacier disappears, more bedrock is exposed, which then heats up and accelerates the melting process. “The very small ones, we’re losing them dramatically,” he said, citing researchers’ reviews of satellite imagery. “You feel like you’re on a sinking island chasing these features, and these are large features. It’s not as if it’s a little tiny patch of ice you find in your garden.” The ice shelf collapse on Ellesmere Island also meant the loss of the northern hemisphere’s last known epishelf lake, a geographic feature in which a body of freshwater is dammed by the ice shelf and floats atop ocean water. A research camp, including instruments for measuring water flow through the ice shelf, was lost when the shelf collapsed. “It is lucky we were not on the ice shelf when this happened,” said researcher Derek Mueller of Carleton University in Ottawa, in an Aug. 2 blog post. Ellesmere also lost its two St. Patrick Bay ice caps this summer. “We saw them going, like someone with terminal cancer. It was only a matter of time,” said Mark Serreze, director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado. Serreze and other NSIDC scientists had published a 2017 study predicting the ice caps were likely to disappear within five years. The ice caps were believed to have formed several centuries ago. The vanishing was confirmed last month, when NASA satellite shots of the region revealed a complete lack of snow and ice, said Serreze, who studied the caps as a graduate student on his first trip to the Arctic years ago. At the time, he said, the caps had seemed like immovable parts of the geography. “When I was there in the 1980s I knew every square inch of those ice caps,” he said. “You have the memories. It’s like your first girlfriend.” Meanwhile, another two ice caps on Ellesmere - called Murray and Simmons - are also diminishing and are likely to disappear within 10 years, Serreze said.

Record Arctic heat continues, Canada’s last intact ice shelf collapses into the sea

The unprecedented fall in greenhouse gas emissions from lockdowns during the pandemic will do "nothing" to slow climate change without a lasting switch from fossil fuels, an international team of researchers said Friday.

Global emissions from the burning of coal, oil and gas could fall up to eight per cent in 2020 after governments moved to confine billions of people to their homes in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-warns-climate-change-crisis-could-be-worse-than-covid-19-pandemic-318665">Bill Gates warns climate change crisis could be worse than COVID-19 pandemic</a>

But absent a systemic change in how the world powers and feeds itself, experts warned in the study on Friday that the emissions saved during lockdown would be essentially meaningless.

Using open source data, the team calculated how levels of 10 different greenhouse gases and air pollutants changed in more than 120 countries between February and June this year.&nbsp;

They found that pollution such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides fell in the period by between 10 and 30 per cent.&nbsp;

However, given that the "massive behavioural shifts" during lockdown were only temporary, lower emissions so far this year are unlikely to influence the climate.&nbsp;

Even assuming travel restrictions and social distancing continue to the end of 2021, the team concluded that this would only save 0.01 C of warming by 2030.&nbsp;

"Lockdown showed that we can change and change fast, but it also showed the limits of behaviour change," Piers Forster, study co-author and director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate at Britain's University of Leeds.

"Without underlying structural change we won't make it," he told AFP.&nbsp;

1.5 C 'unlikely'&nbsp;

The 2015 Paris climate deal saw nations commit to limit temperature rises to "well below" two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels through sweeping emissions cuts.&nbsp;

It also set a safer goal of a 1.5 C cap.

The United Nations says that in order to keep 1.5 C in play global emissions must fall 7.6 percent annually this decade.

That is roughly equivalent to the anticipated emissions fall this year. But given that took one of the largest economic slowdowns in history, Forster said it was unlikely to be repeated as countries look to recover.&nbsp;

"If I'm brutally honest, the world is unlikely to decarbonise at the rates required for 1.5 C, but getting anywhere close will make our children's future better," he said.&nbsp;

The study, published in Nature Climate Change, also modelled options for post-lockdown recovery which the authors said showed a unique opportunity for structural change to the global economy.&nbsp;

Options for policymakers include lowering traffic pollution by prioritising public transport and cycle lanes.

A "strong green stimulus", which would see an additional 1.2 per cent of gross domestic product invested in low carbon technology could slash emissions by half by 2030 compared with a fossil fuel-led recovery, the authors said.&nbsp;

"The fall in emissions we experienced during COVID-19 is temporary and therefore it will do nothing to slow down climate change," said co-author Corinne Le Quere from the University of East Anglia.

"But the government responses could be a turning point if they focus on a green recovery, helping to avoid severe impacts from climate change."

Pete Smith, professor of soils and global change at the University of Aberdeen said that a return to business as usual post-COVID would mean "we will have thrown away our best chance of getting the world on track to net zero emissions".&nbsp;

"We have a small window of opportunity to get this right, and we can't afford to waste it," said Smith, who was not involved in the research.

The unprecedented fall in greenhouse gas emissions from lockdowns during the pandemic will do "nothing" to slow climate change without a lasting switch from fossil fuels, an international team of researchers said Friday.

The unprecedented fall in greenhouse gas emissions from lockdowns during the pandemic will do "nothing" to slow climate change without a lasting switch from fossil fuels, an international team of researchers said Friday. Global emissions from the burning of coal, oil and gas could fall up to eight per cent in 2020 after governments moved to confine billions of people to their homes in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19. Also read | Bill Gates warns climate change crisis could be worse than COVID-19 pandemic But absent a systemic change in how the world powers and feeds itself, experts warned in the study on Friday that the emissions saved during lockdown would be essentially meaningless. Using open source data, the team calculated how levels of 10 different greenhouse gases and air pollutants changed in more than 120 countries between February and June this year. They found that pollution such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides fell in the period by between 10 and 30 per cent. However, given that the "massive behavioural shifts" during lockdown were only temporary, lower emissions so far this year are unlikely to influence the climate. Even assuming travel restrictions and social distancing continue to the end of 2021, the team concluded that this would only save 0.01 C of warming by 2030. "Lockdown showed that we can change and change fast, but it also showed the limits of behaviour change," Piers Forster, study co-author and director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate at Britain's University of Leeds. "Without underlying structural change we won't make it," he told AFP. 1.5 C 'unlikely' The 2015 Paris climate deal saw nations commit to limit temperature rises to "well below" two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels through sweeping emissions cuts. It also set a safer goal of a 1.5 C cap. The United Nations says that in order to keep 1.5 C in play global emissions must fall 7.6 percent annually this decade. That is roughly equivalent to the anticipated emissions fall this year. But given that took one of the largest economic slowdowns in history, Forster said it was unlikely to be repeated as countries look to recover. "If I'm brutally honest, the world is unlikely to decarbonise at the rates required for 1.5 C, but getting anywhere close will make our children's future better," he said. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, also modelled options for post-lockdown recovery which the authors said showed a unique opportunity for structural change to the global economy. Options for policymakers include lowering traffic pollution by prioritising public transport and cycle lanes. A "strong green stimulus", which would see an additional 1.2 per cent of gross domestic product invested in low carbon technology could slash emissions by half by 2030 compared with a fossil fuel-led recovery, the authors said. "The fall in emissions we experienced during COVID-19 is temporary and therefore it will do nothing to slow down climate change," said co-author Corinne Le Quere from the University of East Anglia. "But the government responses could be a turning point if they focus on a green recovery, helping to avoid severe impacts from climate change." Pete Smith, professor of soils and global change at the University of Aberdeen said that a return to business as usual post-COVID would mean "we will have thrown away our best chance of getting the world on track to net zero emissions". "We have a small window of opportunity to get this right, and we can't afford to waste it," said Smith, who was not involved in the research.

Lockdown emissions fall will have 'no effect' on climate

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has been a constant critic of the climate change crisis. Recently, in his blog, he warned that while COVID-19 is "awful" but the climate change crisis could be even worse.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/herbivores-face-higher-extinction-risk-than-predators-study-318536" hreflang="en">Herbivores face higher extinction risk than predators: Study</a>

He urged everyone to deal with climate change quickly to avoid a climate disaster.&nbsp;

"If you want to understand the kind of damage that climate change will inflict, look at COVID-19 and spread the pain out over a much longer period of time," Gates wrote on his blog. "The loss of life and economic misery caused by this pandemic are on par with what will happen regularly if we do not eliminate the world's carbon emissions."

