The century-old Amsterdam canal boat Gerarda Johanna looks like a classic with wood panelling, but beneath its floorboards lies a high-tech underbelly: rows of lithium-ion batteries, 66 in all, with an electric drive train powering its propeller.

The boat is part of a push by Amsterdam’s new Green Party mayor to ban diesel engines from the centre’s ancient canals by 2025, helping the city’s efforts to combat climate change.

The transition among commercial vessels is well underway, with 75% of the 550 on the city’s water qualifying as emissions-free, according to city spokesman Wouter Keuning.

Canal boats were a natural fit to go first. They are Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attraction, each in use up to 14 hours per day, with 320 of them conveying nearly 4 million passengers through the city’s waters annually.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-plans-to-ban-sale-of-diesel-vehicles-by-2035-278730">UK plans to ban sale of diesel vehicles by 2035</a>

The Gerarda Johanna has its own berth and charging station.

“People always overestimate what they can do in one year, but they underestimate what they can do in 10-20 years,” said Kees Koolen, founder of Super B, the company that supplied the batteries used in the Gerarda Johanna.

He said cheaper solar energy and new forms of storage would bring about emission-neutral transportation faster than most are expecting.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diesel-ban-only-way-to-cut-pollution-enough-berlin-170495">&nbsp;Diesel ban only way to cut pollution: Berlin</a>

Converting ships like the 1922 Gerarda Johanna takes equal parts engineering and artistry.

It would cost a million euros ($1.1 million) to build a new electric canal boat, but owner Rederij Kooij, one of the city’s largest operators, is converting its existing fleet one by one as they come up for maintenance, adding around 50,000 euros to a 150,000 euro repair bill. So far 13 out of 29 are done.

Kooij monitors its fleet, including battery levels, from a modern control booth inside an old stone building near Amsterdam’s Dam, where spice-laden ships rolled in from the East Indies in the 1600s.

Of Amsterdam’s 12,000 recreational boats, mostly smaller privately-owned vessels, only 5% are emissions-free, by city estimates.

Converting them to electric would cost 4,000-40,000 euros depending on size, though many will likely be sold or replaced.

“The city is actively involved with rolling out the installation of chargers, which is a rather complex project” Keuning said.

The century-old Amsterdam canal boat Gerarda Johanna looks like a classic with wood panelling, but beneath its floorboards lies a high-tech underbelly: rows of lithium-ion batteries, 66 in all, with an electric drive train powering its propeller.

The century-old Amsterdam canal boat Gerarda Johanna looks like a classic with wood panelling, but beneath its floorboards lies a high-tech underbelly: rows of lithium-ion batteries, 66 in all, with an electric drive train powering its propeller. The boat is part of a push by Amsterdam’s new Green Party mayor to ban diesel engines from the centre’s ancient canals by 2025, helping the city’s efforts to combat climate change. The transition among commercial vessels is well underway, with 75% of the 550 on the city’s water qualifying as emissions-free, according to city spokesman Wouter Keuning. Canal boats were a natural fit to go first. They are Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attraction, each in use up to 14 hours per day, with 320 of them conveying nearly 4 million passengers through the city’s waters annually. Also Read: UK plans to ban sale of diesel vehicles by 2035 The Gerarda Johanna has its own berth and charging station. “People always overestimate what they can do in one year, but they underestimate what they can do in 10-20 years,” said Kees Koolen, founder of Super B, the company that supplied the batteries used in the Gerarda Johanna. He said cheaper solar energy and new forms of storage would bring about emission-neutral transportation faster than most are expecting. Also Read: Diesel ban only way to cut pollution: Berlin Converting ships like the 1922 Gerarda Johanna takes equal parts engineering and artistry. It would cost a million euros ($1.1 million) to build a new electric canal boat, but owner Rederij Kooij, one of the city’s largest operators, is converting its existing fleet one by one as they come up for maintenance, adding around 50,000 euros to a 150,000 euro repair bill. So far 13 out of 29 are done. Kooij monitors its fleet, including battery levels, from a modern control booth inside an old stone building near Amsterdam’s Dam, where spice-laden ships rolled in from the East Indies in the 1600s. Of Amsterdam’s 12,000 recreational boats, mostly smaller privately-owned vessels, only 5% are emissions-free, by city estimates. Converting them to electric would cost 4,000-40,000 euros depending on size, though many will likely be sold or replaced. “The city is actively involved with rolling out the installation of chargers, which is a rather complex project” Keuning said.

Amsterdam's boats go electric ahead of 2025 diesel ban

Almost half of the world’s sandy beaches will have retreated significantly by the end of the century as a result of climate change, a new study has found.

Not only this but if the present situation continues, then by 2050, some coastlines can be unrecognizable from the condition with nearly 15 per cent facing severe erosion.

The study has been published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/14-unusual-beaches-around-the-world-102">14 unusual beaches around the world</a>

It was conducted by scientists from the European Commission's Joint Research Center, as well as universities in Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands.

According to&nbsp;the study, the sand erosion will endanger wildlife and can inflict a heavy toll on coastal settlements that will no longer have buffer zones to protect them from rising sea levels and storm surges.&nbsp;

In 30 years, they will destroy nearly 13.6 per cent of sandy coastlines identified from satellite images by scientists for the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission.&nbsp;

Watch: No sand, no beach, no problem: Beach Football in a landlocked Afghanistan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-sand-no-beach-no-problem-beach-football-in-a-landlocked-afghanistan-4938/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They predict the situation will become even worse in the second half of the century, washing away an additional 25.7 per cent of Earth’s beaches.

Measures taken by governments worldwide to mitigate against the damage are predicted to become increasingly expensive and in a few cases unsustainable.

"We considered the threshold of 100 meters because if erosion exceeds 100 meters, then this means that most likely, the beach is going to disappear because most of the world's beaches are even narrower than 100 meters," said Michalis Vousdoukas, a coastal oceanographer and scientific officer at the European Commission who was a lead author of the study.&nbsp;

While the amount of beach lost will vary by location, the study found that many densely populated areas, including those along the US East Coast, South Asia and Central Europe can see witness shorelines retreat inland by nearly 100 meters by 2100.

Almost half of the world’s sandy beaches will have retreated significantly by the end of the century as a result of climate change, a new study has found. Not only this but if the present situation continues, then by 2050, some coastlines can be unrecognizable from the condition with nearly 15 per cent facing severe erosion.

Almost half of the world’s sandy beaches will have retreated significantly by the end of the century as a result of climate change, a new study has found. Not only this but if the present situation continues, then by 2050, some coastlines can be unrecognizable from the condition with nearly 15 per cent facing severe erosion. The study has been published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change. Also see: 14 unusual beaches around the world It was conducted by scientists from the European Commission's Joint Research Center, as well as universities in Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. According to the study, the sand erosion will endanger wildlife and can inflict a heavy toll on coastal settlements that will no longer have buffer zones to protect them from rising sea levels and storm surges. In 30 years, they will destroy nearly 13.6 per cent of sandy coastlines identified from satellite images by scientists for the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. Watch: No sand, no beach, no problem: Beach Football in a landlocked Afghanistan They predict the situation will become even worse in the second half of the century, washing away an additional 25.7 per cent of Earth’s beaches. Measures taken by governments worldwide to mitigate against the damage are predicted to become increasingly expensive and in a few cases unsustainable. "We considered the threshold of 100 meters because if erosion exceeds 100 meters, then this means that most likely, the beach is going to disappear because most of the world's beaches are even narrower than 100 meters," said Michalis Vousdoukas, a coastal oceanographer and scientific officer at the European Commission who was a lead author of the study. While the amount of beach lost will vary by location, the study found that many densely populated areas, including those along the US East Coast, South Asia and Central Europe can see witness shorelines retreat inland by nearly 100 meters by 2100.

Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change: Study

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades.

When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.4 celsius on average - which was estimated in a recent report - Australia is projected to be closer to 4 celsius.

