Svante Thunberg, father of Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg&nbsp;said on Monday that his teenage daughter was hardly speaking to people besides her family members and went without eating for months before launching school strikes&nbsp;on climate change.

"First, she made a leaflet of, like, I don't know what it's like, lots and lots - 35 facts... Whenever the journalists came along, she would answer all the questions; and that was the surprising thing because she didn't speak to anyone at the time," Svante said.&nbsp;

"She only spoke to me, my wife, her sister and one of her teachers," Svante added.

"Three or four years before she went on the school strike,&nbsp;she fell ill and stopped talking. She stopped going to school and she didn't eat for three months or two and a half months, which, of course, was the ultimate nightmare as a parent," he also said.&nbsp;

"I can see Greta is very happy from doing this, " he also said.

On Monday, Greta joined forces with British naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough to push politicians and businesses to step up action on climate change after a year in which schoolchildren took to the world's streets in protest.

Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions.

Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year.

Thunberg also made headlines after her fiery speech at the United Nations climate summit where she thundered over world leaders for failing to take measure to stop global warming.

She accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?".&nbsp;

She turns 17 this week.&nbsp;

Svante Thunberg, father of Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg said on Monday that his teenage daughter was hardly speaking to people besides her family members and went without eating for months before launching school strikes on climate change.

Svante Thunberg, father of Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg said on Monday that his teenage daughter was hardly speaking to people besides her family members and went without eating for months before launching school strikes on climate change. "First, she made a leaflet of, like, I don't know what it's like, lots and lots - 35 facts... Whenever the journalists came along, she would answer all the questions; and that was the surprising thing because she didn't speak to anyone at the time," Svante said. "She only spoke to me, my wife, her sister and one of her teachers," Svante added. "Three or four years before she went on the school strike, she fell ill and stopped talking. She stopped going to school and she didn't eat for three months or two and a half months, which, of course, was the ultimate nightmare as a parent," he also said. "I can see Greta is very happy from doing this, " he also said. On Monday, Greta joined forces with British naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough to push politicians and businesses to step up action on climate change after a year in which schoolchildren took to the world's streets in protest. Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions. Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year. Thunberg also made headlines after her fiery speech at the United Nations climate summit where she thundered over world leaders for failing to take measure to stop global warming. She accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?". She turns 17 this week.

'I can see Greta is very happy from doing this', says father Svante Thunberg

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. India has now improved its stand in the list of most polluting nations. #ClimateIndex #YourStory

Your Story: India jumps from rank 11 to 9 on climate index

Swedish Climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-mocks-greta-on-twitter-michelle-obama-tells-thunberg-to-ignore-the-doubters-268320">Greta Thunberg</a> on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention.

During an interview with British media, Thunberg was asked what she would have said to Trump during the U.N. summit; to which she responded saying, "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously, he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?"

"So I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she added.

Talking about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teenager-working-on-anger-management-greta-thunbergs-twitter-bio-after-trump-mocks-her-267956"> jibes Trump often takes on Thunberg on social media</a>, she said that they are "funny" because they "don't mean anything". While she also added that they (Trump and Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro) are "terrified of young people bringing change".

"Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don't mean anything," she said.

&nbsp;"I guess of course it means something - they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don't want - but that is just proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat."

Greta Thunberg came to world attention when she began a grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament.&nbsp;

The protests have inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change.

Earlier this month Trump mocked Thunberg as he said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie".

"So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!"

Soon after Trump's tweet, Thunberg responded by changing her bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem."

"Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Brazillian President had called Thunberg "brat" after she condemned violence against indigenous people who were killed in the Amazon.

Swedish Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention.

Swedish Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention. During an interview with British media, Thunberg was asked what she would have said to Trump during the U.N. summit; to which she responded saying, "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously, he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?" "So I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she added. Talking about the jibes Trump often takes on Thunberg on social media, she said that they are "funny" because they "don't mean anything". While she also added that they (Trump and Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro) are "terrified of young people bringing change". "Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don't mean anything," she said. "I guess of course it means something - they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don't want - but that is just proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat." Greta Thunberg came to world attention when she began a grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament. The protests have inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change. Earlier this month Trump mocked Thunberg as he said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie". "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" Soon after Trump's tweet, Thunberg responded by changing her bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem." "Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read. Meanwhile, Brazillian President had called Thunberg "brat" after she condemned violence against indigenous people who were killed in the Amazon.

I wouldn't have wasted my time talking to Trump at UN summit: Greta Thunberg

At least 15 natural disasters linked to climate change this year caused damage of over $1 billion and seven of them cost at least $10 billion, British charity Christian Aid said Friday.

This year is set to be the second hottest year in history and each of the disasters in the report has a link with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/climate-change-hits-india-much-work-needs-to-be-done-262038">climate change</a>, Christian Aid said.

"Extreme weather, fuelled by climate change, struck every corner of the globe in 2019. From Southern Africa to North America and from Australia and Asia to Europe, floods, storms and fires brought chaos and destruction," it said.

Assembling its report from official figures, estimates by NGOs and aid bodies, scientific studies and media reports, the British charity said the disasters displaced millions and caused widespread deaths.

Seven of them caused damage of more than $10 billion (9 billion euros).&nbsp;

These included the floods that ravaged north India, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-typhoon-lekima-death-toll-rises-to-44-as-it-moves-up-coast-near-beijing-242353">typhoon Lekima</a> in China, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-hurricane-dorian-approaches-quick-look-at-floridas-deadliest-and-destructive-hurricanes-246886">Hurricane Dorian</a> in the United States, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-rain-triggers-flash-floods-across-china-237184">floods in China</a>, floods in the Midwest and southern United States, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/typhoon-hagibis-how-does-how-japan-survive-earthquakes-and-other-natural-calamities-255761">typhoon Hagibis</a> in Japan and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-evacuated-as-california-wildfires-rage-255379">California wildfires</a>, the costliest tragedy at $25 billion.

<img alt="California Wildfires " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1bf49e2c-5e1a-4cf1-9a51-558bc5d3e23c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_26.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"These figures are likely to be underestimates as they often show only insured losses and do not always take into account other financial costs, such as lost productivity and uninsured losses," it said.

Christian Aid said the overwhelming majority of deaths were caused by just two events, in India and southern Africa, which called it "a reflection of how the world’s poorest people pay the heaviest price for the consequences of climate change.&nbsp;

"In contrast, the financial cost was greatest in richer countries: Japan and the United States suffered three of the four most costly events."

Greenhouse gas emissions are once again set to rise in 2019 after hitting a record in 2018, as extreme weather events made more likely as the planet warms struck seemingly everywhere this year.

These include Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, typhoon Hagibis in Japan, a deadly, record-breaking heatwave across much of Europe, wildfires in California and eastern Australia and floods in Venice.

<img alt="Typhoon Hagisbis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75e65964-bb2e-4a24-9044-a24a85c80840" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_37.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The threat posed by climate change became so stark in 2019 that Indonesia, one of the fastest-growing economies on Earth, decided to move its capital to somewhere that wasn't sinking.

"Unless urgent action is taken to reduce emissions, global temperatures will rise at least another 0.5°C over the next 20 years, and another 2-3°C by the end of the century," Christian Aid said.

"The world’s weather will continue to become ever more extreme and people around the world will continue to pay the price. The challenge ahead is to minimise the impacts through deep and rapid emissions cuts."

At least 15 natural disasters linked to climate change this year caused damage of over $1 billion and seven of them cost at least $10 billion, British charity Christian Aid said Friday.

At least 15 natural disasters linked to climate change this year caused damage of over $1 billion and seven of them cost at least $10 billion, British charity Christian Aid said Friday. This year is set to be the second hottest year in history and each of the disasters in the report has a link with climate change, Christian Aid said. "Extreme weather, fuelled by climate change, struck every corner of the globe in 2019. From Southern Africa to North America and from Australia and Asia to Europe, floods, storms and fires brought chaos and destruction," it said. Assembling its report from official figures, estimates by NGOs and aid bodies, scientific studies and media reports, the British charity said the disasters displaced millions and caused widespread deaths. Seven of them caused damage of more than $10 billion (9 billion euros). These included the floods that ravaged north India, typhoon Lekima in China, Hurricane Dorian in the United States, floods in China, floods in the Midwest and southern United States, typhoon Hagibis in Japan and the California wildfires, the costliest tragedy at $25 billion. "These figures are likely to be underestimates as they often show only insured losses and do not always take into account other financial costs, such as lost productivity and uninsured losses," it said. Christian Aid said the overwhelming majority of deaths were caused by just two events, in India and southern Africa, which called it "a reflection of how the world’s poorest people pay the heaviest price for the consequences of climate change. "In contrast, the financial cost was greatest in richer countries: Japan and the United States suffered three of the four most costly events." Greenhouse gas emissions are once again set to rise in 2019 after hitting a record in 2018, as extreme weather events made more likely as the planet warms struck seemingly everywhere this year. These include Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, typhoon Hagibis in Japan, a deadly, record-breaking heatwave across much of Europe, wildfires in California and eastern Australia and floods in Venice. The threat posed by climate change became so stark in 2019 that Indonesia, one of the fastest-growing economies on Earth, decided to move its capital to somewhere that wasn't sinking. "Unless urgent action is taken to reduce emissions, global temperatures will rise at least another 0.5°C over the next 20 years, and another 2-3°C by the end of the century," Christian Aid said. "The world’s weather will continue to become ever more extreme and people around the world will continue to pay the price. The challenge ahead is to minimise the impacts through deep and rapid emissions cuts."

Climate change caused 15 disasters costing over $1 billion this year: Sources

Calls for Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-scott-morrison-hits-out-at-reckless-calls-to-cut-coal-industry-269654">Scott Morrison</a> to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.

Voters have taken to social media calling for leadership at a time of crisis, and along with some of the country's political editors, have criticised Morrison's refusal to take tougher action on climate change.

Similar to the criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-moved-to-freeze-ukraine-aid-90-minutes-after-trump-phone-call-report-269643">US&nbsp;President Donald</a> Trump by American comedians, Morrison has been ridiculed on social media, portrayed as a deformed creature sitting in a burnt out forest on Christmas Day patting a lump of coal he calls "precious" to a flying superhero called "Bullshit Man".

On Twitter on Tuesday, #NotMyPrimeMinister, #MorrisonMustGo and #ScoMoResign were the top trending topics in Australia after a viral video showed a volunteer firefighter, Jacqui, shaking hands with Morrison as she said "not my prime minister".

"Jacquie is all of us," Twitter user Yabba said. Another user @bugwannostra tweeted "she's only saying what more than 12 million think..."

The tweet prompted Morrison to issue a clarification on Tuesday. "Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she's British, Boris Johnson is," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she’s British, Boris Johnson is. But with local MP Andrew Gee, we made a decent pitch for her to become an Aussie yesterday. She &amp; the other RFS volunteers have been doing an incredible job battling these blazes. <a href="https://t.co/28z3c4bTMG">pic.twitter.com/28z3c4bTMG</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1209245828230959106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</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>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">Devastating bushfires</a> have burnt more than 4 million hectares&nbsp;of land across five states and killed nine people since September.

Uncontrolled fires are still burning in South Australia, after ripping through the state's prominent wine region, and around the country's largest city Sydney.

Hazardous smoke blanketed Sydney for days this month, heightening public anger and raising political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change.