According to Gates, 14 per 100,000 people died due to COVID-19 (based on the current number of deaths due to virus) and said that the global mortality rate could shoot up to 73 deaths per 100,000 if the temperatures continue to rise for the next 40 years.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-leaves-amazon-more-vulnerable-than-ever-318513" hreflang="en">Coronavirus pandemic leaves Amazon more vulnerable than ever</a>

He said: "By 2060, climate change could be just as deadly as COVID-19, and by 2100 it could be five times as deadly."

Economic damage from climate change would be the equivalent of having a COVID-19 pandemic every decade, he added.

The year 2020 has witnessed a decline in greenhouse gases due to global-level lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic that brought everyone to a standstill, however, Gates said that it'll likely only amount to a reduction of 8 per cent in total. The reduction was caused due to coronavirus lockdowns and not due to any solutions, he said.&nbsp;

"This is not a situation that anyone would want to continue," Gates said. "In addition, these reductions are being achieved at, literally, the greatest possible cost."

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has been a constant critic of the climate change crisis. Recently, in his blog, he warned that while COVID-19 is "awful" but the climate change crisis could be even worse.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has been a constant critic of the climate change crisis. Recently, in his blog, he warned that while COVID-19 is "awful" but the climate change crisis could be even worse. Also read: Herbivores face higher extinction risk than predators: Study He urged everyone to deal with climate change quickly to avoid a climate disaster. "If you want to understand the kind of damage that climate change will inflict, look at COVID-19 and spread the pain out over a much longer period of time," Gates wrote on his blog. "The loss of life and economic misery caused by this pandemic are on par with what will happen regularly if we do not eliminate the world's carbon emissions." According to Gates, 14 per 100,000 people died due to COVID-19 (based on the current number of deaths due to virus) and said that the global mortality rate could shoot up to 73 deaths per 100,000 if the temperatures continue to rise for the next 40 years. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic leaves Amazon more vulnerable than ever He said: "By 2060, climate change could be just as deadly as COVID-19, and by 2100 it could be five times as deadly." Economic damage from climate change would be the equivalent of having a COVID-19 pandemic every decade, he added. The year 2020 has witnessed a decline in greenhouse gases due to global-level lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic that brought everyone to a standstill, however, Gates said that it'll likely only amount to a reduction of 8 per cent in total. The reduction was caused due to coronavirus lockdowns and not due to any solutions, he said. "This is not a situation that anyone would want to continue," Gates said. "In addition, these reductions are being achieved at, literally, the greatest possible cost."

Bill Gates warns climate change crisis could be worse than COVID-19 pandemic

Scientists have spotted a 11 new colonies&nbsp;of penguins in Antarctica&nbsp;lifting&nbsp;the global Emperor population by twenty&nbsp;per cent.

The discoveries were made by the birds' poo, or&nbsp;red-brown guano which had&nbsp;stained large patches of sea-ice.

The&nbsp;Sentinel-2 spacecraft of the&nbsp;European Union's&nbsp;British Antarctic Survey (BAS) was used to&nbsp;to scour the continent for the activity of the species. It was&nbsp;launched in June 2015 and has a resolution of 10 metres.&nbsp;

<img alt="Close-up satellite image showing penguins in the snow around a foraging crack. Photograph: British Antarctic Survey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60c13c23-3544-42b2-95ab-f7d9b1155bcf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1726.jpg" />

Close-up satellite image showing penguins in the snow around a foraging crack. Photograph: British Antarctic Survey

Given the severe pressure on&nbsp;the&nbsp;White Continent warms, the discovery comes as a welcome development.&nbsp;

What specifically came as a surprise were the two of the colonies found far from the coast,&nbsp;living on sea ice that is anchored to grounded icebergs, a location never seen before.

According to Peter Fretwell, who led the research at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS),&nbsp;“The [new colonies] are an exciting discovery.&nbsp;Whilst this is good news, the colonies are small and so only take the overall population count up to just over half a million penguins.”

“Many of the penguin scientists we have talked to were disbelieving, as normally you expect them to be at the coast.” he added while saying&nbsp;one of the colonies was 112 miles&nbsp;from the Antarctic continent.

“The new breeding sites are all in locations where recent model projections suggest emperor penguins will decline. These birds are therefore probably the canaries in the coalmine, we need to watch these sites carefully as climate change will affect this region.” said&nbsp;Philip Trathan, another researcher at the British Antarctic Survey.

The availability of sea-ice plays an extremely crucial role in the life of emperor penguins. The animals' numbers will be hit hard by any decrease in it.

The heightened climate crisis has been highlighted by several reports claiming&nbsp;the global population could crash by a half or more under certain conditions come 2100.

The previous have showqn that there will be an estimate decline of 90 per cent in the known colonies&nbsp;if no further action is taken to cut the greenhouse gas emissions that drive global heating.

Scientists have spotted a 11 new colonies of penguins in Antarctica lifting the global Emperor population by twenty per cent. The discoveries were made by the birds' poo, or red-brown guano which had stained large patches of sea-ice.

Scientists have spotted a 11 new colonies of penguins in Antarctica lifting the global Emperor population by twenty per cent. The discoveries were made by the birds' poo, or red-brown guano which had stained large patches of sea-ice. The Sentinel-2 spacecraft of the European Union's British Antarctic Survey (BAS) was used to to scour the continent for the activity of the species. It was launched in June 2015 and has a resolution of 10 metres. Close-up satellite image showing penguins in the snow around a foraging crack. Photograph: British Antarctic Survey Given the severe pressure on the White Continent warms, the discovery comes as a welcome development. What specifically came as a surprise were the two of the colonies found far from the coast, living on sea ice that is anchored to grounded icebergs, a location never seen before. According to Peter Fretwell, who led the research at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), “The [new colonies] are an exciting discovery. Whilst this is good news, the colonies are small and so only take the overall population count up to just over half a million penguins.” “Many of the penguin scientists we have talked to were disbelieving, as normally you expect them to be at the coast.” he added while saying one of the colonies was 112 miles from the Antarctic continent. “The new breeding sites are all in locations where recent model projections suggest emperor penguins will decline. These birds are therefore probably the canaries in the coalmine, we need to watch these sites carefully as climate change will affect this region.” said Philip Trathan, another researcher at the British Antarctic Survey. The availability of sea-ice plays an extremely crucial role in the life of emperor penguins. The animals' numbers will be hit hard by any decrease in it. The heightened climate crisis has been highlighted by several reports claiming the global population could crash by a half or more under certain conditions come 2100. The previous have showqn that there will be an estimate decline of 90 per cent in the known colonies if no further action is taken to cut the greenhouse gas emissions that drive global heating.

Climate crisis: Satellites spots throng of Emperor penguins from space

Hurricane Isaias lumbered up the South Carolina coast Monday, bringing some wind and rain to the Charleston area but potential danger to the Grand Strand.

Storm Isaias batters Carolinas | Tropical storm warning extended to rhode island | WION

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year.

As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year.

"Lungs of the earth" under danger

Over 60 per cent of the Amazon basin falls under Brazil. Dubbed as the “lungs of the earth”, the rainforest is crucial in limiting the impact of climate change.

However, President Jair Bolsonaro’s term has witnessed a record increase in deforestation and mining in closed forested areas, which has put scores of indigenous populations at risk. This incursion has also led to COVID-19 spreading in communities that live deep in the forests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/brazil-fires-official-who-divulged-details-of-record-deforestation-in-the-amazon-313178" hreflang="en">Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon</a>

This is particularly worrying because usually August is when the fire season begins in the area. If the trend follows, we may witnessed record figures even this month.

Last August, a large number of forest fires ravaged parts of the rainforest.

&nbsp;"More than 1,000 fires in a single day is a 15-year record and shows the government's strategy of media-spectacle operations is not working on the ground," spokesman for Greenpeace, Romulo Batista said in a statement.

Most of these fires are triggered deliberately to clear land of vegetation and trees, making the process of clearing easier. A lot of this land is then used illegally to farm, mine, and to ranch.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/brazil-gold-rush-illegal-mining-threatens-amazon-tropical-rainforests-309257/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Not enough counter measures?

Bolsonaro too, has been outspoken about opening up the forest to bring in more business and industries into the country. He has also often denied climate change, a common tendency among far-right leaders.

2020 has been anyway devastating for Brazil’s Amazon, with the first half witnessing the most deforestation in the region ever!

