Salvador Gómez-Colón, a teenage environmental and humanitarian activist from Puerto Rico, started the day Tuesday by telling business and government leaders that they didn’t have much credibility.

WION Dispatch: Davos 2020: WION in Exclusive conversation with Salvador

President Donald Trump tore into environmental "prophets of doom" at the Davos forum Tuesday, rejecting fiery warnings from teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg and talking up his own record in a counterpoint to impeachment back home.

Thunberg was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear the typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered just before the US Senate opened the crucial next stage in his trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thunberg-changes-required-are-nowhere-in-sight-267938">Thunberg: changes required are nowhere in sight</a>

The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum aimed for a strong focus on climate change but Trump made clear he had no time for Thunberg's warning that "our house is still on fire."

Watch | Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020

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Instead, he touted the US economy, which he said was enjoying an "unprecedented" boom thanks to his policies. That was a message he then continued at a dinner meeting with CEOs including Europe's richest person Bernard Arnault of luxury firm LVMH and the Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.

The Republican was also to meet Wednesday with the president of Iraq and the leader of Iraqi Kurdistan before heading back to Washington.&nbsp;

This will be his first talks with the Iraqi leadership since a US drone strike killed Iran's top military figure and also a senior Iraqi commander in Baghdad, triggering a parliament vote calling for the expulsion of US troops from Iraq.

Dismissing the 'apocalypse'

Dismissing scientifically backed warnings that global warming is wrecking the planet, Trump said "we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse."

He claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong over the decades when predicting population crisis, mass starvation or the end of oil.

Trump branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".

Trump did not even mention global warming.

He was just as unapologetic over his impeachment, which is now kicking into high gear.

That's "just a hoax," he said, calling the impeachment trial "disgraceful".

Trump campaigns

Large parts of Trump's address sounded like a campaign speech aimed at a domestic audience as much as the Davos gathering of global political and business elites, which began in 1971.

"I'm glad to declare the United States is in the midst of a great economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before," he said.

Over and over, Trump brought up statistics he claimed proved his "unprecedented" success, based on slashing environmental protections and renegotiating trade relationships with China and the United States' two huge neighbours Canada and Mexico.

"The American dream is back, bigger, better, stronger than ever before," he said.

Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank, called Trump's performance "an almost plain vanilla presidential campaign speech, laying out an unassailable set of statistics that tell the Democrats 'good luck taking me on on this, because you won't stand a chance'."

'Just the very beginning'

Earlier, Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying "basically nothing has been done" to fight climate change.

Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign, which began with school strikes, had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change.

"There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," the 17-year-old said.

And despite the focus given by the Davos forum, Greenpeace said in a new report that some of the world's biggest banks, insurers and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion (1.26 trillion euros) in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016.

Trump touted the United States as the "number one producer of oil and natural gas" and said he would not let "radical socialists" attack the lucrative industry.

'Governments continue to fail'

Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made from seaweed.

"People are paying a lot more attention" to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer told AFP at Davos, adding there was "genuine action by some big players", after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal.

"But let's be clear -- a big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail," he added.

Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

President Donald Trump tore into environmental "prophets of doom" at the Davos forum Tuesday, rejecting fiery warnings from teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg and talking up his own record in a counterpoint to impeachment back home.

President Donald Trump tore into environmental "prophets of doom" at the Davos forum Tuesday, rejecting fiery warnings from teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg and talking up his own record in a counterpoint to impeachment back home. Thunberg was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear the typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered just before the US Senate opened the crucial next stage in his trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Also Read: Thunberg: changes required are nowhere in sight The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum aimed for a strong focus on climate change but Trump made clear he had no time for Thunberg's warning that "our house is still on fire." Watch | Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020 × Instead, he touted the US economy, which he said was enjoying an "unprecedented" boom thanks to his policies. That was a message he then continued at a dinner meeting with CEOs including Europe's richest person Bernard Arnault of luxury firm LVMH and the Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. The Republican was also to meet Wednesday with the president of Iraq and the leader of Iraqi Kurdistan before heading back to Washington. This will be his first talks with the Iraqi leadership since a US drone strike killed Iran's top military figure and also a senior Iraqi commander in Baghdad, triggering a parliament vote calling for the expulsion of US troops from Iraq. Dismissing the 'apocalypse' Dismissing scientifically backed warnings that global warming is wrecking the planet, Trump said "we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse." He claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong over the decades when predicting population crisis, mass starvation or the end of oil. Trump branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers". Trump did not even mention global warming. He was just as unapologetic over his impeachment, which is now kicking into high gear. That's "just a hoax," he said, calling the impeachment trial "disgraceful". Trump campaigns Large parts of Trump's address sounded like a campaign speech aimed at a domestic audience as much as the Davos gathering of global political and business elites, which began in 1971. "I'm glad to declare the United States is in the midst of a great economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before," he said. Over and over, Trump brought up statistics he claimed proved his "unprecedented" success, based on slashing environmental protections and renegotiating trade relationships with China and the United States' two huge neighbours Canada and Mexico. "The American dream is back, bigger, better, stronger than ever before," he said. Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank, called Trump's performance "an almost plain vanilla presidential campaign speech, laying out an unassailable set of statistics that tell the Democrats 'good luck taking me on on this, because you won't stand a chance'." 'Just the very beginning' Earlier, Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying "basically nothing has been done" to fight climate change. Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign, which began with school strikes, had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change. "There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," the 17-year-old said. And despite the focus given by the Davos forum, Greenpeace said in a new report that some of the world's biggest banks, insurers and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion (1.26 trillion euros) in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016. Trump touted the United States as the "number one producer of oil and natural gas" and said he would not let "radical socialists" attack the lucrative industry. 'Governments continue to fail' Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made from seaweed. "People are paying a lot more attention" to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer told AFP at Davos, adding there was "genuine action by some big players", after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal. "But let's be clear -- a big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail," he added. Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle. The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained. Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

Trump tears into environmental 'doom' mongers at Davos forum

The exploitation of natural resources by China and Pakistan that has affected the ecology and demography in Gilgit Baltistan remains a major concern for the local residents of the region.

Extensive snowfall or floods caused due to the melting glaciers in the region is symbolic of the climate change that has affected the region, which is under Pakistan`s illegal occupation, in recent times.

Khadim Hussain, a resident of Gilgit city in PoK said, "Gilgit Baltistan is known for its freshwater resources. Many tourists get attracted to the incredible glaciers. But since the last few years, the region has witnessed serious effects of environmental damages. The glaciers melt during the summer season floods the entire region."

"Last year, a lake was formed after a glacier melted in the Ishkoman area of Gilgit due to drastic changes in climatic conditions. Also, I have never seen such a heavy snowfall during winters in the past," he added.

The ill-effects of environmental degradation and large scale deforestation by Pakistan and China have started showing up its effects.

As part of its multi-billion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing has made huge investments in the mining and highway projects in Gilgit Baltistan.

At the behest of the Islamabad, Chinese companies are reportedly plundering natural resources in the region, including gold, platinum, cobalt and precious gemstones like topaz and aquamarine.

The CPEC project is built at the cost of felling an uncounted number of trees and acquiring acres of land, which is changed the demography of Gilgit Baltistan.

"Whether it is the local administration or the government of Pakistan, no one has carried out any research. Deforestation is the major cause of climatic change here. An unabated felling of trees is being done here. More than 170,000 trees are being cut down per year to fulfill the need for fuel. It is a big issue on which work has to be done," Khadim said.

Despite being a land of natural resources, indigenous people of Gilgit Baltistan are forced to live in poverty. It remains one of the poorest regions in Asia with around 85 per cent of its population striving to live on subsistence agriculture.

The locals also have no access to basic amenities such as cooking gas. The majority of them are dependent on wood from forests. 
&nbsp;

The exploitation of natural resources by China and Pakistan that has affected the ecology and demography in Gilgit Baltistan remains a major concern for the local residents of the region.

The exploitation of natural resources by China and Pakistan that has affected the ecology and demography in Gilgit Baltistan remains a major concern for the local residents of the region. Extensive snowfall or floods caused due to the melting glaciers in the region is symbolic of the climate change that has affected the region, which is under Pakistan`s illegal occupation, in recent times. Khadim Hussain, a resident of Gilgit city in PoK said, "Gilgit Baltistan is known for its freshwater resources. Many tourists get attracted to the incredible glaciers. But since the last few years, the region has witnessed serious effects of environmental damages. The glaciers melt during the summer season floods the entire region." "Last year, a lake was formed after a glacier melted in the Ishkoman area of Gilgit due to drastic changes in climatic conditions. Also, I have never seen such a heavy snowfall during winters in the past," he added. The ill-effects of environmental degradation and large scale deforestation by Pakistan and China have started showing up its effects. As part of its multi-billion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing has made huge investments in the mining and highway projects in Gilgit Baltistan. At the behest of the Islamabad, Chinese companies are reportedly plundering natural resources in the region, including gold, platinum, cobalt and precious gemstones like topaz and aquamarine. The CPEC project is built at the cost of felling an uncounted number of trees and acquiring acres of land, which is changed the demography of Gilgit Baltistan. "Whether it is the local administration or the government of Pakistan, no one has carried out any research. Deforestation is the major cause of climatic change here. An unabated felling of trees is being done here. More than 170,000 trees are being cut down per year to fulfill the need for fuel. It is a big issue on which work has to be done," Khadim said. Despite being a land of natural resources, indigenous people of Gilgit Baltistan are forced to live in poverty. It remains one of the poorest regions in Asia with around 85 per cent of its population striving to live on subsistence agriculture. The locals also have no access to basic amenities such as cooking gas. The majority of them are dependent on wood from forests.

Climate change due to deforestation worries people in Gilgit Baltistan

As world leaders gathered at Switzerland for <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>, veiled attacks and glares were exchanged between US President Donald Trump and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday.

A picture from the event is doing rounds on social media in which Greta Thunberg is seen looking less than impressed as she listened to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-dream-is-much-bigger-and-better-now-says-trump-at-world-economic-forum-in-davos-275732">Trump's keynote address at Davos</a>.

In a veiled attack on Thunberg, Trump said, "We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse."&nbsp;

"They want to see us do badly," Trump added.

He also claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong on previous occasions by predicting population crisis, mass starvation and the end of oil.

Watch | Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020

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Trump further branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".

Meanwhile, Thunberg in her speech said, "You say children shouldn't worry... don't be so pessimistic and then, nothing, silence," while referring to "empty words and promises" by world leaders on climate change.

"Our house is still on fire," Thunberg said, adding, "Your inaction is fuelling the flames."

In a rebuke to Trump's pledge to plant more trees, Thunberg said that planting trees is not enough.&nbsp;

During the speech,&nbsp;Trump announced that the US would join an existing initiative to plant one trillion trees, but also spoke at length about the economic importance of oil and gas while&nbsp;Thunberg&nbsp;called&nbsp;for an immediate end to fossil fuel investments in front of a packed audience.

Last year, a clip of the teenage activist giving Trump an ice-cold glare went viral after she told the United Nations that the leaders of the generations before hers had stolen her childhood and her dreams.

As world leaders gathered at Switzerland for World Economic Forum, veiled attacks and glares were exchanged between US President Donald Trump and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday.

As world leaders gathered at Switzerland for World Economic Forum, veiled attacks and glares were exchanged between US President Donald Trump and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday. A picture from the event is doing rounds on social media in which Greta Thunberg is seen looking less than impressed as she listened to Trump's keynote address at Davos. In a veiled attack on Thunberg, Trump said, "We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse." "They want to see us do badly," Trump added. He also claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong on previous occasions by predicting population crisis, mass starvation and the end of oil. Watch | Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020 × Trump further branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers". Meanwhile, Thunberg in her speech said, "You say children shouldn't worry... don't be so pessimistic and then, nothing, silence," while referring to "empty words and promises" by world leaders on climate change. "Our house is still on fire," Thunberg said, adding, "Your inaction is fuelling the flames." In a rebuke to Trump's pledge to plant more trees, Thunberg said that planting trees is not enough. During the speech, Trump announced that the US would join an existing initiative to plant one trillion trees, but also spoke at length about the economic importance of oil and gas while Thunberg called for an immediate end to fossil fuel investments in front of a packed audience. Last year, a clip of the teenage activist giving Trump an ice-cold glare went viral after she told the United Nations that the leaders of the generations before hers had stolen her childhood and her dreams.

Veiled attacks and glares exchanged between Trump and Thunberg at WEF

The youngest climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks her words at World Economic Forum 2020 at Switzerland's Davos. She said 'Nothing has been done' to tackle climate change. Listen to her full speech here.

WEF 2020: Climate activist Greta Thunberg's message at Davos forum

The global public overwhelmingly blames global warming on human activities with trust level declining in climate science, but Indians are the most trusting people in this regard, a new opinion poll showed on Tuesday.

Indians and Bangladeshis have topped the charts when it comes to trust in climate science as also for keeping themselves abreast about news and current affairs, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-knows-origins-of-global-climate-change-putin-in-annual-press-conference-269149">Russia </a>and Ukraine are among the laggards on both counts.&nbsp;The new public opinion poll published by the World Economic Forum here at its 50th annual meeting called for better climate education and urgent upskilling.

The global public overwhelmingly blames global warming on human activity, with some regions less trusting of climate science in 2020, according to the survey. The findings reinforce the urgent need for a collective approach from business, government and civil society to advance societal and environmental agendas, the WEF said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-ninth-on-climate-change-performance-index-267757">India ranks ninth on Climate Change Performance Index</a>

The survey also found that the majority of people in the world believe schools are under-preparing students for jobs. Outside of the Americas and South Asia, education is still viewed as a privilege for half of the population or less. The WEF said the world urgently needs to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-to-be-part-of-school-education-in-new-zealand-273868">start implementing policies</a> and strategies that advance societal and environmental agendas,&nbsp;from reskilling the population for the future to ensuring strong education and leadership on climate change from all sectors.

The global public-opinion poll, prepared in collaboration with SAP and Qualtrics, surveyed more than 10,500 people in 30 countries accounting for around 76 per cent of the global population. The findings have been presented in two parts - Toward a More Sustainable World and Toward a More Cohesive World - which forms the theme of this year's annual meeting.

Toward a More Sustainable World survey found that while more than half of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/climate-change-pm-narendra-modi-realises-the-danger-251948">respondents reportedly trust climate science</a>, those in India are the most trusting whereas 86 per cent said they trusted scientists "a great deal" or "a lot". India was followed by Bangladesh (78 per cent) and Pakistan (70 per cent).