Also watch:&nbsp;Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-pm-scott-morrison-apologises-as-bushfires-rage-269573/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

When it was revealed Morrison and his family had slipped away to Hawaii for a holiday voters became angry.

On his return Morrison further inflamed his political critics by saying there would be no change to climate policy and denied suggestions of a split within his government after his deputy agreed more action was needed.

He also ruled out holding a summit with the nation's fire chiefs and compensation for thousands of volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for months.

A series of photo opportunities of Morrison with firefighters and animals affected by the fires was ridiculed on social media on Tuesday.

Morrison stunned the nation in May by winning an election, securing a parliamentary majority, but his political capital six months later is now being questioned.

"He has lost any personal link to that deep, crucial, reservoir of gravitas we confer, automatically, on our PMs simply because of their position," The Canberra Times newspaper columnist Nicholas Stuart wrote on Tuesday.

But some analysts say it is too early to write Morrison's political epitaph, but concede Australia's summer bushfires may eventually see a change in climate policy.

In Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, climate and energy policy have infused politics for a decade, helping to bring down both liberal and conservative lawmakers.

Australia is one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita due to coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics say Morrison is paying lip service to the commitment.

"These bushfires could potentially lead to a shift in public opinion and public concern on climate change that we have not seen in Australia so far," said Haydon Manning, professor at the college of business, government and law at Flinders University.

Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.

Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism. Voters have taken to social media calling for leadership at a time of crisis, and along with some of the country's political editors, have criticised Morrison's refusal to take tougher action on climate change. Similar to the criticism of US President Donald Trump by American comedians, Morrison has been ridiculed on social media, portrayed as a deformed creature sitting in a burnt out forest on Christmas Day patting a lump of coal he calls "precious" to a flying superhero called "Bullshit Man". On Twitter on Tuesday, #NotMyPrimeMinister, #MorrisonMustGo and #ScoMoResign were the top trending topics in Australia after a viral video showed a volunteer firefighter, Jacqui, shaking hands with Morrison as she said "not my prime minister". "Jacquie is all of us," Twitter user Yabba said. Another user @bugwannostra tweeted "she's only saying what more than 12 million think..." The tweet prompted Morrison to issue a clarification on Tuesday. "Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she's British, Boris Johnson is," he tweeted. Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she’s British, Boris Johnson is. But with local MP Andrew Gee, we made a decent pitch for her to become an Aussie yesterday. She & the other RFS volunteers have been doing an incredible job battling these blazes. pic.twitter.com/28z3c4bTMG — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) December 23, 2019 × Devastating bushfires have burnt more than 4 million hectares of land across five states and killed nine people since September. Uncontrolled fires are still burning in South Australia, after ripping through the state's prominent wine region, and around the country's largest city Sydney. Hazardous smoke blanketed Sydney for days this month, heightening public anger and raising political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change. Also watch: Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia × When it was revealed Morrison and his family had slipped away to Hawaii for a holiday voters became angry. On his return Morrison further inflamed his political critics by saying there would be no change to climate policy and denied suggestions of a split within his government after his deputy agreed more action was needed. He also ruled out holding a summit with the nation's fire chiefs and compensation for thousands of volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for months. A series of photo opportunities of Morrison with firefighters and animals affected by the fires was ridiculed on social media on Tuesday. Morrison stunned the nation in May by winning an election, securing a parliamentary majority, but his political capital six months later is now being questioned. "He has lost any personal link to that deep, crucial, reservoir of gravitas we confer, automatically, on our PMs simply because of their position," The Canberra Times newspaper columnist Nicholas Stuart wrote on Tuesday. But some analysts say it is too early to write Morrison's political epitaph, but concede Australia's summer bushfires may eventually see a change in climate policy. In Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, climate and energy policy have infused politics for a decade, helping to bring down both liberal and conservative lawmakers. Australia is one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita due to coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics say Morrison is paying lip service to the commitment. "These bushfires could potentially lead to a shift in public opinion and public concern on climate change that we have not seen in Australia so far," said Haydon Manning, professor at the college of business, government and law at Flinders University.

Australian PM Scott Morrison slammed on social media over Hawaii visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change".

The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions. The Russian president while answering the question on climate change said: "Nobody knows the origins of global climate change," adding,"we know that in the history of our Earth there have been periods of warming and cooling and it could depend on processes in the universe."

"A small angle in the axis in the rotation of the Earth or its orbit around the Sun could push the planet into serious climate changes," he asserted. However, Putin added that "we must undertake maximum efforts to ensure that the climate does not change dramatically."

"For our country, this process is very serious," he said. "We will undertake efforts to minimise the consequences for our country," Putin said.

On Russia's ban from sports, Putin said that the country must compete under its flag at sports events despite the doping ban.

"If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change". The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin while addressing year-end press conference in Moscow said that "nobody knows what causes climate change". The press conference attended by nearly 18,000 journalists had Putin answer a number of questions. The Russian president while answering the question on climate change said: "Nobody knows the origins of global climate change," adding,"we know that in the history of our Earth there have been periods of warming and cooling and it could depend on processes in the universe." "A small angle in the axis in the rotation of the Earth or its orbit around the Sun could push the planet into serious climate changes," he asserted. However, Putin added that "we must undertake maximum efforts to ensure that the climate does not change dramatically." "For our country, this process is very serious," he said. "We will undertake efforts to minimise the consequences for our country," Putin said. On Russia's ban from sports, Putin said that the country must compete under its flag at sports events despite the doping ban. "If WADA does not have any issues with our national Olympic committee our team must compete under its flag," Putin said.

Nobody knows origins of global climate change: Putin in annual press conference

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nation-climate-talks-a-lost-opportunity-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-268421">carbon pricing</a> early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms.

In a gruelling six-hour meeting that ended in the small hours, they agreed that businesses will pay 25 euros ($28) per tonne of carbon they use from January 2021 -- more than double the initially proposed rate.&nbsp;

The new rate -- fiercely opposed by business lobbies -- is set to increase to 55 euros per tonne by 2025, before eventually being incorporated into an EU-wide carbon trading system.

The breakthrough renewed hope that Angela Merkel's government can pass its four-part climate reform package before Christmas.

The package, which also includes plans to reduce rail prices and raise taxes on air travel, was broadly approved by both chambers of the German parliament last month.

Yet a dispute over the cost of the new policies meant that regional representatives in the upper house blocked certain elements of the bill, forcing the government and federal states to return to the negotiating table.&nbsp;

Merkel's government has faced criticism since it presented the new climate package in September, with environmental NGOs and opposition parties claiming it lacks ambition.&nbsp;

Annalena Baerbock, co-leader of the opposition Green Party, said "much, much more" was necessary after Monday's breakthrough.

Meanwhile business groups sounded the alarm over the carbon price increase.

"The planned increase in CO2 prices threatens to drastically worsen competitiveness" in Germany, Federation of German Industry (BDI) deputy director Holger Loesch said Monday, calling for companies to be compensated for the additional costs.

"For the energy transition to succeed, significant investments are needed from businesses and households," he added, warning politicians "not to keep restricting the necessary freedom of action".

Wolfgang Grosse Entrup of the VCI chemical industry federation said "the warning light is blinking red for competitiveness" after the carbon price decision.

"Politicians can't sell companies that are in international competition down the river," he urged, calling also for a compensation mechanism.

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on carbon pricing early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms.

Lawmakers in Germany reached a hard-fought compromise on carbon pricing early on Monday, breaking a parliamentary deadlock on the government's much-disputed climate policy reforms. In a gruelling six-hour meeting that ended in the small hours, they agreed that businesses will pay 25 euros ($28) per tonne of carbon they use from January 2021 -- more than double the initially proposed rate. The new rate -- fiercely opposed by business lobbies -- is set to increase to 55 euros per tonne by 2025, before eventually being incorporated into an EU-wide carbon trading system. The breakthrough renewed hope that Angela Merkel's government can pass its four-part climate reform package before Christmas. The package, which also includes plans to reduce rail prices and raise taxes on air travel, was broadly approved by both chambers of the German parliament last month. Yet a dispute over the cost of the new policies meant that regional representatives in the upper house blocked certain elements of the bill, forcing the government and federal states to return to the negotiating table. Merkel's government has faced criticism since it presented the new climate package in September, with environmental NGOs and opposition parties claiming it lacks ambition. Annalena Baerbock, co-leader of the opposition Green Party, said "much, much more" was necessary after Monday's breakthrough. Meanwhile business groups sounded the alarm over the carbon price increase. "The planned increase in CO2 prices threatens to drastically worsen competitiveness" in Germany, Federation of German Industry (BDI) deputy director Holger Loesch said Monday, calling for companies to be compensated for the additional costs. "For the energy transition to succeed, significant investments are needed from businesses and households," he added, warning politicians "not to keep restricting the necessary freedom of action". Wolfgang Grosse Entrup of the VCI chemical industry federation said "the warning light is blinking red for competitiveness" after the carbon price decision. "Politicians can't sell companies that are in international competition down the river," he urged, calling also for a compensation mechanism.

German parliament agrees on CO2 pricing deal after gruelling meeting

European Union leaders agreed on Friday (December 13) to a 2050 climate neutrality target for the bloc, after hours of haggling with eastern European states demanding funds to support a transition away from fossil fuels and the continued use of nuclear power.

Speaking after discussions that Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called 'very difficult,' German Chancellor Angela Merkel acknowledged that Poland would need another six months to fully sign up.

The decision came just a day after the bloc's new executive unveiled a 100-billion-euro plan for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, declaring it the EU's "man on the moon moment".

The two-day summit is the first since Germany's Ursula von der Leyen took office as the new head of the European Commission, and a failure to agree on the climate neutrality deal, her biggest initiative, would have been an early setback for the new leadership.

Commenting on the British election, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said that the results, according to exit polls, meant Brexit would now materialise and that time was short to seal a new relationship deal between the EU and Britain.

European Union leaders agreed on Friday (December 13) to a 2050 climate neutrality target for the bloc, after hours of haggling with eastern European states demanding funds to support a transition away from fossil fuels and the continued use of nuclear power.

European Union leaders agreed on Friday (December 13) to a 2050 climate neutrality target for the bloc, after hours of haggling with eastern European states demanding funds to support a transition away from fossil fuels and the continued use of nuclear power. Speaking after discussions that Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called 'very difficult,' German Chancellor Angela Merkel acknowledged that Poland would need another six months to fully sign up. The decision came just a day after the bloc's new executive unveiled a 100-billion-euro plan for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century, declaring it the EU's "man on the moon moment". The two-day summit is the first since Germany's Ursula von der Leyen took office as the new head of the European Commission, and a failure to agree on the climate neutrality deal, her biggest initiative, would have been an early setback for the new leadership. Commenting on the British election, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said that the results, according to exit polls, meant Brexit would now materialise and that time was short to seal a new relationship deal between the EU and Britain.

EU agrees on 2050 climate neutrality without Poland

A marathon UN climate summit wrapped up Sunday with little to show, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anger-erupts-at-un-climate-summit-as-major-economies-resist-bold-action-268332">squeezing hard-earned compromises from countries</a> over the global warming battle plan that fell well short of what science says is needed to tackle the climate crisis.

The COP25 deal "expresses the urgent need" for new carbon cutting commitments to close the gap between current emissions and the Paris treaty goal of capping temperature at below two degrees, host country Spain said in a statement.