Over 3,000 square kilometres (more than 1,100 square miles) of land was cleared. This is bigger than the country of Luxembourg.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/brazil-deforested-10000-square-km-of-amazon-rainforest-in-2019-up-34-on-year-304867" hreflang="en">Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year</a>

However, some positive signs have come forward recently, as scientists call for leaders to make climate change the focus of all policy, otherwise we may perish sooner than expected, and extreme weather could become the norm.

On July 16, the government issued a four-month-long ban against burning in wetland region of Pantanal and in Amazon as a whole. Additionally, the military has been sent in to ensure environment action in the region. Environmentalists do feel that a more scientific approach is required to tackle the issue. Military may effectively misplace or temporarily end illegal activity, but only through scientists can the balance be restored in the oxygen providing forests.

Just in July, NASA warned of a drought in the Amazon owing to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean surface.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/inhabitants-of-the-amazon-basin-may-have-cultivated-plants-10000-years-ago-291762" hreflang="en">Inhabitants of the Amazon basin may have cultivated plants 10,000 years ago</a>

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year. As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year.

Brazil’s Amazon rainforests have witnessed a 28 per cent increase in the number of forest fires in July compared to the same period last year. As per data from the country’s National Institute for Space Research, 6,803 fires were recorded in the month of July alone, compared to 5,318 last year. "Lungs of the earth" under danger Over 60 per cent of the Amazon basin falls under Brazil. Dubbed as the “lungs of the earth”, the rainforest is crucial in limiting the impact of climate change. However, President Jair Bolsonaro’s term has witnessed a record increase in deforestation and mining in closed forested areas, which has put scores of indigenous populations at risk. This incursion has also led to COVID-19 spreading in communities that live deep in the forests. Also read: Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon This is particularly worrying because usually August is when the fire season begins in the area. If the trend follows, we may witnessed record figures even this month. Last August, a large number of forest fires ravaged parts of the rainforest. "More than 1,000 fires in a single day is a 15-year record and shows the government's strategy of media-spectacle operations is not working on the ground," spokesman for Greenpeace, Romulo Batista said in a statement. Most of these fires are triggered deliberately to clear land of vegetation and trees, making the process of clearing easier. A lot of this land is then used illegally to farm, mine, and to ranch. Not enough counter measures? Bolsonaro too, has been outspoken about opening up the forest to bring in more business and industries into the country. He has also often denied climate change, a common tendency among far-right leaders. 2020 has been anyway devastating for Brazil’s Amazon, with the first half witnessing the most deforestation in the region ever! Over 3,000 square kilometres (more than 1,100 square miles) of land was cleared. This is bigger than the country of Luxembourg. Also read: Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year However, some positive signs have come forward recently, as scientists call for leaders to make climate change the focus of all policy, otherwise we may perish sooner than expected, and extreme weather could become the norm. On July 16, the government issued a four-month-long ban against burning in wetland region of Pantanal and in Amazon as a whole. Additionally, the military has been sent in to ensure environment action in the region. Environmentalists do feel that a more scientific approach is required to tackle the issue. Military may effectively misplace or temporarily end illegal activity, but only through scientists can the balance be restored in the oxygen providing forests. Just in July, NASA warned of a drought in the Amazon owing to increased temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean surface. Also read: Inhabitants of the Amazon basin may have cultivated plants 10,000 years ago

Environmentalists shudder as Amazon rainforest witnesses record number of fires in July

Archana Soreng, a climate activist from India, has been named by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to his new advisory group comprising young leaders who will provide perspectives and solutions to tackle the worsening climate crisis, as the global body mobilises action as part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Soreng joins six other young climate leaders, aged between 18 and 28 years, who have been named by Guterres to his new Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.

Soreng is "experienced in advocacy and research, and she is working to document, preserve, and promote traditional knowledge and cultural practices of indigenous communities," the UN said in a statement on Monday.

"Our ancestors have been protecting the forest and nature over the ages through their traditional knowledge and practices.

Now it is on us to be the front runners in combating the climate crisis," said 24-year-old Soreng, who has studied regulatory governance from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai and is the former TISS Students Union President.

The young activists will advise the UN chief regularly on accelerating global action and ambition to tackle the worsening climate crisis.

The announcement marks a new effort by the United Nations to bring more young leaders into decision-making and planning processes, as the UN works to mobilise climate action as part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts.

"We are in a climate emergency. We do not have the luxury of time," Guterres said in a video announcing the establishment of the advisory group.

"We need urgent action now to recover better from COVID-19, to confront injustice and inequality and address climate disruption," he said.

Guterres said young people are on the front lines of climate action, showing nations and leaders what bold leadership looks like.

"That is why I am launching my Youth Advisory Group on climate change today to provide perspectives, ideas and solutions that will help us scale up climate action," the UN chief said.

The members of the Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change represent the diverse voices of young people from all regions as well as small island states.

They will offer perspectives and solutions on climate change, from science to community mobilsation, from entrepreneurship to politics, and from industry to conservation, the UN said.

The initial seven members of the group have been chosen to give frank and fearless advice to the Secretary-General, at a time of growing urgency to hold government and corporate leaders to account on climate action.

The other selected members of the group are climate activist Nisreen Elsaim of Sudan, Fiji's Ernest Gibson, the co-coordinator for 350 Fiji, a regional youth-led climate change network, young economist Vladislav Kaim of Moldova who is committed to ensuring green and decent jobs for youth.

Sophia Kianni of the United States who has helped organise nationwide strikes and is the founder of international nonprofit Climate Cardinals, founder and coordinator of Generation Climate Europe and spokesperson for Youth and Environment Europe, Nathan Metenier of France and lawyer and human rights defender Paloma Costa of Brazil.

The establishment of the group builds on last year's successful Youth Climate Summit  the first time a Secretary-General has convened a summit for young people entirely devoted to climate action.

The summit brought over 1,000 young climate champions together from more than 140 countries to share their solutions on the global stage and deliver a clear message to world leaders: we must act now to confront the climate crisis.

The initiative is also aligned with the Secretary-General's vision for the UN Youth Strategy, launched in September 2018.

Archana Soreng, a climate activist from India, has been named by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to his new advisory group comprising young leaders who will provide perspectives and solutions to tackle the worsening climate crisis, as the global body mobilises action as part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Archana Soreng, a climate activist from India, has been named by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to his new advisory group comprising young leaders who will provide perspectives and solutions to tackle the worsening climate crisis, as the global body mobilises action as part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts. Soreng joins six other young climate leaders, aged between 18 and 28 years, who have been named by Guterres to his new Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. Soreng is "experienced in advocacy and research, and she is working to document, preserve, and promote traditional knowledge and cultural practices of indigenous communities," the UN said in a statement on Monday. "Our ancestors have been protecting the forest and nature over the ages through their traditional knowledge and practices. Now it is on us to be the front runners in combating the climate crisis," said 24-year-old Soreng, who has studied regulatory governance from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai and is the former TISS Students Union President. The young activists will advise the UN chief regularly on accelerating global action and ambition to tackle the worsening climate crisis. The announcement marks a new effort by the United Nations to bring more young leaders into decision-making and planning processes, as the UN works to mobilise climate action as part of the COVID-19 recovery efforts. "We are in a climate emergency. We do not have the luxury of time," Guterres said in a video announcing the establishment of the advisory group. "We need urgent action now to recover better from COVID-19, to confront injustice and inequality and address climate disruption," he said. Guterres said young people are on the front lines of climate action, showing nations and leaders what bold leadership looks like. "That is why I am launching my Youth Advisory Group on climate change today to provide perspectives, ideas and solutions that will help us scale up climate action," the UN chief said. The members of the Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change represent the diverse voices of young people from all regions as well as small island states. They will offer perspectives and solutions on climate change, from science to community mobilsation, from entrepreneurship to politics, and from industry to conservation, the UN said. The initial seven members of the group have been chosen to give frank and fearless advice to the Secretary-General, at a time of growing urgency to hold government and corporate leaders to account on climate action. The other selected members of the group are climate activist Nisreen Elsaim of Sudan, Fiji's Ernest Gibson, the co-coordinator for 350 Fiji, a regional youth-led climate change network, young economist Vladislav Kaim of Moldova who is committed to ensuring green and decent jobs for youth. Sophia Kianni of the United States who has helped organise nationwide strikes and is the founder of international nonprofit Climate Cardinals, founder and coordinator of Generation Climate Europe and spokesperson for Youth and Environment Europe, Nathan Metenier of France and lawyer and human rights defender Paloma Costa of Brazil. The establishment of the group builds on last year's successful Youth Climate Summit  the first time a Secretary-General has convened a summit for young people entirely devoted to climate action. The summit brought over 1,000 young climate champions together from more than 140 countries to share their solutions on the global stage and deliver a clear message to world leaders: we must act now to confront the climate crisis. The initiative is also aligned with the Secretary-General's vision for the UN Youth Strategy, launched in September 2018.