China and Turkey (both 69 per cent) complete the top five. By region, almost a fifth of North American adults expressed "little" (12 per cent) or "no" (6 per cent) trust in climate science, compared to South Asia, expressing "little" trust (4 per cent), and "no" trust (2 per cent). Respondents were also asked whether they believed global warming exists and what causes it.

Overall, more than two-thirds of people agreed that it is caused mostly by human activity. In Latin America and the Caribbean (78 per cent) agreed.

"We look forward to the Annual Meeting 2020 being a breakthrough moment for climate change. Our participants committing to help tackle this urgent issue is in line with the stakeholder imperative of the 2020 Davos Manifesto and the theme of the 50th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting: Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.

Toward a More Cohesive World found that outside of the Americas and South Asia, majorities believe a "good education" is the privilege of half of the population or less. Respondents also believe local schools are underperforming in terms of training students for the future workforce.

A key focus for the World Economic Forum's 50th Annual Meeting this week will be driving change to reskill and upskill the global population for future jobs, it said.

Forum research has found education systems have "become increasingly disconnected from the realities and needs of global economies and societies, with a need to adapt to provide future generations with the right skills. Only together can government, business, the scientific community, and NGOs can solve the world's most pressing challenges, and only if they put a relentless focus on what to achieve and how to achieve it," said SAP co-chief executive officers, Jennifer Morgan and Christian Klein.

"It's the people of this world who can help bring this focus to the areas of greatest urgency. Giving them a voice and acting on their feedback is an important duty of every leader from every corner of the globe," Klein said.

A specific platform focused on upskilling and reskilling will be launched at this week's Annual Meeting. The initiative will create a more cohesive world by providing 1 billion people with new, more relevant skills for accessing decent jobs within the next 10 years.

The global public overwhelmingly blames global warming on human activities with trust level declining in climate science, but Indians are the most trusting people in this regard, a new opinion poll showed on Tuesday.

The global public overwhelmingly blames global warming on human activities with trust level declining in climate science, but Indians are the most trusting people in this regard, a new opinion poll showed on Tuesday. Indians and Bangladeshis have topped the charts when it comes to trust in climate science as also for keeping themselves abreast about news and current affairs, while Russia and Ukraine are among the laggards on both counts. The new public opinion poll published by the World Economic Forum here at its 50th annual meeting called for better climate education and urgent upskilling. The global public overwhelmingly blames global warming on human activity, with some regions less trusting of climate science in 2020, according to the survey. The findings reinforce the urgent need for a collective approach from business, government and civil society to advance societal and environmental agendas, the WEF said. Also Read: India ranks ninth on Climate Change Performance Index The survey also found that the majority of people in the world believe schools are under-preparing students for jobs. Outside of the Americas and South Asia, education is still viewed as a privilege for half of the population or less. The WEF said the world urgently needs to start implementing policies and strategies that advance societal and environmental agendas, from reskilling the population for the future to ensuring strong education and leadership on climate change from all sectors. The global public-opinion poll, prepared in collaboration with SAP and Qualtrics, surveyed more than 10,500 people in 30 countries accounting for around 76 per cent of the global population. The findings have been presented in two parts - Toward a More Sustainable World and Toward a More Cohesive World - which forms the theme of this year's annual meeting. Toward a More Sustainable World survey found that while more than half of respondents reportedly trust climate science, those in India are the most trusting whereas 86 per cent said they trusted scientists "a great deal" or "a lot". India was followed by Bangladesh (78 per cent) and Pakistan (70 per cent). China and Turkey (both 69 per cent) complete the top five. By region, almost a fifth of North American adults expressed "little" (12 per cent) or "no" (6 per cent) trust in climate science, compared to South Asia, expressing "little" trust (4 per cent), and "no" trust (2 per cent). Respondents were also asked whether they believed global warming exists and what causes it. Overall, more than two-thirds of people agreed that it is caused mostly by human activity. In Latin America and the Caribbean (78 per cent) agreed. "We look forward to the Annual Meeting 2020 being a breakthrough moment for climate change. Our participants committing to help tackle this urgent issue is in line with the stakeholder imperative of the 2020 Davos Manifesto and the theme of the 50th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting: Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World," said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. Toward a More Cohesive World found that outside of the Americas and South Asia, majorities believe a "good education" is the privilege of half of the population or less. Respondents also believe local schools are underperforming in terms of training students for the future workforce. A key focus for the World Economic Forum's 50th Annual Meeting this week will be driving change to reskill and upskill the global population for future jobs, it said. Forum research has found education systems have "become increasingly disconnected from the realities and needs of global economies and societies, with a need to adapt to provide future generations with the right skills. Only together can government, business, the scientific community, and NGOs can solve the world's most pressing challenges, and only if they put a relentless focus on what to achieve and how to achieve it," said SAP co-chief executive officers, Jennifer Morgan and Christian Klein. "It's the people of this world who can help bring this focus to the areas of greatest urgency. Giving them a voice and acting on their feedback is an important duty of every leader from every corner of the globe," Klein said. A specific platform focused on upskilling and reskilling will be launched at this week's Annual Meeting. The initiative will create a more cohesive world by providing 1 billion people with new, more relevant skills for accessing decent jobs within the next 10 years.

World losing trust in climate science, Indians most-trusting: World Economic Forum survey

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday assailed environmental "prophets of doom", delivering an uncompromising message in Davos after Swedish teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg slammed government inaction on the climate crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-power-of-youth-greta-thunberg-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-267728">Thunberg </a>was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear a typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered just before the start of his Senate impeachment trial in Washington. The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) got underway in the ski resort with an avowed focus on climate change but with starkly different visions over global warming laid bare.

"We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse," said Trump, growling that "they want to see us do badly". 
He claimed that "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greta-thunberg-joined-by-thousands-of-swiss-activist-in-climate-march-275084">alarmists</a>" had been wrong on previous occasions by predicting population crisis, mass starvation and the end of oil.

Trump-branded those warnings of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-davos-summit-greta-thunberg-calls-for-real-climate-action-274917">out-of-control global warming</a> and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers". 
Trump told reporters later that his Davos trip was devoted to meeting "the most important people in the world and we're bringing back tremendous business".

Before Trump's appearance,&nbsp;Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying "basically nothing has been done" to fight climate change. "It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning," the 17-year-old said. Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign which began with school strikes had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change. "There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," she said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thunberg-changes-required-are-nowhere-in-sight-267938">Thunberg: changes required are nowhere in sight</a>

While the WEF and individual business leaders have been detailing their concerns about climate change, Greenpeace complained in a new report that some of the world's biggest banks, insurers, and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016.

Trump in his speech reeled off a list of achievements for the American economy and touted the United States as the "number one producer of oil and natural gas".

There&nbsp;are no expectations that Trump and Thunberg, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, would meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out. When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral.

Although Trump's Republican party holds a majority in the Senate and is almost sure to acquit him on charges of abusing his power and obstructing Congress, the impeachment adds volatility to an already tense 2020 presidential election. "We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy," said Trump, apparently referring to his Democratic party opponents ahead of the presidential election in November.

'Governments continue to fail'

Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than used cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed. Trump's opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the freehand extended to the fossil fuel industry put him at odds with the thrust of this year's event.

"People are paying a lot more attention" to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremner said at Davos, adding there was "genuine action by some big players" after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal. "But let's be clear -- a big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail," he added.

Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle. The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 per cent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday assailed environmental "prophets of doom", delivering an uncompromising message in Davos after Swedish teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg slammed government inaction on the climate crisis.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday assailed environmental "prophets of doom", delivering an uncompromising message in Davos after Swedish teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg slammed government inaction on the climate crisis. Thunberg was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear a typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered just before the start of his Senate impeachment trial in Washington. The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) got underway in the ski resort with an avowed focus on climate change but with starkly different visions over global warming laid bare. "We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse," said Trump, growling that "they want to see us do badly". He claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong on previous occasions by predicting population crisis, mass starvation and the end of oil. Trump-branded those warnings of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers". Trump told reporters later that his Davos trip was devoted to meeting "the most important people in the world and we're bringing back tremendous business". Before Trump's appearance, Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying "basically nothing has been done" to fight climate change. "It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning," the 17-year-old said. Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign which began with school strikes had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change. "There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," she said. Also Read: Thunberg: changes required are nowhere in sight While the WEF and individual business leaders have been detailing their concerns about climate change, Greenpeace complained in a new report that some of the world's biggest banks, insurers, and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016. Trump in his speech reeled off a list of achievements for the American economy and touted the United States as the "number one producer of oil and natural gas". There are no expectations that Trump and Thunberg, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, would meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out. When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral. Although Trump's Republican party holds a majority in the Senate and is almost sure to acquit him on charges of abusing his power and obstructing Congress, the impeachment adds volatility to an already tense 2020 presidential election. "We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy," said Trump, apparently referring to his Democratic party opponents ahead of the presidential election in November. 'Governments continue to fail' Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than used cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed. Trump's opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the freehand extended to the fossil fuel industry put him at odds with the thrust of this year's event. "People are paying a lot more attention" to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremner said at Davos, adding there was "genuine action by some big players" after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal. "But let's be clear -- a big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail," he added. Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle. The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 per cent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained. Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

Trump rejects climate 'prophets of doom' as Thunberg warns Davos

The 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) has kicked off in the Swiss city of Davos, with an agenda that is focused heavily on climate change, as world leaders struggle to tackle the crisis. Here US President Donald Trump delivers a keynote. Watch it.

'Nothing short of spectacular' claims Trump over US economic success in Davos

Donald Trump delivers keynote address at WEF 2020

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein

Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Their work came on the heels of an IPCC report that warned of dire environmental, economic and health consequences in the absence of any serious momentum toward decarbonization by 2030.

But the crews were not adding to the two charging stations installed in each parking lot in 2013. They came to remove them.

This erasure of one provincial government’s climate project by its successor was only the tip of the melting iceberg. The steady unravelling of climate policy began when the newly elected Conservative government cancelled the provincial cap and trade system and renewable energy contracts from Ontario’s feed-in-tariff system. It also removed subsidies for electric vehicles (up to $14,000 per vehicle under the previous government).

Despite being sold as cost-cutting, some of the reversals have been expensive. Cancelling 750 renewable-energy projects, for instance, cost $231 million.

It is tempting to view this unwinding through the lens of the polarized politics plaguing many western democracies. That misses the bigger picture.

Our research on more than two dozen climate initiatives around the world — from the community level to the global scale — revealed that the Ontario story is depressingly familiar. There is no lack of climate initiatives — our case studies are only a small cross-section of thousands. Rather, the problem is that these initiatives tend to get started, make some progress and then get stuck or even regress.

Everything is connected

Dependence on fossil energy means it is difficult for a new policy or technology in isolation to catalyze breakthrough changes. Part of the story is the pushback they generate, as happened in Ontario, from political and economic interests that mobilize opposition.

But overt resistance is not the only obstacle to change. Changing one thing often runs into the powerful inertia of related policies, technologies, interests and patterns of behaviour.

For example, a local or provincial policy to incentivize electric vehicle purchases by allowing free parking or providing subsidies may make some progress reducing emissions. But if other parts of the transportation system do not change, the policy will stall or reverse.

Without charging stations, people will have range anxiety. If subsidies decline or higher levels of government do not impose stricter fuel standards, markets for EVs can dry up. If the electric grid is supplied by dirty coal power or other high carbon fuels, EV purchases will have less effect on overall emissions. If the uptake of EVs remains low as a result, auto companies and the public may oppose such policies as costly for limited impact.

These challenging, interdependent dynamics are evident across policies and scales. Even in Germany, which implemented some of the most aggressive renewable energy policies, decarbonization has stalled despite strong public support. Pricing and policy dynamics, such as the shale gas revolution outside of Germany and the decision to phase out nuclear power, led to coal becoming the cheapest source of energy, resulting in the extension of coal-fired power plants.

The German phase-out of coal power will be complete in 2038 (too slow according to some activists) and comes with billions of Euros in compensation for coal-producing states and companies.

The purgatory of incremental change

Climate initiatives also get stuck because the momentum they generate is not always in the direction of substantial change or decarbonization. For instance, moving from coal-fired to natural gas electricity production can lower emissions. However, turning to this bridge fuel reinforces dependence on fossil energy. Political coalitions that support and benefit from such an initial change might not favour more aggressive action.

A case in point is Colorado’s New Energy Economy policy. In the mid-2000s, it included a commitment to shift from coal to renewables supported by unions and energy companies. The fracking revolution, however, lowered natural gas prices and encouraged the development of coalitions that supported it as a transition fuel.

The state government subsequently redefined the new energy economy to include natural gas, undermining its commitment to renewables. This shift put Colorado on an improved, but still carbon-intensive, pathway. The state is in the midst of changing oil and gas regulations again.

These dynamics apply equally to individuals. Studies show that nudging people to change their daily practices can decrease their support for broader, transformative policies because they feel they have done enough.

Getting unstuck

Our research has identified four questions to ask when designing and implementing climate action to counter these dynamics: Does it disrupt dependence on fossil energy? Does it build coalitions that favour more aggressive actions? Is it sensitive to broader connections? Does it spark climate action elsewhere?

These questions suggest a need to value the transformative potential of any climate action rather than (only) the immediate emissions reductions. Quick emissions reductions like those generated by fuel switching are seductive but can stall. Instead, policy-makers should evaluate climate action on whether it contributes to disrupting reliance on fossil energy and reinforcing alternative paths.

Getting unstuck also requires thinking beyond single policies. A successful EV policy like Norway’s pays attention to the entire personal transport sector (taxes and subsidies, infrastructure, etc.). It has even catalyzed change in the broader transportation sector, including electric ferries and aviation.

Moreover, the politics of getting started are different than the politics of maintaining and extending climate action. One way to create broader coalitions of support is to build justice and equity into every climate action. Overly technocratic climate initiatives, such as smart cities, can get stuck and fail to catalyze broad decarbonization in part because they fail to generate broad and diverse coalitions to build on initial successes.

Building a better society is not possible without addressing climate change. Addressing climate change is not politically feasible without pursuing a more just and equitable society to ensure broad support.