"Today &nbsp;the citizens of the &nbsp;world are asking for us to move ahead faster and better, in financing, adaptation, mitigation," Carolina Schmidt, Chilean environment minister and President of COP25, told the closing plenary.&nbsp;

Following a year of deadly extreme weather and weekly strikes by millions of young people demanding action, negotiations in Madrid were under pressure to send a clear signal that governments were willing to double down.

The summit -- moved at the last minute from Chile due to unrest -- at times teetered on the brink of collapse as rich polluters, emerging powerhouses and climate-vulnerable nations groped for common ground in the face of competing national interests.

"Based on the adopted text, there is a glimmer of hope that the heart of the Paris Agreement is still beating," said Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift, referring the treaty inked in the French capital.&nbsp;

"But its pulse is very weak." &nbsp;

Negotiators from nearly 200 nations came to Spain's capital with the aim of finalising the rulebook for the 2015 agreement, which enjoins nations to limit global temperature to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit).

'Missing in action'

With the accord set to become operational next year, it had been hoped COP 25 would show the world that governments would be moved by protests, irrefutable science, and deadly storms and wildfires that marked 2019 to redouble their efforts.

But greater ambition -- how far each country is willing to slash carbon emissions or assist less wealthy peers to do likewise -- has largely failed to materialise.

Veteran observers of UN climate talks were stunned by the state of play.

"Never have I seen such a disconnect between what the science requires and what the climate negotiations are delivering in terms of meaningful action," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and a 28-year veteran of the climate process.

"Most of the world's biggest emitting countries are missing in action and resisting calls to raise their ambition."

The push for a strengthening of voluntary carbon cutting plans is led by small-island and least-developed states, along with the European Union.

These have called out nations they see as blocking consensus for all countries to step up, notably the United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

China and India, the world's No. 1 and No. 4 carbon emitters, made it clear they see no need to improve on their current emissions reduction plans, which run to 2030.

These emerging giants chose instead to emphasise the historical responsibility of rich nations to lead the way and provide financing to poor countries.&nbsp;

"Major players who needed to deliver in Madrid did not live up to expectations," said Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and, as France top negotiator, a main architect of the Paris Agreement.

"But thanks to a progressive alliance of small island states, European, African and Latin American countries, we obtained the best possible outcome, against the will of big polluters."

'Loss and damage'

The summit was also meant to finalise a chapter on carbon markets in the Paris rulebook.

Some nations, notably Brazil and Australia, want to count carbon credits accumulated under a previous climate deal as part of their commitments under the Paris goals.

Discussions over markets ended in impasse Sunday and the issue will to be handed over to next year's COP 26 in Glasgow.

The US, which is leaving the Paris deal next year, was accused of playing spoiler on a number of issues vital to climate-vulnerable nations. &nbsp;

This included so-called "loss and damage" funding to help disaster-hit countries repair and rebuild.&nbsp;

"The US has not come here in good faith," said Harjeet Singh, climate lead with charity ActionAid.&nbsp;

"They continue to block the world's efforts to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by climate change."

Even if all countries implement their current plans under Paris, Earth is on course to warm more than 3C by 2100.

The failure to get the rulebook finalised in Madrid mean all eyes will be on Glasgow 2020 -- when the true Paris deal deadline falls.&nbsp;

"We must all act quickly, working in partnership to decarbonise our economies and adapt to the impact of climate change," Archie Young, Britain's Head of International Climate Change Negotiations.

A marathon UN climate summit wrapped up Sunday with little to show, squeezing hard-earned compromises from countries over the global warming battle plan that fell well short of what science says is needed to tackle the climate crisis.

A marathon UN climate summit wrapped up Sunday with little to show, squeezing hard-earned compromises from countries over the global warming battle plan that fell well short of what science says is needed to tackle the climate crisis. The COP25 deal "expresses the urgent need" for new carbon cutting commitments to close the gap between current emissions and the Paris treaty goal of capping temperature at below two degrees, host country Spain said in a statement. "Today the citizens of the world are asking for us to move ahead faster and better, in financing, adaptation, mitigation," Carolina Schmidt, Chilean environment minister and President of COP25, told the closing plenary. Following a year of deadly extreme weather and weekly strikes by millions of young people demanding action, negotiations in Madrid were under pressure to send a clear signal that governments were willing to double down. The summit -- moved at the last minute from Chile due to unrest -- at times teetered on the brink of collapse as rich polluters, emerging powerhouses and climate-vulnerable nations groped for common ground in the face of competing national interests. "Based on the adopted text, there is a glimmer of hope that the heart of the Paris Agreement is still beating," said Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift, referring the treaty inked in the French capital. "But its pulse is very weak." Negotiators from nearly 200 nations came to Spain's capital with the aim of finalising the rulebook for the 2015 agreement, which enjoins nations to limit global temperature to below two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit). 'Missing in action' With the accord set to become operational next year, it had been hoped COP 25 would show the world that governments would be moved by protests, irrefutable science, and deadly storms and wildfires that marked 2019 to redouble their efforts. But greater ambition -- how far each country is willing to slash carbon emissions or assist less wealthy peers to do likewise -- has largely failed to materialise. Veteran observers of UN climate talks were stunned by the state of play. "Never have I seen such a disconnect between what the science requires and what the climate negotiations are delivering in terms of meaningful action," said Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists and a 28-year veteran of the climate process. "Most of the world's biggest emitting countries are missing in action and resisting calls to raise their ambition." The push for a strengthening of voluntary carbon cutting plans is led by small-island and least-developed states, along with the European Union. These have called out nations they see as blocking consensus for all countries to step up, notably the United States, Australia and Saudi Arabia. China and India, the world's No. 1 and No. 4 carbon emitters, made it clear they see no need to improve on their current emissions reduction plans, which run to 2030. These emerging giants chose instead to emphasise the historical responsibility of rich nations to lead the way and provide financing to poor countries. "Major players who needed to deliver in Madrid did not live up to expectations," said Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and, as France top negotiator, a main architect of the Paris Agreement. "But thanks to a progressive alliance of small island states, European, African and Latin American countries, we obtained the best possible outcome, against the will of big polluters." 'Loss and damage' The summit was also meant to finalise a chapter on carbon markets in the Paris rulebook. Some nations, notably Brazil and Australia, want to count carbon credits accumulated under a previous climate deal as part of their commitments under the Paris goals. Discussions over markets ended in impasse Sunday and the issue will to be handed over to next year's COP 26 in Glasgow. The US, which is leaving the Paris deal next year, was accused of playing spoiler on a number of issues vital to climate-vulnerable nations. This included so-called "loss and damage" funding to help disaster-hit countries repair and rebuild. "The US has not come here in good faith," said Harjeet Singh, climate lead with charity ActionAid. "They continue to block the world's efforts to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by climate change." Even if all countries implement their current plans under Paris, Earth is on course to warm more than 3C by 2100. The failure to get the rulebook finalised in Madrid mean all eyes will be on Glasgow 2020 -- when the true Paris deal deadline falls. "We must all act quickly, working in partnership to decarbonise our economies and adapt to the impact of climate change," Archie Young, Britain's Head of International Climate Change Negotiations.

Anger, relief but no joy as UN talks limp to an end

Climate change is biggest challenge for 21st century, India jumps to rank 9 from 11. Watch this video to know more. #ClimateChange #ClimateIndex

Climate change is biggest challenge for 21st century, India jumps to rank 9 from 11

Climate change fears exacerbated as Victoria Falls shrink to trickle

Climate activists demanded that governments put science above narrow political interests on Friday as negotiators battled to secure stronger commitments on the last day of a U.N. summit aimed at reducing the risk of catastrophic global warming.

Extinction Rebellion, a civil disobedience campaign that has rallied thousands of protesters courting arrest this year, delivered its call after meeting senior officials at the gathering, where negotiations are going down to the wire.

"We've had 25 years of talks and the only thing that really matters is global emissions are still rising," said Tim Crosland, a prominent member of Extinction Rebellion, which launched it campaign by occupying bridges and blocking roads in Britain just over a year ago.

"We say you have to shift the conversation to what's necessary, to what has to be done to avert disaster and that's the only conversation that really matters," he told reporters.

He was speaking after Extinction Rebellion representatives met Gonzalo Munoz, climate change envoy of Chile, which holds the presidency of the talks, and other officials.

The two-week conference, which was moved to Spain after social unrest erupted in Chile, entered its final day with delegates disputing outstanding issues from the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit fast-rising global temperatures.

Questions to resolve include finance to support the countries most vulnerable to climate change, rules guiding international trade in carbon credits, and whether big countries will give a strong signal of intent to curb emissions.

The tortuous progress of the talks cut a stark contrast to the explosion of climate activism seen in the past year, from colourful Extinction Rebellion protests to block traffic in cities, to the school strike movement inspired by teen activist Greta Thunberg, who spoke at the talks this week.

With the annual negotiations entering the traditional phase of last-minute brinkmanship, which can stretch deep into the night, some negotiators said they feared that the conference would end with weak resolutions.

"We are seeing regression not progression, specifically because some countries are not willing to come forward on climate finance," said Mohamed Nasr, chair of the Africa bloc of negotiators. "There is a very big question on the commitment of the parties to the Paris Agreement."

Climate activists demanded that governments put science above narrow political interests on Friday as negotiators battled to secure stronger commitments on the last day of a U.

Climate activists demanded that governments put science above narrow political interests on Friday as negotiators battled to secure stronger commitments on the last day of a U.N. summit aimed at reducing the risk of catastrophic global warming. Extinction Rebellion, a civil disobedience campaign that has rallied thousands of protesters courting arrest this year, delivered its call after meeting senior officials at the gathering, where negotiations are going down to the wire. "We've had 25 years of talks and the only thing that really matters is global emissions are still rising," said Tim Crosland, a prominent member of Extinction Rebellion, which launched it campaign by occupying bridges and blocking roads in Britain just over a year ago. "We say you have to shift the conversation to what's necessary, to what has to be done to avert disaster and that's the only conversation that really matters," he told reporters. He was speaking after Extinction Rebellion representatives met Gonzalo Munoz, climate change envoy of Chile, which holds the presidency of the talks, and other officials. The two-week conference, which was moved to Spain after social unrest erupted in Chile, entered its final day with delegates disputing outstanding issues from the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit fast-rising global temperatures. Questions to resolve include finance to support the countries most vulnerable to climate change, rules guiding international trade in carbon credits, and whether big countries will give a strong signal of intent to curb emissions. The tortuous progress of the talks cut a stark contrast to the explosion of climate activism seen in the past year, from colourful Extinction Rebellion protests to block traffic in cities, to the school strike movement inspired by teen activist Greta Thunberg, who spoke at the talks this week. With the annual negotiations entering the traditional phase of last-minute brinkmanship, which can stretch deep into the night, some negotiators said they feared that the conference would end with weak resolutions. "We are seeing regression not progression, specifically because some countries are not willing to come forward on climate finance," said Mohamed Nasr, chair of the Africa bloc of negotiators. "There is a very big question on the commitment of the parties to the Paris Agreement."

Talk is just more hot air as emissions keep rising, climate activists tell politicians

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday. Kangujam submitted a 4-page long memorandum on behalf of the children of the world.

Kangujam told Guterres that children must lead the decision-making process to unite world leaders. She also called for actions as per her memorandum.