Indian activist Archana Soreng named by UN chief to new advisory group on climate change

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the&nbsp;price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change.

''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said.

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I was banned from school in China for my climate activism. 
China must take its responsibility to act on cc and ensure children have the right to live without fear.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetChinaStrikeForClimate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetChinaStrikeForClimate</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FaceTheClimateEmergency?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FaceTheClimateEmergency</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FridaysForFutureChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FridaysForFutureChina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HoweyOu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HoweyOu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aiww?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aiww</a> <a href="https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9">https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9</a> <a href="https://t.co/1mtjdhbVFo">pic.twitter.com/1mtjdhbVFo</a>
— Howey Ou (@howey_ou) <a href="https://twitter.com/howey_ou/status/1285193984537575424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Howey Ou has&nbsp;been barred from returning to Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin after she missed a few classes to protest against a local government's office for the cause.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/educational-authorities-in-china-attempting-to-stifle-first-young-climate-activists-voice-314606">Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice</a>

She told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media.

She further claimed&nbsp;that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242" hreflang="en">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”.

Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism.

As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”.

Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin.

The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. ''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said.

China's version of Greta Thunberg, Howey Ou, has payed the price for attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. ''My high school refuses to allow me to re-enroll out of fears that my activism will generate trouble with the authorities,'' Ou said. I was banned from school in China for my climate activism. China must take its responsibility to act on cc and ensure children have the right to live without fear.#LetChinaStrikeForClimate #FaceTheClimateEmergency #FridaysForFutureChina #HoweyOu @aiww https://t.co/LEYRLAE3K9 pic.twitter.com/1mtjdhbVFo — Howey Ou (@howey_ou) July 20, 2020 × Howey Ou has been barred from returning to Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin after she missed a few classes to protest against a local government's office for the cause. Also read: Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice She told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media. She further claimed that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May. Also read: Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”. Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism. As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement. Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”. Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin. The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

Howey Ou, China's Greta Thunberg, pays price for climate activism

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with&nbsp;an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres&nbsp;of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday.

The leak at the Lavera refinery spilled 200 gallons or more of iron chloride into the sea, American-owned chemical company Kem One, which runs the plant, said. Contact with iron chloride can harm eyes and mucous membranes, and ingesting it can be fatal.

Refinery officials said the problem at the processing plant in Martigues, near Marseille, was reported at 1:50 a.m. Thursday. They said the iron chloride spilled from a tank onto a faulty safety system, which flooded into the nearby sewage systems and into the sea.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-arctic-turned-red-after-russia-caused-worst-fuel-spill-303713">How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill</a>

The area of the Mediterranean where the chemical ended up is listed on a French inventory as an ecosystem of outstanding natural fauna and flora for its coral and sea life. Authorities at the scene said they observed fish that were killed by the spill.

The French Maritime Prefecture banned leisure boat cruising, swimming, fishing, and diving in about four miles of the along the coast surrounding the contaminated area until at least midnight Friday.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-syrian-refineries-raise-severe-health-concerns-315512/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

About 40 firefighters dispatched to the site where unable to stop the chemical spill, the Marseille fire service said. The polluted area receded to 2.5 acres by 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and by Friday morning, the brown color had all but disappeared from the sea's surface.

French environmental association Robin des Bois said it planned to file a legal complaint against plant officials for polluting the sea and other issues based on its damage assessment. The association said it suspects that coral and other sea creatures were burned or poisoned by the spilled iron chloride.

The group's spokesperson, Charlotte Nithart, said&nbsp;the plant ''has been on our radar for a few years” and needs a “profound inspection''&nbsp;of its storage capacity.

French Environment Minister Barbara Pompili said on Twitter on Thursday ''the damage that will be determined will be repaired by those responsible for it.''

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Les services du ministère <a href="https://twitter.com/Ecologie_Gouv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ecologie_Gouv</a> sont sur place pour établir les circonstances de cette fuite et analyser ses conséquences sur les milieux naturels. Les dégâts qui seront constatés seront réparés par les responsables. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Martigues?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Martigues</a> <a href="https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS">https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS</a>
— Barbara Pompili (@barbarapompili) <a href="https://twitter.com/barbarapompili/status/1286354437808820225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday.

A nationally recognized marine life area in the French Mediterranean got covered with an orange-brown chemical sheet that spread over 15 acres of following a leak at a petrochemical plant in southern France, the local fire service said Friday. The leak at the Lavera refinery spilled 200 gallons or more of iron chloride into the sea, American-owned chemical company Kem One, which runs the plant, said. Contact with iron chloride can harm eyes and mucous membranes, and ingesting it can be fatal. Refinery officials said the problem at the processing plant in Martigues, near Marseille, was reported at 1:50 a.m. Thursday. They said the iron chloride spilled from a tank onto a faulty safety system, which flooded into the nearby sewage systems and into the sea. Also see: How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill The area of the Mediterranean where the chemical ended up is listed on a French inventory as an ecosystem of outstanding natural fauna and flora for its coral and sea life. Authorities at the scene said they observed fish that were killed by the spill. The French Maritime Prefecture banned leisure boat cruising, swimming, fishing, and diving in about four miles of the along the coast surrounding the contaminated area until at least midnight Friday. About 40 firefighters dispatched to the site where unable to stop the chemical spill, the Marseille fire service said. The polluted area receded to 2.5 acres by 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and by Friday morning, the brown color had all but disappeared from the sea's surface. French environmental association Robin des Bois said it planned to file a legal complaint against plant officials for polluting the sea and other issues based on its damage assessment. The association said it suspects that coral and other sea creatures were burned or poisoned by the spilled iron chloride. The group's spokesperson, Charlotte Nithart, said the plant ''has been on our radar for a few years” and needs a “profound inspection'' of its storage capacity. French Environment Minister Barbara Pompili said on Twitter on Thursday ''the damage that will be determined will be repaired by those responsible for it.'' Les services du ministère @Ecologie_Gouv sont sur place pour établir les circonstances de cette fuite et analyser ses conséquences sur les milieux naturels. Les dégâts qui seront constatés seront réparés par les responsables. #Martigues https://t.co/LA5a0RLoaS — Barbara Pompili (@barbarapompili) July 23, 2020 ×

Toxic chemical paints French Mediterranean region orange-brown

Hopes that the rise in average global temperatures by 2100 might be capped below 2.5C can be all but ruled out if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, new research reassessing the atmosphere's sensitivity to CO2 suggests.

Study: Earth's atmosphere more sensitive to CO2 emissions than thought

Nobody really knows why the leak happened, or the events leading up to it. A large quantity of methane is stored under the seabed in Antarctica, with this leak suspected to be a product of the warming of oceans.

Scientists discover a Methane leak in Antarctica's seabed

Climate change has long been a hot button issue in Australia, becoming even more so since last summer when intense wildfires raged for about four months across large parts of the country, killing 33 people and millions of animals.

To this end, in a first, a 23-year-old student has filed a lawsuit against Australia's government alleging it has failed to disclose climate change-related risks to investors in the country's sovereign bonds.

According to the litigation filed on Wednesday, Kathleen O'Donnell claims investors who buy Australian government bonds should be made aware of the risks due to climate change that might make it difficult for Australia to pay back its debt.

A spokeswoman for Australia's Treasurer told Reuters the government was aware of the lawsuit.

The litigation comes amid a global call for a "green" recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and as many large investment managers pledge their commitment for net zero carbon emissions by 2050 across their entire portfolio.

O'Donnell is seeking declaration that the government breached its duty of disclosure and an injunction restraining further promotion of e-AGBs until it complies.