(Matthew Hoffmann is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto; Steven Bernstein is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-128287">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Their work came on the heels of an IPCC report that warned of dire environmental, economic and health consequences in the absence of any serious momentum toward decarbonization by 2030. But the crews were not adding to the two charging stations installed in each parking lot in 2013. They came to remove them. This erasure of one provincial government’s climate project by its successor was only the tip of the melting iceberg. The steady unravelling of climate policy began when the newly elected Conservative government cancelled the provincial cap and trade system and renewable energy contracts from Ontario’s feed-in-tariff system. It also removed subsidies for electric vehicles (up to $14,000 per vehicle under the previous government). Despite being sold as cost-cutting, some of the reversals have been expensive. Cancelling 750 renewable-energy projects, for instance, cost $231 million. It is tempting to view this unwinding through the lens of the polarized politics plaguing many western democracies. That misses the bigger picture. Our research on more than two dozen climate initiatives around the world — from the community level to the global scale — revealed that the Ontario story is depressingly familiar. There is no lack of climate initiatives — our case studies are only a small cross-section of thousands. Rather, the problem is that these initiatives tend to get started, make some progress and then get stuck or even regress. Everything is connected Dependence on fossil energy means it is difficult for a new policy or technology in isolation to catalyze breakthrough changes. Part of the story is the pushback they generate, as happened in Ontario, from political and economic interests that mobilize opposition. But overt resistance is not the only obstacle to change. Changing one thing often runs into the powerful inertia of related policies, technologies, interests and patterns of behaviour. For example, a local or provincial policy to incentivize electric vehicle purchases by allowing free parking or providing subsidies may make some progress reducing emissions. But if other parts of the transportation system do not change, the policy will stall or reverse. Without charging stations, people will have range anxiety. If subsidies decline or higher levels of government do not impose stricter fuel standards, markets for EVs can dry up. If the electric grid is supplied by dirty coal power or other high carbon fuels, EV purchases will have less effect on overall emissions. If the uptake of EVs remains low as a result, auto companies and the public may oppose such policies as costly for limited impact. These challenging, interdependent dynamics are evident across policies and scales. Even in Germany, which implemented some of the most aggressive renewable energy policies, decarbonization has stalled despite strong public support. Pricing and policy dynamics, such as the shale gas revolution outside of Germany and the decision to phase out nuclear power, led to coal becoming the cheapest source of energy, resulting in the extension of coal-fired power plants. The German phase-out of coal power will be complete in 2038 (too slow according to some activists) and comes with billions of Euros in compensation for coal-producing states and companies. The purgatory of incremental change Climate initiatives also get stuck because the momentum they generate is not always in the direction of substantial change or decarbonization. For instance, moving from coal-fired to natural gas electricity production can lower emissions. However, turning to this bridge fuel reinforces dependence on fossil energy. Political coalitions that support and benefit from such an initial change might not favour more aggressive action. A case in point is Colorado’s New Energy Economy policy. In the mid-2000s, it included a commitment to shift from coal to renewables supported by unions and energy companies. The fracking revolution, however, lowered natural gas prices and encouraged the development of coalitions that supported it as a transition fuel. The state government subsequently redefined the new energy economy to include natural gas, undermining its commitment to renewables. This shift put Colorado on an improved, but still carbon-intensive, pathway. The state is in the midst of changing oil and gas regulations again. These dynamics apply equally to individuals. Studies show that nudging people to change their daily practices can decrease their support for broader, transformative policies because they feel they have done enough. Getting unstuck Our research has identified four questions to ask when designing and implementing climate action to counter these dynamics: Does it disrupt dependence on fossil energy? Does it build coalitions that favour more aggressive actions? Is it sensitive to broader connections? Does it spark climate action elsewhere? These questions suggest a need to value the transformative potential of any climate action rather than (only) the immediate emissions reductions. Quick emissions reductions like those generated by fuel switching are seductive but can stall. Instead, policy-makers should evaluate climate action on whether it contributes to disrupting reliance on fossil energy and reinforcing alternative paths. Getting unstuck also requires thinking beyond single policies. A successful EV policy like Norway’s pays attention to the entire personal transport sector (taxes and subsidies, infrastructure, etc.). It has even catalyzed change in the broader transportation sector, including electric ferries and aviation. Moreover, the politics of getting started are different than the politics of maintaining and extending climate action. One way to create broader coalitions of support is to build justice and equity into every climate action. Overly technocratic climate initiatives, such as smart cities, can get stuck and fail to catalyze broad decarbonization in part because they fail to generate broad and diverse coalitions to build on initial successes. Building a better society is not possible without addressing climate change. Addressing climate change is not politically feasible without pursuing a more just and equitable society to ensure broad support. (Matthew Hoffmann is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto; Steven Bernstein is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it

US President Donald Trump is expected to give a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He has arrived at the location and will be meeting leaders from around the world.

US President Donald Trump arrives at Davos

Climate change is one of the major crisis that is emerging at a faster rate. The World Economic Forum 2020 is taking place in Davos, Switzerland. The world should be given greater education on climate change and the planets younger generation is discussing this major crisis at the youngest panel discussion at Davos. Watch report:

Watch youngest panel discussion on climate change in Davos

By Darren Evans

The sheer scale and intensity of the Australian bushfire crisis have led to apocalyptic scenes making the front pages of newspapers the world over. An estimated 10 million hectares (100,000 sq km) of land have burned since 1 July 2019. At least 28 people have died. And over a billion animals are estimated to have been killed to date. Of course, the actual toll will be much higher if major animal groups, such as insects, are included in these estimates.

The impacts of climate change – in particular, the consequences of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events on all life should be abundantly clear. People finally seem to be taking this seriously, but there is an undercurrent of opinion about the “naturalness” of wildfires. Some are still questioning the role of climate change in driving the Australian bushfires.

It is true that wildfires naturally occur in many parts of the world, and benefit plants and animals in ecosystems that have been uniquely shaped by fire over evolutionary time. And people have been using fire to manage ecosystems for thousands of years. We could learn a thing or two from Aboriginal people and the techniques they have traditionally used to prevent bushfires.

But make no mistake, the scientific evidence shows that human-caused climate change is a key driver of the rapid and unprecedented increases in wildfire activity. What is particularly worrying is the extent to which this is eroding the resilience of ecosystems across wide regions. Yes, it is plausible to expect most plants and animals that have adapted to fire will recover. But the ecological costs of huge, repetitive, high-severity wildfires on ecosystems could be colossal.

Out of control

And it’s unclear how much the natural world can tolerate such dramatic disturbance. Wildfires are increasing in severity around the world. The Australian bushfires are larger than some of the deadliest recorded. Incidences are also increasing in ecosystems where wildfires are uncommon, such as the UK uplands. Not to mention the widespread deliberate burning of areas of high conservation value for agriculture, as has been recently reported in large parts of the Brazilian Amazon for beef production and in Indonesia for palm oil.

Unsurprisingly, given the shocking numbers of animals that must have perished as a result of these wildfires, many are questioning whether burned ecosystems can recover from such dramatic losses of biodiversity. In Australia, for example, some estimate that the fires could drive more than 700 insect species to extinction.

The world’s biodiversity is already severely struggling – we are in the midst of what scientists describe as the sixth mass extinction. A recent report has highlighted that about a quarter of assessed species are threatened with extinction. Australia already has the highest rate of mammal loss for any region in the world, signalling the fragility of existing ecosystems that might struggle to function in a warming, fire prone world.

Fears for familiar and charismatic animals affected by the bushfires, such as koala, have been expressed by conservationists. The outlook for already critically endangered species, such as the regent honeyeater and western ground parrot, meanwhile, is uncertain. But to establish the true ecological costs of wildfires it is important to consider biodiversity in terms of networks, not particular species or numbers of animals.

All species are embedded in complex networks of interactions where they are directly and indirectly dependent on each other. A food web is a good example of such networks. The simultaneous loss of such large numbers of plants and animals could have cascading impacts on the ways species interact – and hence the ability of ecosystems to bounce back and properly function following high-severity wildfires.

A fragile system

And so it’s key that we consider biodiversity loss due to wildfires in terms of entire networks of interacting organisms, including humans, rather than simply one or two charismatic animals. I have studied and recently published research about the loss of plants and animals due to wildfires in Portugal, using new methods in ecology that can examine the resilience of ecosystems to species extinctions. My team found that networks of interacting plants and animals at burned sites became fragile and more prone to species extinctions.

Our study looked at the impacts of a large wildfire in 2012 on one of the many ecological interactions that keep ecosystems healthy – insect pollination. We examined the responses of moths, which are important but often overlooked pollinators, to wildfire by comparing those we caught in burned and neighbouring unburned areas.

By collecting, counting and identifying the thousands of pollen grains they were carrying, we were able to decipher the plant-insect network of interacting species. In this way, it was possible to examine not only the responses of the plants and animals to wildfire, but crucially the impacts on pollination processes.

We then used these networks to model the resilience of the ecosystem more generally. We found that burned areas had significantly more abundant flowers (due to a flush of plants whose seeds and roots survived in the soil) but less abundant and species‐rich moths. The total amount of pollen being transported by the moths in burned areas was just 20 per cent&nbsp;of that at unburned areas.

Our analysis revealed important differences in the way these species interacted as a result of the wildfire. Although the study was only a snapshot in time, we were able to show that plant-insect communities at burned sites were less able to resist the effects of any further disturbances without suffering species extinctions.

And so as people start rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and communities in Australia following the devastating bushfires, it is crucial that governments and land managers around the world take sensible decisions that will build resilience into ecosystems. To do this, ecological interaction networks need to be considered, rather than specific species. Cutting-edge network approaches that examine the complex ways in which entire communities of species interact can and should help with this.

Over 45 years ago, the American evolutionary ecologist and conservationist Dan Janzen wrote: “There is a much more insidious kind of extinction: the extinction of ecological interactions.” We should all be concerned not just about the loss of animals, but about the unravelling of species interactions within ecosystems on which we all depend for our survival.

(Darren Evans is Reader in Ecology and Conservation, Newcastle University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/bushfires-can-ecosystems-recover-from-such-dramatic-losses-of-biodiversity-129836">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Darren Evans The sheer scale and intensity of the Australian bushfire crisis have led to apocalyptic scenes making the front pages of newspapers the world over.

By Darren Evans The sheer scale and intensity of the Australian bushfire crisis have led to apocalyptic scenes making the front pages of newspapers the world over. An estimated 10 million hectares (100,000 sq km) of land have burned since 1 July 2019. At least 28 people have died. And over a billion animals are estimated to have been killed to date. Of course, the actual toll will be much higher if major animal groups, such as insects, are included in these estimates. The impacts of climate change – in particular, the consequences of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events on all life should be abundantly clear. People finally seem to be taking this seriously, but there is an undercurrent of opinion about the “naturalness” of wildfires. Some are still questioning the role of climate change in driving the Australian bushfires. It is true that wildfires naturally occur in many parts of the world, and benefit plants and animals in ecosystems that have been uniquely shaped by fire over evolutionary time. And people have been using fire to manage ecosystems for thousands of years. We could learn a thing or two from Aboriginal people and the techniques they have traditionally used to prevent bushfires. But make no mistake, the scientific evidence shows that human-caused climate change is a key driver of the rapid and unprecedented increases in wildfire activity. What is particularly worrying is the extent to which this is eroding the resilience of ecosystems across wide regions. Yes, it is plausible to expect most plants and animals that have adapted to fire will recover. But the ecological costs of huge, repetitive, high-severity wildfires on ecosystems could be colossal. Out of control And it’s unclear how much the natural world can tolerate such dramatic disturbance. Wildfires are increasing in severity around the world. The Australian bushfires are larger than some of the deadliest recorded. Incidences are also increasing in ecosystems where wildfires are uncommon, such as the UK uplands. Not to mention the widespread deliberate burning of areas of high conservation value for agriculture, as has been recently reported in large parts of the Brazilian Amazon for beef production and in Indonesia for palm oil. Unsurprisingly, given the shocking numbers of animals that must have perished as a result of these wildfires, many are questioning whether burned ecosystems can recover from such dramatic losses of biodiversity. In Australia, for example, some estimate that the fires could drive more than 700 insect species to extinction. The world’s biodiversity is already severely struggling – we are in the midst of what scientists describe as the sixth mass extinction. A recent report has highlighted that about a quarter of assessed species are threatened with extinction. Australia already has the highest rate of mammal loss for any region in the world, signalling the fragility of existing ecosystems that might struggle to function in a warming, fire prone world. Fears for familiar and charismatic animals affected by the bushfires, such as koala, have been expressed by conservationists. The outlook for already critically endangered species, such as the regent honeyeater and western ground parrot, meanwhile, is uncertain. But to establish the true ecological costs of wildfires it is important to consider biodiversity in terms of networks, not particular species or numbers of animals. All species are embedded in complex networks of interactions where they are directly and indirectly dependent on each other. A food web is a good example of such networks. The simultaneous loss of such large numbers of plants and animals could have cascading impacts on the ways species interact – and hence the ability of ecosystems to bounce back and properly function following high-severity wildfires. A fragile system And so it’s key that we consider biodiversity loss due to wildfires in terms of entire networks of interacting organisms, including humans, rather than simply one or two charismatic animals. I have studied and recently published research about the loss of plants and animals due to wildfires in Portugal, using new methods in ecology that can examine the resilience of ecosystems to species extinctions. My team found that networks of interacting plants and animals at burned sites became fragile and more prone to species extinctions. Our study looked at the impacts of a large wildfire in 2012 on one of the many ecological interactions that keep ecosystems healthy – insect pollination. We examined the responses of moths, which are important but often overlooked pollinators, to wildfire by comparing those we caught in burned and neighbouring unburned areas. By collecting, counting and identifying the thousands of pollen grains they were carrying, we were able to decipher the plant-insect network of interacting species. In this way, it was possible to examine not only the responses of the plants and animals to wildfire, but crucially the impacts on pollination processes. We then used these networks to model the resilience of the ecosystem more generally. We found that burned areas had significantly more abundant flowers (due to a flush of plants whose seeds and roots survived in the soil) but less abundant and species‐rich moths. The total amount of pollen being transported by the moths in burned areas was just 20 per cent of that at unburned areas. Our analysis revealed important differences in the way these species interacted as a result of the wildfire. Although the study was only a snapshot in time, we were able to show that plant-insect communities at burned sites were less able to resist the effects of any further disturbances without suffering species extinctions. And so as people start rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and communities in Australia following the devastating bushfires, it is crucial that governments and land managers around the world take sensible decisions that will build resilience into ecosystems. To do this, ecological interaction networks need to be considered, rather than specific species. Cutting-edge network approaches that examine the complex ways in which entire communities of species interact can and should help with this. Over 45 years ago, the American evolutionary ecologist and conservationist Dan Janzen wrote: “There is a much more insidious kind of extinction: the extinction of ecological interactions.” We should all be concerned not just about the loss of animals, but about the unravelling of species interactions within ecosystems on which we all depend for our survival. (Darren Evans is Reader in Ecology and Conservation, Newcastle University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Bushfires: Can ecosystems recover from such dramatic losses of biodiversity?