"I was glad to meet 8-year-old @LicypriyaK at #COP25 today. Her presence reminds us of our obligations to future generations. Hers is the generation for which we have to take urgent #ClimateAction," the UN Secretary-General tweeted on Thursday.

Kangujam demanded to call a special session of the UN Security Council to fight the war against the climate crisis.

The young climate activist urged the UN chief to work with courage and strength against countries, including the United States, that are ignoring science and responsible for maximum carbon emissions. She also demanded the UN chief to give strong instructions to the UNESCO to include climate change as a compulsory subject in the school curriculum in all countries.

Kangujam also strongly urged to call a special UN Security Council meeting to curb climate crisis and bring peace on the planet for a safe and secure future for our future generations.

She briefed the UN chief about Delhi's air pollution and how it is posing a threat to children and infants. She urged Guterres to bring an urgent permanent solution to &nbsp;Delhi's health emergency by working with the government of India. The UN chief said he will definitely look into it.

The COP25 climate conference is being held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, from December 2-13.

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday.

8-years-old Indian climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, known as India's Greta Thunberg, met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, at COP25 (2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on Thursday. Kangujam submitted a 4-page long memorandum on behalf of the children of the world. Kangujam told Guterres that children must lead the decision-making process to unite world leaders. She also called for actions as per her memorandum. "I was glad to meet 8-year-old @LicypriyaK at #COP25 today. Her presence reminds us of our obligations to future generations. Hers is the generation for which we have to take urgent #ClimateAction," the UN Secretary-General tweeted on Thursday. Kangujam demanded to call a special session of the UN Security Council to fight the war against the climate crisis. The young climate activist urged the UN chief to work with courage and strength against countries, including the United States, that are ignoring science and responsible for maximum carbon emissions. She also demanded the UN chief to give strong instructions to the UNESCO to include climate change as a compulsory subject in the school curriculum in all countries. Kangujam also strongly urged to call a special UN Security Council meeting to curb climate crisis and bring peace on the planet for a safe and secure future for our future generations. She briefed the UN chief about Delhi's air pollution and how it is posing a threat to children and infants. She urged Guterres to bring an urgent permanent solution to Delhi's health emergency by working with the government of India. The UN chief said he will definitely look into it. The COP25 climate conference is being held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, from December 2-13.

She reminds of our obligations to future generations: UN chief on India's child climate activist Licypriya Kangujam

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday mocked teenage climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-power-of-youth-greta-thunberg-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-267728">Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's Person of the year for 2019</a>.

Reprising his ridicule of 16-year-old Thunberg, Trump said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie".

&nbsp;"So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill! <a href="https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE">https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205100602025545730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</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>

Meanwhile, soon after Trump's Tweet, Greta also swiftly responded to the tweet by changing her Twitter bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem."

"Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read.

<img alt="Greta Thunberg Twitter bio" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05c77c79-bb93-49bb-9aac-5988973063ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Greta%20Thunberg.JPG" />

The latest exchange came a day after Time magazine named teenage climate activist from Sweden Greta Thunberg as Times person of the year 2019.

The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page.

Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions.

Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year.

Thunberg also made headlines after her fiery speech at the United Nations climate summit where she thundered over world leaders for failing to take measure to stop global warming.

She accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?"

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday mocked teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's Person of the year for 2019. Reprising his ridicule of 16-year-old Thunberg, Trump said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie".

The US President Donald Trump on Thursday mocked teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg after she was named Time's Person of the year for 2019. Reprising his ridicule of 16-year-old Thunberg, Trump said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie". "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill! https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2019 × Meanwhile, soon after Trump's Tweet, Greta also swiftly responded to the tweet by changing her Twitter bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem." "Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read. The latest exchange came a day after Time magazine named teenage climate activist from Sweden Greta Thunberg as Times person of the year 2019. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page. Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions. Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year. Thunberg also made headlines after her fiery speech at the United Nations climate summit where she thundered over world leaders for failing to take measure to stop global warming. She accused them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking "How dare you?"

Teenager working on anger management: Greta Thunberg's Twitter bio after Trump mocks her

International Union for Conservation of Nature recently updated their red list of threatened species putting a spotlight on hundreds of plant and animal species who are facing the threat of habitat destruction.

Here we explain the process of mass extinction.

Scientists believe the earth is experiencing another "mass extinction event" since non-avian dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago.

More than 40% per cent of amphibians and one-quarter of all mammals are currently at risk of disappearing entirely from our planet.

It’s the result of changes set in motion by human activity and climate change, with life in the oceans particularly affected.

Coral reefs, home to over a quarter of all marine species, could disappear by 2050, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which compiles an annual ‘red list’ of the world’s most endangered wildlife.

Antarctic blue whales, the largest creatures on the planet, are critically endangered, just one step away from extinction.

With possibly as few as 10 left in the world, the vaquita, the planet’s smallest porpoise, is probably the species most at risk of extinction. The mammal gets caught in illegal fishing nets and drowns.

Some 60 per cent of freshwater species such as crocodiles, hippos, and river dolphins are classified as threatened and lacking adequate protection.

The reclusive pangolin has become the most trafficked mammal on earth due to soaring demand in Asia for its scales for traditional medicine and its meat which is considered a delicacy.

More than half of all primates are under threat of extinction due to habitat destruction, the illegal wildlife trade and hunting.

Four out of six of the Earth’s great apes are endangered or critically many wild cats are also on the cusp of extinction, including the Sumatran tiger and Javan leopard.

All five surviving species of rhinoceros in the wild are threatened, mainly by poaching. The northern white rhino is already extinct in the wild, with less than a handful left in captivity.

The number of Asian elephants has fallen by at least 50% over three generations, there are less than 50,000 left in the wild.

The future of four out of eight bear species is also cause for concern: the giant panda and polar bears are both vulnerable’.

Source: International Union for the conservation of Nature, CITES, WWF, International Rhino Foundation.

International Union for Conservation of Nature recently updated their red list of threatened species putting a spotlight on hundreds of plant and animal species who are facing the threat of habitat destruction.

International Union for Conservation of Nature recently updated their red list of threatened species putting a spotlight on hundreds of plant and animal species who are facing the threat of habitat destruction. Here we explain the process of mass extinction. Scientists believe the earth is experiencing another "mass extinction event" since non-avian dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago. More than 40% per cent of amphibians and one-quarter of all mammals are currently at risk of disappearing entirely from our planet. It’s the result of changes set in motion by human activity and climate change, with life in the oceans particularly affected. Coral reefs, home to over a quarter of all marine species, could disappear by 2050, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which compiles an annual ‘red list’ of the world’s most endangered wildlife. Antarctic blue whales, the largest creatures on the planet, are critically endangered, just one step away from extinction. With possibly as few as 10 left in the world, the vaquita, the planet’s smallest porpoise, is probably the species most at risk of extinction. The mammal gets caught in illegal fishing nets and drowns. Some 60 per cent of freshwater species such as crocodiles, hippos, and river dolphins are classified as threatened and lacking adequate protection. The reclusive pangolin has become the most trafficked mammal on earth due to soaring demand in Asia for its scales for traditional medicine and its meat which is considered a delicacy. More than half of all primates are under threat of extinction due to habitat destruction, the illegal wildlife trade and hunting. Four out of six of the Earth’s great apes are endangered or critically many wild cats are also on the cusp of extinction, including the Sumatran tiger and Javan leopard. All five surviving species of rhinoceros in the wild are threatened, mainly by poaching. The northern white rhino is already extinct in the wild, with less than a handful left in captivity. The number of Asian elephants has fallen by at least 50% over three generations, there are less than 50,000 left in the wild. The future of four out of eight bear species is also cause for concern: the giant panda and polar bears are both vulnerable’. Source: International Union for the conservation of Nature, CITES, WWF, International Rhino Foundation.

Is earth experiencing another 'mass extinction event'?

Over 20,000 protestors rallied on the streets of Sydney demanding that the Australian government should take urgent action on climate change. They voiced anger that why is the government silent in the midst of the crisis.

Protests break out in Sydney over climate change

India ranked ninth on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-protest-against-climate-change-with-bushfire-in-focus-267674">Climate Change</a> Performance Index (CCPI), above countries like Finland, Chile, and Norway.

Efforts made by India to tackle and control climate change finally have been put into action with the country scoring 66.02 points on the scale.

The highest-ranking country was Sweden at number four, clocking in 75.77 points, followed by Denmark scoring 71.14 points, and Morocco with 70.63 points.

The first three positions were left empty as according to the scale ''no country is doing enough to prevent dangerous climate change''.

The worst performing countries are the United States at number 61 with a score of 18.60. Other countries with dismal improvements include Saudi Arabia (22.03 points), Chinese Taipei (23.33 points), and the Islamic Republic of Iran (28.41 points).

The index used four categories to measure each country's performance. These include greenhouse gas emissions (40 per cent weightage), renewable energy (20 per cet weightage), energy use (20 per cent weightage), and climate policy (20 per cent weightage).

The list is further colour coded with red representing the worst performance and dark green representing the best effort, which no country was able to achieve.&nbsp;

Watch: Climate Change 'Tipping Points'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-climate-change-tipping-points-265326/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Sweden performed the best while the US showed the least improvement.&nbsp;

Renewable energy was best employed by Sweden and Denmark while Iran, Malaysia, and Russia display the least growth in this arena.

In the context of energy use, Malta, Morocco, and Ukraine exhibited positive results, while Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Canada showed the least improvement.

Furthermore, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-denmark-to-hold-meeting-to-chalk-out-action-plan-against-climate-change-267482">climate policy</a>, which has recently been pushed as the key signifier of positive climate action witnessed the best performance from Denmark and the least effort from United States.

The CCPI was designed by a German environmental and development organisation called Germanwatch EV. The aim is to enhance transparency in international climate politics.

India ranked ninth on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), above countries like Finland, Chile, and Norway. Efforts made by India to tackle and control climate change finally have been put into action with the country scoring 66.

India ranked ninth on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), above countries like Finland, Chile, and Norway. Efforts made by India to tackle and control climate change finally have been put into action with the country scoring 66.02 points on the scale. The highest-ranking country was Sweden at number four, clocking in 75.77 points, followed by Denmark scoring 71.14 points, and Morocco with 70.63 points. The first three positions were left empty as according to the scale ''no country is doing enough to prevent dangerous climate change''. The worst performing countries are the United States at number 61 with a score of 18.60. Other countries with dismal improvements include Saudi Arabia (22.03 points), Chinese Taipei (23.33 points), and the Islamic Republic of Iran (28.41 points). The index used four categories to measure each country's performance. These include greenhouse gas emissions (40 per cent weightage), renewable energy (20 per cet weightage), energy use (20 per cent weightage), and climate policy (20 per cent weightage). The list is further colour coded with red representing the worst performance and dark green representing the best effort, which no country was able to achieve. Watch: Climate Change 'Tipping Points' In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, Sweden performed the best while the US showed the least improvement. Renewable energy was best employed by Sweden and Denmark while Iran, Malaysia, and Russia display the least growth in this arena. In the context of energy use, Malta, Morocco, and Ukraine exhibited positive results, while Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Canada showed the least improvement. Furthermore, climate policy, which has recently been pushed as the key signifier of positive climate action witnessed the best performance from Denmark and the least effort from United States. The CCPI was designed by a German environmental and development organisation called Germanwatch EV. The aim is to enhance transparency in international climate politics.