Australia has more than A$600 billion ($428 billion) of sovereign bonds on issue, enjoying a coveted 'AAA' rating from all three major ratings agencies.

The country contributes only 1.3% of the world's carbon emissions but is the second-largest emitter per capita behind the United States and is a leading exporter of coal.

Climate change-related disclosures have become more mainstream globally in the past couple of years, with stake holders expecting better disclosures and transparency on climate risks.

Global financial authorities are also pushing banks to improve transparency on their exposure to climate-change risks, arguing that disclosures on climate exposure are a prerequisite for market participants - an issue referenced in O'Donnell's litigation.

"As a promoter, the Commonwealth (government) owes a duty of utmost candour and honesty to investors who acquire or intend to acquire e-AGBs," according to the statement filed in court.

"The Commonwealth breached its duty as a promoter by ... failing to disclose any information about Australia's climate change risks."

(with inputs from Reuters)

Climate change has long been a hot button issue in Australia, becoming even more so since last summer when intense wildfires raged for about four months across large parts of the country, killing 33 people and millions of animals.

Climate change has long been a hot button issue in Australia, becoming even more so since last summer when intense wildfires raged for about four months across large parts of the country, killing 33 people and millions of animals. To this end, in a first, a 23-year-old student has filed a lawsuit against Australia's government alleging it has failed to disclose climate change-related risks to investors in the country's sovereign bonds. According to the litigation filed on Wednesday, Kathleen O'Donnell claims investors who buy Australian government bonds should be made aware of the risks due to climate change that might make it difficult for Australia to pay back its debt. A spokeswoman for Australia's Treasurer told Reuters the government was aware of the lawsuit. The litigation comes amid a global call for a "green" recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and as many large investment managers pledge their commitment for net zero carbon emissions by 2050 across their entire portfolio. O'Donnell is seeking declaration that the government breached its duty of disclosure and an injunction restraining further promotion of e-AGBs until it complies. Australia has more than A$600 billion ($428 billion) of sovereign bonds on issue, enjoying a coveted 'AAA' rating from all three major ratings agencies. The country contributes only 1.3% of the world's carbon emissions but is the second-largest emitter per capita behind the United States and is a leading exporter of coal. Climate change-related disclosures have become more mainstream globally in the past couple of years, with stake holders expecting better disclosures and transparency on climate risks. Global financial authorities are also pushing banks to improve transparency on their exposure to climate-change risks, arguing that disclosures on climate exposure are a prerequisite for market participants - an issue referenced in O'Donnell's litigation. "As a promoter, the Commonwealth (government) owes a duty of utmost candour and honesty to investors who acquire or intend to acquire e-AGBs," according to the statement filed in court. "The Commonwealth breached its duty as a promoter by ... failing to disclose any information about Australia's climate change risks." (with inputs from Reuters)

A student has filed first climate change lawsuit against Australian government

According to a new report, climate change is starving polar bears into extinction. If the trends persist, the apex carnivore could disappear by 2100.

Gravitas: Polar bears could be wiped out by 2100

Polar bears may be gone by 2100, a new trajectory followed by scientists has revealed. They additionally found how and where the extinction will take place.

If greenhouse gas emissions are not controlled soon, all polar bears except a handful few in the Arctic will be gone over the course of time leading upto 2100.

Reproductive failure

The scientists asserted that by 2040, the bears will be unable to reproduce, which will cause sporadic local extinctions in colonies.&nbsp;The study, published in Nature Climate Change takes a look at how the animals will be affected primarily attributing it to climate change.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/should-cow-burps-be-blamed-for-global-warming-313838" hreflang="en">Should cow burps be blamed for global warming?</a>

If the emissions go on uninterrupted, by the end of the century, the bears will only survive on the Queen Elizabeth Islands, which falls in Canada’s Arctic archipelago.

However, we are already at a point of no return. Even if the effects of global warming are reversed and contained, the polar bears in the Arctic will be unable to reproduce by 2080.

<h6><img alt="This file photo taken on October 31, 2018 shows polar bears feeding at a garbage dump near the village of Belushya Guba, on the remote Russian northern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, a tightly-controlled military area where a village declared a state of emergency in February after dozens of bears were seen entering homes and public buildings. Climate change is starving polar bears into extinction, according to research published on July 20, 2020 that predicts the apex carnivores could all but disappear within the span of a human lifetime. In some regions they are already caught in a vicious downward spiral, with shrinking sea ice cutting short the time bears have for hunting seals, while dwindling body weight undermines their chances of surviving Arctic winters without food, scientists reported in Nature Climate Change. The study calculates &quot;timelines of risk&quot; for different polar bear demographics, exploring two alternative futures with different levels of greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric concentrations of CO2. If business-as-usual greenhouse gas emissions continue, it’s likely that all but a few polar bear populations will collapse by 2100. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48d88e10-bded-453a-8858-89ba74c23174" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_29.jpg" /> 
This file photo taken on October 31, 2018 shows polar bears feeding at a garbage dump near the village of Belushya Guba, on the remote Russian northern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, a tightly-controlled military area where a village declared a state of emergency in February after dozens of bears were seen entering homes and public buildings. Climate change is starving polar bears into extinction, according to research published on July 20, 2020 that predicts the apex carnivores could all but disappear within the span of a human lifetime. In some regions they are already caught in a vicious downward spiral, with shrinking sea ice cutting short the time bears have for hunting seals, while dwindling body weight undermines their chances of surviving Arctic winters without food, scientists reported in Nature Climate Change. The study calculates "timelines of risk" for different polar bear demographics, exploring two alternative futures with different levels of greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric concentrations of CO2. If business-as-usual greenhouse gas emissions continue, it’s likely that all but a few polar bear populations will collapse by 2100. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The world right now has less than 26,000 polar bears. These include 19 subpopulations spread across Norway to Canada to Siberia. The bears rely on ice to find food, fishing out seals from the holes in the ice. Sometimes this can take hours, or even days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/habitat-loss-in-an-australian-state-may-drive-koalas-to-extinction-by-2050-309664" hreflang="en">Habitat loss in an Australian state may drive koalas to extinction by 2050</a>

Very recently, images of skeletal polar bears that were starving went viral on social media, highlighting the animal’s plight.&nbsp;The sea ice that they depend on is currently melting, which will in turn cause a decline in polar bear populations.

Way more than what was expected

The researchers claim that this drop in the reproduction rates was way over what they that expected. Even though the bears are used to fasting for months, after one point they will be unable to reproduce if they can’t find food for long periods of time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/emissions-of-planet-warming-methane-have-risen-by-9-in-the-last-decade-313383" hreflang="en">Emissions of planet-warming methane have risen by 9% in the last decade</a>

As part of the study, the researchers looked at 13 out of 19 polar bear subpopulations, which account for 80 per cent of the total species population. They did, however exclude bears from the Archipelago ecoregion in the Canadian Arctic, for the geography of the region makes it difficult to offer predictions.

The bears in Hudson Bay and Davis Strait in Canada will most likely fail to reproduce by 2040, if emissions are left unchecked. By 2080, bears in Alaska and Russia will start to perish. Leading up to 2100, the whole global population might collapse and disappear.

Polar bears may be gone by 2100, a new trajectory followed by scientists has revealed. They additionally found how and where the extinction will take place. If greenhouse gas emissions are not controlled soon, all polar bears except a handful few in the Arctic will be gone over the course of time leading upto 2100.