Despite good rain in some parts of Australia during February, summer rainfall was below average for the country as a whole.

The report reveals that summers are on average 31 days longer and winters 21 days shorter than it was in the 1950s and 60s.

The report has been released in the wake of the devastating and lengthy bushfires that burned nearly 30 million acres bushland, killing 33 people and nearly 1 billion native animals.

As per the report, the difference can be felt in Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of the country.Extreme heat can put the public at risk and hurt the economy.

Scientists have warned that increased temperatures and heat waves will lead to more dangerous fire seasons.

While shorter winters will reduce the window for hazard reduction to mitigate the impact of fires.

The Australian government has committed to the Paris agreement, which aims for a 26 to 28 per cent reduction on 2005 greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2030.

But still, the think-tank is calling the government to boost its emissions reduction plan to prevent more climate change-related warming.

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades. When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades. When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.4 celsius on average - which was estimated in a recent report - Australia is projected to be closer to 4 celsius. Despite good rain in some parts of Australia during February, summer rainfall was below average for the country as a whole. The report reveals that summers are on average 31 days longer and winters 21 days shorter than it was in the 1950s and 60s. The report has been released in the wake of the devastating and lengthy bushfires that burned nearly 30 million acres bushland, killing 33 people and nearly 1 billion native animals. As per the report, the difference can be felt in Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of the country.Extreme heat can put the public at risk and hurt the economy. Scientists have warned that increased temperatures and heat waves will lead to more dangerous fire seasons. While shorter winters will reduce the window for hazard reduction to mitigate the impact of fires. The Australian government has committed to the Paris agreement, which aims for a 26 to 28 per cent reduction on 2005 greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2030. But still, the think-tank is calling the government to boost its emissions reduction plan to prevent more climate change-related warming.

Climate change: Australian summers now twice as long as winters

Russian scientists have claimed that climate change and human disturbance is increasing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-caves-that-prove-neanderthals-were-cannibals-1763">cannibalism</a> among polar bears.

According to them, they have recorded more cases of bear-on-bear attacks amid food scarcity and melting of sea ice in the Arctic.

"Cases of cannibalism among polar bears used to be found rarely while now they are recorded quite often," said Mordvintsev, a senior researcher at Moscow's Severtsov Institute of Problems of Ecology and Evolution.

Watch: The caves that prove Neanderthals were cannibals

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-caves-that-prove-neanderthals-were-cannibals-1763/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The rise in cases may also be partly due to more people working in the Arctic and reporting such behaviour, he said.

Polar bears are quitting their usual hunting grounds because they have transformed into busy routes for ships carrying LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), Mordvintsev said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/polar-bear-invasion-how-climate-change-is-forcing-them-to-change-their-hunting-habits-197555">Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits</a>

Russia, already a key global oil and gas exporter, is keen to develop its LNG potential in the Arctic. It has also significantly upgraded its military facilities there.

Another Russian scientist, Vladimir Sokolov, who has led numerous expeditions by the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute said this year polar bears had mainly been affected by abnormally warm weather on Spitsbergen Island to the west in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, where there have been no ice floes and little snow.

Russian researchers&nbsp;have recorded&nbsp;growing numbers of polar bears moving away from their traditional hunting grounds as the ice melts due to global warming.

Over the last quarter-century, Arctic ice levels by the end of summer have fallen by 40 per cent, said Sokolov. He predicted that polar bears would eventually no longer hunt on sea ice and be confined to shore areas and high-latitude archipelagos.

Russians living in Arctic settlements have sounded the alarm over dozens of bears entering areas of human habitation, particularly to raid rubbish dumps for food.

Russian scientists have claimed that climate change and human disturbance is increasing cannibalism among polar bears. According to them, they have recorded more cases of bear-on-bear attacks amid food scarcity and melting of sea ice in the Arctic.

Russian scientists have claimed that climate change and human disturbance is increasing cannibalism among polar bears. According to them, they have recorded more cases of bear-on-bear attacks amid food scarcity and melting of sea ice in the Arctic. "Cases of cannibalism among polar bears used to be found rarely while now they are recorded quite often," said Mordvintsev, a senior researcher at Moscow's Severtsov Institute of Problems of Ecology and Evolution. Watch: The caves that prove Neanderthals were cannibals The rise in cases may also be partly due to more people working in the Arctic and reporting such behaviour, he said. Polar bears are quitting their usual hunting grounds because they have transformed into busy routes for ships carrying LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), Mordvintsev said. Also read: Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits Russia, already a key global oil and gas exporter, is keen to develop its LNG potential in the Arctic. It has also significantly upgraded its military facilities there. Another Russian scientist, Vladimir Sokolov, who has led numerous expeditions by the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute said this year polar bears had mainly been affected by abnormally warm weather on Spitsbergen Island to the west in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, where there have been no ice floes and little snow. Russian researchers have recorded growing numbers of polar bears moving away from their traditional hunting grounds as the ice melts due to global warming. Over the last quarter-century, Arctic ice levels by the end of summer have fallen by 40 per cent, said Sokolov. He predicted that polar bears would eventually no longer hunt on sea ice and be confined to shore areas and high-latitude archipelagos. Russians living in Arctic settlements have sounded the alarm over dozens of bears entering areas of human habitation, particularly to raid rubbish dumps for food.

Climate change and human encroachment increasing cannibalism among polar bears

There is a potential impact of a carbon tax. The sustainable finance market has $100BN in revenue potential. The estimated cost of climate risk at $1 TN. Most affected sectors are power generation, Oil & gas. They produce 40% of global carbon emissions.

Financial impact of climate change

A new study has said that there would be zero to few suitable coral habitats would be left in the earth by 2100.

New Study: No coral reefs by 2100

Amazon Chief Executive Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-amazon-employees-criticize-firms-climate-stance-276875">Jeff&nbsp;Bezos</a>&nbsp;will commit $10 billion to fund scientists, activists, nonprofits and other groups fighting to protect the environment and counter the effects of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-amazon-employees-criticize-firms-climate-stance-276875">climate change</a>, he said on Monday.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rWKFnnQ5c/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Today, I’m thrilled to announce I am launching the Bezos Earth Fund.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet. I want to work alongside others both to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share. This global initiative will fund scientists, activists, NGOs — any effort that offers a real possibility to help preserve and protect the natural world. We can save Earth. It’s going to take collective action from big companies, small companies, nation states, global organizations, and individuals. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ I’m committing $10 billion to start and will begin issuing grants this summer. Earth is the one thing we all have in common — let’s protect it, together.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ - Jeff</a>

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The&nbsp;Bezos&nbsp;Earth Fund will begin issuing grants this summer as part of the initiative.

"It's going to take collective action from big companies, small companies, nation states, global organizations, and individuals,"&nbsp;Bezos&nbsp;said.

Cutting emissions will be challenging for Amazon. The e-commerce company delivers 10 billion items a year, has a massive transportation and data center footprint, and has faced criticism from within its own workforce.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-amazon-employees-criticize-firms-climate-stance-276875">Hundreds of Amazon employees criticize firm's climate stance</a>

Counteracting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-amazon-employees-criticize-firms-climate-stance-276875">climate change</a> has become a popular cause for US&nbsp;billionaires in recent years, with Microsoft's Bill Gates, Michael Bloomberg and hedge fund manager Tom Steyer counted among the world's wealthiest environmental philanthropists. ⁣⁣⁣

Last year,&nbsp;Bezos&nbsp;pledged to make online retailer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-amazon-employees-criticize-firms-climate-stance-276875">Amazon </a>net carbon neutral by 2040 the first major corporation to announce such a goal and to buy 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from US&nbsp;vehicle design and manufacturing startup Rivian Automotive LLC.