India ranks ninth on Climate Change Performance Index

The teenage climate activist from Sweden, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-activist-greta-thunberg-accuses-politicians-of-polishing-their-image-267623">Greta Thunberg</a> was named as Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2019 today. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page.

Thunberg has remained at the helm of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-sails-to-europe-sets-course-for-un-climate-summit-261882">climate change advocacy</a> and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions.

Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year. 
 
While speaking at a United Nations summit today, Thunberg accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change.

"It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid.

The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues.

"I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-hails-greta-thunberg-calls-her-leader-of-our-time-259598">Thunberg added</a>.

Last year, the magazine named 'The Guardians' as the people of the year. These included journalists who faced persecution, arrest or murder for their reporting. Those highlighted on four different covers were Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo.

(With inputs from agencies)

The teenage climate activist from Sweden, Greta Thunberg was named as Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2019 today. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page.

The teenage climate activist from Sweden, Greta Thunberg was named as Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2019 today. The magazine ran the story with the subtitle ''The Power of Youth'' on the cover page. Thunberg has remained at the helm of climate change advocacy and has constantly urged prominent world leaders to find viable long-term solutions. Seen as a spokesperson for the new generation, the 16-year-old gained traction after a solo strike outside the Swedish parliament last year. While speaking at a United Nations summit today, Thunberg accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change. "It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues. "I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", Thunberg added. Last year, the magazine named 'The Guardians' as the people of the year. These included journalists who faced persecution, arrest or murder for their reporting. Those highlighted on four different covers were Jamal Khashoggi, Maria Ressa, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. (With inputs from agencies)

'The power of youth': Greta Thunberg named Time magazine's Person of the Year

European Commission head Ursula Von Der Leyen today said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-to-prolong-russia-sanctions-german-minister-267216">European Union</a> intends to mobilise 100 billion euros worth of investment in a bid to make the union's economies more environmentally friendly.

"This is Europe's man on the moon moment," Von Der Leyen exclaimed before making her climate pitch.

Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have expressed dismay at cutting greenhouse gas emissions further. Leyen's deal is expected to bring back discussions surrounding this.

Leyen is set to propose her much-awaited ''Green Deal'' for the bloc later today to showcase <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-permits-state-aid-to-develop-electric-battery-giants-267202">commitment to achieve climate neutrality</a> by 2050.

(With inputs from Reuters)

European Commission head Ursula Von Der Leyen today said that the European Union intends to mobilise 100 billion euros worth of investment in a bid to make the union's economies more environmentally friendly.

European Commission head Ursula Von Der Leyen today said that the European Union intends to mobilise 100 billion euros worth of investment in a bid to make the union's economies more environmentally friendly. "This is Europe's man on the moon moment," Von Der Leyen exclaimed before making her climate pitch. Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have expressed dismay at cutting greenhouse gas emissions further. Leyen's deal is expected to bring back discussions surrounding this. Leyen is set to propose her much-awaited ''Green Deal'' for the bloc later today to showcase commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. (With inputs from Reuters)

New climate pact is EU's 'man on the moon moment': Chief executive

The United States was accused Wednesday of using crunch UN talks to avoid compensating poorer nations hit by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-protest-against-climate-change-with-bushfire-in-focus-267674">climate change</a>, despite its decision to leave the process to limit global warming.

Delegates and observers at the COP25 negotiations in Madrid told AFP that Washington was pushing for a change in the rules of the UN climate convention that could let history's largest emitter largely off the hook when it comes to so-called "loss and damage" funding for developing nations.

Under the bedrock UN climate treaty, adopted in 1992, rich nations agreed to shoulder more responsibility for curbing global warming, and to help developing countries prepare for unavoidable future impacts,&nbsp;the twin pillars of "mitigation" and "adaptation".

But there was no provision for helping countries already reeling in a climate-addled world, such as Mozambique,&nbsp;recently hit by devastating cyclones, and small island states literally disappearing under the waves.

A new mechanism was established in 2013, but with damage estimates running to $150 billion (135 billion euros) a year by 2025, there is no agreement on where the money might come from or even if it should be paid.

One of the tasks facing delegates in Madrid is reviewing the framework for how countries might pay and account for this money.

A document said to be circulated by US negotiators to delegation heads, seen by AFP, proposes to transpose a key provision under the 2015 Paris agreement -- from which the United States is withdrawing -- and apply it to the wider COP process, where the US will maintain a seat at the table.

The clause in question was adopted by countries in 2015 to specify that the landmark <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-devastating-amazon-fire-to-indonesias-green-new-capital-climate-change-in-focus-at-wion-world-order-event-267029">climate deal</a> "does not involve or provide a basis for any liability or compensation".

By seeking to apply the wording to the UN process as a whole, observers say the US is essentially proposing a liability waiver for richer countries in financing blameless poorer nations' fight against climate impacts.

Delegates representing developing countries said the US proposal was "unimaginable" and vowed to block it.

"Climate change has been triggered due to historic responsibilities," Ammar Hijazi, the head of the G77 negotiating bloc at COP25, told AFP.&nbsp;

"What's affecting the most vulnerable needs to be addressed in that vein."&nbsp;

Watch: Climate Change 'Tipping Points'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-climate-change-tipping-points-265326/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'Undermines whole process'

Hijazi said the US proposal was contrary to the core UN climate principle that richer nations responsible for the most emissions must do more to help poorer nations adapt.&nbsp;

"It undermines the whole process," he said.&nbsp;

"If you take that principle out of the formula... you start defaulting on your historic responsibility and what you yourself have committed to under the convention."

The US move is also designed to leave open access for Washington to the UN executive committee that decides on loss and damage funding, several sources noted.&nbsp;

This could allow the US to stymie climate finance for years to come despite pulling out of Paris.

"The Trump administration is now making a cynical and paranoid play to further distance itself from responsibility for the harmful impacts of climate change and to further protect itself and other polluters from liability for the crisis," said Harjeet Singh, global climate lead at ActionAid.

The US delegation said it had no comment on the issue.&nbsp;

'Concerns our grandchildren'

Carlos Fuller, the lead negotiator for small island nations, said that the US proposal was unnecessary.

"The US wants to be part of the process and so they believe they need to have a decision saying that," he said.&nbsp;

"We need to engage them. We believe we both want to get to the same place but we're coming from different angles."

Alpha Kaboga, a negotiator from Guinea and a member of the UN's executive committee on loss and damage, told AFP that the US stance was another example of rich nations ignoring the climate needs of poorer countries.&nbsp;

"You see the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-has-ill-effects-on-health-but-not-enough-funding-world-health-organisation-265954">climate impact now</a>," he said.

"Bringing very critical language like (the US proposal) into the convention is something that's going to be very difficult for us to accept."

"It concerns not only us but also our children and grandchildren," he added.&nbsp;

The United States was accused Wednesday of using crunch UN talks to avoid compensating poorer nations hit by climate change, despite its decision to leave the process to limit global warming.

The United States was accused Wednesday of using crunch UN talks to avoid compensating poorer nations hit by climate change, despite its decision to leave the process to limit global warming. Delegates and observers at the COP25 negotiations in Madrid told AFP that Washington was pushing for a change in the rules of the UN climate convention that could let history's largest emitter largely off the hook when it comes to so-called "loss and damage" funding for developing nations. Under the bedrock UN climate treaty, adopted in 1992, rich nations agreed to shoulder more responsibility for curbing global warming, and to help developing countries prepare for unavoidable future impacts, the twin pillars of "mitigation" and "adaptation". But there was no provision for helping countries already reeling in a climate-addled world, such as Mozambique, recently hit by devastating cyclones, and small island states literally disappearing under the waves. A new mechanism was established in 2013, but with damage estimates running to $150 billion (135 billion euros) a year by 2025, there is no agreement on where the money might come from or even if it should be paid. One of the tasks facing delegates in Madrid is reviewing the framework for how countries might pay and account for this money. A document said to be circulated by US negotiators to delegation heads, seen by AFP, proposes to transpose a key provision under the 2015 Paris agreement -- from which the United States is withdrawing -- and apply it to the wider COP process, where the US will maintain a seat at the table. The clause in question was adopted by countries in 2015 to specify that the landmark climate deal "does not involve or provide a basis for any liability or compensation". By seeking to apply the wording to the UN process as a whole, observers say the US is essentially proposing a liability waiver for richer countries in financing blameless poorer nations' fight against climate impacts. Delegates representing developing countries said the US proposal was "unimaginable" and vowed to block it. "Climate change has been triggered due to historic responsibilities," Ammar Hijazi, the head of the G77 negotiating bloc at COP25, told AFP. "What's affecting the most vulnerable needs to be addressed in that vein." Watch: Climate Change 'Tipping Points' 'Undermines whole process' Hijazi said the US proposal was contrary to the core UN climate principle that richer nations responsible for the most emissions must do more to help poorer nations adapt. "It undermines the whole process," he said. "If you take that principle out of the formula... you start defaulting on your historic responsibility and what you yourself have committed to under the convention." The US move is also designed to leave open access for Washington to the UN executive committee that decides on loss and damage funding, several sources noted. This could allow the US to stymie climate finance for years to come despite pulling out of Paris. "The Trump administration is now making a cynical and paranoid play to further distance itself from responsibility for the harmful impacts of climate change and to further protect itself and other polluters from liability for the crisis," said Harjeet Singh, global climate lead at ActionAid. The US delegation said it had no comment on the issue. 'Concerns our grandchildren' Carlos Fuller, the lead negotiator for small island nations, said that the US proposal was unnecessary. "The US wants to be part of the process and so they believe they need to have a decision saying that," he said. "We need to engage them. We believe we both want to get to the same place but we're coming from different angles." Alpha Kaboga, a negotiator from Guinea and a member of the UN's executive committee on loss and damage, told AFP that the US stance was another example of rich nations ignoring the climate needs of poorer countries. "You see the climate impact now," he said. "Bringing very critical language like (the US proposal) into the convention is something that's going to be very difficult for us to accept." "It concerns not only us but also our children and grandchildren," he added.

US accused of seeking climate funding waiver at UN talks

The thick smoke that has covered Sydney for weeks has sparked protests across Australia.&nbsp;

Thousands gathered outside Sydney's Town Hall, as cooler winds eased bushfires and contained the haze around the city.

The protests have been demanding action by the government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-to-protest-as-bushfire-haze-sparks-health-concerns-267578">amid the bushfire crisis</a>. The protesters wore face maks, held placards, and chanted slogans.

The bushfires have claimed the lives of four people since November. Additionally, the fires have burnt about 2.5 million acres of farmland and bush. More than 400 homes were destroyed in the mega-fire.

Owing to public outcry, Australia's Liberal-National government defended its policies regarding climate change. According to them, there is no link between climate change and the severity of fires.&nbsp;

Watch: Australia's bushfire now a 'mega blaze'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australias-bushfire-now-a-mega-blaze-267009/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The devastating fires have focused attention on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-takes-a-toll-on-sydney-264029">climate change</a>, with scientists saying the blazes have come earlier and with more intensity than usual due to global warming and a prolonged drought.

At least 5,000 people showed up at&nbsp;Wednesday's protest, according to organiser Chloe Rafferty, who said the bushfires and smoke haze had created anger at the conservative government's inaction on curbing emissions.

"I think the wider public can see that we are not expecting the climate crisis in the future but we are facing the climate crisis now," she told AFP.

"People are experiencing it in their day-to-day lives."