Polar bears may be gone by 2100, a new trajectory followed by scientists has revealed. They additionally found how and where the extinction will take place. If greenhouse gas emissions are not controlled soon, all polar bears except a handful few in the Arctic will be gone over the course of time leading upto 2100. Reproductive failure The scientists asserted that by 2040, the bears will be unable to reproduce, which will cause sporadic local extinctions in colonies. The study, published in Nature Climate Change takes a look at how the animals will be affected primarily attributing it to climate change. Also read: Should cow burps be blamed for global warming? If the emissions go on uninterrupted, by the end of the century, the bears will only survive on the Queen Elizabeth Islands, which falls in Canada’s Arctic archipelago. However, we are already at a point of no return. Even if the effects of global warming are reversed and contained, the polar bears in the Arctic will be unable to reproduce by 2080. This file photo taken on October 31, 2018 shows polar bears feeding at a garbage dump near the village of Belushya Guba, on the remote Russian northern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, a tightly-controlled military area where a village declared a state of emergency in February after dozens of bears were seen entering homes and public buildings. Climate change is starving polar bears into extinction, according to research published on July 20, 2020 that predicts the apex carnivores could all but disappear within the span of a human lifetime. In some regions they are already caught in a vicious downward spiral, with shrinking sea ice cutting short the time bears have for hunting seals, while dwindling body weight undermines their chances of surviving Arctic winters without food, scientists reported in Nature Climate Change. The study calculates "timelines of risk" for different polar bear demographics, exploring two alternative futures with different levels of greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric concentrations of CO2. If business-as-usual greenhouse gas emissions continue, it’s likely that all but a few polar bear populations will collapse by 2100. | AFP The world right now has less than 26,000 polar bears. These include 19 subpopulations spread across Norway to Canada to Siberia. The bears rely on ice to find food, fishing out seals from the holes in the ice. Sometimes this can take hours, or even days. Also read: Habitat loss in an Australian state may drive koalas to extinction by 2050 Very recently, images of skeletal polar bears that were starving went viral on social media, highlighting the animal’s plight. The sea ice that they depend on is currently melting, which will in turn cause a decline in polar bear populations. Way more than what was expected The researchers claim that this drop in the reproduction rates was way over what they that expected. Even though the bears are used to fasting for months, after one point they will be unable to reproduce if they can’t find food for long periods of time. Also read: Emissions of planet-warming methane have risen by 9% in the last decade As part of the study, the researchers looked at 13 out of 19 polar bear subpopulations, which account for 80 per cent of the total species population. They did, however exclude bears from the Archipelago ecoregion in the Canadian Arctic, for the geography of the region makes it difficult to offer predictions. The bears in Hudson Bay and Davis Strait in Canada will most likely fail to reproduce by 2040, if emissions are left unchecked. By 2080, bears in Alaska and Russia will start to perish. Leading up to 2100, the whole global population might collapse and disappear.

Polar bears will be gone by 2100 if greenhouse emissions are left unchecked

Climate activist&nbsp;Greta&nbsp;Thunberg&nbsp;was on Monday awarded a Portuguese rights award and promptly pledged the million-dollar&nbsp;prize to groups working to protect the environment and halt climate change.

The Swedish teen said in a video posted online "That is more money than I can begin to imagine, but all the prize money will be donated, through my foundation, to different organisations and projects who are working to help people on the front line, affected by the climate crisis and ecological crisis."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-as-urgent-as-coronavirus-pandemic-says-greta-thunberg-307261">Climate change as 'urgent' as coronavirus pandemic, says Greta Thunberg</a>

She was awarded the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity for the way she "has been able to mobilise younger generations for the cause of climate change and her tenacious struggle to alter a status quo that persists", Jorge Sampaio, chair of the prize jury, said earlier.

While first $1,14,591&nbsp;of the prize money will go to the "SOS Amazonia" campaign led by Fridays For Future Brazil to tackle the coronavirus outbreak in the Amazon.

Another $1,14,591 euros will go to the Stop Ecocide Foundation "to support their work to make ecocide an international crime",&nbsp;Thunberg&nbsp;said on Twitter.

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I’m extremely honoured to receive the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. We’re in a climate emergency, and my foundation will as quickly as possible donate all the prize money of 1 million Euros to support ... -&gt; 
1/3 <a href="https://t.co/Eti6AJXSvj">pic.twitter.com/Eti6AJXSvj</a>
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1285160824282263557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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-&gt;... organisations and projects that are fighting for a sustainable world, defending nature and supporting people already facing the worst impacts of the climate- and ecological crisis - particularly those living in the Global South. -&gt; 2/3
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1285160885854576641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The $1.1 million is the largest prize won by the 17-year-old environmental campaigner who has also won Amnesty International's top human rights prize and the Swedish Right Livelihood Award, often presented as an alternative Nobel.

She said Monday she was "extremely honoured" to receive the annual Gulbenkian prize.

Thunberg&nbsp;and three other young climate activists on Thursday launched an appeal to EU leaders to "face up to the climate emergency", in an open letter signed by 150 scientists and a host of celebrities.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was on Monday awarded a Portuguese rights award and promptly pledged the million-dollar prize to groups working to protect the environment and halt climate change.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was on Monday awarded a Portuguese rights award and promptly pledged the million-dollar prize to groups working to protect the environment and halt climate change. The Swedish teen said in a video posted online "That is more money than I can begin to imagine, but all the prize money will be donated, through my foundation, to different organisations and projects who are working to help people on the front line, affected by the climate crisis and ecological crisis." Also read: Climate change as 'urgent' as coronavirus pandemic, says Greta Thunberg She was awarded the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity for the way she "has been able to mobilise younger generations for the cause of climate change and her tenacious struggle to alter a status quo that persists", Jorge Sampaio, chair of the prize jury, said earlier. While first $1,14,591 of the prize money will go to the "SOS Amazonia" campaign led by Fridays For Future Brazil to tackle the coronavirus outbreak in the Amazon. Another $1,14,591 euros will go to the Stop Ecocide Foundation "to support their work to make ecocide an international crime", Thunberg said on Twitter. I’m extremely honoured to receive the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. We’re in a climate emergency, and my foundation will as quickly as possible donate all the prize money of 1 million Euros to support ... -> 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Eti6AJXSvj — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) July 20, 2020 × ->... organisations and projects that are fighting for a sustainable world, defending nature and supporting people already facing the worst impacts of the climate- and ecological crisis - particularly those living in the Global South. -> 2/3 — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) July 20, 2020 × The $1.1 million is the largest prize won by the 17-year-old environmental campaigner who has also won Amnesty International's top human rights prize and the Swedish Right Livelihood Award, often presented as an alternative Nobel. She said Monday she was "extremely honoured" to receive the annual Gulbenkian prize. Thunberg and three other young climate activists on Thursday launched an appeal to EU leaders to "face up to the climate emergency", in an open letter signed by 150 scientists and a host of celebrities.

Greta Thunberg pledges million-dollar rights prize to green groups

One degree of warming so far has triggered a crescendo of heatwaves, droughts and superstorms made more destructive by rising seas.

Climate Change is driving Polar Bears towards extinction; May wipe out by 2100

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change.

Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on.

First-of-her-kind

The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities.

In fact, Ou claims that she has been asked to stop her Thunberg style activism by the Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin, where the teenager had been studying until 2018.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/italys-presena-glacier-covered-with-white-tarps-to-decelerate-melting-caused-by-climate-change-307771" hreflang="en">Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change</a>

Sometimes going by the English name Howey, Ou was told that she was “not suitable” for an international education programme at the university. Instead of caving in, she took it upon herself to prepare for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SATs

Ou told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media.

She further claimed&nbsp;that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May.

"Stubborn"

To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”.

Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism.

As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement.&nbsp;Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242" hreflang="en">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin.

However, Ou has no intention of stopping. The teenager intends to tread on the path of climate activism until more people know.

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on.

China’s very own “Greta Thunberg” is facing state threats in the face of attempting to bring to light the reality of climate change. Owing to her Thunberg inspired “Fridays For Future” climate strikes, Ou Hongyi may be barred from taking school exams, and college exams later on. First-of-her-kind The 17-year-old is the first youngster in China to publicly take up the cause of climate change, and has hence become a target for authorities. In fact, Ou claims that she has been asked to stop her Thunberg style activism by the Guangxi Normal University’s high school in Guilin, where the teenager had been studying until 2018. Also read: Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change Sometimes going by the English name Howey, Ou was told that she was “not suitable” for an international education programme at the university. Instead of caving in, she took it upon herself to prepare for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SATs Ou told the Guardian that her parents have been called in by educational authorities asking them to prevent her from continuing her activism, and to avoid talking to international media. She further claimed that her school’s principal Li Linbo has instructed her to ditch the activism if she wanted to resume her education in May. "Stubborn" To clip the activist’s wings, authorities forced a psychological test on her, which found that she was “stubborn”. Her father, Ou Jun told The Guardian how he worries about her future, and whether her beliefs could “derail” it, all the while supporting her right to her beliefs and activism. As part of its efforts to limit climate change caused by carbon emissions, China has pledged to peak its emissions on or before 2030, as part of the Paris Agreement. Xi Jinping also claims to have recanted his policies around “ecological civilisation”. Also read: Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations Ou has no plans to stop, and has started an initiative called Plant For Survival, encouraging young likeminded folks like herself in China to plant trees. In fact, between November 2019 and January 2020, the group is responsible for planting 300 trees around Guilin. However, Ou has no intention of stopping. The teenager intends to tread on the path of climate activism until more people know.