Extension Rebellion, a series of protests against climate change have been labelled as a ''key threat'' by a police force in London. The decision was made based on counter-terrorism assessment mechanisms that allegedly led to ''intelligence tip-offs'', The Guardian reported.

London Police has grouped the protest movement alongside multiple far-right organisations.

In their report, which was forwarded to the City of London Corporation, the police force's performance was measured in terms of how they have countered terrorist activity.

The report said, ''The force has continued close liaison (which has included the dissemination of intelligence) with partners and pan-London agencies regarding the key threats, particularly with regard to far-right organisations and Extinction Rebellion.''

“CTSAs (counter-terrorism security advisers) have delivered Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) awareness training across the City, including bespoke presentations to organisations. This has resulted in an increase in intelligence being submitted to the force by ACT-trained security personnel”, the report additionally said.

<h6><img alt="iiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90ff4ba7-5f78-43ed-9a12-c7c1177258f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_57.jpg" /> 
Image: Protesters hold banners as they demonstrate against the Australian government's inaction over climate change despite the bushfires crisis, outside the Australian Embassy in London, Britain, January 10, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

This is not the first time the report has come up. In June last year, it was discussed at one of the hearings for scrutiny, ''The key issues continue to be threats relating to international terrorism and domestic terrorism. In addition, the high-profile actions of Extinction Rebellion, which centred around non-violent disobedience, result in some disruption in the City, with the potential for the event to be hijacked or infiltrated by more extremist groups''.

Paul Stephens, an Extinction Rebellion member and former Metropolitan police detective sergeant, told The Guardian, ''The categorisation of Extinction Rebellion with terrorist groups looks more like a strategy to encourage intelligence gathering than an error and is in complete contradiction to the words of counter-terrorism policing. It is an obvious and unethical tactic which could lose the trust of valued sources''.

“We will never knowingly mislead the police, so why not speak to us directly? I hope that the gravity of this emergency and the need for communication and cooperation is understood”, Stephens added.

This was followed by a statement from a spokesperson for London Police: ''City of London Police does not consider Extinction Rebellion to be a terrorist organisation. Ahead of the protests in the summer, our officers, who have regular contact with businesses in the area, spoke to them to ask them to consider the impact of the protests on their business continuity, and to make plans accordingly''.

<h6><img alt="iiiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54131d07-0eb7-4002-93bb-5bb6a74d10ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_45.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Demonstrators lie in a street during a protest of the climate action group&nbsp;Extinction&nbsp;Rebellion&nbsp;at Brussels Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium January 18, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

Earlier this month, The Guardian had reported that Extinction Rebellion was put on a list of extremist ideologies. This implies that people are required to report related activity to the authorities.

More information released last week claimed that Greenpeace and PETA were also included in a counter-terrorism police document, as part of anti-extremism briefings.&nbsp;

A police chief referred to this as an “error of judgment” and promised to recall the inclusion of such organisations in the list.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-extinction-rebellion-protests-begin-in-australia-254166">Global Extinction Rebellion protests begin in Australia</a>

Extension Rebellion, a series of protests against climate change have been labelled as a ''key threat'' by a police force in London. The decision was made based on counter-terrorism assessment mechanisms that allegedly led to ''intelligence tip-offs'', The Guardian reported.

Extension Rebellion, a series of protests against climate change have been labelled as a ''key threat'' by a police force in London. The decision was made based on counter-terrorism assessment mechanisms that allegedly led to ''intelligence tip-offs'', The Guardian reported. London Police has grouped the protest movement alongside multiple far-right organisations. In their report, which was forwarded to the City of London Corporation, the police force's performance was measured in terms of how they have countered terrorist activity. The report said, ''The force has continued close liaison (which has included the dissemination of intelligence) with partners and pan-London agencies regarding the key threats, particularly with regard to far-right organisations and Extinction Rebellion.'' “CTSAs (counter-terrorism security advisers) have delivered Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) awareness training across the City, including bespoke presentations to organisations. This has resulted in an increase in intelligence being submitted to the force by ACT-trained security personnel”, the report additionally said. Image: Protesters hold banners as they demonstrate against the Australian government's inaction over climate change despite the bushfires crisis, outside the Australian Embassy in London, Britain, January 10, 2020 | Reuters This is not the first time the report has come up. In June last year, it was discussed at one of the hearings for scrutiny, ''The key issues continue to be threats relating to international terrorism and domestic terrorism. In addition, the high-profile actions of Extinction Rebellion, which centred around non-violent disobedience, result in some disruption in the City, with the potential for the event to be hijacked or infiltrated by more extremist groups''. Paul Stephens, an Extinction Rebellion member and former Metropolitan police detective sergeant, told The Guardian, ''The categorisation of Extinction Rebellion with terrorist groups looks more like a strategy to encourage intelligence gathering than an error and is in complete contradiction to the words of counter-terrorism policing. It is an obvious and unethical tactic which could lose the trust of valued sources''. “We will never knowingly mislead the police, so why not speak to us directly? I hope that the gravity of this emergency and the need for communication and cooperation is understood”, Stephens added. This was followed by a statement from a spokesperson for London Police: ''City of London Police does not consider Extinction Rebellion to be a terrorist organisation. Ahead of the protests in the summer, our officers, who have regular contact with businesses in the area, spoke to them to ask them to consider the impact of the protests on their business continuity, and to make plans accordingly''. Image: Demonstrators lie in a street during a protest of the climate action group Extinction Rebellion at Brussels Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium January 18, 2020 | Reuters Earlier this month, The Guardian had reported that Extinction Rebellion was put on a list of extremist ideologies. This implies that people are required to report related activity to the authorities. More information released last week claimed that Greenpeace and PETA were also included in a counter-terrorism police document, as part of anti-extremism briefings. A police chief referred to this as an “error of judgment” and promised to recall the inclusion of such organisations in the list. Read more: Global Extinction Rebellion protests begin in Australia

British counter-terror police list Extinction Rebellion as 'key threat', PETA also under watch

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment.

The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week. The authorities claim that the facility will ''reduce emissions'' as it&nbsp;operates solely on renewable energy.

"Johan Sverdrup is now open. That's good news for our investors, for Norway,&nbsp;and for emissions," announced Equinor, the state company with jurisdiction over the field.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-caused-15-disasters-costing-over-1-billion-this-year-sources-270576">Climate change caused 15 disasters costing over $1 billion this year</a>

Many critics, however, perceive the third-largest oil field in Norway as a signifier of the country's hypocrisy when it comes to climate change.&nbsp;

The expansive field is situated 140 kilometres away from the coast and was named after the country's first prime minister.

The fields boasts 2.7 billion barrels of oil, which could last for over half a century, and could bring more than $100m into the country.

CNN reported that the operation runs on hydroelectric power, generated from the ocean. This is a first, for most oil fields employ diesel generators to fulfill their needs.&nbsp;

Norway has been at the helm of positive climate change. It was not only the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement, but has continuously reinstated its faith in achieving the climate-neutral status by 2030.

<h6><img alt="iiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01f0fec4-f6b5-4457-99b9-5a45ce19043e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_56.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;A worker at an&nbsp;oil&nbsp;field owned by Bashneft, Bashkortostan, Russia, January 28, 2015 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

The country also offers electric cars at a subsidised rate, with a fully enforced ban on deforestation.&nbsp;

"Norway has a schizophrenic relationship with climate and oil and gas," Lars-Henrik Paarup Michelsen, CEO of the Norwegian Climate Foundation think tank, told CNN.

Besides all this action to battle and limit climate change, Norway continues to be a major fossil fuel producer. Pumping out over two million barrels of oil a day, Norway is Europes's second-biggest producer after Russia, as per the figures provided by the International Energy Agency.

&nbsp;Norway's natural gas production is also way more than any other European country.

"We are great at adopting ambitious emission targets, but at the same time we plan for oil and gas production for decades to come", Michelsen added in conversation with CNN.

Over the last few decades, Norway has invested heavily in renewable energy, especially hydropower. Much of its clean energy is used to sustain the country, while pollution-causing oil and gas are sold to foreign players.

The parent company of the field is hell-bent on asserting the efficiency of the field. "Average CO2 emissions from international fields are 25 times higher, (with) 18 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced versus 0.67 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced from Sverdrup," Equinor spokesperson Morten Eek told CNN.

<h6><img alt="iii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bef3dfc-a3ac-4fcd-aec3-afa1156efb25" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_49.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Climate change activists take part in a demonstration of the Fridays for Future movement in Lausanne, Switzerland January 17, 2020 | Reuters&nbsp; 
&nbsp;</h6>

However, Michelsen told CNN that this is barely sufficient in the longer run. He said that emissions from production account for only five per cent of global oil emissions.&nbsp;

"The big problem is the combustion, in sectors like transport and industry," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/denmark-sweden-norway-are-worlds-best-countries-to-raise-children-india-bags-59th-spot-275134">Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot</a>

For a better understanding, emissions within Norway accounted for 53 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 2017, while emissions caused by Norwegian oil and gas exports caused 470 million tonnes of emissions, as per data in the United Nations' Emission Gap Report.

Besides planning to become climate neutral by 2030, Norway also intends to become a low-emission society by 2050. Almost 30 per cent reduction in emissions can be expected by 2020, and over 40 per cent by 2030.

Norway currently operates 87 fields, with production planned until at least 2070. The country's production is slated to hit a record high in 2023.

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment. The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week.

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment. The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week. The authorities claim that the facility will ''reduce emissions'' as it operates solely on renewable energy. "Johan Sverdrup is now open. That's good news for our investors, for Norway, and for emissions," announced Equinor, the state company with jurisdiction over the field. Also read: Climate change caused 15 disasters costing over $1 billion this year Many critics, however, perceive the third-largest oil field in Norway as a signifier of the country's hypocrisy when it comes to climate change. The expansive field is situated 140 kilometres away from the coast and was named after the country's first prime minister. The fields boasts 2.7 billion barrels of oil, which could last for over half a century, and could bring more than $100m into the country. CNN reported that the operation runs on hydroelectric power, generated from the ocean. This is a first, for most oil fields employ diesel generators to fulfill their needs. Norway has been at the helm of positive climate change. It was not only the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement, but has continuously reinstated its faith in achieving the climate-neutral status by 2030. Image: A worker at an oil field owned by Bashneft, Bashkortostan, Russia, January 28, 2015 | Reuters The country also offers electric cars at a subsidised rate, with a fully enforced ban on deforestation. "Norway has a schizophrenic relationship with climate and oil and gas," Lars-Henrik Paarup Michelsen, CEO of the Norwegian Climate Foundation think tank, told CNN. Besides all this action to battle and limit climate change, Norway continues to be a major fossil fuel producer. Pumping out over two million barrels of oil a day, Norway is Europes's second-biggest producer after Russia, as per the figures provided by the International Energy Agency. Norway's natural gas production is also way more than any other European country. "We are great at adopting ambitious emission targets, but at the same time we plan for oil and gas production for decades to come", Michelsen added in conversation with CNN. Over the last few decades, Norway has invested heavily in renewable energy, especially hydropower. Much of its clean energy is used to sustain the country, while pollution-causing oil and gas are sold to foreign players. The parent company of the field is hell-bent on asserting the efficiency of the field. "Average CO2 emissions from international fields are 25 times higher, (with) 18 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced versus 0.67 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced from Sverdrup," Equinor spokesperson Morten Eek told CNN. Image: Climate change activists take part in a demonstration of the Fridays for Future movement in Lausanne, Switzerland January 17, 2020 | Reuters However, Michelsen told CNN that this is barely sufficient in the longer run. He said that emissions from production account for only five per cent of global oil emissions. "The big problem is the combustion, in sectors like transport and industry," he said. Also read: Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot For a better understanding, emissions within Norway accounted for 53 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 2017, while emissions caused by Norwegian oil and gas exports caused 470 million tonnes of emissions, as per data in the United Nations' Emission Gap Report. Besides planning to become climate neutral by 2030, Norway also intends to become a low-emission society by 2050. Almost 30 per cent reduction in emissions can be expected by 2020, and over 40 per cent by 2030. Norway currently operates 87 fields, with production planned until at least 2070. The country's production is slated to hit a record high in 2023.

New oil facility will 'reduce emissions', says Norway; gets labelled hypocrite

According to a study published by the US Forest Service, the tree canopy is shrinking in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-enter-slowly-at-guatemala-mexico-border-after-scuffles-275201">United States</a> at a rapid pace. In a period of five consecutive years, the US forests suffered a loss of 36 million trees per year from&nbsp;urban and rural landscapes. This marks a one&nbsp;per cent drop from 2009 to 2014.

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-detain-185-climate-protesters-during-brussels-motor-show-275194">climate change</a>, ascending temperatures and heat waves are hitting higher spots every summer. The problem grows even bigger when a rampant amount of deforestation is observed over landmasses.&nbsp;

A normal tree can help you curb the daytime temperatures during summer, CNN reported.

<img alt="Forest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59bba5b4-2d91-4395-9e4c-b51a3210460c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2827%29_4.jpg" /> 
[ An aerial view of a small forest showing moderate tree cover (Courtesy: AFP)&nbsp;]

It was observed in a recent study that trees can lower the summer daytime temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit which equals to -12.22 degrees Celsius. It also states that a tree which makes up a unit for a ‘small forest’ can create profound cooling effects.

If we continue on this path, "cities will become warmer, more polluted and generally more unhealthy for inhabitants," said David Nowak, a senior US Forest Service scientist and co-author of the study.

From hurricanes, tornadoes, fires to insects and diseases, there are many reasons that the tree cover is declining in the United States. However, Nowak stressed over the fact that humans can exercise more control through&nbsp;''sensible development''.

"We see the tree cover being swapped out for an impervious cover, which means when we look at the photographs, what was there is now replaced with a parking lot or a building," Nowak added.

<img alt="A girl sliding through trees in a small forest located in residential space" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3352787f-aa7b-4f01-b44e-8490beeb2d19" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2828%29_4.jpg" /> 
[ A girl sliding through trees in a small forest located in central of residential space (Courtesy: AFP) ]

A surplus of 80 per cent&nbsp;of the US population lives in urban areas and most Americans live in forested regions along the East and West coasts. "Every time we put a road down, we put a building and we cut a tree or add a tree, it not only affects that site, but it also affects the region," Nowak said.&nbsp;

The study also showed an estimated loss of $96 million a year which could have been controlled using trees for reducing air pollution and conserving energy.

