United under Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, young people rallied across the world on Friday to demand urgent action to halt catastrophic&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, in their first global action during the coronavirus pandemic.

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With wild weather wreaking havoc across the world,&nbsp;from fires ravaging the US&nbsp;West, to abnormal heatwaves in the Siberian Arctic and record floods in China,&nbsp;organisers said the protests would remind politicians that while the world was focused on COVID-19, the&nbsp;climate&nbsp;crisis has not gone away.

Demonstrations were planned in more than 3,100 locations, with Australia, Japan and Fiji among the first to kick off,&nbsp;though with pandemic-related curbs limiting the size of gatherings, much of the action shifted online.

The demonstration, organised by the Fridays For Future movement, was part of a series of world-wide protests that were expected to be confined to small gatherings and online activism due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The young activists were calling for immediate&nbsp;climate&nbsp;action, holding banners reading "Stop Denying the&nbsp;Climate&nbsp;is Dying" and "Don't Be a Fossil Fool." and mnany had slogans on their masks.

They demand that lawmakers stick to the 2015 landmark Paris climate deal that asks both rich and poor countries to take action to curb the rise in global temperatures that is melting glaciers, raising sea levels and shifting rainfall patterns.

Thunberg said the aim of the protests was to raise awareness, impact public opinion and put pressure on people in power to take action to solve the&nbsp;climate&nbsp;crisis.

Like many of her generation,&nbsp;Mya-Rose&nbsp;Craig&nbsp;feels strongly that adults have failed to take the urgent action needed to tackle global warming and so she has headed to the Arctic Ocean to protest.

Armed with a placard reading 'Youth Strike for Climate", the 18-year-old British activist is staging the most northerly protest in a series of youth strikes worldwide.

The strikes, made famous by Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, are resuming after a lull caused by the global coronavirus pandemic to draw public attention back to the threat posed by climate change.

Thousands of young people took to the streets of Berlin&nbsp;to protest against what they call government inaction on the&nbsp;climate&nbsp;crisis.

Protesters cycled in groups to the city's landmark, the Brandenburg Gate for a rally following a call for a global&nbsp;climate&nbsp;strike by youth activist movement Fridays For Future.

United under Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, young people rallied across the world on Friday to demand urgent action to halt catastrophic climate change, in their first global action during the coronavirus pandemic.

United under Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, young people rallied across the world on Friday to demand urgent action to halt catastrophic climate change, in their first global action during the coronavirus pandemic. With wild weather wreaking havoc across the world, from fires ravaging the US West, to abnormal heatwaves in the Siberian Arctic and record floods in China, organisers said the protests would remind politicians that while the world was focused on COVID-19, the climate crisis has not gone away. Demonstrations were planned in more than 3,100 locations, with Australia, Japan and Fiji among the first to kick off, though with pandemic-related curbs limiting the size of gatherings, much of the action shifted online. The demonstration, organised by the Fridays For Future movement, was part of a series of world-wide protests that were expected to be confined to small gatherings and online activism due to the COVID-19 pandemic. × The young activists were calling for immediate climate action, holding banners reading "Stop Denying the Climate is Dying" and "Don't Be a Fossil Fool." and mnany had slogans on their masks. They demand that lawmakers stick to the 2015 landmark Paris climate deal that asks both rich and poor countries to take action to curb the rise in global temperatures that is melting glaciers, raising sea levels and shifting rainfall patterns. Thunberg said the aim of the protests was to raise awareness, impact public opinion and put pressure on people in power to take action to solve the climate crisis. Like many of her generation, Mya-Rose Craig feels strongly that adults have failed to take the urgent action needed to tackle global warming and so she has headed to the Arctic Ocean to protest. Armed with a placard reading 'Youth Strike for Climate", the 18-year-old British activist is staging the most northerly protest in a series of youth strikes worldwide. The strikes, made famous by Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, are resuming after a lull caused by the global coronavirus pandemic to draw public attention back to the threat posed by climate change. Thousands of young people took to the streets of Berlin to protest against what they call government inaction on the climate crisis. Protesters cycled in groups to the city's landmark, the Brandenburg Gate for a rally following a call for a global climate strike by youth activist movement Fridays For Future.

'Urgent action': Greta Thunberg and other youth climate protests make a return

The global climate crisis could see more than a billion people displaced from their homes in the next 30 years, according to a new report.