Educational authorities in China attempting to stifle first young climate activist's voice

The Arctic has transformed into an oven. Heatwaves have sparked hundreds of wildfires in Siberia. Millions of hectares of forest is up in flames. It's been a record-setting summer.&nbsp;Scientists say it could get worse. The chilly Arctic breeze could be snuffed out soon if nothing is done about global warming.

Forests in the arctic region are up in flames. They are burning with great intensity. The smoke has reached the west coast of the United States. In Siberia, close to three million hectares of forest is on fire. Since January 2020, more than four million hectare of forest has already gone up in flames. The heatwave has reduced the expansive Boreal forests into a bone dry patch of land.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-arctic-turns-into-an-oven-313552/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Scientists believe the recurring heatwaves will continue to spawn wildfires.

"We are monitoring the clouds and when we find enough clouds over a wildfire - the plane immediately takes off. Today, we are going to work over two or three wildfires. This method makes fire isolation, fire extinguishing in remote areas much easier for firefighters working on the ground. Their job becomes significantly easier."

Satellite images show that much of the Russian Arctic is in the red.

The problem of wildfires is closely linked to climate change.

Climate scientists say the Siberian heatwave is a warning cry from the Arctic. 
&nbsp;

The Arctic has transformed into an oven. Heatwaves have sparked hundreds of wildfires in Siberia. Millions of hectares of forest is up in flames. It's been a record-setting summer.

The Arctic has transformed into an oven. Heatwaves have sparked hundreds of wildfires in Siberia. Millions of hectares of forest is up in flames. It's been a record-setting summer. Scientists say it could get worse. The chilly Arctic breeze could be snuffed out soon if nothing is done about global warming. Forests in the arctic region are up in flames. They are burning with great intensity. The smoke has reached the west coast of the United States. In Siberia, close to three million hectares of forest is on fire. Since January 2020, more than four million hectare of forest has already gone up in flames. The heatwave has reduced the expansive Boreal forests into a bone dry patch of land. Scientists believe the recurring heatwaves will continue to spawn wildfires. "We are monitoring the clouds and when we find enough clouds over a wildfire - the plane immediately takes off. Today, we are going to work over two or three wildfires. This method makes fire isolation, fire extinguishing in remote areas much easier for firefighters working on the ground. Their job becomes significantly easier." Satellite images show that much of the Russian Arctic is in the red. The problem of wildfires is closely linked to climate change. Climate scientists say the Siberian heatwave is a warning cry from the Arctic.

Record-breaking Arctic heat leaves Siberia 'red-faced'

Land degradation, wildlife exploitation, intensive farming and climate change are driving the rise in diseases that, like the coronavirus, are passed from animals to humans,&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;experts said on Monday.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) jointly identified seven trends responsible for such diseases, known as zoonotic, calling on governments to take steps to stop future pandemics.

These are: rising demand for animal protein, extraction of natural resources and urbanization, intensive and unsustainable farming, exploitation of wildlife, increased travel and transportation, food supply changes and climate change, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142">In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

"The science is clear that if we keep exploiting wildlife and destroying our ecosystems, then we can expect to see a steady stream of these diseases jumping from animals to humans in the years ahead," said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

"Pandemics are devastating to our lives and our economies, and as we have seen over the past months, it is the poorest and the most vulnerable who suffer the most.

"To prevent future outbreaks, we must become much more deliberate about protecting our natural environment."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediterranean-marine-life-flourished-during-lockdown-italian-coastguard-311092" hreflang="en">Mediterranean marine life flourished during lockdown: Italian coastguard</a>

About 60 per cent&nbsp;of known infectious diseases in humans and 75 per cent&nbsp;of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, she said, largely due to the increased interaction between humans, animals and the environment.

The new coronavirus, which is most likely to have originated in bats, has infected more than 11 million people and killed over half a million people globally, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

But it is just one in a growing number of diseases – including Ebola, MERS, West Nile fever, Zika, SARS and Rift Valley fever – that have jumped from animal hosts into the human population in recent years, said the report.

Around two million people, mostly in developing&nbsp;nations, die from neglected zoonotic diseases every year. These outbreaks not only cause severe illness and deaths, but also result in major economic losses for some of the world's poorest.

In the last two decades alone, zoonotic diseases have caused economic losses of more than $100 billion. This does not include the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to reach $9 trillion over the next few years, said the report.

Most efforts to control zoonotic diseases have been reactive rather than proactive, say experts. They want governments to invest in public health, farm sustainability, end over-exploitation of wildlife and reduce climate change.

Africa - home to a large portion of the world’s remaining intact rainforests as well as fast-growing human population - is at high risk of the increased emergence of zoonotic diseases - but could also provide solutions, said experts.

"The situation on the continent today is ripe for intensifying existing zoonotic diseases and facilitating the emergence and spread of new ones," said ILRI Director General Jimmy Smith.

"But with their experiences with Ebola and other emerging diseases, African countries are demonstrating proactive ways to manage disease outbreaks."

He said some African&nbsp;nations&nbsp;had adopted a "One Health" approach - uniting public health, veterinary and environmental expertise which can help to identify and treat outbreaks in animals before they pass to humans.

The experts urged governments to provide incentives for sustainable land use and animal husbandry and to develop strategies for producing food that do not rely on the destruction of habitats and biodiversity.

Monday was&nbsp;World Zoonoses Day, which commemorates the work of French biologist Louis Pasteur, who successfully administered the first vaccine against rabies, a zoonotic disease, on July 6 1885.

Land degradation, wildlife exploitation, intensive farming and climate change are driving the rise in diseases that, like the coronavirus, are passed from animals to humans, United Nations experts said on Monday.

Land degradation, wildlife exploitation, intensive farming and climate change are driving the rise in diseases that, like the coronavirus, are passed from animals to humans, United Nations experts said on Monday. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) jointly identified seven trends responsible for such diseases, known as zoonotic, calling on governments to take steps to stop future pandemics. These are: rising demand for animal protein, extraction of natural resources and urbanization, intensive and unsustainable farming, exploitation of wildlife, increased travel and transportation, food supply changes and climate change, it said. In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world "The science is clear that if we keep exploiting wildlife and destroying our ecosystems, then we can expect to see a steady stream of these diseases jumping from animals to humans in the years ahead," said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. "Pandemics are devastating to our lives and our economies, and as we have seen over the past months, it is the poorest and the most vulnerable who suffer the most. "To prevent future outbreaks, we must become much more deliberate about protecting our natural environment." Also read: Mediterranean marine life flourished during lockdown: Italian coastguard About 60 per cent of known infectious diseases in humans and 75 per cent of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, she said, largely due to the increased interaction between humans, animals and the environment. The new coronavirus, which is most likely to have originated in bats, has infected more than 11 million people and killed over half a million people globally, according to the Johns Hopkins University. But it is just one in a growing number of diseases – including Ebola, MERS, West Nile fever, Zika, SARS and Rift Valley fever – that have jumped from animal hosts into the human population in recent years, said the report. Around two million people, mostly in developing nations, die from neglected zoonotic diseases every year. These outbreaks not only cause severe illness and deaths, but also result in major economic losses for some of the world's poorest. In the last two decades alone, zoonotic diseases have caused economic losses of more than $100 billion. This does not include the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to reach $9 trillion over the next few years, said the report. Most efforts to control zoonotic diseases have been reactive rather than proactive, say experts. They want governments to invest in public health, farm sustainability, end over-exploitation of wildlife and reduce climate change. Africa - home to a large portion of the world’s remaining intact rainforests as well as fast-growing human population - is at high risk of the increased emergence of zoonotic diseases - but could also provide solutions, said experts. "The situation on the continent today is ripe for intensifying existing zoonotic diseases and facilitating the emergence and spread of new ones," said ILRI Director General Jimmy Smith. "But with their experiences with Ebola and other emerging diseases, African countries are demonstrating proactive ways to manage disease outbreaks." He said some African nations had adopted a "One Health" approach - uniting public health, veterinary and environmental expertise which can help to identify and treat outbreaks in animals before they pass to humans. The experts urged governments to provide incentives for sustainable land use and animal husbandry and to develop strategies for producing food that do not rely on the destruction of habitats and biodiversity. Monday was World Zoonoses Day, which commemorates the work of French biologist Louis Pasteur, who successfully administered the first vaccine against rabies, a zoonotic disease, on July 6 1885.

Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations

Lightning strikes killed 147 people in the north Indian state of Bihar over the last 10 days, officials said Sunday, warning of more extreme weather conditions to come, driven by climate change.

Around 215 people -- farmers, rural labourers and cattle graziers -- have now died from strikes in the country's poorest state, authorities said.

"I was informed by weather experts, scientists and officials that rising temperatures due to climate change is the main cause behind the increasing lightning strikes," Bihar's Disaster Management Minister Lakshmeshwar Rai told AFP.

Twenty-five people died on Saturday, he said.

The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more lightning in the next 48 hours.

Lightning strikes during the annual monsoon that runs from June to September are fairly common in India.

But officials said this year's toll in Bihar has already surpassed the total number of deaths recorded annually for the state over the past few years, even though the monsoon season has just started.

Last year, 170 people were killed in lightning strikes during the monsoon period.

Bihar agrometeorologist Abdus Sattar told AFP the lightning and thunder was caused by&nbsp;large-scale instability in the atmosphere, fuelled by temperature rises and excessive moisture.

State authorities rolled out a mobile phone app they said helps predict possible lightning strikes. But many poor farmers do not own smartphones.

In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, just over 200 people have been struck and killed by lightning since April, according to officials.

More than 2,300 people were killed by lightning in India in 2018 according to the National Crime Records Bureau, the most recent figures available.

The monsoon is crucial to replenishing water supplies in South Asia, but also causes widespread death and destruction across the region each year.

Lightning strikes killed 147 people in the north Indian state of Bihar over the last 10 days, officials said Sunday, warning of more extreme weather conditions to come, driven by climate change.

Lightning strikes killed 147 people in the north Indian state of Bihar over the last 10 days, officials said Sunday, warning of more extreme weather conditions to come, driven by climate change. Around 215 people -- farmers, rural labourers and cattle graziers -- have now died from strikes in the country's poorest state, authorities said. "I was informed by weather experts, scientists and officials that rising temperatures due to climate change is the main cause behind the increasing lightning strikes," Bihar's Disaster Management Minister Lakshmeshwar Rai told AFP. Twenty-five people died on Saturday, he said. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of more lightning in the next 48 hours. Lightning strikes during the annual monsoon that runs from June to September are fairly common in India. But officials said this year's toll in Bihar has already surpassed the total number of deaths recorded annually for the state over the past few years, even though the monsoon season has just started. Last year, 170 people were killed in lightning strikes during the monsoon period. Bihar agrometeorologist Abdus Sattar told AFP the lightning and thunder was caused by large-scale instability in the atmosphere, fuelled by temperature rises and excessive moisture. State authorities rolled out a mobile phone app they said helps predict possible lightning strikes. But many poor farmers do not own smartphones. In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, just over 200 people have been struck and killed by lightning since April, according to officials. More than 2,300 people were killed by lightning in India in 2018 according to the National Crime Records Bureau, the most recent figures available. The monsoon is crucial to replenishing water supplies in South Asia, but also causes widespread death and destruction across the region each year.

Climate change 'fuelling deadly India lightning strikes'

The South Pole which is considered to be the coldest place on earth has warmed more than 3 times the global rate in the last 30 years. Watch report.

South Pole warmed 3 times global rate in last 30 years

A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050.

The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently.

Currently, the state has 36,000 koalas. A parliamentary inquiry revealed that these numbers&nbsp;are&nbsp;unreliable, and outdated. As logging and habitat displacement continues, koalas may be wiped from the state, and consequentially the country over the next three decades.

Bushfires add to woes

The report was presented on Tuesday, and claimed that the loss of habitat for koalas had been amplified owing to the 2019-2020 bushfires, which rendered 24 per cent of their habitat unliveable. Some habitat regions suffered damage amounting to over 80 per cent loss.

Climate change, complemented by fires and droughts, may drive koalas to extinction.

<h6><img alt="Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7ddf5ea-2689-4ec9-b7d9-b9b2c703b438" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_115.jpg" /> 
Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to the report, intervention is the need of the hour. “Given the scale of loss as a result of the fires to many significant local populations, the committee believes the koala will become extinct in New South Wales well before 2050 and that urgent government intervention is required to protect their habitat and address all other threats to their ongoing survival,” the report said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/koala-bears-wounded-during-australian-bushfires-re-released-into-forests-again-294165" hreflang="en">Koala bears wounded during Australian bushfires re-released into forests again</a>

The state once had a thriving koala population, and the report found that the local extinction happened before the bushfires hit the country.

The report brings to light the inadequacy of existing laws in dealing with the threat. “The report found that habitat loss and fragmentation was the biggest threat to koalas, yet at every turn we were handed evidence that showed our current laws are inadequate and facilitating the clearing of core koala habitat”.

Prioritised action

Based on their findings, the committee made 42 recommendations. They demanded a prioritised action from the government in protecting the koalas, to work on strengthening monitoring methods, and to increase funding for conservation groups that seek to help the koalas.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/koala-population-in-east-australia-faces-extinction-by-2050-warns-wwf-164175/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Additionally, the committee demanded the government to ban opening old forests to logging, and to provide incentives to farmers willing to protect their lands instead of clearing it.

They asked for a “significant increase in koala habitat protected from logging, mining, land clearing and urban development”.

The state’s conservation council reiterated the findings of the committee and called for immediate help. “We are pleased that there is a growing political consensus that koala extinction is a very real possibility if we don’t act urgently to protect koala habitat,” the council’s chief executive, Chris Gambian told the Guardian.

A report on Australia’s environmental laws is due this week, with the threat of loss of habitat looming large on the koala population.

A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050. The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently.

A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050. The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently. Currently, the state has 36,000 koalas. A parliamentary inquiry revealed that these numbers are unreliable, and outdated. As logging and habitat displacement continues, koalas may be wiped from the state, and consequentially the country over the next three decades. Bushfires add to woes The report was presented on Tuesday, and claimed that the loss of habitat for koalas had been amplified owing to the 2019-2020 bushfires, which rendered 24 per cent of their habitat unliveable. Some habitat regions suffered damage amounting to over 80 per cent loss. Climate change, complemented by fires and droughts, may drive koalas to extinction. Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011 | AFP According to the report, intervention is the need of the hour. “Given the scale of loss as a result of the fires to many significant local populations, the committee believes the koala will become extinct in New South Wales well before 2050 and that urgent government intervention is required to protect their habitat and address all other threats to their ongoing survival,” the report said. Also read: Koala bears wounded during Australian bushfires re-released into forests again The state once had a thriving koala population, and the report found that the local extinction happened before the bushfires hit the country. The report brings to light the inadequacy of existing laws in dealing with the threat. “The report found that habitat loss and fragmentation was the biggest threat to koalas, yet at every turn we were handed evidence that showed our current laws are inadequate and facilitating the clearing of core koala habitat”. Prioritised action Based on their findings, the committee made 42 recommendations. They demanded a prioritised action from the government in protecting the koalas, to work on strengthening monitoring methods, and to increase funding for conservation groups that seek to help the koalas. Additionally, the committee demanded the government to ban opening old forests to logging, and to provide incentives to farmers willing to protect their lands instead of clearing it. They asked for a “significant increase in koala habitat protected from logging, mining, land clearing and urban development”. The state’s conservation council reiterated the findings of the committee and called for immediate help. “We are pleased that there is a growing political consensus that koala extinction is a very real possibility if we don’t act urgently to protect koala habitat,” the council’s chief executive, Chris Gambian told the Guardian. A report on Australia’s environmental laws is due this week, with the threat of loss of habitat looming large on the koala population.

Habitat loss in an Australian state may drive koalas to extinction by 2050

Europe has been hit by a heatwave with temperatures touching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Heatwaves lead to rising temperatures across Europe

Harsh weather conditions creating menace in times of coronavirus

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