Nowak gave some noticeable advice on why one should focus on planting trees in their surrounding areas.&nbsp;

Though trees may look like that they only provide shelter for a diversity of birds, they are capable of reducing noise pollution and have shown psychological benefits.&nbsp; 
 
Trees are capable of absorbing the ultraviolet radiation that falls on the air envelope on earth and they can also filter the surface water, making a range of benefits from the surface to the sky.

Having good water holding capacity, trees may even prevent floods. They not only increase the value of a residential space but also are recommended by experts for viewing to keep one mentally and physically healthy. Studies have shown that people who live around green areas have slightly lower death rates. Also, walking in nature can reduce your daily blood pressure and lower your stress hormones.

Trees are also said to have properties that if planned in an organized manner may reduce the 40 per cent of the heat from a certain vicinity. Shading from trees also reduces energy costs. Moreover, they also remove carbon and other pollutants from the atmosphere.&nbsp;

According to a study published by the US Forest Service, the tree canopy is shrinking in the United States at a rapid pace. In a period of five consecutive years, the US forests suffered a loss of 36 million trees per year from urban and rural landscapes.

According to a study published by the US Forest Service, the tree canopy is shrinking in the United States at a rapid pace. In a period of five consecutive years, the US forests suffered a loss of 36 million trees per year from urban and rural landscapes. This marks a one per cent drop from 2009 to 2014. With climate change, ascending temperatures and heat waves are hitting higher spots every summer. The problem grows even bigger when a rampant amount of deforestation is observed over landmasses. A normal tree can help you curb the daytime temperatures during summer, CNN reported. [ An aerial view of a small forest showing moderate tree cover (Courtesy: AFP) ] It was observed in a recent study that trees can lower the summer daytime temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit which equals to -12.22 degrees Celsius. It also states that a tree which makes up a unit for a ‘small forest’ can create profound cooling effects. If we continue on this path, "cities will become warmer, more polluted and generally more unhealthy for inhabitants," said David Nowak, a senior US Forest Service scientist and co-author of the study. From hurricanes, tornadoes, fires to insects and diseases, there are many reasons that the tree cover is declining in the United States. However, Nowak stressed over the fact that humans can exercise more control through ''sensible development''. "We see the tree cover being swapped out for an impervious cover, which means when we look at the photographs, what was there is now replaced with a parking lot or a building," Nowak added. [ A girl sliding through trees in a small forest located in central of residential space (Courtesy: AFP) ] A surplus of 80 per cent of the US population lives in urban areas and most Americans live in forested regions along the East and West coasts. "Every time we put a road down, we put a building and we cut a tree or add a tree, it not only affects that site, but it also affects the region," Nowak said. The study also showed an estimated loss of $96 million a year which could have been controlled using trees for reducing air pollution and conserving energy. Nowak gave some noticeable advice on why one should focus on planting trees in their surrounding areas. Though trees may look like that they only provide shelter for a diversity of birds, they are capable of reducing noise pollution and have shown psychological benefits. Trees are capable of absorbing the ultraviolet radiation that falls on the air envelope on earth and they can also filter the surface water, making a range of benefits from the surface to the sky. Having good water holding capacity, trees may even prevent floods. They not only increase the value of a residential space but also are recommended by experts for viewing to keep one mentally and physically healthy. Studies have shown that people who live around green areas have slightly lower death rates. Also, walking in nature can reduce your daily blood pressure and lower your stress hormones. Trees are also said to have properties that if planned in an organized manner may reduce the 40 per cent of the heat from a certain vicinity. Shading from trees also reduces energy costs. Moreover, they also remove carbon and other pollutants from the atmosphere.

United States loses 39 million trees every year: Study

India's largest river island in the heart of Brahmaputra Majuli is facing the threat of existence, the island is now vanishing away in the river Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra originates in China's Tibet and flows into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It later drains into the Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh.

India's largest river island erodes away

The past decade has been the hottest on record, the UN said Wednesday, warning that the higher temperatures were expected to fuel numerous extreme <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-corrupt-pillars-of-climate-change-denial-265220">weather events in 2020 </a>and beyond.

The World Meteorological Organisation, which based its findings on analysis of leading international datasets, said it also confirmed data released by the European Union's climate monitor last week showing that last year was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/polar-bear-invasion-how-climate-change-is-forcing-them-to-change-their-hunting-habits-197555">second hottest on record</a>, after 2016.

"The year 2020 has started out where 2019 left off -- with high-impact weather and climate-related events," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement, pointing in particular to the devastating bushfires in Australia.

"Unfortunately, we expect to see much extreme weather throughout 2020 and the coming decades, fuelled by record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," he said.

Watch | &nbsp;2019: 15 disasters - the soaring costs of climate change

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The UN agency said that average global temperatures during both the past five-year (2015-2019) and 10-year (2010-2019) periods were the highest ever recorded.

"Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one," the UN agency said in a statement, warning that "this trend is expected to continue".

The United Nations said last year that man-made greenhouse gas emissions needed to tumble 7.6 per cent each year to 2030 in order to limit temperature rises to 1.5C -- the more ambitious cap nations signed up to in the landmark Paris climate deal.

Current pledges to cut emissions put Earth on a path of several degrees warming by the end of the century.

Significant warming

Taalas on Wednesday said that since modern records began in 1850, the average global temperature had risen by around 1.1 degrees Celsius, and warned of significant warming in the future.

"On the current path of carbon dioxide emissions, we are heading towards a temperature increase of three to five degrees Celsius by the end of the century," he warned.&nbsp;

WMO also pointed to a new study published this week in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences with data showing that ocean heat content was at a record high in 2019.

The past five years, and past decade were also the warmest on record in terms of ocean heat content, that study showed.

Since more than 90 percent of excess heat is stored within the world's oceans, their heat content is a good way to quantify the rate of global warming, WMO said.

Scientists stressed the urgent need to do more to counter the warming trend.

"If we look at all the impacts around the world that are now occurring as a result of this warming, it is obvious that we are not succeeding in preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system," said Bob Ward of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The past decade has been the hottest on record, the UN said Wednesday, warning that the higher temperatures were expected to fuel numerous extreme weather events in 2020 and beyond.

The past decade has been the hottest on record, the UN said Wednesday, warning that the higher temperatures were expected to fuel numerous extreme weather events in 2020 and beyond. The World Meteorological Organisation, which based its findings on analysis of leading international datasets, said it also confirmed data released by the European Union's climate monitor last week showing that last year was the second hottest on record, after 2016. "The year 2020 has started out where 2019 left off -- with high-impact weather and climate-related events," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement, pointing in particular to the devastating bushfires in Australia. "Unfortunately, we expect to see much extreme weather throughout 2020 and the coming decades, fuelled by record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," he said. Watch | 2019: 15 disasters - the soaring costs of climate change × The UN agency said that average global temperatures during both the past five-year (2015-2019) and 10-year (2010-2019) periods were the highest ever recorded. "Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one," the UN agency said in a statement, warning that "this trend is expected to continue". The United Nations said last year that man-made greenhouse gas emissions needed to tumble 7.6 per cent each year to 2030 in order to limit temperature rises to 1.5C -- the more ambitious cap nations signed up to in the landmark Paris climate deal. Current pledges to cut emissions put Earth on a path of several degrees warming by the end of the century. Significant warming Taalas on Wednesday said that since modern records began in 1850, the average global temperature had risen by around 1.1 degrees Celsius, and warned of significant warming in the future. "On the current path of carbon dioxide emissions, we are heading towards a temperature increase of three to five degrees Celsius by the end of the century," he warned. WMO also pointed to a new study published this week in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences with data showing that ocean heat content was at a record high in 2019. The past five years, and past decade were also the warmest on record in terms of ocean heat content, that study showed. Since more than 90 percent of excess heat is stored within the world's oceans, their heat content is a good way to quantify the rate of global warming, WMO said. Scientists stressed the urgent need to do more to counter the warming trend. "If we look at all the impacts around the world that are now occurring as a result of this warming, it is obvious that we are not succeeding in preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system," said Bob Ward of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

UN warns of 'much extreme weather' after hottest decade on record

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) listed a group of environmental activists as "extremists", as per a report.&nbsp;

As per documents accessed by The Guardian, the environment activists engaged in non-violent civil disobedience targeting the oil industry, are described as "extremists". Some of the people from the group are also described alongside "mass killers" and "white nationalists".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-to-be-part-of-school-education-in-new-zealand-273868">Climate crisis to be part of school education in New Zealand</a>

The group have been dubbed the Valve Turners, after they closed the valves on pipelines in four states carrying crude oil from Canada’s tar sands in 2016. The pipelines account for nearly 15 % of US daily consumption. It was considered as the largest coordinated action of its kind and for a few hours oil stopped flowing.&nbsp;

The five activists informed the energy companies whose pipelines were being disrupted and posted videos of their activities on the internet. They waited patiently to get arrested.

The DHS in an evaluation of domestic terrorism threats between 2018 and 2020, described the group as “suspected environmental rights extremists”.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) listed a group of environmental activists as "extremists", as per a report. As per documents accessed by The Guardian, the environment activists engaged in non-violent civil disobedience targeting the oil industry, are described as "extremists".

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) listed a group of environmental activists as "extremists", as per a report. As per documents accessed by The Guardian, the environment activists engaged in non-violent civil disobedience targeting the oil industry, are described as "extremists". Some of the people from the group are also described alongside "mass killers" and "white nationalists". Also read: Climate crisis to be part of school education in New Zealand The group have been dubbed the Valve Turners, after they closed the valves on pipelines in four states carrying crude oil from Canada’s tar sands in 2016. The pipelines account for nearly 15 % of US daily consumption. It was considered as the largest coordinated action of its kind and for a few hours oil stopped flowing. The five activists informed the energy companies whose pipelines were being disrupted and posted videos of their activities on the internet. They waited patiently to get arrested. The DHS in an evaluation of domestic terrorism threats between 2018 and 2020, described the group as “suspected environmental rights extremists”.

Climate activist group listed as 'extremists' in US

How climate change is unleashing nature's fury on the world

Veteran actor Martin Sheen who was one of the celebrities who joined the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jane-fonda-joaquin-phoenix-join-climate-protesters-outside-us-congress-273525">weekly protest organised</a> by actor Jane Fonda against climate change won hearts as he recited Rabindranath Tagore's famous poem "Where the mind is without fear" in front of protestors. 
 
The actor was among 147 people who got arrested later from outside the US. Capitol building. 
&nbsp; 
Before the arrest, Martin- while giving the speech- recited Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore's well-known poem. Sheen quoted from the poem, "Where the mind is without fear, And the head is held high.''&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twitterati showed their love and excitement, as the actor's video from the protest went viral.&nbsp;

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Martin Sheen channelling Rabindranath Tagore is a sight to behold. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/smiZGMEJPt">https://t.co/smiZGMEJPt</a>
— Malav Parekh (@Malavtweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/Malavtweets/status/1215910499562315776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indeed, it must be saved by women! Martin Sheen on fighting the good fight, and heeding Tagore’s words <a href="https://t.co/tOHuiVFYt7">https://t.co/tOHuiVFYt7</a>
— Mini Kapoor (@mini_kapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/mini_kapoor/status/1215912684056539136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Where the clear stream of reason has not lost it's way 
into the dreary desert sand of dead habit. 
Where the mind is led forward by thee 
into ever widening thought and action. 
In to that heaven of freedom, my father, 
LET MY COUNTRY AWAKE! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tagore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tagore</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Poetry_Planet?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Poetry_Planet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/peace?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#peace</a> . <a href="https://t.co/AvzYb032FW">https://t.co/AvzYb032FW</a>
— Sanjay Bishnoi (@sanjaybishnoi07) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaybishnoi07/status/1215911176300662785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time Sheen has been heard quoting Rabindranath Tagore. In 2016, a video which had surfaced online, showed Sheen quoting Tagore. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/77th-golden-globes-australia-fires-abortion-rights-and-other-issues-that-dominated-awards-night-272537">Golden Globe</a> winner Joaquin Phoenix was also among those who got arrested on Friday, along with other climate change protestors.

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Jane Fonda's last 'Fire Drill Friday' protest in Washington D.C, saw a lot of celebrities participating including Martin Sheen, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Susan Sarandon.&nbsp;

Veteran actor Martin Sheen who was one of the celebrities who joined the weekly protest organised by actor Jane Fonda against climate change won hearts as he recited Rabindranath Tagore's famous poem "Where the mind is without fear" in front of protestors.

Veteran actor Martin Sheen who was one of the celebrities who joined the weekly protest organised by actor Jane Fonda against climate change won hearts as he recited Rabindranath Tagore's famous poem "Where the mind is without fear" in front of protestors. The actor was among 147 people who got arrested later from outside the US. Capitol building. Before the arrest, Martin- while giving the speech- recited Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore's well-known poem. Sheen quoted from the poem, "Where the mind is without fear, And the head is held high.'' Twitterati showed their love and excitement, as the actor's video from the protest went viral. Martin Sheen channelling Rabindranath Tagore is a sight to behold. #India https://t.co/smiZGMEJPt — Malav Parekh (@Malavtweets) January 11, 2020 × Indeed, it must be saved by women! Martin Sheen on fighting the good fight, and heeding Tagore’s words https://t.co/tOHuiVFYt7 — Mini Kapoor (@mini_kapoor) January 11, 2020 × Where the clear stream of reason has not lost it's way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit. Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever widening thought and action. In to that heaven of freedom, my father, LET MY COUNTRY AWAKE! #Tagore #Poetry_Planet #peace . https://t.co/AvzYb032FW — Sanjay Bishnoi (@sanjaybishnoi07) January 11, 2020 × This is not the first time Sheen has been heard quoting Rabindranath Tagore. In 2016, a video which had surfaced online, showed Sheen quoting Tagore. Golden Globe winner Joaquin Phoenix was also among those who got arrested on Friday, along with other climate change protestors. Jane Fonda's last 'Fire Drill Friday' protest in Washington D.C, saw a lot of celebrities participating including Martin Sheen, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Susan Sarandon.

Martin Sheen recites Rabindranath Tagore's poem at the climate change protest

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit.&nbsp;

When nations struck the 2015 Paris agreement, which aims to limit temperature rises under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), they agreed on five-year periods in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anger-erupts-at-un-climate-summit-as-major-economies-resist-bold-action-268332">climate action</a> could be implemented, assessed and boosted.&nbsp;

2020 is the year the landmark deal goes into effect, yet almost three decades of diplomatic wrangling has fallen far short of what science says is needed to avert disastrous climate change.