Bezos&nbsp;also said at the time that his company would meet the goals of the Paris climate accord 10 years ahead of the accord's schedule and invest $100 million to restore forests and wetlands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company-policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">Amazon </a>has faced protests by environmental activists and pressure from its employees to take action on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company-policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">climate change</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company-policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">Amazon's slow climate action: Defying company policy, over 300 employees speak out</a>

Hundreds of its&nbsp;employees last month started a blog criticizing the online retail giant's climate policies and demanding it do more to tackle climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company-policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">Amazon </a>has been accused of creating vast amounts of waste from the packaging it uses for doorstep deliveries, as well as for the greenhouse gas emissions from huge fleets of vehicles.

The company, which in December said its workforce had hit 750,000, has also been denounced over its carbon footprint because of the high energy consumption of its server farms for its lucrative cloud computing activities.

Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, an activist workers group, welcomed the&nbsp;Bezos&nbsp;Earth Fund announcement, but said it did not make up for the company's consumption of fossil fuels and other activities that contribute to climate change.

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As employees, here is our statement to Jeff Bezos' Earth Fund announcement (as an image): <a href="https://t.co/opgcCpa67D">pic.twitter.com/opgcCpa67D</a>
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Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos will commit $10 billion to fund scientists, activists, nonprofits and other groups fighting to protect the environment and counter the effects of climate change, he said on Monday.

Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos will commit $10 billion to fund scientists, activists, nonprofits and other groups fighting to protect the environment and counter the effects of climate change, he said on Monday. View this post on Instagram Today, I’m thrilled to announce I am launching the Bezos Earth Fund.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet. I want to work alongside others both to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share. This global initiative will fund scientists, activists, NGOs — any effort that offers a real possibility to help preserve and protect the natural world. We can save Earth. It’s going to take collective action from big companies, small companies, nation states, global organizations, and individuals. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ I’m committing $10 billion to start and will begin issuing grants this summer. Earth is the one thing we all have in common — let’s protect it, together.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ - Jeff A post shared by Jeff Bezos (@jeffbezos) on Feb 17, 2020 at 10:00am PST × The Bezos Earth Fund will begin issuing grants this summer as part of the initiative. "It's going to take collective action from big companies, small companies, nation states, global organizations, and individuals," Bezos said. Cutting emissions will be challenging for Amazon. The e-commerce company delivers 10 billion items a year, has a massive transportation and data center footprint, and has faced criticism from within its own workforce. Also read: Hundreds of Amazon employees criticize firm's climate stance Counteracting climate change has become a popular cause for US billionaires in recent years, with Microsoft's Bill Gates, Michael Bloomberg and hedge fund manager Tom Steyer counted among the world's wealthiest environmental philanthropists. ⁣⁣⁣ Last year, Bezos pledged to make online retailer Amazon net carbon neutral by 2040 the first major corporation to announce such a goal and to buy 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from US vehicle design and manufacturing startup Rivian Automotive LLC. Bezos also said at the time that his company would meet the goals of the Paris climate accord 10 years ahead of the accord's schedule and invest $100 million to restore forests and wetlands. Amazon has faced protests by environmental activists and pressure from its employees to take action on climate change. Also read: Amazon's slow climate action: Defying company policy, over 300 employees speak out Hundreds of its employees last month started a blog criticizing the online retail giant's climate policies and demanding it do more to tackle climate change. Amazon has been accused of creating vast amounts of waste from the packaging it uses for doorstep deliveries, as well as for the greenhouse gas emissions from huge fleets of vehicles. The company, which in December said its workforce had hit 750,000, has also been denounced over its carbon footprint because of the high energy consumption of its server farms for its lucrative cloud computing activities. Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, an activist workers group, welcomed the Bezos Earth Fund announcement, but said it did not make up for the company's consumption of fossil fuels and other activities that contribute to climate change. As employees, here is our statement to Jeff Bezos' Earth Fund announcement (as an image): pic.twitter.com/opgcCpa67D — Amazon Employees For Climate Justice (@AMZNforClimate) February 17, 2020 ×

Jeff Bezos pledges $10 billion to combat climate change

Antarctica shows what climate change looks like. Antarctica has enough frozen water that affects sea level. since late December no snowfall in Fildes peninsula.

Climate Crisis affects Antarctica

The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana </a>face social stigma and hostility.

According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''.

They believe that cyclists are threatened not to ride bicycles on the streets of the city because motor vehicles drivers believe that they "own"&nbsp;the road as they pay road tax.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/does-offsetting-carbon-emissions-count-as-going-green-264831">Does offsetting carbon emissions count as going green?</a>

Societal prestige around cars is deep-rooted and riding a bicycle is considered archaic and “undignified” in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana</a>.

The hostile attitude of local drivers towards cyclists emanates from a deep-seated belief that cycling is for the poor.

The preference for motor vehicles has had an adverse impact on the country as the number of cars registered in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/botswana-rhinos-risk-wipe-out-as-poaching-rises-254762">Botswana </a>has doubled over the past decade.

Watch: The Absa Cape Epic: These cyclists endure one of the toughest race on this planet

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-absa-cape-epic-these-cyclists-endure-one-of-the-toughest-race-on-this-planet-2757/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Two-thirds of these vehicles are listed in Gaborone, and the majority were second-hand imports.&nbsp;A vast majority of these imported vehicles do not meet the emission standards in the countries of their origin and neither checked for their emissions nor properly maintained.

The burgeoning low-efficiency cars are contributing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-pollution-costs-india-150-billion-a-year-report-280588">air pollution</a> in Gaborone.&nbsp;As a result, it is ranked among the worst cities for air quality in the world.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/solar-panels-vegan-diets-no-flights-meet-americas-climate-revolutionaries-250555#nasa-climate-scientist-peter-kalmus-250543">Solar panels, vegan diets, no flights: Meet America's climate revolutionaries</a>

Many residents of the city believe that cycling should be encouraged in the city as an affordable, flexible and emissions-free method of transport.

However, the biggest hurdle in the way of cycling returning as a popular mode of transport is the lack of proper infrastructure good bicycle lanes, showers at workplaces, and clothing-changing facilities, among others.

To change the attitude of people towards cycling, youngsters are opening cycle shops and are riding bicycles to travel from place to another.

They are striving to contribute to the fight against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bearing-brunt-of-climate-change-240729">climate change</a> because bicycles are eco-friendly.&nbsp;With time, they aim to erode the social stigma around cycling in Gaborone.

The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana face social stigma and hostility. According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''.

The cyclists riding bicycles in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana face social stigma and hostility. According to local residents, the stigma around cycling has made streets ''more dangerous than lions''. They believe that cyclists are threatened not to ride bicycles on the streets of the city because motor vehicles drivers believe that they "own" the road as they pay road tax. Also see: Does offsetting carbon emissions count as going green? Societal prestige around cars is deep-rooted and riding a bicycle is considered archaic and “undignified” in Botswana. The hostile attitude of local drivers towards cyclists emanates from a deep-seated belief that cycling is for the poor. The preference for motor vehicles has had an adverse impact on the country as the number of cars registered in Botswana has doubled over the past decade. Watch: The Absa Cape Epic: These cyclists endure one of the toughest race on this planet Two-thirds of these vehicles are listed in Gaborone, and the majority were second-hand imports. A vast majority of these imported vehicles do not meet the emission standards in the countries of their origin and neither checked for their emissions nor properly maintained. The burgeoning low-efficiency cars are contributing to air pollution in Gaborone. As a result, it is ranked among the worst cities for air quality in the world. Also see: Solar panels, vegan diets, no flights: Meet America's climate revolutionaries Many residents of the city believe that cycling should be encouraged in the city as an affordable, flexible and emissions-free method of transport. However, the biggest hurdle in the way of cycling returning as a popular mode of transport is the lack of proper infrastructure good bicycle lanes, showers at workplaces, and clothing-changing facilities, among others. To change the attitude of people towards cycling, youngsters are opening cycle shops and are riding bicycles to travel from place to another. They are striving to contribute to the fight against climate change because bicycles are eco-friendly. With time, they aim to erode the social stigma around cycling in Gaborone.