The report released on Wednesday blamed ecological disasters drive mass migrations and greater armed conflict for this.

The Ecological Threat Register, conducted by the Sydney-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), projected that as many as 1.2 billion people around the world could be displaced by 2050.&nbsp;

The world's poorest and most vulnerable populations will be hardest hit.

The report drew on data from international organisations, and the IEP then calculated the relative threats of population growth, water stress, food insecurity, droughts, floods, cyclones, and rising temperature and sea levels.

It found that more than a billion people lived in 31 countries that had low resilience -- meaning they aren't equipped to withstand the impact of ecological change in the coming decades.

The regions facing the highest number of threats are Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, the report said.

Better-resourced countries in places like North America and Europe will be more able to manage the effects of these disasters -- but they'll likely face huge flows of climate refugees, the report warned.

Water scarcity may be an even bigger issue, the report said.

By 2040, a total of 5.4 billion people -- or more than half of the world's projected population -- will live in countries facing high or extreme water stress. India and China, the world's top two most populous countries, will be among those countries, the report said. 
&nbsp;

The global climate crisis could see more than a billion people displaced from their homes in the next 30 years, according to a new report. The report released on Wednesday blamed ecological disasters drive mass migrations and greater armed conflict for this.

The global climate crisis could see more than a billion people displaced from their homes in the next 30 years, according to a new report. The report released on Wednesday blamed ecological disasters drive mass migrations and greater armed conflict for this. The Ecological Threat Register, conducted by the Sydney-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), projected that as many as 1.2 billion people around the world could be displaced by 2050. The world's poorest and most vulnerable populations will be hardest hit. The report drew on data from international organisations, and the IEP then calculated the relative threats of population growth, water stress, food insecurity, droughts, floods, cyclones, and rising temperature and sea levels. It found that more than a billion people lived in 31 countries that had low resilience -- meaning they aren't equipped to withstand the impact of ecological change in the coming decades. The regions facing the highest number of threats are Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, the report said. Better-resourced countries in places like North America and Europe will be more able to manage the effects of these disasters -- but they'll likely face huge flows of climate refugees, the report warned. Water scarcity may be an even bigger issue, the report said. By 2040, a total of 5.4 billion people -- or more than half of the world's projected population -- will live in countries facing high or extreme water stress. India and China, the world's top two most populous countries, will be among those countries, the report said.

Climate crisis could displace 1.2 billion people by 2050, report warns

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

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

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

Climate crisis: Satellites spots throng of Emperor penguins from space

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

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

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

Greta Thunberg pledges million-dollar rights prize to green groups

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

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

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

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

Harsh weather conditions creating menace in times of coronavirus

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday&nbsp;said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world.

She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter.

"People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things", says Ms Thunberg, "we cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-pushes-legal-complaint-against-five-countries-at-un-296921">Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN</a>

She says lockdown has given her time to relax and reflect away from the public gaze.

Preparing for her appearance before the UN&nbsp;General Assembly last fall, Greta Thunberg found herself constantly interrupted by world leaders, including U.N. chief Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had formed a queue to speak to her and take selfies.

“Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, waits in line but doesn’t quite make it before it’s time for the event to start,” Thunberg recalls.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-lawmakers-nominate-greta-thunberg-for-nobel-peace-prize-277600">Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize</a>

Such surreal memories for a teenager form the opening to a 75-minute monologue broadcast on Swedish public radio Saturday that soon shifts to the serious matter of climate change that’s at the heart of Thunberg’s work.

The 17-year-old has become a global figurehead of the youth climate movement since she started her one-woman protests outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world. She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world. She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter. "People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things", says Ms Thunberg, "we cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet". Also read: Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN She says lockdown has given her time to relax and reflect away from the public gaze. Preparing for her appearance before the UN General Assembly last fall, Greta Thunberg found herself constantly interrupted by world leaders, including U.N. chief Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had formed a queue to speak to her and take selfies. “Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, waits in line but doesn’t quite make it before it’s time for the event to start,” Thunberg recalls. Also read: Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize Such surreal memories for a teenager form the opening to a 75-minute monologue broadcast on Swedish public radio Saturday that soon shifts to the serious matter of climate change that’s at the heart of Thunberg’s work. The 17-year-old has become a global figurehead of the youth climate movement since she started her one-woman protests outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

Climate change as 'urgent' as coronavirus pandemic, says Greta Thunberg

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown.