A crucial UN summit at which leaders will finalise their action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to open in Glasgow on November 9&nbsp;just six days after a US general election that could see President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texass-greg-abbott-becomes-first-to-refuse-refugees-order-given-by-president-donald-trump-273510">Donald Trump</a> win a second term.

Trump shocked the world in 2017 when he said the United States,&nbsp;history's largest emitter&nbsp;was withdrawing from the Paris agreement.&nbsp;It is due to leave the deal on November 4.

"Another four years of Trump in the White House would mean that the world's key country in terms of providing global leadership will be sitting the problem out," Michael Oppenheimer, professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, told reporters.&nbsp;

"So that's four years of having a millstone around the neck of the world's efforts to deal with climate change."

After a year of climate-related disasters, from cyclones and flooding in Africa and Southeast Asia to devastating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-few-hours-could-be-very-challenging-australia-urges-people-to-flee-as-bushfires-rage-273400">wildfires</a> in Australia and California, nations in December failed to make progress during the annual UN Climate Change Conference COP 25.&nbsp;

More than 100 countries have pledged to redouble their efforts to reduce domestic emissions, but the biggest polluters, China, India, the US and the European Union have yet to unveil new plans.

The Paris deal was dragged partly over the line thanks to more than a year of shuttle diplomacy by host France.&nbsp;

Climate negotiations are multilateral and emissions cuts voluntary, so much depends on the skill and tactics of the country in charge of annual COP negotiating sessions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-uks-boris-johnson-pm-modi-resolves-to-work-closely-together-269028">COP26</a> president Claire O'Neill told reporters last month that climate would be the British government's "number one global priority" this year leading up to the Glasgow summit.

But there are fears that Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels, which will last until around the same time as COP26, will drain much-needed diplomatic bandwidth.&nbsp;

"There is a Brexit scenario in which the UK is distracted at the highest level and the relationship with the EU has soured," said Nick Mabey, CEO of the green thinktank E3G.

"It's a risk. Brexit is the government's number one defensive diplomatic priority and I would say COP needs to be its number one offensive diplomatic priority.&nbsp;

"COP&nbsp;requires huge, proactive campaigning, full-functioning diplomatic machine," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Mabey said Britain already had more than 100 diplomats focusing solely on climate ahead of Glasgow.

But perhaps the biggest moment for the climate in 2020 will come before both the US election or the COP.&nbsp;

In September, the EU-China summit in Leipzig is likely to see the world's largest single market push the world's biggest carbon polluter for greater emissions-cutting commitments.

Li Shuo, the senior global policy advisor for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/children-ready-to-lead-fight-against-pollution-as-climate-crisis-claims-over-9-lakh-lives-since-2016-262150">Greenpeace East Asia</a>, said this year presented a massive opportunity for China to show global leadership over climate.

"The US, China, EU climate tricycle has had a wheel pulled off by Trump," said Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia.&nbsp;

"Going into 2020 it is critical for the two remaining wheels to roll in sync.

"The decision was taken by Chinese leaders over the next year,&nbsp;matters to how the world views China under increasingly turbulent geopolitics," Shuo said.

China and fellow emitter India was accused of stymying greater ambition at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-russia-unveils-new-climate-plan-272712">COP25</a> in Madrid by insisting they had already done their fair share in cutting carbon pollution.&nbsp;

Even if nations can agree in Glasgow to boost action during the next five years, their voluntary pledges are likely to be worlds apart from the drastic emissions cuts that Earth needs.

"Something called success is probably off the table for the moment," said Mabey.

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit.

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit. When nations struck the 2015 Paris agreement, which aims to limit temperature rises under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), they agreed on five-year periods in which climate action could be implemented, assessed and boosted. 2020 is the year the landmark deal goes into effect, yet almost three decades of diplomatic wrangling has fallen far short of what science says is needed to avert disastrous climate change. A crucial UN summit at which leaders will finalise their action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to open in Glasgow on November 9 just six days after a US general election that could see President Donald Trump win a second term. Trump shocked the world in 2017 when he said the United States, history's largest emitter was withdrawing from the Paris agreement. It is due to leave the deal on November 4. "Another four years of Trump in the White House would mean that the world's key country in terms of providing global leadership will be sitting the problem out," Michael Oppenheimer, professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, told reporters. "So that's four years of having a millstone around the neck of the world's efforts to deal with climate change." After a year of climate-related disasters, from cyclones and flooding in Africa and Southeast Asia to devastating wildfires in Australia and California, nations in December failed to make progress during the annual UN Climate Change Conference COP 25. More than 100 countries have pledged to redouble their efforts to reduce domestic emissions, but the biggest polluters, China, India, the US and the European Union have yet to unveil new plans. The Paris deal was dragged partly over the line thanks to more than a year of shuttle diplomacy by host France. Climate negotiations are multilateral and emissions cuts voluntary, so much depends on the skill and tactics of the country in charge of annual COP negotiating sessions. COP26 president Claire O'Neill told reporters last month that climate would be the British government's "number one global priority" this year leading up to the Glasgow summit. But there are fears that Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels, which will last until around the same time as COP26, will drain much-needed diplomatic bandwidth. "There is a Brexit scenario in which the UK is distracted at the highest level and the relationship with the EU has soured," said Nick Mabey, CEO of the green thinktank E3G. "It's a risk. Brexit is the government's number one defensive diplomatic priority and I would say COP needs to be its number one offensive diplomatic priority. "COP requires huge, proactive campaigning, full-functioning diplomatic machine," he told reporters. Mabey said Britain already had more than 100 diplomats focusing solely on climate ahead of Glasgow. But perhaps the biggest moment for the climate in 2020 will come before both the US election or the COP. In September, the EU-China summit in Leipzig is likely to see the world's largest single market push the world's biggest carbon polluter for greater emissions-cutting commitments. Li Shuo, the senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia, said this year presented a massive opportunity for China to show global leadership over climate. "The US, China, EU climate tricycle has had a wheel pulled off by Trump," said Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia. "Going into 2020 it is critical for the two remaining wheels to roll in sync. "The decision was taken by Chinese leaders over the next year, matters to how the world views China under increasingly turbulent geopolitics," Shuo said. China and fellow emitter India was accused of stymying greater ambition at COP25 in Madrid by insisting they had already done their fair share in cutting carbon pollution. Even if nations can agree in Glasgow to boost action during the next five years, their voluntary pledges are likely to be worlds apart from the drastic emissions cuts that Earth needs. "Something called success is probably off the table for the moment," said Mabey.

Climate at mercy of politics in 2020, experts warn

Amid the raging bushfires in Australia, thousands of protesters marched on Friday to call on the government to take measures to tackle global warming.

The protesters also asked for the government to cut back on fossil fuels.&nbsp;

There has been increasing anger over the devastating wildfires that are&nbsp;raging since weeks now. The fires have killed at least 26 people and over 2,000 homes have been destroyed.

Some Australians accuse the country's Prime Minister&nbsp;Scott Morrison's government of failing to act on climate change and supporting coal mining that has contributed to global warming.

Demonstrators marched with signs reading "change the politics not the climate" and "trust the science". They also called&nbsp;for Morrison to step down.

The severe fire conditions have been fuelled by a prolonged drought and worsened by climate change, with experts warning that such massive blazes were becoming more frequent and intense.

Australia experienced its driest and hottest year on record in 2019, with its highest average maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius (107.4 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in mid-December.

The country is one of the world's worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters, due to heavy use of coal-fired power and a relatively small population of around 25 million.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the raging bushfires in Australia, thousands of protesters marched on Friday to call on the government to take measures to tackle global warming. The protesters also asked for the government to cut back on fossil fuels.

Amid the raging bushfires in Australia, thousands of protesters marched on Friday to call on the government to take measures to tackle global warming. The protesters also asked for the government to cut back on fossil fuels. There has been increasing anger over the devastating wildfires that are raging since weeks now. The fires have killed at least 26 people and over 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Some Australians accuse the country's Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government of failing to act on climate change and supporting coal mining that has contributed to global warming. Demonstrators marched with signs reading "change the politics not the climate" and "trust the science". They also called for Morrison to step down. The severe fire conditions have been fuelled by a prolonged drought and worsened by climate change, with experts warning that such massive blazes were becoming more frequent and intense. Australia experienced its driest and hottest year on record in 2019, with its highest average maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius (107.4 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in mid-December. The country is one of the world's worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters, due to heavy use of coal-fired power and a relatively small population of around 25 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia bushfires: Thousands take streets to call for climate action; demands PM's resgination

Areas around the Himalayan and Mount Everest region are getting greener with the growing of shrubs and grasses, claimed scientists in a new research.&nbsp;

This development raises new concerns of climate change as the Hindu Kush Himalayan region&nbsp;is known for its snow cover.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-proposed-changes-to-climbing-permits-for-mount-everest-268824">Nepal proposes climbing permit changes for Mount Everest</a>

A team of researchers from UK’s University of Exeter used data from 1993 to 2018 to measure the extent of subnival vegetation, plants growing between the treeline and snowline.

Researchers said that the ecosystem that consist grass and shrubs, now cover between five to 15 times the area of what were entirely glaciers and snow.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mount-everest-the-worlds-highest-rubbish-dump-145064">Mount Everest: The World's Highest rubbish dump</a>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/10/grass-growing-around-mount-everest-as-global-heating-intensifies">findings </a>did not give a reason for the increase in the green cover, however, it backs previous claims that predict a decline in glacier in the Himalayan region due to global warming.&nbsp;

The researchers also found significant increase in the vegetaion at the height of 4,150-6,000 metres above sea level. Generally, at a height over 6,000 metres above sea level is not considered suitable for the growing of plants.&nbsp;

The research noted that the vegetation most grew at the height of 5,000-5,500 metres.&nbsp;

Since the turn of this century, ice melting in Himalayas has doubled. In the last 40 years, more than 25 per cent of all ice has been lost. The study has also showed that its ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate-induced change in vegetation.

Karen Anderson from the University of Exeter said that a lot of studies has been done on ice melting in the Himalayan region, including a research that showed how the rate of ice loss doubled between 2000 and 2016, reported Guardian.

However, he added that more vegetation may not actually increase the likeliness of warming and flood risks as the only study in the region, in Tibet, found that the water in the plants that is evaporated through their leaf surface actually made a cooling impact.&nbsp;

Areas around the Himalayan and Mount Everest region are getting greener with the growing of shrubs and grasses, claimed scientists in a new research. This development raises new concerns of climate change as the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is known for its snow cover.

Areas around the Himalayan and Mount Everest region are getting greener with the growing of shrubs and grasses, claimed scientists in a new research. This development raises new concerns of climate change as the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is known for its snow cover. Also read: Nepal proposes climbing permit changes for Mount Everest A team of researchers from UK’s University of Exeter used data from 1993 to 2018 to measure the extent of subnival vegetation, plants growing between the treeline and snowline. Researchers said that the ecosystem that consist grass and shrubs, now cover between five to 15 times the area of what were entirely glaciers and snow. Also read: Mount Everest: The World's Highest rubbish dump The findings did not give a reason for the increase in the green cover, however, it backs previous claims that predict a decline in glacier in the Himalayan region due to global warming. The researchers also found significant increase in the vegetaion at the height of 4,150-6,000 metres above sea level. Generally, at a height over 6,000 metres above sea level is not considered suitable for the growing of plants. The research noted that the vegetation most grew at the height of 5,000-5,500 metres. Since the turn of this century, ice melting in Himalayas has doubled. In the last 40 years, more than 25 per cent of all ice has been lost. The study has also showed that its ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate-induced change in vegetation. Karen Anderson from the University of Exeter said that a lot of studies has been done on ice melting in the Himalayan region, including a research that showed how the rate of ice loss doubled between 2000 and 2016, reported Guardian. However, he added that more vegetation may not actually increase the likeliness of warming and flood risks as the only study in the region, in Tibet, found that the water in the plants that is evaporated through their leaf surface actually made a cooling impact.

Satellite images find grass, shrubs in Mount Everest

The villagers of Hassanabad live in constant fear.

Above them, the vast Shisper glacier dominates the landscape, a&nbsp;river of jagged black ice moving towards them at as much as four meters per day.

Climate change is causing most glaciers worldwide to shrink, but due to a meteorological anomaly, this is one of a few in the Karakoram mountain range in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-are-no-takers-for-your-malware-india-blasts-pakistan-at-un-debate-273339">Pakistan</a> that is surging.

This means hundreds of tonnes of ice and debris are pushing down the valley at ten times the normal rate or more, threatening the safety of the people and homes below.

"People's lives, properties, and animals are in danger," warns villager Basir Ali.

Flash floods caused by glacial lakes, ice, and rockfall and a lack of clean and accessible water are all serious risks for those close to its path.

"When a glacial lake bursts there is an enormous amount of not only ice, water and debris that falls through, but also mud and this has devastating effects, it basically destroys everything that comes in its way," said Ignacio Artaza of UNDP Pakistan.

But repercussions of the Shisper glacier surge extend far beyond its path: The mighty Indus River is reliant on seasonal melt for more than half of its flow and changes in Pakistan's ice fields affect this.

That has implications not just for those living in its basin, but for the whole nation, which relies on it for much of its food.

Shifting water levels also have implications for the fragile relationship between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India.

Already ranked among the planet's most water-stressed nations according to the World Resources Institute, both need the Indus and its tributaries.

Their access to the water is governed by the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which aims for fair usage.

But there have long been fearing India, which sits upstream, could weaponize the resource, it has threatened more than once to restrict Pakistan's access&nbsp;including just last year.

The Karakoram, which contains some of the world's tallest mountains including K2, is just one of the mountain ranges that criss-cross the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region.

Sometimes called The Third Pole, the region holds more ice than anywhere other than the Arctic or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antarctica-bound-plane-disappears-with-38-aboard-chilean-air-force-267324">Antarctica</a>.

But a third of the glaciers here are expected to melt by 2100, endangering the lives of hundreds of millions, according to this year's Hindu Kush-Himalaya Assessment Report.

Rising in Tibet, the Indus crosses through India and Pakistan fed by a multitude of tributaries before it reaches the Arabian Sea.

The waterway's basin produces 90 percent of Pakistan's food, according to the UN, and agriculture is dependent on irrigation from the river, which heavily relies on meltwater from the ice sheets.

With its surging population experts warn the nation faces "absolute water scarcity" by 2025, with the loss of the Himalayan glaciers a key threat.

While scientists cite climate change and topography, it's not clear exactly what causes the Karakoram anomaly where glaciers are surging and in some cases growing.

But many say these changes will also impact the Indus because they alter meltwater patterns, causing flash flooding or water shortages that are difficult to predict and manage.