As well as a rise in people visiting hospitals with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydneysiders-urged-to-stay-indoors-as-australian-bushfire-smoke-blankets-city-263900">smoke-related health symptoms</a>, the number of emergency calls for ambulances spiked 30 per cent last week.&nbsp;

"For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose, and throat," top health department official Richard Broome said.

"However, people with conditions like asthma, emphysema, and angina are at greater risk because the smoke can trigger their symptoms."

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The thick smoke that has covered Sydney for weeks has sparked protests across Australia. Thousands gathered outside Sydney's Town Hall, as cooler winds eased bushfires and contained the haze around the city.

The thick smoke that has covered Sydney for weeks has sparked protests across Australia. Thousands gathered outside Sydney's Town Hall, as cooler winds eased bushfires and contained the haze around the city. The protests have been demanding action by the government amid the bushfire crisis. The protesters wore face maks, held placards, and chanted slogans. The bushfires have claimed the lives of four people since November. Additionally, the fires have burnt about 2.5 million acres of farmland and bush. More than 400 homes were destroyed in the mega-fire. Owing to public outcry, Australia's Liberal-National government defended its policies regarding climate change. According to them, there is no link between climate change and the severity of fires. Watch: Australia's bushfire now a 'mega blaze' The devastating fires have focused attention on climate change, with scientists saying the blazes have come earlier and with more intensity than usual due to global warming and a prolonged drought. At least 5,000 people showed up at Wednesday's protest, according to organiser Chloe Rafferty, who said the bushfires and smoke haze had created anger at the conservative government's inaction on curbing emissions. "I think the wider public can see that we are not expecting the climate crisis in the future but we are facing the climate crisis now," she told AFP. "People are experiencing it in their day-to-day lives." As well as a rise in people visiting hospitals with smoke-related health symptoms, the number of emergency calls for ambulances spiked 30 per cent last week. "For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose, and throat," top health department official Richard Broome said. "However, people with conditions like asthma, emphysema, and angina are at greater risk because the smoke can trigger their symptoms." (With inputs from Reuters)

Australia: Thousands protest against climate change with bushfire in focus

Famous teenage climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-sails-to-europe-sets-course-for-un-climate-summit-261882">Greta Thunberg</a>, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change.

"It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid.

The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues.

"I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", Thunberg added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-hails-greta-thunberg-calls-her-leader-of-our-time-259598">Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest</a> movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution".

"Zero in 2050 means nothing if high emission continues even for a few years," said Thunberg, who has become a symbol of youth anger against older generations and the political classes for foot-dragging over the environmental crisis.

"To stay below 1.5 degrees we need to keep the carbon in the ground."

The meeting took place in Madrid, Spain.

(With inputs from agencies)

Famous teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change.

Famous teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, at a United Nations summit, accused leaders, both political and business, of looking for loopholes to keep their own image intact in the fight against climate change. "It seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambition," the 16-year-old Swede told the meeting in Madrid. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which intends to avert catastrophic global warming, is grappling with implementation issues. "I still believe the biggest danger is not inaction, the real danger is when politicians and CEOs are making it look like real action is happening when in fact almost nothing is being done apart from clever accounting and creative PR", Thunberg added. Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution". "Zero in 2050 means nothing if high emission continues even for a few years," said Thunberg, who has become a symbol of youth anger against older generations and the political classes for foot-dragging over the environmental crisis. "To stay below 1.5 degrees we need to keep the carbon in the ground." The meeting took place in Madrid, Spain. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate activist Greta Thunberg accuses politicians of 'polishing' their image

India and Denmark will hold a joint working group meeting in New Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs over the next two years as a part of their efforts towards climate change, Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday. 
 
The decision in this regard was taken during a bilateral meeting held here between Javadekar and a delegation from Denmark led by Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jorgensen. 
 
During the meeting, the two sides shared their positions on key approaches towards climate change such as adaptation, mitigation, technology, finance, waste management and afforestation, Javadekar wrote on Twitter. 
 
"Had a cordial bilateral meeting with a #Denmark delegation led by Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Mr Dan Jorgensen. We shared our positions on Adaptation, Mitigation, Technology, Finance, Waste Management and Afforestation. #ClimateAction @UNFCCC," Javadekar tweeted. 
 
"#India and #Denmark decided to hold a Joint Working Group Meeting in #Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs for the next two years. #ClimateAction @UNFCCC," the following tweet read.

India and Denmark will hold a joint working group meeting in New Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs over the next two years as a part of their efforts towards climate change, Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday.

India and Denmark will hold a joint working group meeting in New Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs over the next two years as a part of their efforts towards climate change, Union Minister for Environment and Forest Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday. The decision in this regard was taken during a bilateral meeting held here between Javadekar and a delegation from Denmark led by Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jorgensen. During the meeting, the two sides shared their positions on key approaches towards climate change such as adaptation, mitigation, technology, finance, waste management and afforestation, Javadekar wrote on Twitter. "Had a cordial bilateral meeting with a #Denmark delegation led by Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Mr Dan Jorgensen. We shared our positions on Adaptation, Mitigation, Technology, Finance, Waste Management and Afforestation. #ClimateAction @UNFCCC," Javadekar tweeted. "#India and #Denmark decided to hold a Joint Working Group Meeting in #Delhi to chalk out mutually beneficial programs for the next two years. #ClimateAction @UNFCCC," the following tweet read.

India, Denmark to hold meeting to chalk out action plan against climate change

Tighter government climate regulations by 2025 could wipe up to $2.3 trillion off the value of companies in industries ranging from fossil fuel producers to agriculture and carmakers, an investor group warned in a report.

Rules aimed at lowering carbon emissions are expected to accelerate in the coming years as countries scramble to meet obligations under the 2015 Paris climate agreement limiting global warming.

Any abrupt policy shifts risk severely disrupting current investment strategies, U.N.-backed Principles of Responsible Investing (PRI), a group representing investors with $86 trillion of assets under management, said in a report.

"As the realities of climate change catch up, social pressure mounts, and low carbon solutions get cheaper, it's highly improbable that governments will be allowed to let the world sleep-walk into greater rises in temperature without being compelled into forceful action sooner," PRI Chief Executive Fiona Reynolds said.

"This poses huge threats for assets and for the wider system."

Most exposed is the fossil fuel sector which could lose one-third of its current value, the report said. Fossil fuels account for around two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Coal firms could lose as much as 44% in value, while the world's top oil and gas companies risk losing up to 31% of their current market share, according to the report which forecasts oil demand peaking around 2027.

The analysis showed that broad index-based funds such as the iShares MSCI ACWI ETF could lose up to 4.5% or $2.3 trillion in its value under the most extreme scenario.

The shift would nevertheless also lead to winners.

Automakers heavily invested in electric vehicles and electric utility firms using low-carbon power could more than double their values, the report said.

The report came out as world leaders meet in Madrid for the 2019 United Nations climate change conference, known as COP25.

Tighter government climate regulations by 2025 could wipe up to $2.3 trillion off the value of companies in industries ranging from fossil fuel producers to agriculture and carmakers, an investor group warned in a report.

Tighter government climate regulations by 2025 could wipe up to $2.3 trillion off the value of companies in industries ranging from fossil fuel producers to agriculture and carmakers, an investor group warned in a report. Rules aimed at lowering carbon emissions are expected to accelerate in the coming years as countries scramble to meet obligations under the 2015 Paris climate agreement limiting global warming. Any abrupt policy shifts risk severely disrupting current investment strategies, U.N.-backed Principles of Responsible Investing (PRI), a group representing investors with $86 trillion of assets under management, said in a report. "As the realities of climate change catch up, social pressure mounts, and low carbon solutions get cheaper, it's highly improbable that governments will be allowed to let the world sleep-walk into greater rises in temperature without being compelled into forceful action sooner," PRI Chief Executive Fiona Reynolds said. "This poses huge threats for assets and for the wider system." Most exposed is the fossil fuel sector which could lose one-third of its current value, the report said. Fossil fuels account for around two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions. Coal firms could lose as much as 44% in value, while the world's top oil and gas companies risk losing up to 31% of their current market share, according to the report which forecasts oil demand peaking around 2027. The analysis showed that broad index-based funds such as the iShares MSCI ACWI ETF could lose up to 4.5% or $2.3 trillion in its value under the most extreme scenario. The shift would nevertheless also lead to winners. Automakers heavily invested in electric vehicles and electric utility firms using low-carbon power could more than double their values, the report said. The report came out as world leaders meet in Madrid for the 2019 United Nations climate change conference, known as COP25.

Tighter climate policies could erase $2.3 trillion in companies value: Report

At WION'S <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-needs-to-create-its-own-club-focus-on-indian-ocean-region-ram-madhav-at-wion-world-order-event-266452">World Order - Talking Diplomacy event</a>, ambassadors and top diplomats converged their ideas on a range of issues. On climate change, the distinguished guests called for an immediate action plan for the sustainability and welfare of the planet.&nbsp;

Brazilian ambassador, H.E. André Aranha Correa do Lago said that the devastating Amazon fires are the "consequence of climate change" while the Indonesian envoy informed that his country's new capital "is going to be a green one".

"Indonesia is most concerned about what is happening to the environment. Our new capital is going to be a green one and it will reduce Jakarta's burden," Indonesian ambassador H.E Sidharto Suryodipuro said.&nbsp;

Mr Suryodipuro emphasised that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sleepy-to-sleepless-indonesias-future-capital-in-the-forest-247805">shifting the capital</a> is a requirement.&nbsp;

"This idea has been there since the 1950s... shifting to the Western side," Suryodipuro said while speaking at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-wion-world-order-talking-diplomacy-event-ambassadors-and-top-experts-discuss-growth-climate-change-development-and-more-266443">WION event</a>.&nbsp;

Capital city Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people - one that is slowly sinking into the sea - is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province, news agency Reuters said in one its report published in September.&nbsp;

The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island.

"Kalimantan is an area of tropical forest, we are aware of that. Indonesia also suffered forest fires. These plantations are part of the forest system. They are not cut every year. They capture carbon," Suryodipuro said.&nbsp;

The envoy lauded India's Khadi movement and said that the world can learn a lot from New Delhi. "Khadi is a lot more environment-friendly," he said. &nbsp;

The Brazilian envoy emphasised the gravity of the situation in the Amazon rainforest. "Amazon is bigger than India. There has been an increase in fires across the globe. In developed and developing countries, these extreme events are catching everybody unprepared," Correa do Lago said.&nbsp;

Ambassadors from Spain, Tunisia and Madagascar also share their perspectives on climate change and how urgent the need for an action plan is for their respective countries.&nbsp;

Eduardo Sánchez, Chargé D'affaires, Embassy of Spain said that the "size of the scientific community is huge which we would need to tap. There will be many new opportunities like the creation of green zones".&nbsp;

Argentinian ambassador, H.E. Daniel Chuburu said that every country needs to do its bit to combat climate change. The Tunisian envoy called for a unified, international approach to fight the perils of climate change.&nbsp;

"If one is pursuing an organic approach and the neighbour isn't, it will not work. Those contributing to the emissions more need to take more responsibility," Tunisian ambassador Nejmeddine Lakhal said.&nbsp;

Tahina Rasamoelina, Chargé D'affaires of Madagascar to India said that her country is the fourth most affected from cyclones.