In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change.

The findings show the world has experienced the sharpest drop in carbon output since records began, with large sections of the global economy brought to a near standstill.

The comprehensive analysis was conducted by scientists from the University of East Anglia, Stanford University in the US, the Cicero Centre in Norway, as well as scientists in the Netherlands, Australia, France and Germany.

Four countries or blocs,&nbsp;China, the United States, the European Union and India, accounted for two-thirds of the downturn across the first four months of 2020, equivalent to more than one billion tonnes of CO2.

When the lockdown was at its most stringent, in some countries emissions fell by just over 26 per cent&nbsp;on average. In the UK, the decline was about 31 per cent, while in Australia emissions fell 28.3 per cent&nbsp;for a period during April.

Emissions from aviation showed a dramatic decline, of about 60 per cent, as international flights between many countries were grounded. Emissions from surface transport fell less sharply, by about 36 per cent. Power generation and industry accounted for about 86 per cent&nbsp;of the total decline in emissions.

Total emissions from industry and energy last year came to a record 37 billion tonnes.&nbsp;

"Population confinement has led to drastic changes in energy use and CO2 emissions," said lead author Corinne Le Quere, a professor at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia.

"These extreme decreases are likely to be temporary, however, as they do not reflect structural changes in the economic, transport or energy systems."

With nearly five million confirmed infections and 320,000 deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has deflected attention from the climate crisis that dominated global concerns in 2019.

But the climate threat remains, other experts warn.

"This will make barely a dent in the ongoing build-up of&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide in the atmosphere," said Richard Betts, head of climate impacts research at Britain's Met Office Hadley Centre.

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown. In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in carbon pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change.

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown. In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in carbon pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change. The findings show the world has experienced the sharpest drop in carbon output since records began, with large sections of the global economy brought to a near standstill. The comprehensive analysis was conducted by scientists from the University of East Anglia, Stanford University in the US, the Cicero Centre in Norway, as well as scientists in the Netherlands, Australia, France and Germany. Four countries or blocs, China, the United States, the European Union and India, accounted for two-thirds of the downturn across the first four months of 2020, equivalent to more than one billion tonnes of CO2. When the lockdown was at its most stringent, in some countries emissions fell by just over 26 per cent on average. In the UK, the decline was about 31 per cent, while in Australia emissions fell 28.3 per cent for a period during April. Emissions from aviation showed a dramatic decline, of about 60 per cent, as international flights between many countries were grounded. Emissions from surface transport fell less sharply, by about 36 per cent. Power generation and industry accounted for about 86 per cent of the total decline in emissions. Total emissions from industry and energy last year came to a record 37 billion tonnes. "Population confinement has led to drastic changes in energy use and CO2 emissions," said lead author Corinne Le Quere, a professor at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia. "These extreme decreases are likely to be temporary, however, as they do not reflect structural changes in the economic, transport or energy systems." With nearly five million confirmed infections and 320,000 deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has deflected attention from the climate crisis that dominated global concerns in 2019. But the climate threat remains, other experts warn. "This will make barely a dent in the ongoing build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere," said Richard Betts, head of climate impacts research at Britain's Met Office Hadley Centre.

Lockdowns trigger 'substantial' downfall in global carbon emissions

Coronavirus was detected on several surfaces in hotel rooms where two presymptomatic Chinese students were quarantined before being diagnosed with the disease, according to a study released on Monday.

The research was conducted by scientists at the Qingdao Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Global Health Research Center at Duke Kunshan University and the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology.

For the study, published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers in China examined the hotel rooms of the two students, who returned to China from studying abroad on March 19 and March 20.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-worldwide-cases-near-49-million-death-toll-at-318465-299544" hreflang="en">Covid-19 worldwide cases near 4.9 million; death toll at 318,465</a>

They did not display any virus symptoms at the time and were transferred to a hotel for 14 days of quarantine.

On the morning of the second day in quarantine, they remained presymptomatic but both tested positive for COVID-19 and were hospitalized.

A total of 22 samples were collected from the two rooms and eight tested positive for COVID-19.Six were from the room of a student identified only as Patient A. They were from the light switch, bathroom door handle, sheet, duvet cover, pillow cover and towel.