The city where cyclists are unwelcome

The Antarctic region has registered its highest-ever temperature on record as mercury soared over 20 degrees Celsius earlier this week.

Your Story: Record high temperature in Antarctica

Surprising images of Antarctica without snow emerged from Chile as the southern tip of the South American country near Antarctica experiences unusually high temperatures amid concern for global warming.

This is what Antarctica looks like without snow

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time. A report by Jefferies Financial Group Inc recently shed light on the ghastly reality of plastic recycling.

With climate activism and environment protection becoming the key discourses of mainstream politics over the last few years, clubbed with ever-accelerating global warming, combating the menace of plastic could prove to be tougher than it seems.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-ushers-2020-with-ban-on-plastic-bags-271459">Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags</a>

According to the report, “given the very low rates of recycling we see today, we believe that even with much tighter regulation, it’s unlikely that global recycling rates could reach 50% by 2030”.&nbsp;

With more pressure on governments and leaders than ever before, they will be forced to toughen the regulatory rules. Companies with a market valuation of $3.5 trillion or more are expected to be hit by bans and taxes to fight plastic pollution.

<h6><img alt="plastic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="949d0cf9-6286-4788-a50e-5244f30bcd2a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_77.jpg" /> 
Plastic waste is seen floating on a sewage canal in Port-au-Prince, on January 30, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Plastic pollution continues to plague the global environment. Almost all of the eight billion tonnes of plastic that was ever produced still continues to exist, in some form in the environment. According to Jefferies, most of this ends up in landfills.

Plastic is extremely durable and resistant to degradation, which makes it impossible to break down completely. This ensures that the material lasts for centuries.

BloombergNEF reported that the world is increasing regulations on single-use plastics.

China, which accounts for a major chunk of plastic use, recently announced that it would ban single-use plastics in public places like shopping malls and in food delivery services.

Singapore recycled four per cent of its plastic waste in 2018, and then passed a law this week to enforce stricter rules on certain categories of plastic waste across its borders, as reported by the Straits Times.

Recently, multiple countries in the African region limited the manufacturing of plastic and tried to contain the consumption of the material by levying taxes.

<h6><img alt="yyy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1958c7f2-699b-4529-9ed9-3ca00fa63a09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_57.jpg" /> 
Compacted plastic bags are stored in a yard in Berlin on February 5, 2020, before being recycled | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Additionally, starting January 1, France banned plastic plates, cups, and cotton buds with the goal of eradicating all single-use plastic items by 2040.

Other countries like Thailand and New Zealand have enforced bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Indonesia is also expected to enforce the ban starting in June 2020.

However, the United States recycles barely 10 per cent of the plastic, with Europe following suit at 30 per cent on average.

Asian-Pacific countries, with the largest market in packaging, may be blamed for the plastic waste in oceans, the report said.

According to the report, more plastic is burnt than recycled. More effort is needed on behalf of governments to curb plastic.

“The impact of plastics leaking into the environment, polluting oceans, and entering the food chain could potentially be almost as big a concern for civil society as climate change”, the report added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-in-oceans-to-outweigh-fish-china-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags-and-straws-275644">Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish: China to ban single-use plastic bags and straws</a>

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time.

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time. A report by Jefferies Financial Group Inc recently shed light on the ghastly reality of plastic recycling. With climate activism and environment protection becoming the key discourses of mainstream politics over the last few years, clubbed with ever-accelerating global warming, combating the menace of plastic could prove to be tougher than it seems. Also read: Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags According to the report, “given the very low rates of recycling we see today, we believe that even with much tighter regulation, it’s unlikely that global recycling rates could reach 50% by 2030”. With more pressure on governments and leaders than ever before, they will be forced to toughen the regulatory rules. Companies with a market valuation of $3.5 trillion or more are expected to be hit by bans and taxes to fight plastic pollution. Plastic waste is seen floating on a sewage canal in Port-au-Prince, on January 30, 2020 | AFP Plastic pollution continues to plague the global environment. Almost all of the eight billion tonnes of plastic that was ever produced still continues to exist, in some form in the environment. According to Jefferies, most of this ends up in landfills. Plastic is extremely durable and resistant to degradation, which makes it impossible to break down completely. This ensures that the material lasts for centuries. BloombergNEF reported that the world is increasing regulations on single-use plastics. China, which accounts for a major chunk of plastic use, recently announced that it would ban single-use plastics in public places like shopping malls and in food delivery services. Singapore recycled four per cent of its plastic waste in 2018, and then passed a law this week to enforce stricter rules on certain categories of plastic waste across its borders, as reported by the Straits Times. Recently, multiple countries in the African region limited the manufacturing of plastic and tried to contain the consumption of the material by levying taxes. Compacted plastic bags are stored in a yard in Berlin on February 5, 2020, before being recycled | AFP Additionally, starting January 1, France banned plastic plates, cups, and cotton buds with the goal of eradicating all single-use plastic items by 2040. Other countries like Thailand and New Zealand have enforced bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Indonesia is also expected to enforce the ban starting in June 2020. However, the United States recycles barely 10 per cent of the plastic, with Europe following suit at 30 per cent on average. Asian-Pacific countries, with the largest market in packaging, may be blamed for the plastic waste in oceans, the report said. According to the report, more plastic is burnt than recycled. More effort is needed on behalf of governments to curb plastic. “The impact of plastics leaking into the environment, polluting oceans, and entering the food chain could potentially be almost as big a concern for civil society as climate change”, the report added. Also read: Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish: China to ban single-use plastic bags and straws

All plastic ever produced still exists in the environment: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-grave-of-the-fireflies-director-and-co-founder-of-studio-ghibli-isao-takahata-dies-at-82-128654">Fireflies </a>are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status.

The study was published on Monday in the journal 'Bioscience'.

More than 2,000 species of fireflies illuminate wetlands, marshes, grasslands, forests and urban parks worldwide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN</a>

Some species are being extinguished by the ever-expanding ecological footprint of human beings according to Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and the lead researcher of the study

These species are adversely affected by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">loss of habitat </a>because they need specific conditions to complete their life cycle, she added.

<img alt="A firefly display tree" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d454f28b-e990-4f0a-8ef0-9eb9eba39fc1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-04T120840.150.jpg" />

She gave the example of the Malaysian firefly "Pteroptyx tener"&nbsp;which during its larval phase lives in riverside mangroves.

Many of these have been sacrificed to make way for palm oil plantations and fish farms.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/climate-change-pandemics-biodiversity-loss-no-country-is-sufficiently-prepared-260057">Climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss: No country is sufficiently prepared</a>

The female glowworms are flightless, which means that they can't fly to a new location when their habitat is taken over by a suburb, commercial crop or country road.

Surprisingly, the researchers found that the use of artificial light at night was the second most serious threat to the creatures.

Out of the 10 possible driving forces of extinction, experts said that habitat loss as the top threat everywhere except in east Asia and in South America.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-earth-experiencing-another-mass-extinction-event-267920"> Is earth experiencing another 'mass extinction event'?</a>

In those two regions, artificial light was seen as the biggest problem in the world's fireflies.

Many species of firefly depend on their ability to light up to find and attract mates.&nbsp;The window of opportunity for them to mate is very narrow as adults typically live only a few days.&nbsp;

The twinkling beetles focus so much on reproducing that they don't even eat.&nbsp;

The survey found that fireflies are also being decimated by commonly used insecticides, the third major threat.

"Organophosphates and neonicotinoids are designed to kill pests, yet they also have off-target effects on beneficial insects," the researchers wrote.

The authors said guidelines were needed to establish and manage tourist sites that outline the best way to protect the fireflies from trampling, light pollution, and pesticides.

Fireflies are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status.