"We have been hit by 63 cyclones over the period. We have to make sure we also meet the challenge of meeting the demands. We can achieve growth at the same time respect the environment and protect diversity," Rasamoelina stated.&nbsp;

Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India called climate change an "existential issue" and said there is an urgent need to "act now".&nbsp;

WION World Order - Talking Diplomacy event took place in New Delhi on December 5, 2019.

At WION'S World Order - Talking Diplomacy event, ambassadors and top diplomats converged their ideas on a range of issues. On climate change, the distinguished guests called for an immediate action plan for the sustainability and welfare of the planet.

At WION'S World Order - Talking Diplomacy event, ambassadors and top diplomats converged their ideas on a range of issues. On climate change, the distinguished guests called for an immediate action plan for the sustainability and welfare of the planet. Brazilian ambassador, H.E. André Aranha Correa do Lago said that the devastating Amazon fires are the "consequence of climate change" while the Indonesian envoy informed that his country's new capital "is going to be a green one". "Indonesia is most concerned about what is happening to the environment. Our new capital is going to be a green one and it will reduce Jakarta's burden," Indonesian ambassador H.E Sidharto Suryodipuro said. Mr Suryodipuro emphasised that shifting the capital is a requirement. "This idea has been there since the 1950s... shifting to the Western side," Suryodipuro said while speaking at the WION event. Capital city Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people - one that is slowly sinking into the sea - is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province, news agency Reuters said in one its report published in September. The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island. "Kalimantan is an area of tropical forest, we are aware of that. Indonesia also suffered forest fires. These plantations are part of the forest system. They are not cut every year. They capture carbon," Suryodipuro said. The envoy lauded India's Khadi movement and said that the world can learn a lot from New Delhi. "Khadi is a lot more environment-friendly," he said. The Brazilian envoy emphasised the gravity of the situation in the Amazon rainforest. "Amazon is bigger than India. There has been an increase in fires across the globe. In developed and developing countries, these extreme events are catching everybody unprepared," Correa do Lago said. Ambassadors from Spain, Tunisia and Madagascar also share their perspectives on climate change and how urgent the need for an action plan is for their respective countries. Eduardo Sánchez, Chargé D'affaires, Embassy of Spain said that the "size of the scientific community is huge which we would need to tap. There will be many new opportunities like the creation of green zones". Argentinian ambassador, H.E. Daniel Chuburu said that every country needs to do its bit to combat climate change. The Tunisian envoy called for a unified, international approach to fight the perils of climate change. "If one is pursuing an organic approach and the neighbour isn't, it will not work. Those contributing to the emissions more need to take more responsibility," Tunisian ambassador Nejmeddine Lakhal said. Tahina Rasamoelina, Chargé D'affaires of Madagascar to India said that her country is the fourth most affected from cyclones. "We have been hit by 63 cyclones over the period. We have to make sure we also meet the challenge of meeting the demands. We can achieve growth at the same time respect the environment and protect diversity," Rasamoelina stated. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India called climate change an "existential issue" and said there is an urgent need to "act now". WION World Order - Talking Diplomacy event took place in New Delhi on December 5, 2019.

From devastating Amazon fires to Indonesia's 'green' new capital: Climate change in focus at WION World Order event

An 8-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement climate change laws in the country and pass them in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

"Please save our future. I am with my inspiration @gretathunberg to give more pressure to you and the world leaders. You can't underestimate us. Please pass the Climate Change law in the ongoing winter parliament session," reads Kangujam's Tweet dated December 6.

For long, the young activist has been holding talks, organising awareness campaigns, rallies and has helped victims of natural calamities.

She recently met Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg in an climate change event in Madrid in Spain. In June this year, she stood near Parliament premises to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention towards climate change.

"I urge him and all MPs to act on climate change now and save our future. The sea levels are increasing and the Earth is becoming hotter. They should act now," she had told ANI.

She has voiced concerns across several international platforms, urging the world leaders to act on the issue of climate change and to reduce natural disasters. She has also been recognised for her work and was awarded the 2019 World Children Peace Prize Laureate.

Kangujam is also the founder of 'The Child Movement', a voluntary movement by the children to raise their voices on global issues. Prime Minister Modi has also voiced his concerns about climate change.

In September this year, while addressing the United Nations Climate Action summit 2019, Modi also said that India has come to the United Nations to present a practical approach and roadmap on the issue.

"Need and not greed is our guiding principle. India is here today to not only talk about the seriousness of this issue but to present a practical approach and a roadmap. We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of teaching," Modi had said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An 8-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement climate change laws in the country and pass them in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

An 8-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement climate change laws in the country and pass them in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. "Please save our future. I am with my inspiration @gretathunberg to give more pressure to you and the world leaders. You can't underestimate us. Please pass the Climate Change law in the ongoing winter parliament session," reads Kangujam's Tweet dated December 6. For long, the young activist has been holding talks, organising awareness campaigns, rallies and has helped victims of natural calamities. She recently met Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg in an climate change event in Madrid in Spain. In June this year, she stood near Parliament premises to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention towards climate change. "I urge him and all MPs to act on climate change now and save our future. The sea levels are increasing and the Earth is becoming hotter. They should act now," she had told ANI. She has voiced concerns across several international platforms, urging the world leaders to act on the issue of climate change and to reduce natural disasters. She has also been recognised for her work and was awarded the 2019 World Children Peace Prize Laureate. Kangujam is also the founder of 'The Child Movement', a voluntary movement by the children to raise their voices on global issues. Prime Minister Modi has also voiced his concerns about climate change. In September this year, while addressing the United Nations Climate Action summit 2019, Modi also said that India has come to the United Nations to present a practical approach and roadmap on the issue. "Need and not greed is our guiding principle. India is here today to not only talk about the seriousness of this issue but to present a practical approach and a roadmap. We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of teaching," Modi had said.

8-year-old Licypriya Kangujam urges PM to implement climate change laws

Fix the climate crisis and save the Earth, one of this year's Nobel laureates for physics urged on Saturday, saying the idea of humans escaping our planet to live in other solar systems was farfetched and unrealistic.

Swiss astronomer Didier Queloz, who shared the 2019 Nobel Prize for Physics for discovering planets orbiting distant suns, said he had heard the argument against fighting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-has-ill-effects-on-health-but-not-enough-funding-world-health-organisation-265954">climate change </a>because 'it doesn't matter because anyway we're going to leave the Earth at some point'.

"I think this is just irresponsible ... because the stars are so far away, I think we should not really have any hope, serious hope, to escape the Earth," Queloz said at a news conference in Stockholm where he is to collect his share of the 9-million-Swedish-crown ($910,000) prize next week.

"So we better spend our time and energy trying to fix it than trying to imagine that we will ... destroy it and leave it," he said.

Some scientists, including late cosmologist and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, have said threats such as nuclear war and climate change are so serious humans may have to eventually leave the Earth in order to survive as a species.

Briton Stanley Whittingham, awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize for Chemistry along with American John Goodenough and Akira Yoshino of Japan for inventing the lithium-ion battery, said a pragmatic approach was needed to the climate crisis.

"We've got to do things step-wise and have some solutions in mind," he said at the same event. "I think lithium batteries are going to help electrification of transportation, including big trucks, and in the US&nbsp;it's already helping solar and wind take over from coal power plants."

The prizes for achievements in science, literature and peace were created and funded in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel and have been awarded since 1901. This year's award ceremony and banquet is on Dec 10.

Fix the climate crisis and save the Earth, one of this year's Nobel laureates for physics urged on Saturday, saying the idea of humans escaping our planet to live in other solar systems was farfetched and unrealistic.

Fix the climate crisis and save the Earth, one of this year's Nobel laureates for physics urged on Saturday, saying the idea of humans escaping our planet to live in other solar systems was farfetched and unrealistic. Swiss astronomer Didier Queloz, who shared the 2019 Nobel Prize for Physics for discovering planets orbiting distant suns, said he had heard the argument against fighting climate change because 'it doesn't matter because anyway we're going to leave the Earth at some point'. "I think this is just irresponsible ... because the stars are so far away, I think we should not really have any hope, serious hope, to escape the Earth," Queloz said at a news conference in Stockholm where he is to collect his share of the 9-million-Swedish-crown ($910,000) prize next week. "So we better spend our time and energy trying to fix it than trying to imagine that we will ... destroy it and leave it," he said. Some scientists, including late cosmologist and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, have said threats such as nuclear war and climate change are so serious humans may have to eventually leave the Earth in order to survive as a species. Briton Stanley Whittingham, awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize for Chemistry along with American John Goodenough and Akira Yoshino of Japan for inventing the lithium-ion battery, said a pragmatic approach was needed to the climate crisis. "We've got to do things step-wise and have some solutions in mind," he said at the same event. "I think lithium batteries are going to help electrification of transportation, including big trucks, and in the US it's already helping solar and wind take over from coal power plants." The prizes for achievements in science, literature and peace were created and funded in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel and have been awarded since 1901. This year's award ceremony and banquet is on Dec 10.

Fix climate crisis, Earth is all we've got: Physics Nobel prize winner

The loss of oxygen from the ocean due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-has-ill-effects-on-health-but-not-enough-funding-world-health-organisation-265954">climate change </a>risks "dire effects" on sea life, fisheries and coastal communities, a global conservation body said Saturday.&nbsp;

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said that around 700 sites had been identified globally with low oxygen levels -- up from only 45 in the 1960s.

In the same period, the group warned, the volume of anoxic waters -- areas totally devoid of oxygen -- have quadrupled.

The ocean absorbs around a quarter of all fossil fuel emissions, but as global energy demand continues to grow there are fears that the world's seas will eventually reach saturation point.

Oceans are expected on current trends to lose 3.0-4.0 percent of their oxygen globally by 2100.&nbsp;

However, most of that loss is predicted to be in the upper 1,000 metres, that is the richest part of the ocean for biodiversity.&nbsp;

"With this report, the scale of damage climate change is wreaking upon the ocean comes into stark focus," said IUCN acting director Grethel Aguilar.&nbsp;

"As the warming ocean loses oxygen, the delicate balance of marine life is thrown into disarray."

The largest peer-reviewed study to date on ocean oxygen loss concluded that deoxygenation is already altering the balance of marine life to the detriment of species that need more of the life-giving gas.

Species such as tuna, marlin and sharks -- many of which are already endangered -- are particularly sensitive to low oxygen levels due to their large size and energy demands.&nbsp;

But loss of oxygen is affecting species across the food chain. The biomes that support around a fifth of the world's current fish catch are formed by ocean currents that bring oxygen-poor water into coastlines.&nbsp;

These areas are especially vulnerable to even tiny variations in oxygen levels.

"Impacts here will ultimately ripple out and affect hundreds of millions of people," the IUCN said.&nbsp;

The group this year issued a landmark assessment of the world's natural habitats, concluding starkly that human activity was threatening up to one million species with extinction.&nbsp;

Ocean life is already battling warmer temperatures, rampant overfishing and plastic pollution.

The World Meteorological Organization this week said that due to man-made emissions growth, the ocean is now 26 per cent more acidic than before the Industrial Revolution.&nbsp;

Climate change, pollution&nbsp;

"Ocean oxygen depletion is menacing marine ecosystems already under stress from ocean warming and acidification," said Dan Laffoley, a senior marine science adviser at the IUCN.

"To stop the worrying expansion of oxygen-poor areas, we need to decisively curb greenhouse gas emissions as well as nutrient pollution from agriculture and other sources."