"The Shisper glacier is increasing its length and width, furthermore it is also moving downhill," explained Shehzad Baig of the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority.

He warned climate change meant there was heavier snowfall during the winters and warmer temperatures in the summers, leading to the ice mass producing more meltwater, swelling the Hunza River, a churning mountain tributary of the Indus.

"This may cause harm to the local community and deprive the people of the Indus basin blocking or disturbing drinking water and irrigation channels," Baig warned, adding that changing weather patterns were also creating more glacial lakes.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reconstruction-drive-in-rural-nepal-provides-opportunity-for-women-to-come-forward-268758">UNDP</a> estimates that more than 3,000 glacial lakes have been formed in the region, with 33 posing an imminent threat of 'outburst floods', known as GLOFs, that could impact as many as seven million people.

Last year the surging Shisper glacier effectively dammed a meltwater stream from a neighboring glacier creating a large lake. Authorities were forced to issue safety warnings to Hassanabad and local villages before the water was drained.

But satellite data shows the lake is already reforming, leaving residents fearing not only the progression of the crushing ice sheet but that they will be swept to their deaths in flash floods.

"This whole area will be devastated, the whole population and people's properties will go into river," cautions&nbsp;villager Didar Karim.

Professor Andreas Kääb from the University of Oslo says Pakistan must adapt its "monitoring and response strategies, and risk management in general" to contend with both surging and shrinking glaciers.&nbsp;

Authorities, working with the UN, are setting up early warning systems using sensors positioned on top of the Shisper glacier and downstream to alert communities.&nbsp;

But the challenge for Pakistan extends beyond crisis management to the long-term water conservation and storage, experts say.

"Pakistan has to increase its water storage capacity which is now 33 days,&nbsp;it should be at least 100 days to ensure sustainable development," cautions Dr. Ghulam Rasul of the&nbsp;International Center for Integrated Mountain Development.

He estimates that 60 percent of water is currently lost as run-off to the sea.

With few functioning resevoirs the nation is ill-equipped to harness the short-term excess water as climate change causes more glaciers to melt, or from the increasingly erratic monsoon deluges.&nbsp;

And by 2050, with so much of the ice sheets lost scientists say the flow of the Indus will dramatically decrease, leaving Pakistanis more vulnerable than ever.&nbsp;

Rasul says: "Water is the capital of agrarian economies and guarantees food and energy security. Shortage of water against increasing demand could lead to conflict."&nbsp;

The villagers of Hassanabad live in constant fear. Above them, the vast Shisper glacier dominates the landscape, a river of jagged black ice moving towards them at as much as four meters per day.

The villagers of Hassanabad live in constant fear. Above them, the vast Shisper glacier dominates the landscape, a river of jagged black ice moving towards them at as much as four meters per day. Climate change is causing most glaciers worldwide to shrink, but due to a meteorological anomaly, this is one of a few in the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan that is surging. This means hundreds of tonnes of ice and debris are pushing down the valley at ten times the normal rate or more, threatening the safety of the people and homes below. "People's lives, properties, and animals are in danger," warns villager Basir Ali. Flash floods caused by glacial lakes, ice, and rockfall and a lack of clean and accessible water are all serious risks for those close to its path. "When a glacial lake bursts there is an enormous amount of not only ice, water and debris that falls through, but also mud and this has devastating effects, it basically destroys everything that comes in its way," said Ignacio Artaza of UNDP Pakistan. But repercussions of the Shisper glacier surge extend far beyond its path: The mighty Indus River is reliant on seasonal melt for more than half of its flow and changes in Pakistan's ice fields affect this. That has implications not just for those living in its basin, but for the whole nation, which relies on it for much of its food. Shifting water levels also have implications for the fragile relationship between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India. Already ranked among the planet's most water-stressed nations according to the World Resources Institute, both need the Indus and its tributaries. Their access to the water is governed by the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which aims for fair usage. But there have long been fearing India, which sits upstream, could weaponize the resource, it has threatened more than once to restrict Pakistan's access including just last year. The Karakoram, which contains some of the world's tallest mountains including K2, is just one of the mountain ranges that criss-cross the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. Sometimes called The Third Pole, the region holds more ice than anywhere other than the Arctic or Antarctica. But a third of the glaciers here are expected to melt by 2100, endangering the lives of hundreds of millions, according to this year's Hindu Kush-Himalaya Assessment Report. Rising in Tibet, the Indus crosses through India and Pakistan fed by a multitude of tributaries before it reaches the Arabian Sea. The waterway's basin produces 90 percent of Pakistan's food, according to the UN, and agriculture is dependent on irrigation from the river, which heavily relies on meltwater from the ice sheets. With its surging population experts warn the nation faces "absolute water scarcity" by 2025, with the loss of the Himalayan glaciers a key threat. While scientists cite climate change and topography, it's not clear exactly what causes the Karakoram anomaly where glaciers are surging and in some cases growing. But many say these changes will also impact the Indus because they alter meltwater patterns, causing flash flooding or water shortages that are difficult to predict and manage. "The Shisper glacier is increasing its length and width, furthermore it is also moving downhill," explained Shehzad Baig of the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority. He warned climate change meant there was heavier snowfall during the winters and warmer temperatures in the summers, leading to the ice mass producing more meltwater, swelling the Hunza River, a churning mountain tributary of the Indus. "This may cause harm to the local community and deprive the people of the Indus basin blocking or disturbing drinking water and irrigation channels," Baig warned, adding that changing weather patterns were also creating more glacial lakes. The UNDP estimates that more than 3,000 glacial lakes have been formed in the region, with 33 posing an imminent threat of 'outburst floods', known as GLOFs, that could impact as many as seven million people. Last year the surging Shisper glacier effectively dammed a meltwater stream from a neighboring glacier creating a large lake. Authorities were forced to issue safety warnings to Hassanabad and local villages before the water was drained. But satellite data shows the lake is already reforming, leaving residents fearing not only the progression of the crushing ice sheet but that they will be swept to their deaths in flash floods. "This whole area will be devastated, the whole population and people's properties will go into river," cautions villager Didar Karim. Professor Andreas Kääb from the University of Oslo says Pakistan must adapt its "monitoring and response strategies, and risk management in general" to contend with both surging and shrinking glaciers. Authorities, working with the UN, are setting up early warning systems using sensors positioned on top of the Shisper glacier and downstream to alert communities. But the challenge for Pakistan extends beyond crisis management to the long-term water conservation and storage, experts say. "Pakistan has to increase its water storage capacity which is now 33 days, it should be at least 100 days to ensure sustainable development," cautions Dr. Ghulam Rasul of the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development. He estimates that 60 percent of water is currently lost as run-off to the sea. With few functioning resevoirs the nation is ill-equipped to harness the short-term excess water as climate change causes more glaciers to melt, or from the increasingly erratic monsoon deluges. And by 2050, with so much of the ice sheets lost scientists say the flow of the Indus will dramatically decrease, leaving Pakistanis more vulnerable than ever. Rasul says: "Water is the capital of agrarian economies and guarantees food and energy security. Shortage of water against increasing demand could lead to conflict."

Glacier melt at Karakoram mountain range threatens Pakistan's future

By Nicole Hasham

Bushfires plunder lives and landscapes in myriad ways, but they often start the same way. A bright morning suddenly turns to night. Ash flutters down from the sky, propelled ahead of the roaring fire front. An awful red glow slinks over the horizon.

When I awoke in the NSW south coast town of Bermagui on the last day of 2019, I should have twigged straight away. At 8 am, the sky was a gruesome orange-black, the surrounding bush freakishly quiet. Our mobile phones had no signal. Outside, my car was coated in soot.

We knew fires were burning more than 100km up the coast at Batemans Bay, but Bermagui had seemed a safe distance away. Suddenly, it wasn’t.

Fire was bearing down on the seaside town, burning so fiercely it created its own thunderstorm. Residents evacuated to the beach after emergency text messages at 4am, but with our phone service down we’d slept on, oblivious. When my partner and I woke and worked out what was happening, we too bundled our bewildered young son into the car and fled.

Of course, amid the devastation wrought this fire season, a disrupted holiday is nothing to complain about. Bushfires have decimated huge swathes of Australia this fire season, taking with them, at the time of writing, 23 lives and more than 1500 homes.

Thousands of holidaymakers in NSW and Victoria were stranded for days in towns with dwindling food and fuel supplies. Some were forced to shelter on beaches, dodging embers and watching flames creep ever closer. And we cannot forget the animals – millions have been killed this fire season, or will soon die from lack of food or shelter.

With all roads out of Bermagui closed, we spent New Year’s Eve at a local club which had hastily been converted into an evacuation centre. Many evacuees were from the nearby fire-hit town of Cobargo. Some knew the father and son who died after staying to defend their property. Many would presumably soon discover their own homes were gone. They watched, hands over their mouths, as the club’s giant plasma screens beamed images of their once-charming town, now a jumble of rubble and corrugated iron.

We lay our doonas down between rows of poker machines and lined up for dinner with hundreds of other evacuees. Food supplies in the town had already run short – the shelves of the local Woolworths were all but empty. To feed the hordes, volunteers began rationing dinner portions to just half a sausage and a slice of bread. They had no idea where tomorrow’s meals would come from.

All this raises inevitable questions. To what extent is climate change driving these fires, and how much of that is Australia’s fault? Do we need a permanent, paid rural fire-fighting force to deal with this “new normal”? Are our fuel, food and communications systems resilient enough to cope with these disasters? And how do we cope with the deep anxiety these fires provoke, on both a personal and societal level?

Over the coming days and weeks, The Conversation will examine the tough issues emerging from this crisis. Our authors, experts in the field, will cut through the political spin and information barrage to help you understand this national disaster, and what it means for our future.

Today, the University of Tasmania’s David Bowman examines whether it’s time to ditch the traditional summer holiday, when thousands of people head to bushy areas in peak bushfire season. And while the fires absorb our attention, Monash University’s Neville Nicholls reminds us that cyclones, floods and heatwaves are also likely this summer.

On New Year’s Day, the wind having blown the fires away from Bermagui, officials opened a road out. They warned us to leave before conditions changed again. We had just under half a tank of diesel, and neither Bermagui nor the next town, Tarthra, had supplies. We drove on. No diesel at Bega either, until a local told us of a truck station on the outskirts of town where we filled up.

The trip home was slow and smoky, and phone reception patchy. It struck me how vulnerable we are to technology and transport systems that can so easily shut down. We tried to buy a paper map in case of detours, but no service stations stocked them.

Our three-year-old son grasped little of what was happening. I suggested a game of I-Spy, but it was soon abandoned – the smoke meant there was nothing much to see. We drove through blackened landscapes where sheep wandered paddocks with the wool burnt off their backs. My son, sensing the mood, asked why his dad and I were so quiet.

In the days after we arrived back in Canberra, air quality was more than 20 times above hazardous levels. Shops and swimming pools were closed, and mail deliveries were cancelled. A woman reportedly died from respiratory distress after exiting a plane to a tarmac filled with smoke. Babies were born into smoke-filled hospital theatres; their parents despaired at what the future holds.

When the immediate threat of these fires has passed, many bigger questions will remain. The Conversation will continue to bring you the responsible, evidence-based journalism you need to be properly informed. Thank you for your continued support.

(Nicole Hasham is Section Editor: Energy + Environment)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/making-sense-of-australias-bushfire-crisis-means-asking-hard-questions-and-listening-to-the-answers-129302">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Nicole Hasham Bushfires plunder lives and landscapes in myriad ways, but they often start the same way. A bright morning suddenly turns to night. Ash flutters down from the sky, propelled ahead of the roaring fire front.

By Nicole Hasham Bushfires plunder lives and landscapes in myriad ways, but they often start the same way. A bright morning suddenly turns to night. Ash flutters down from the sky, propelled ahead of the roaring fire front. An awful red glow slinks over the horizon. When I awoke in the NSW south coast town of Bermagui on the last day of 2019, I should have twigged straight away. At 8 am, the sky was a gruesome orange-black, the surrounding bush freakishly quiet. Our mobile phones had no signal. Outside, my car was coated in soot. We knew fires were burning more than 100km up the coast at Batemans Bay, but Bermagui had seemed a safe distance away. Suddenly, it wasn’t. Fire was bearing down on the seaside town, burning so fiercely it created its own thunderstorm. Residents evacuated to the beach after emergency text messages at 4am, but with our phone service down we’d slept on, oblivious. When my partner and I woke and worked out what was happening, we too bundled our bewildered young son into the car and fled. Of course, amid the devastation wrought this fire season, a disrupted holiday is nothing to complain about. Bushfires have decimated huge swathes of Australia this fire season, taking with them, at the time of writing, 23 lives and more than 1500 homes. Thousands of holidaymakers in NSW and Victoria were stranded for days in towns with dwindling food and fuel supplies. Some were forced to shelter on beaches, dodging embers and watching flames creep ever closer. And we cannot forget the animals – millions have been killed this fire season, or will soon die from lack of food or shelter. With all roads out of Bermagui closed, we spent New Year’s Eve at a local club which had hastily been converted into an evacuation centre. Many evacuees were from the nearby fire-hit town of Cobargo. Some knew the father and son who died after staying to defend their property. Many would presumably soon discover their own homes were gone. They watched, hands over their mouths, as the club’s giant plasma screens beamed images of their once-charming town, now a jumble of rubble and corrugated iron. We lay our doonas down between rows of poker machines and lined up for dinner with hundreds of other evacuees. Food supplies in the town had already run short – the shelves of the local Woolworths were all but empty. To feed the hordes, volunteers began rationing dinner portions to just half a sausage and a slice of bread. They had no idea where tomorrow’s meals would come from. All this raises inevitable questions. To what extent is climate change driving these fires, and how much of that is Australia’s fault? Do we need a permanent, paid rural fire-fighting force to deal with this “new normal”? Are our fuel, food and communications systems resilient enough to cope with these disasters? And how do we cope with the deep anxiety these fires provoke, on both a personal and societal level? Over the coming days and weeks, The Conversation will examine the tough issues emerging from this crisis. Our authors, experts in the field, will cut through the political spin and information barrage to help you understand this national disaster, and what it means for our future. Today, the University of Tasmania’s David Bowman examines whether it’s time to ditch the traditional summer holiday, when thousands of people head to bushy areas in peak bushfire season. And while the fires absorb our attention, Monash University’s Neville Nicholls reminds us that cyclones, floods and heatwaves are also likely this summer. On New Year’s Day, the wind having blown the fires away from Bermagui, officials opened a road out. They warned us to leave before conditions changed again. We had just under half a tank of diesel, and neither Bermagui nor the next town, Tarthra, had supplies. We drove on. No diesel at Bega either, until a local told us of a truck station on the outskirts of town where we filled up. The trip home was slow and smoky, and phone reception patchy. It struck me how vulnerable we are to technology and transport systems that can so easily shut down. We tried to buy a paper map in case of detours, but no service stations stocked them. Our three-year-old son grasped little of what was happening. I suggested a game of I-Spy, but it was soon abandoned – the smoke meant there was nothing much to see. We drove through blackened landscapes where sheep wandered paddocks with the wool burnt off their backs. My son, sensing the mood, asked why his dad and I were so quiet. In the days after we arrived back in Canberra, air quality was more than 20 times above hazardous levels. Shops and swimming pools were closed, and mail deliveries were cancelled. A woman reportedly died from respiratory distress after exiting a plane to a tarmac filled with smoke. Babies were born into smoke-filled hospital theatres; their parents despaired at what the future holds. When the immediate threat of these fires has passed, many bigger questions will remain. The Conversation will continue to bring you the responsible, evidence-based journalism you need to be properly informed. Thank you for your continued support. (Nicole Hasham is Section Editor: Energy + Environment) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Making sense of Australia’s bushfire crisis means asking hard questions – and listening to the answers