Fireflies are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status. The study was published on Monday in the journal 'Bioscience'. More than 2,000 species of fireflies illuminate wetlands, marshes, grasslands, forests and urban parks worldwide. Also read: Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN Some species are being extinguished by the ever-expanding ecological footprint of human beings according to Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and the lead researcher of the study These species are adversely affected by the loss of habitat because they need specific conditions to complete their life cycle, she added. She gave the example of the Malaysian firefly "Pteroptyx tener" which during its larval phase lives in riverside mangroves. Many of these have been sacrificed to make way for palm oil plantations and fish farms. Also read: Climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss: No country is sufficiently prepared The female glowworms are flightless, which means that they can't fly to a new location when their habitat is taken over by a suburb, commercial crop or country road. Surprisingly, the researchers found that the use of artificial light at night was the second most serious threat to the creatures. Out of the 10 possible driving forces of extinction, experts said that habitat loss as the top threat everywhere except in east Asia and in South America. Also read: Is earth experiencing another 'mass extinction event'? In those two regions, artificial light was seen as the biggest problem in the world's fireflies. Many species of firefly depend on their ability to light up to find and attract mates. The window of opportunity for them to mate is very narrow as adults typically live only a few days. The twinkling beetles focus so much on reproducing that they don't even eat. The survey found that fireflies are also being decimated by commonly used insecticides, the third major threat. "Organophosphates and neonicotinoids are designed to kill pests, yet they also have off-target effects on beneficial insects," the researchers wrote. The authors said guidelines were needed to establish and manage tourist sites that outline the best way to protect the fireflies from trampling, light pollution, and pesticides.

Fireflies on verge of extinction: Study

Afghanistan contributes to just about 0.1 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions but it goes not mean that the country is not facing a threat of climate change. Experts say that Afghanistan is one of the country that is most vulnerable to climate change. The shift in the weather patterns has already taken a toll on the countries sheep farmers and carpet weavers. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Carpet weavers mull livelihood change in Afghanistan

Chilli cultivation in Pakistan's Sindh is under threat. The scorching heat is ruining the crops. The farmers are blaming climate change.

Gravitas: Pakistan's climate change threatens red chilli harvest

Kunri in southern Pakistan's, Sindh province, is called the red chilli capital of Asia and is responsible for 85 percent of all red chilli production in Pakistan

WION Fineprint: Climate change hits Pakistan chillies

Barren and frozen Arctic region is bearing the brunt of climate change. Shedding its thick ice cover, some regions in the Arctic are witnessing a growth of green cover as warmer temperatures create a conducive environment for foliage to thrive.

Barren and frozen Arctic region is bearing the brunt of climate change. Shedding its thick ice cover, some regions in the Arctic are witnessing a growth of green cover as warmer temperatures create a conducive environment for foliage to thrive. The phenomenon, 'Arctic greening' is being studied by a host of experts to analyse how climate change spurs shift in temperatures, prompting vegetation in parts of the Arctic. With hotter than usual summers in the Arctic, the snow in the region is melting earlier, spurring the growth of plants and trees in areas that were once perennially infertile and frozen. Also read: Australian bushfires to fuel biggest annual rise in CO2 this year Experts, with the help of drones and satellites, are studying the change in vegetation pattern and greening nearly as huge as football fields. Changes in the green cover and vegetation affect the absorption and release of carbon in the atmosphere. While some places are spurring vegetation, like the Arctic, other regions are turning drier and experiencing droughts. The absorption of Co2 becomes difficult when regions become warmer and drier due to "a warmer tropical Pacific". In such a case, it becomes difficult for plants to grow which in turn hampers Co2 absorption. As a result, we see droughts and wildfires similar to that of Australia.

Climate change spurs greening in barren, frozen Arctic 

British endurance swimmer and United Nations patron of oceans Lewis Gordon Pugh braved the freezing temperatures of East Antarctica, swimming in its icy rivers, to raise awareness about climate change.

Swimmer raises awareness on climate change in freezing Antarctic waters

The increment in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/man-plans-to-swim-9100-km-across-pacific-ocean-to-raise-plastic-pollution-awareness-139935">Pacific Ocean</a>'s acidic quotient is dissolving parts of the shells of the Dungeness <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/crabs-invade-cubas-bay-of-pigs-3141">crabs</a> living in its coastal water, a new study found.

The lower <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-doodle-celebrates-danish-chemist-and-founder-of-ph-level-soren-peder-lauritz-sorensen-140516">pH levels </a>in the ocean are also damaging their sensory organs.

This can an adverse impact on the coastal economies as the Dungeness crab is crucial to the commercial fisheries of the Pacific Northwest.

Also watch:&nbsp;Man plans to swim 9100 km across Pacific ocean to raise plastic pollution awareness

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/man-plans-to-swim-9100-km-across-pacific-ocean-to-raise-plastic-pollution-awareness-139935/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the study published in the journal called Science of the Total Environment, ''the damage caused to the carbs is premature''.

The research has been funded by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earth-heading-for-hottest-year-on-record-8973">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) which studies ocean acidification and the impact of change in pH levels.&nbsp;

''We need to assure that the required attention is paid to the components of the food chain before it is too late,'' said Nina Bednarsek, the study's lead author and a senior scientist with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-battle-southern-california-wildfires-100000-evacuated-255548">Southern California</a> Coastal Water Research Project.

The absorption of carbon dioxide which lowers the pH levels of the water is making the ocean acidic.

Excess nutrients released due the acidification of the oceans changes the coast as it creates algaes which increases the temperature of the sea and its salinity when it blooms, reported <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ever-wondered-how-lightning-looks-from-space-see-these-spectacular-satellite-images-139368">NOAA</a>.

It is difficult for the coral beings it becomes difficult to build strong shells as they rely on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carbon-dioxide-row-over-climate-activist-thunbergs-yacht-trip-to-new-york-243932">carbonate</a> ions which are less abundant in more astringent waters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/good-news-global-coral-bleaching-may-be-ending-17040">Also read: Global coral bleaching may be ending, says US agency</a>

Other than crabs, oysters, clams and plankton also rely on them to strengthen themselves.

The ability of the crabs to regulate their buoyancy in the water and to protect themselves from predators is being impaired because of this.

The reason being that low pH levels damaged the tiny hair-like structures which are called mechanoreceptors,

Without these crabs move at a slower pace and have difficulty in swimming and in finding food.

The solution suggested by NOAA, is to reduce overall <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/easyjet-announces-steps-toward-zero-carbon-future-263157">carbon footprint</a> to decrease the carbon dioxide which the sea absorbs and to educate people who rely on wildlife about the changes in sea and how to adapt to them.

The increment in Pacific Ocean's acidic quotient is dissolving parts of the shells of the Dungeness crabs living in its coastal water, a new study found. The lower pH levels in the ocean are also damaging their sensory organs.

The increment in Pacific Ocean's acidic quotient is dissolving parts of the shells of the Dungeness crabs living in its coastal water, a new study found. The lower pH levels in the ocean are also damaging their sensory organs. This can an adverse impact on the coastal economies as the Dungeness crab is crucial to the commercial fisheries of the Pacific Northwest. Also watch: Man plans to swim 9100 km across Pacific ocean to raise plastic pollution awareness According to the study published in the journal called Science of the Total Environment, ''the damage caused to the carbs is premature''. The research has been funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which studies ocean acidification and the impact of change in pH levels. ''We need to assure that the required attention is paid to the components of the food chain before it is too late,'' said Nina Bednarsek, the study's lead author and a senior scientist with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. The absorption of carbon dioxide which lowers the pH levels of the water is making the ocean acidic. Excess nutrients released due the acidification of the oceans changes the coast as it creates algaes which increases the temperature of the sea and its salinity when it blooms, reported NOAA. It is difficult for the coral beings it becomes difficult to build strong shells as they rely on carbonate ions which are less abundant in more astringent waters. Also read: Global coral bleaching may be ending, says US agency Other than crabs, oysters, clams and plankton also rely on them to strengthen themselves. The ability of the crabs to regulate their buoyancy in the water and to protect themselves from predators is being impaired because of this. The reason being that low pH levels damaged the tiny hair-like structures which are called mechanoreceptors, Without these crabs move at a slower pace and have difficulty in swimming and in finding food. The solution suggested by NOAA, is to reduce overall carbon footprint to decrease the carbon dioxide which the sea absorbs and to educate people who rely on wildlife about the changes in sea and how to adapt to them.