The IUCN report also found that pollution around coastlines was having a significant effect on oxygen levels, with fertiliser and agricultural run off promoting more algae growth, which in turn depletes oxygen as it decomposes.&nbsp;

World leaders will gather in Marseille in June for the IUCN's World Conservation Congress.&nbsp;

Policymakers are currently in negotiations at the COP25 climate summit in Madrid charged with ratifying a comprehensive rulebook for the 2015 Paris accord.&nbsp;

"Decisions taken at the ongoing climate conference will determine whether our ocean continues to sustain a rich variety of life, or whether habitable, oxygen-rich marine areas are increasingly and irrevocably lost," said IUCN global marine and polar programme director Minna Epps.

The loss of oxygen from the ocean due to climate change risks "dire effects" on sea life, fisheries and coastal communities, a global conservation body said Saturday.

The loss of oxygen from the ocean due to climate change risks "dire effects" on sea life, fisheries and coastal communities, a global conservation body said Saturday. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said that around 700 sites had been identified globally with low oxygen levels -- up from only 45 in the 1960s. In the same period, the group warned, the volume of anoxic waters -- areas totally devoid of oxygen -- have quadrupled. The ocean absorbs around a quarter of all fossil fuel emissions, but as global energy demand continues to grow there are fears that the world's seas will eventually reach saturation point. Oceans are expected on current trends to lose 3.0-4.0 percent of their oxygen globally by 2100. However, most of that loss is predicted to be in the upper 1,000 metres, that is the richest part of the ocean for biodiversity. "With this report, the scale of damage climate change is wreaking upon the ocean comes into stark focus," said IUCN acting director Grethel Aguilar. "As the warming ocean loses oxygen, the delicate balance of marine life is thrown into disarray." The largest peer-reviewed study to date on ocean oxygen loss concluded that deoxygenation is already altering the balance of marine life to the detriment of species that need more of the life-giving gas. Species such as tuna, marlin and sharks -- many of which are already endangered -- are particularly sensitive to low oxygen levels due to their large size and energy demands. But loss of oxygen is affecting species across the food chain. The biomes that support around a fifth of the world's current fish catch are formed by ocean currents that bring oxygen-poor water into coastlines. These areas are especially vulnerable to even tiny variations in oxygen levels. "Impacts here will ultimately ripple out and affect hundreds of millions of people," the IUCN said. The group this year issued a landmark assessment of the world's natural habitats, concluding starkly that human activity was threatening up to one million species with extinction. Ocean life is already battling warmer temperatures, rampant overfishing and plastic pollution. The World Meteorological Organization this week said that due to man-made emissions growth, the ocean is now 26 per cent more acidic than before the Industrial Revolution. Climate change, pollution "Ocean oxygen depletion is menacing marine ecosystems already under stress from ocean warming and acidification," said Dan Laffoley, a senior marine science adviser at the IUCN. "To stop the worrying expansion of oxygen-poor areas, we need to decisively curb greenhouse gas emissions as well as nutrient pollution from agriculture and other sources." The IUCN report also found that pollution around coastlines was having a significant effect on oxygen levels, with fertiliser and agricultural run off promoting more algae growth, which in turn depletes oxygen as it decomposes. World leaders will gather in Marseille in June for the IUCN's World Conservation Congress. Policymakers are currently in negotiations at the COP25 climate summit in Madrid charged with ratifying a comprehensive rulebook for the 2015 Paris accord. "Decisions taken at the ongoing climate conference will determine whether our ocean continues to sustain a rich variety of life, or whether habitable, oxygen-rich marine areas are increasingly and irrevocably lost," said IUCN global marine and polar programme director Minna Epps.

Marine life under threat from plummeting oxygen levels

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg said on Friday the voices of climate strikers are being heard but politicians are still not taking action.

"We are getting bigger and bigger and our voices are being heard more and more, but of course that does not translate into political action," Thunberg told a panel in Madrid, where a UN&nbsp;climate summit is taking place.

Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution".

"We don’t want to continue. We would love some action from people in power," she said. "People are suffering and dying from the climate and ecological emergency today and we cannot wait any longer."

Thunberg said she hoped the two-week annual round of climate negotiations, which opened in Madrid on Monday, would lead to "concrete action" and that world leaders would grasp the urgency of the climate crisis.

"Of course there is no victory, because the only thing we want to see is real action," Thunberg said. "So we have achieved a lot, but if you look at it from a certain point of view we have achieved nothing."

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg said on Friday the voices of climate strikers are being heard but politicians are still not taking action. "We are getting bigger and bigger and our voices are being heard more and more, but of course that does not translate into political action," Thunberg told a panel in Madrid, where a UN climate summit is taking place.

Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg said on Friday the voices of climate strikers are being heard but politicians are still not taking action. "We are getting bigger and bigger and our voices are being heard more and more, but of course that does not translate into political action," Thunberg told a panel in Madrid, where a UN climate summit is taking place. Thunberg, who sparked a global youth-led protest movement after striking outside the Swedish parliament last year, said that asking children to skip school to protest inaction by governments on climate change was "not a sustainable solution". "We don’t want to continue. We would love some action from people in power," she said. "People are suffering and dying from the climate and ecological emergency today and we cannot wait any longer." Thunberg said she hoped the two-week annual round of climate negotiations, which opened in Madrid on Monday, would lead to "concrete action" and that world leaders would grasp the urgency of the climate crisis. "Of course there is no victory, because the only thing we want to see is real action," Thunberg said. "So we have achieved a lot, but if you look at it from a certain point of view we have achieved nothing."

Thunberg says 'our voices' being heard but not translating into action

Parents from around the globe Thursday said governments locked in negotiations at<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../war-against-nature-must-stop-un-chief-says- before-climate-talks-265593"> UN talks in Madrid</a> must beat back the threat of global warming to "give our children the future that they deserve".

"Our children are being handed a broken world on the verge of climate chaos and ecological breakdown," they said in an open declaration from 222 associations in 27 countries.&nbsp;

"As parents, seeing this is agonising."

The plea comes the day before young climate strikers led by Swedish teen activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../hundreds-of-thousands-protest-in-europe-asia- ahead-of-un-climate-summit-265346">Greta Thunberg</a> plan to march through the Spanish capital under the Friday for Futures banner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The student-led movement,&nbsp;sparked by Thunberg's solo protests last year in front of Sweden's parliament, saw millions pour into the streets worldwide ahead of a UN climate summit in September.

"Many of the delegates at COP25 are also parents and we appeal to these delegates in particular," the declaration said.

"Addressing the climate crisis is not the responsibility of our children –- it’s our job as adults and parents to act."

The 12-day UN talks, underway since Monday, are mired in the small print of the 2015 Paris climate treaty's "rule book".

Despite a crescendo of public alarm, the world's major carbon polluters have shown little or no willingness to improve on carbon cutting pledges that, collectively, are not deep enough to prevent catastrophic warming, say scientists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Every person in the negotiations has a responsibility to act to ensure our children’s rights are safeguarded, and to disregard vested corporate interests," said Isabella Prata, a mother of two, from Parents For Future Brazil.

&nbsp;

<h3>'Letting Down Humanity'</h3>

Protecting future generations is a recurring theme at the talks, echoes by leaders and front-line diplomats alike.&nbsp;

On Monday, as 40 heads of state took turns working similar themes, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen at one point held up a stuffed polar bear.

"All of you, just like me, are so-called decision-makers, and probably have children or grandchildren who you love," he said in a scolding tone.&nbsp;

"Think about those children when you take a decision on behalf of your country," he continued. "Because our children will later think about us -- about what we did, or what we did not do."&nbsp;

Costa Rica's President Carlos Alvarado made it even more personal.

"I have a six year old kid," he said at a gathering of leaders from climate vulnerable nations. "If we are not courageous enough to take action in these weeks, we will not only be failing me and my kid, we will be letting down humanity."&nbsp;

The Paris Agreement calls for capping global warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, but the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change keep rising.

Scientists reported this week in Madrid that CO2 emissions will rise just over 0.5 percent in 2019, to about 42 billion tonnes per year -- the equivalent of five million tonnes per hour.

Earth's average surface temperature -- which has already gone up more than 1C -- are on track to rise another two or three degrees, even if nations keep their Paris treaty promises. &nbsp;

"At our current rate of emissions, we are dangerously close to reaching tipping points which could unravel human civilisation within our own and our children’s lifetimes," the declaration said.

"We are at a turning point in the story of our species and you, the delegates of this influential UN climate summit, have an opportunity to choose what happens next."

"We know that you can and we trust that you will."

Parents from around the globe Thursday said governments locked in negotiations at UN talks in Madrid must beat back the threat of global warming to "give our children the future that they deserve".

Parents from around the globe Thursday said governments locked in negotiations at UN talks in Madrid must beat back the threat of global warming to "give our children the future that they deserve". "Our children are being handed a broken world on the verge of climate chaos and ecological breakdown," they said in an open declaration from 222 associations in 27 countries. "As parents, seeing this is agonising." The plea comes the day before young climate strikers led by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg plan to march through the Spanish capital under the Friday for Futures banner. The student-led movement, sparked by Thunberg's solo protests last year in front of Sweden's parliament, saw millions pour into the streets worldwide ahead of a UN climate summit in September. "Many of the delegates at COP25 are also parents and we appeal to these delegates in particular," the declaration said. "Addressing the climate crisis is not the responsibility of our children –- it’s our job as adults and parents to act." The 12-day UN talks, underway since Monday, are mired in the small print of the 2015 Paris climate treaty's "rule book". Despite a crescendo of public alarm, the world's major carbon polluters have shown little or no willingness to improve on carbon cutting pledges that, collectively, are not deep enough to prevent catastrophic warming, say scientists. "Every person in the negotiations has a responsibility to act to ensure our children’s rights are safeguarded, and to disregard vested corporate interests," said Isabella Prata, a mother of two, from Parents For Future Brazil. 'Letting Down Humanity' Protecting future generations is a recurring theme at the talks, echoes by leaders and front-line diplomats alike. On Monday, as 40 heads of state took turns working similar themes, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen at one point held up a stuffed polar bear. "All of you, just like me, are so-called decision-makers, and probably have children or grandchildren who you love," he said in a scolding tone. "Think about those children when you take a decision on behalf of your country," he continued. "Because our children will later think about us -- about what we did, or what we did not do." Costa Rica's President Carlos Alvarado made it even more personal. "I have a six year old kid," he said at a gathering of leaders from climate vulnerable nations. "If we are not courageous enough to take action in these weeks, we will not only be failing me and my kid, we will be letting down humanity." The Paris Agreement calls for capping global warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, but the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change keep rising. Scientists reported this week in Madrid that CO2 emissions will rise just over 0.5 percent in 2019, to about 42 billion tonnes per year -- the equivalent of five million tonnes per hour. Earth's average surface temperature -- which has already gone up more than 1C -- are on track to rise another two or three degrees, even if nations keep their Paris treaty promises. "At our current rate of emissions, we are dangerously close to reaching tipping points which could unravel human civilisation within our own and our children’s lifetimes," the declaration said. "We are at a turning point in the story of our species and you, the delegates of this influential UN climate summit, have an opportunity to choose what happens next." "We know that you can and we trust that you will."

'Do it for our children,' parents plead at U.N. climate meet

Climate change threatens end of trail for Niger's nomadic herders

climate-change

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