World’s today fears arrival of the “Day Zero” when the water taps shall run dry and the people will have to start queueing to collect a daily quota of water.&nbsp;

We are at extreme risk of climate change and water scarcity, which are more familiar in developing countries including India. Experts and organisations had been exclaiming about India's approaching water emergency for quite a while, yet we failed to accumulate much consideration until the taps ran dry in the major cities. Recently, the extreme water shortage in major Indian cities, particularly Chennai, gathered the public eye. NITI Aayog, in its report1, warned that India was suffering from the worst water crisis in history and nearly 50 per cent of the Indian population are suffering from severe water stress. It further predicted that Delhi along with 21 Indian cities will run out of groundwater by 2020; nearly 40 per cent of the Indian population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by 2030, and 6 per cent of India’s GDP would be lost by 2050 due to water crisis. The National Green Tribunal (“NGT”) observed that depletion of groundwater not only creates a crisis for drinking water, in the absence of inadequate surface water is available in certain areas where there may be drought conditions but also affects the flow in rivers and can also increase salinity in soil. 2 &nbsp;

The country has witnessed a dramatic increase in water demand for all uses - agricultural, industrial and domestic. According to the Central Water Commission, the country requires at most 3,000 billion cubic meters of water annually and receives about 4,000 billion cubic meters of rain. However, too much water is wasted attributable to the inefficiency and misuse, forcing the entire country to grapple with drought-like conditions even after receiving enough rainfall on account of government inaction, industrial and human waste, corruption and outright abuse of the water resources throughout the country. Basing its observations on the directions passed by the Honourable Supreme Court in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India and Ors.3, the NGT in Shailesh Singh (Infra) observed that the extraction of groundwater has, in fact, been liberalised, adding to the crisis, unmindful of the ground situation and the likely impact it will have on the environment.&nbsp;

However, the Central Government, keeping water-harvesting as a priority, in May 2019 formed the Jal Shakti Ministry (created by merging of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation) for immediate management of water resources and water supply in an integrated and holistic manner, in cooperation with all the states to ensure “Har Ghar Jal” to all rural households. Consequently, the Central Government has allocated Rs.3.35 lakh crores for the Jal Jeevan Mission, that aims at providing clean drinking water to every household by the end of 2024 along with recharging groundwater levels with better local infrastructure.&nbsp;

The Central government aims to offer 43-55 litres of water per person per day, depending upon the season and a dedicated fund namely “Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh” to be set up for implementation of the mission. &nbsp;

The courts have reiterated time and again that the right to access to clean drinking water is fundamental to life and the State is duty-bound under Article 21 to provide clean drinking water to its citizens. The state is further duty-bound not only to provide adequate drinking water but also to protect water resources from pollution and encroachment. Any act of the state that allows pollution of water bodies is in direct violation of Article 21 of the Constitution and the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the rules framed thereinunder. The role of the government gathers even more importance since the subject of Water - water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water-power - falls solely under the ambit of Entry 17 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. &nbsp;

The inadequacy or denial of access to clean water has been happening despite repeated directions passed by Courts. Since ‘water’ is a subject of utmost importance, leaving it to the exclusive jurisdiction of the legislature of a state to make laws with respect to it, will be detrimental to the welfare of the public and the entire nation. Therefore, with deep conscience and public welfare in mind, the Centre must regain control and supervision of subjects of such nationwide significance. A similar instance was witnessed by the nation, by virtue of the Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, 1976, whereby Seventh Schedule was restructured in order to ensure that state List subjects like education, forest, protection of wild animals and birds, administration of justice, and weights and measurements were transferred to the Concurrent List. “A Constitution to be living must be growing. If the impediments to the growth of the Constitution are not removed, the Constitution will suffer a virtual atrophy.”4&nbsp;

There is a need for an urgent change, which requires immediate measures to be taken leading towards improved water use efficiency, reduction of leakages, restoration of water bodies, treatment and reuse of wastewater and water harvesting to name a few. This change of approach should include efforts not only by the governments but from all stakeholders across the globe with a focus on conservation, source sustainability, storage and reuse, wherever possible. Nonetheless, the Jal Jeevan Mission, inaugurated by the Central Government, will prove to be an example throughout the world with its emphasis on behavioural change.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h6>1. Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) Report released by the NITI Aayog in 2018 
&nbsp;2. Shailesh Singh Vs. Hotel Holiday Regency, Moradabad &amp; Ors. (O.A. 176/2015 on 03.01.2019) 
3.&nbsp; (1997) 11 SCC 312 
4. Statement of Objects and Reasons; The Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, 1976</h6>

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

World’s today fears arrival of the “Day Zero” when the water taps shall run dry and the people will have to start queueing to collect a daily quota of water. We are at extreme risk of climate change and water scarcity, which are more familiar in developing countries including India.

World’s today fears arrival of the “Day Zero” when the water taps shall run dry and the people will have to start queueing to collect a daily quota of water. We are at extreme risk of climate change and water scarcity, which are more familiar in developing countries including India. Experts and organisations had been exclaiming about India's approaching water emergency for quite a while, yet we failed to accumulate much consideration until the taps ran dry in the major cities. Recently, the extreme water shortage in major Indian cities, particularly Chennai, gathered the public eye. NITI Aayog, in its report1, warned that India was suffering from the worst water crisis in history and nearly 50 per cent of the Indian population are suffering from severe water stress. It further predicted that Delhi along with 21 Indian cities will run out of groundwater by 2020; nearly 40 per cent of the Indian population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by 2030, and 6 per cent of India’s GDP would be lost by 2050 due to water crisis. The National Green Tribunal (“NGT”) observed that depletion of groundwater not only creates a crisis for drinking water, in the absence of inadequate surface water is available in certain areas where there may be drought conditions but also affects the flow in rivers and can also increase salinity in soil. 2 The country has witnessed a dramatic increase in water demand for all uses - agricultural, industrial and domestic. According to the Central Water Commission, the country requires at most 3,000 billion cubic meters of water annually and receives about 4,000 billion cubic meters of rain. However, too much water is wasted attributable to the inefficiency and misuse, forcing the entire country to grapple with drought-like conditions even after receiving enough rainfall on account of government inaction, industrial and human waste, corruption and outright abuse of the water resources throughout the country. Basing its observations on the directions passed by the Honourable Supreme Court in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India and Ors.3, the NGT in Shailesh Singh (Infra) observed that the extraction of groundwater has, in fact, been liberalised, adding to the crisis, unmindful of the ground situation and the likely impact it will have on the environment. However, the Central Government, keeping water-harvesting as a priority, in May 2019 formed the Jal Shakti Ministry (created by merging of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation) for immediate management of water resources and water supply in an integrated and holistic manner, in cooperation with all the states to ensure “Har Ghar Jal” to all rural households. Consequently, the Central Government has allocated Rs.3.35 lakh crores for the Jal Jeevan Mission, that aims at providing clean drinking water to every household by the end of 2024 along with recharging groundwater levels with better local infrastructure. The Central government aims to offer 43-55 litres of water per person per day, depending upon the season and a dedicated fund namely “Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh” to be set up for implementation of the mission. The courts have reiterated time and again that the right to access to clean drinking water is fundamental to life and the State is duty-bound under Article 21 to provide clean drinking water to its citizens. The state is further duty-bound not only to provide adequate drinking water but also to protect water resources from pollution and encroachment. Any act of the state that allows pollution of water bodies is in direct violation of Article 21 of the Constitution and the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the rules framed thereinunder. The role of the government gathers even more importance since the subject of Water - water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water-power - falls solely under the ambit of Entry 17 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. The inadequacy or denial of access to clean water has been happening despite repeated directions passed by Courts. Since ‘water’ is a subject of utmost importance, leaving it to the exclusive jurisdiction of the legislature of a state to make laws with respect to it, will be detrimental to the welfare of the public and the entire nation. Therefore, with deep conscience and public welfare in mind, the Centre must regain control and supervision of subjects of such nationwide significance. A similar instance was witnessed by the nation, by virtue of the Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, 1976, whereby Seventh Schedule was restructured in order to ensure that state List subjects like education, forest, protection of wild animals and birds, administration of justice, and weights and measurements were transferred to the Concurrent List. “A Constitution to be living must be growing. If the impediments to the growth of the Constitution are not removed, the Constitution will suffer a virtual atrophy.”4 There is a need for an urgent change, which requires immediate measures to be taken leading towards improved water use efficiency, reduction of leakages, restoration of water bodies, treatment and reuse of wastewater and water harvesting to name a few. This change of approach should include efforts not only by the governments but from all stakeholders across the globe with a focus on conservation, source sustainability, storage and reuse, wherever possible. Nonetheless, the Jal Jeevan Mission, inaugurated by the Central Government, will prove to be an example throughout the world with its emphasis on behavioural change. 1. Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) Report released by the NITI Aayog in 2018 2. Shailesh Singh Vs. Hotel Holiday Regency, Moradabad & Ors. (O.A. 176/2015 on 03.01.2019) 3. (1997) 11 SCC 312 4. Statement of Objects and Reasons; The Constitution (Forty-Second Amendment) Act, 1976 (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Water scarcity: With 'Jal Jeevan Mission', government tends to focus on behavioural change

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow.

British actress Amanda Henderson recently appeared on BBC's Celebrity Mastermind where she was asked about the 17-year-old climate activist.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-mocks-greta-on-twitter-michelle-obama-tells-thunberg-to-ignore-the-doubters-268320">After Trump mocks Greta on Twitter, Michelle Obama tells Thunberg to 'ignore the doubters'</a>

“The 2019 book entitled No One is Too Small To Make A Difference is a collection of speeches made by a Swedish climate change activist. What’s her name?” asked the game show host to Henderson.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
2020 is cancelled <a href="https://t.co/aGDZCTTQmb">pic.twitter.com/aGDZCTTQmb</a>
— Mark Smith (@marksmithstuff) <a href="https://twitter.com/marksmithstuff/status/1212817714265374721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The actress appeared quizzed and answered "Sharon".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-mocks-putins-kind-girl-jibes-on-twitter-253790">Greta Thunberg mocks Putin's 'kind girl' jibes on Twitter</a>

A clip of this question became viral on Twitter and has got more than 154,000 likes.&nbsp;

On Friday afternoon, the climate activist changed her name to Sharon, a day which also marked his birthday.
<img alt="Greta Thunberg Twitter bio" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="340991de-b4b9-4a1a-9c6c-a02916042b04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_110388787_32dde7f6-fa77-49f8-ac90-b92517800589.jpg" />
This is not the first time Thunberg has had the last laugh on social media.&nbsp;

Last month, US President Donald Trump also tweeted that the Swedish activist needs to work on her anger management problemt and "then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill, Greta, Chill!" 
&nbsp; 
Responding to the US President, Thunberg edited her bio which then said "a teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Earlier too, Thunberg responded wittingly to the US President when he commented in a video: "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future."

Thunberg changed her bio which said "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future".&nbsp;

In October, Thunberg changed her bio to "a kind but poorly informed teenager" which is exactly how Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier described her.&nbsp;

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow.

Greta Thunberg gave another example of her sense of humour when she changed her name to Sharon on Twitter on Friday when an actor recognised as Sharon on a gameshow. British actress Amanda Henderson recently appeared on BBC's Celebrity Mastermind where she was asked about the 17-year-old climate activist. Also read: After Trump mocks Greta on Twitter, Michelle Obama tells Thunberg to 'ignore the doubters' “The 2019 book entitled No One is Too Small To Make A Difference is a collection of speeches made by a Swedish climate change activist. What’s her name?” asked the game show host to Henderson. 2020 is cancelled pic.twitter.com/aGDZCTTQmb — Mark Smith (@marksmithstuff) January 2, 2020 × The actress appeared quizzed and answered "Sharon". Also read: Greta Thunberg mocks Putin's 'kind girl' jibes on Twitter A clip of this question became viral on Twitter and has got more than 154,000 likes. On Friday afternoon, the climate activist changed her name to Sharon, a day which also marked his birthday. This is not the first time Thunberg has had the last laugh on social media. Last month, US President Donald Trump also tweeted that the Swedish activist needs to work on her anger management problemt and "then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill, Greta, Chill!" Responding to the US President, Thunberg edited her bio which then said "a teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend". Earlier too, Thunberg responded wittingly to the US President when he commented in a video: "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future." Thunberg changed her bio which said "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future". In October, Thunberg changed her bio to "a kind but poorly informed teenager" which is exactly how Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier described her.

Greta Thunberg changes her name to 'Sharon' on Twitter after actress fails to recognise her

The Cost Of Extreme Climate Events Triggered By Climate Change. #Gravitas

Gravitas: 2019: 15 Disasters + The Soaring Costs Of Climate Change

How 'Fridays For Future' Defined 2019 Climate change is for real and every country suffered due to this existential threat to life on earth. While world leaders denied the problem & discredited the critics, youngsters spearheaded climate protests across the world in 2019. Details in this report.

Gravitas: 2019: When Youngsters Spearheaded Climate Protests

The year 2019 was a terrible year for climate-related disasters but also the year where people took to the streets to demand action against climate change. The climate crisis has to lead to billions of dollars worth of damage and destruction. Watch report: #ClimateChange #WION #Climate #GlobalWarming

Climate change caused 15 disasters, $1 billion loss

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Climate Change, News on Climate Change, stories on Climate Change, articles on Climate Change, Climate Change stories at Wion, Climate Change news, Climate Change latest news