Pacific Ocean's astringency dissolving Dungeness crabs' shells: Study

Hundreds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-saudis-tweet-to-boycott-amazon-over-crown-princes-alleged-involvement-in-hacking-bezos-phone-276374">Amazon</a> employees Sunday openly criticized the online retail giant's environmental record, in violation of the company's communications policy.

More than 300 signed a Medium blog post by Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ), which is pushing the company to go further in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-ninth-on-climate-change-performance-index-267757">climate change</a> mitigation plan which was announced with great publicity in September.

Group members have publicly criticized the company, and some have been warned that they could be fired.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fix-climate-crisis-earth-is-all-weve-got-physics-nobel-prize-winner-266851">Fix climate crisis, Earth is all we've got</a>

"The protest is the largest action by employees since Amazon began threatening to fire workers for speaking out about Amazon's role in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-to-be-part-of-school-education-in-new-zealand-273868">climate crisis</a>," the AECJ said.

"As Amazon workers, we are responsible for not only the success of the company, but its impact as well. It's our moral responsibility to speak up, and the changes to the communications policy are censoring us from exercising that responsibility," said Sarah Tracy, a software development engineer at Amazon.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bearing-brunt-of-climate-change-240729">Bearing brunt of climate change</a>

It is common for companies to demand restraint from employees when it comes to publicly discussing the firm's activities and even more so when openly questioning them.

Amazon had nearly 650,000 permanent employees at the end of 2018, according to the company's annual report.

While the environment and climate change was the focus of many of the posts on Sunday, Amazon was also criticized for other activities such as providing artificial intelligence capabilities to companies in the oil sector.

Amazon is often criticized over its carbon footprint because of the high energy consumption of its huge server farms for its lucrative cloud computing activities.

And it has built its success on the back of a huge road transport logistics network to ensure speedy deliveries, which generates a lot of greenhouse gases, the main culprit of climate change.

Amazon founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-expert-calls-for-detailed-probe-into-hacking-of-jeff-bezoss-phone-276042">Jeff Bezos</a> on September 19 last year made public environmental commitments, promising in particular that the firm would be carbon neutral by 2040.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amazon-ceo-jeff-bezos-takes-a-dig-at-mark-zuckerberg-calls-making-of-facebook-childs-play-274396">Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos takes a dig at Mark Zuckerberg</a>

The AECJ said this was insufficient and Amazon should be aiming for a 2030 target.

"This is not the time for silencing voices. We need policies that welcome more open discourse, more problem-solving, and more urgent and concerted action about climate change and its causes," said Mark Hiew, a senior marketing manager at Amazon.

Amazon did not respond to an AFP request for a response but an article in the Bezos-owned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-post-publishes-jamal-khashoggis-last-piece-172051">Washington Post</a> quoted spokesman Drew Herdener as saying Amazon encouraged employees to express themselves, but internally through the various platforms available to them.

Hundreds of Amazon employees Sunday openly criticized the online retail giant's environmental record, in violation of the company's communications policy. More than 300 signed a Medium blog post by Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ), which is pushing the company to go further in its climate change mitigation plan which was announced with great publicity in September.

Hundreds of Amazon employees Sunday openly criticized the online retail giant's environmental record, in violation of the company's communications policy. More than 300 signed a Medium blog post by Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ), which is pushing the company to go further in its climate change mitigation plan which was announced with great publicity in September. Group members have publicly criticized the company, and some have been warned that they could be fired. Also read: Fix climate crisis, Earth is all we've got "The protest is the largest action by employees since Amazon began threatening to fire workers for speaking out about Amazon's role in the climate crisis," the AECJ said. "As Amazon workers, we are responsible for not only the success of the company, but its impact as well. It's our moral responsibility to speak up, and the changes to the communications policy are censoring us from exercising that responsibility," said Sarah Tracy, a software development engineer at Amazon. Also read: Bearing brunt of climate change It is common for companies to demand restraint from employees when it comes to publicly discussing the firm's activities and even more so when openly questioning them. Amazon had nearly 650,000 permanent employees at the end of 2018, according to the company's annual report. While the environment and climate change was the focus of many of the posts on Sunday, Amazon was also criticized for other activities such as providing artificial intelligence capabilities to companies in the oil sector. Amazon is often criticized over its carbon footprint because of the high energy consumption of its huge server farms for its lucrative cloud computing activities. And it has built its success on the back of a huge road transport logistics network to ensure speedy deliveries, which generates a lot of greenhouse gases, the main culprit of climate change. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos on September 19 last year made public environmental commitments, promising in particular that the firm would be carbon neutral by 2040. Also read: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos takes a dig at Mark Zuckerberg The AECJ said this was insufficient and Amazon should be aiming for a 2030 target. "This is not the time for silencing voices. We need policies that welcome more open discourse, more problem-solving, and more urgent and concerted action about climate change and its causes," said Mark Hiew, a senior marketing manager at Amazon. Amazon did not respond to an AFP request for a response but an article in the Bezos-owned Washington Post quoted spokesman Drew Herdener as saying Amazon encouraged employees to express themselves, but internally through the various platforms available to them.

Hundreds of Amazon employees criticize firm's climate stance

Rising ocean levels could trigger a mass movement that would compel more than 13 million individuals living along the beachfront zones of the United States to migrate inland by 2100, according to a study by The University of Southern California scholars.

The research published in the magazine PLOS ONE this week found the effect of rising seas will swell the nation over, past seaside regions in danger of flooding, as influenced individuals move inland.

Sea-level rise is caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater as it warms.

Within just a few decades, hundreds of thousands of homes on the US coast will be flooded.

In fact, by the end of the century, six feet of ocean-level rise would redraw the coastline of southern Florida, parts of North Carolina and Virginia and most of Boston and New Orleans.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rising ocean levels could trigger a mass movement that would compel more than 13 million individuals living along the beachfront zones of the United States to migrate inland by 2100, according to a study by The University of Southern California scholars.

Rising ocean levels could trigger a mass movement that would compel more than 13 million individuals living along the beachfront zones of the United States to migrate inland by 2100, according to a study by The University of Southern California scholars. The research published in the magazine PLOS ONE this week found the effect of rising seas will swell the nation over, past seaside regions in danger of flooding, as influenced individuals move inland. Sea-level rise is caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater as it warms. Within just a few decades, hundreds of thousands of homes on the US coast will be flooded. In fact, by the end of the century, six feet of ocean-level rise would redraw the coastline of southern Florida, parts of North Carolina and Virginia and most of Boston and New Orleans. (With inputs from agencies)

Rising sea levels will force mass migration of 13 million Americans by 2100

The Doomsday Clock was moved to the closest it's ever been to midnight as atomic scientists warned of increasing threats around nuclear war and climate change. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists moved the clock from two minutes before midnight to 100 seconds before midnight.

WION Dispatch: Doomsday clock moved to the closest

The rate at which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carbon-dioxide-concentration-in-atmosphere-hits-new-high-warns-un-7852">carbon dioxide</a> is being accumulated and emitted in the atmosphere can double the intensity of climate disasters within 21 years, according to a study.

The study describes how the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation and its associated changes in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-275736">climatic patterns</a> contribute to the increased frequency of these disasters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carbon-dioxide-concentration-in-atmosphere-hits-new-high-warns-un-7852">Carbon dioxide concentration in atmosphere hits new high, warns UN</a>

The study published in Climate, Disaster and Development journal&nbsp;used&nbsp;climate data from 155 countries from 1970 to 2016.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/storm-gloria-swept-across-spain-with-strong-winds-heavy-snowfall-and-low-temperatures-276338">How storm Gloria swept across Spain with strong winds, heavy snowfall and low temperatures</a>

In a span of 46 years, the research assessed the factors that have contributed to the increase in the frequency of intense <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-floods-two-dead-in-flash-floods-that-shuts-tel-aviv-city-272234">flood</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/storm-gloria-swept-across-spain-with-strong-winds-heavy-snowfall-and-low-temperatures-276338">storm</a> events.

For this purpose, it&nbsp;adopted a statistical and econometric approach instead of climate models.

The results showed that a continuous increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide along with socioeconomic factors&nbsp;significantly correlated with the increase in the number of extreme flood and storm events during the past four decades.

Moreover, the results reflected&nbsp;global climate conditions significantly affect the frequency of these disasters.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decarbonisation-is-name-of-the-game-climate-experts-tell-davos-leaders-276193/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The estimates in this study further suggest that if current trends in environmental degradation and the accumulation of carbon dioxide is not curbed, then the frequency of climate disasters is bound to increase.

The study also suggested&nbsp;that the intensity of floods and storms can double in 13 years.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-275736">Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it</a>

The research is different from previous ones as it examines how the effects of climate are examined within a socio-economic framework.

This includes factors that turn natural hazards into intense disasters.&nbsp;These factors include people’s increasing exposure and their vulnerability to these hazards.

The rate at which carbon dioxide is being accumulated and emitted in the atmosphere can double the intensity of climate disasters within 21 years, according to a study.

The rate at which carbon dioxide is being accumulated and emitted in the atmosphere can double the intensity of climate disasters within 21 years, according to a study. The study describes how the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation and its associated changes in climatic patterns contribute to the increased frequency of these disasters. Also read: Carbon dioxide concentration in atmosphere hits new high, warns UN The study published in Climate, Disaster and Development journal used climate data from 155 countries from 1970 to 2016. Also see: How storm Gloria swept across Spain with strong winds, heavy snowfall and low temperatures In a span of 46 years, the research assessed the factors that have contributed to the increase in the frequency of intense flood and storm events. For this purpose, it adopted a statistical and econometric approach instead of climate models. The results showed that a continuous increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide along with socioeconomic factors significantly correlated with the increase in the number of extreme flood and storm events during the past four decades. Moreover, the results reflected global climate conditions significantly affect the frequency of these disasters. The estimates in this study further suggest that if current trends in environmental degradation and the accumulation of carbon dioxide is not curbed, then the frequency of climate disasters is bound to increase. The study also suggested that the intensity of floods and storms can double in 13 years. Also read: Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it The research is different from previous ones as it examines how the effects of climate are examined within a socio-economic framework. This includes factors that turn natural hazards into intense disasters. These factors include people’s increasing exposure and their vulnerability to these hazards.

Intensity of floods, storms can double in 13 years: Study

Water sources used by nearly a third of Americans will no longer have pollution safeguards after the Trump administration completed its rollback of environmental measures.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a move that removes millions of miles of streams and around 50 per cent of America’s wetlands from federal oversight, which will potentially give a free hand to pesticides and other pollutants be dumped without penalty, reported Guardian.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tears-into-environmental-doom-mongers-at-davos-forum-275841">Trump tears into environmental 'doom' mongers at Davos forum</a>

US President Donald Trump has long targeted his predecessor Barack Obama for clean water protections measures, calling it a “very destructive and horrible rule”.&nbsp;

Trump has been backed by farming groups, ranchers, who assert the so-called “Water of the United States” (Wotus) rule impinged upon landowners’ rights.&nbsp;

However, the EPA staff has expressed disappointment over the move.

“The new rule is scientifically indefensible and socially unjust,” said Betsy Southerland, was scientific director of the EPA’s office for three decades, reported.&nbsp;

The industry groups who were promised by the Trump administration to revoke the law welcomed the move.&nbsp;

With this move, the major rivers such as the Mississippi River and Colorado will remain protected but impositions from short-lived streams and wetlands have been lifted.&nbsp;

Environmental groups warn that nearly 75 endangered species dependent on temporary streams will be paralysed from this decision.&nbsp;

Recently, Trump claimed at the Davos summit that the US has “among the cleanest air and drinking water on Earth”. But, more than 100 environmental rules have been dismantled during Trump's presidency.&nbsp;

Water sources used by nearly a third of Americans will no longer have pollution safeguards after the Trump administration completed its rollback of environmental measures.

Water sources used by nearly a third of Americans will no longer have pollution safeguards after the Trump administration completed its rollback of environmental measures. On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised a move that removes millions of miles of streams and around 50 per cent of America’s wetlands from federal oversight, which will potentially give a free hand to pesticides and other pollutants be dumped without penalty, reported Guardian. Also read: Trump tears into environmental 'doom' mongers at Davos forum US President Donald Trump has long targeted his predecessor Barack Obama for clean water protections measures, calling it a “very destructive and horrible rule”. Trump has been backed by farming groups, ranchers, who assert the so-called “Water of the United States” (Wotus) rule impinged upon landowners’ rights. However, the EPA staff has expressed disappointment over the move. “The new rule is scientifically indefensible and socially unjust,” said Betsy Southerland, was scientific director of the EPA’s office for three decades, reported. The industry groups who were promised by the Trump administration to revoke the law welcomed the move. With this move, the major rivers such as the Mississippi River and Colorado will remain protected but impositions from short-lived streams and wetlands have been lifted. Environmental groups warn that nearly 75 endangered species dependent on temporary streams will be paralysed from this decision. Recently, Trump claimed at the Davos summit that the US has “among the cleanest air and drinking water on Earth”. But, more than 100 environmental rules have been dismantled during Trump's presidency.

Trump administration rolls back law preventing pollution in drinking water sources

How storm Gloria swept across Spain with strong winds, heavy snowfall and low temperatures

Isabelle Axelsson is one of the youngest delegates at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tears-into-environmental-doom-mongers-at-davos-forum-275841">Davos</a>, where the 19-year-old, dressed in Doc Martin boots and dungarees, and her fellow climate activists are calling on the world leaders to do more to tackle climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-uses-davos-to-pursue-global-digital-tax-goal-276157">Read More:&nbsp;France uses Davos to pursue global 'digital tax' goal</a>

"People are taking us more seriously than they were before," Axelsson told Reuters this week in the flat she is sharing with fellow campaigners from Switzerland and Germany, adding: "I think it's a lot of talk and not enough action."

&nbsp;Axelsson is part of the Stockholm branch of "Fridays for Future" which includes founding member <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-ought-to-focus-on-other-countries-says-trump-at-davos-275938">Greta Thunberg</a> who has gone from solo school strikes to sparring on the international stage with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-made-us-president-donald-trump-threaten-iran-271452">Donald Trump</a> over climate policy.

"People have their eyes on us," Axelsson said. "I don’t know how they evaluate what we say, hopefully, they listen, but generally I do think they dismiss us because of our age.

This year the annual meeting of business leaders at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">World Economic Forum</a> in the Swiss ski resort of Davos has put climate change center stage, rolling out the red carpet for Thunberg and calling on firms to set net-zero carbon goals.

<img alt="Isabelle Axelsson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd4bbe65-8a22-48b6-82ef-a97a7fd12baa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_13.jpg" />

She said she got involved in the movement in December 2018 and has since only missed one strike.

Her parents, hesitant at first, are now supportive and Axelsson says her grades have improved, allowing her to finish high school and start studying human geography at university.

"I got more energy from striking, I was channeling all the depressed and bad feelings I had because of the climate crisis into something."

&nbsp;Although the focus on Axelsson and her fellow strikers makes climate change a talking point, she worries it is a distraction.

"There's a little bit too much attention on us, and us as people, but we need the focus to be on the science."

Isabelle Axelsson is one of the youngest delegates at Davos, where the 19-year-old, dressed in Doc Martin boots and dungarees, and her fellow climate activists are calling on the world leaders to do more to tackle climate change.

Isabelle Axelsson is one of the youngest delegates at Davos, where the 19-year-old, dressed in Doc Martin boots and dungarees, and her fellow climate activists are calling on the world leaders to do more to tackle climate change. Read More: France uses Davos to pursue global 'digital tax' goal "People are taking us more seriously than they were before," Axelsson told Reuters this week in the flat she is sharing with fellow campaigners from Switzerland and Germany, adding: "I think it's a lot of talk and not enough action." Axelsson is part of the Stockholm branch of "Fridays for Future" which includes founding member Greta Thunberg who has gone from solo school strikes to sparring on the international stage with US President Donald Trump over climate policy. "People have their eyes on us," Axelsson said. "I don’t know how they evaluate what we say, hopefully, they listen, but generally I do think they dismiss us because of our age. This year the annual meeting of business leaders at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos has put climate change center stage, rolling out the red carpet for Thunberg and calling on firms to set net-zero carbon goals. She said she got involved in the movement in December 2018 and has since only missed one strike. Her parents, hesitant at first, are now supportive and Axelsson says her grades have improved, allowing her to finish high school and start studying human geography at university. "I got more energy from striking, I was channeling all the depressed and bad feelings I had because of the climate crisis into something." Although the focus on Axelsson and her fellow strikers makes climate change a talking point, she worries it is a distraction. "There's a little bit too much attention on us, and us as people, but we need the focus to be on the science."

Young climate activist fears words not action at Davos

A team of scientists from the <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/first-known-us-patient-of-coronavirus-being-treated-by-robot-276107">US </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-wuhan-coronavirus-who-yet-to-decide-if-china-virus-is-a-global-health-emergency-276018">China </a>have reportedly discovered&nbsp;28 ancient viruses in the Tibetan glacier which were never been seen earlier in the modern world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN</a>

According to reports, at least 33 virus groups were also discovered in the&nbsp;glacier called Guliya ice cap in the northwestern Tibetan Plateau which is&nbsp;15,000 years old.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-known-asteroid-collision-ended-earths-ice-age-study-275861">Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study</a>

The group published a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heat-from-eruption-of-mount-vesuvius-turned-victims-brained-to-glass-276041">research </a>paper which stated their findings in detail.&nbsp;They had travelled to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/villagers-hold-celebrations-to-warm-up-tibetan-new-year-in-southwest-china-274069">Tibet</a> in 2015 in search of the oldest glacial ice on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oldest-known-asteroid-collision-ended-earths-ice-age-study-275861">Earth</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-275736">Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it</a>

The scientists&nbsp;obtained two ice cores after drilling 50 meters inside the ice cap and had to undergo&nbsp;a protocol of three-step decontamination.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-coronavirus-wuhan-city-imposes-transport-lockdown-as-death-toll-rises-to-seventeen-and-no-of-cases-rise-to-571-276004">China coronavirus: Wuhan city imposes transport lockdown&nbsp;</a>

It was followed by the use of microbiology techniques to identify microbes and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-coronavirus-wuhan-city-imposes-transport-lockdown-as-death-toll-rises-to-seventeen-and-no-of-cases-rise-to-571-276004">viruses</a> in the samples.&nbsp;

''Melting of glaciers, at a bare minimum leads to loss of microbial and viral archives and in turn can be informative and help in the diagnosis of the planet's old climate regimes,'' they scientists said in the&nbsp;research paper.

However, the melted ice can release toxic pathogens into the environment.&nbsp;It is a dire situation as this can lead to several fatal diseases, they predicted.

The inability to address global change is climate has transformed it in a ticking time bomb.&nbsp;They pointed out that climate change is an added threat as it has adversely affected our ability to delineate these minuscule lifeforms and to steer clear from harmful ones.

A team of scientists from the US and China have reportedly discovered 28 ancient viruses in the Tibetan glacier which were never been seen earlier in the modern world.

A team of scientists from the US and China have reportedly discovered 28 ancient viruses in the Tibetan glacier which were never been seen earlier in the modern world. Also read: Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN According to reports, at least 33 virus groups were also discovered in the glacier called Guliya ice cap in the northwestern Tibetan Plateau which is 15,000 years old. Also read: Oldest known asteroid collision ended Earth's 'ice age': Study The group published a research paper which stated their findings in detail. They had travelled to Tibet in 2015 in search of the oldest glacial ice on Earth. Also read: Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it The scientists obtained two ice cores after drilling 50 meters inside the ice cap and had to undergo a protocol of three-step decontamination. Also read: China coronavirus: Wuhan city imposes transport lockdown It was followed by the use of microbiology techniques to identify microbes and viruses in the samples. ''Melting of glaciers, at a bare minimum leads to loss of microbial and viral archives and in turn can be informative and help in the diagnosis of the planet's old climate regimes,'' they scientists said in the research paper. However, the melted ice can release toxic pathogens into the environment. It is a dire situation as this can lead to several fatal diseases, they predicted. The inability to address global change is climate has transformed it in a ticking time bomb. They pointed out that climate change is an added threat as it has adversely affected our ability to delineate these minuscule lifeforms and to steer clear from harmful ones.

US, Chinese scientists discover ancient viruses in Tibetan glacier

Speaking world leaders on how climate change needs immediate attention.

WION's exclusive conversation with world leaders on climate change

U.S. President Donald Trump, teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, U.S. trade deal with China, global economy & Huawei CEO readiness to tackle further U.S. attacks on the firm dominate the proceeding in day 1 of the Davos 2020 summit.

Gravitas: Day 1 Of Davos 2020 — Key Takeaways

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday addressed a special session in World Economic Forum.

Speaking at Davos, Khan spoke about various topics ranging from climate change to Pakistan cash-strapped economy.

"Always wanted my country to be a welfare state," he said adding, that "Pakistan will only partner with another country in peace."

"Pakistan cannot grow its economy without peace and stability," Khan said.

"We have gone through a very tough economic period and people are hurting," he said.&nbsp;

Kha also&nbsp;said that the country's economy has "suffered" because of war in Afghanistan and " now we hope to return to growth".

Speaking about climate change, Khan said that his country "will plant as many trees as possible" to deal with the consequence of the continuous deteriorating climate situation.

The address comes a day after Khan held a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event.

Among the various topics, Afghanistan was also a major point of discussion between the two countries.

"The major concern is Afghanistan between us and fortunately we are on the same page," PM Imran Khan asserted.

The meeting between President Trump and PM Imran Khan was the third leadership-level interaction between the United States and Pakistan leaders since Khan's visit to Washington in July last year.

&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday addressed a special session in World Economic Forum. Speaking at Davos, Khan spoke about various topics ranging from climate change to Pakistan cash-strapped economy.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday addressed a special session in World Economic Forum. Speaking at Davos, Khan spoke about various topics ranging from climate change to Pakistan cash-strapped economy. "Always wanted my country to be a welfare state," he said adding, that "Pakistan will only partner with another country in peace." "Pakistan cannot grow its economy without peace and stability," Khan said. "We have gone through a very tough economic period and people are hurting," he said. Kha also said that the country's economy has "suffered" because of war in Afghanistan and " now we hope to return to growth". Speaking about climate change, Khan said that his country "will plant as many trees as possible" to deal with the consequence of the continuous deteriorating climate situation. The address comes a day after Khan held a meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event. Among the various topics, Afghanistan was also a major point of discussion between the two countries. "The major concern is Afghanistan between us and fortunately we are on the same page," PM Imran Khan asserted. The meeting between President Trump and PM Imran Khan was the third leadership-level interaction between the United States and Pakistan leaders since Khan's visit to Washington in July last year.

Pakistan has gone through 'very tough economic period': PM Imran Khan at Davos

As leaders of government and business—including more than 100 billionaires— gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the 50th annual World Economic Forum, Forbes brings you the biggest news headlines from the conference.

WION Dispatch: Davos 2020: WION speaks to world leaders

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