In Patient B's room, positive samples were detected on a faucet and pillow case.

The researchers said the study "demonstrates extensive environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a relatively short time."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-chief-warns-full-global-economic-recovery-unlikely-in-2021-299531" hreflang="en">IMF chief warns full global economic recovery unlikely in 2021</a>

They noted that a higher viral load was detected after prolonged contact with sheets and pillow covers.

"The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the surface samples of the sheet, duvet cover, and pillow cover highlights the importance of proper handling procedures when changing or laundering used linens of SARS-CoV-2 patients," they said.

"In summary, our study demonstrates that presymptomatic patients have high viral load shedding and can easily contaminate environments," they said.

Researchers around the world have been looking at how long the virus can survive on various surfaces.

Studies have shown it can live between three hours and seven days, depending on the material, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

About three hours after they tested positive, the researchers sampled various surfaces in their rooms.

These included door handles, light switches, faucet handles, thermometers, television remotes, pillow covers, duvet covers, sheets, towels, bathroom door handles, toilet seats and toilet flushing buttons.

Coronavirus was detected on several surfaces in hotel rooms where two presymptomatic Chinese students were quarantined before being diagnosed with the disease, according to a study released on Monday.

Coronavirus was detected on several surfaces in hotel rooms where two presymptomatic Chinese students were quarantined before being diagnosed with the disease, according to a study released on Monday. The research was conducted by scientists at the Qingdao Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Global Health Research Center at Duke Kunshan University and the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology. For the study, published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers in China examined the hotel rooms of the two students, who returned to China from studying abroad on March 19 and March 20. Also read: Covid-19 worldwide cases near 4.9 million; death toll at 318,465 They did not display any virus symptoms at the time and were transferred to a hotel for 14 days of quarantine. On the morning of the second day in quarantine, they remained presymptomatic but both tested positive for COVID-19 and were hospitalized. A total of 22 samples were collected from the two rooms and eight tested positive for COVID-19.Six were from the room of a student identified only as Patient A. They were from the light switch, bathroom door handle, sheet, duvet cover, pillow cover and towel. In Patient B's room, positive samples were detected on a faucet and pillow case. The researchers said the study "demonstrates extensive environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a relatively short time." Also read: IMF chief warns full global economic recovery unlikely in 2021 They noted that a higher viral load was detected after prolonged contact with sheets and pillow covers. "The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the surface samples of the sheet, duvet cover, and pillow cover highlights the importance of proper handling procedures when changing or laundering used linens of SARS-CoV-2 patients," they said. "In summary, our study demonstrates that presymptomatic patients have high viral load shedding and can easily contaminate environments," they said. Researchers around the world have been looking at how long the virus can survive on various surfaces. Studies have shown it can live between three hours and seven days, depending on the material, according to the Cleveland Clinic. About three hours after they tested positive, the researchers sampled various surfaces in their rooms. These included door handles, light switches, faucet handles, thermometers, television remotes, pillow covers, duvet covers, sheets, towels, bathroom door handles, toilet seats and toilet flushing buttons.

Presymptomatic COVID-19 patients can contaminate surroundings: Study

Germany has demolished parts of a power plant in a bid to phase-out nuclear power. Should more countries give up on Nuclear reactors? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Should the world phase out nuclear power?

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg&nbsp;and a group of 15 other young climate activists have hit back at the attempt to throw out their climate crisis case.

They have pushed forward their legal complaint at the United Nations against against five countries, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Turkey, which they accuse of backing fossil-fuels and endangering children's well-being through the climate crisis,&nbsp;despite attempts to have it thrown out.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-third-of-global-population-could-reside-in-deadly-hot-areas-by-2070-study-296857" hreflang="en">More than one-third of global population could reside in deadly hot areas by 2070: Study</a>

The countries have ''breached&nbsp;their obligations under the international Convention on the Rights of Child, by promoting fossil fuels and failing to curb greenhouse gas emissions for decades, despite knowing about the risks of climate change,'' the group said in a press release.

Brazil, France and Germany&nbsp;replied to the petition response and&nbsp;said that the UN cannot hear complaint against ''five countries of flouting child rights to clean air.''

With the filing, Thunberg and her fellow activists are escalating a confrontation with the five countries that stemmed from a lawsuit they formally filed to the UN Convention back in September 2019.

The group focused on these countries, as they are the biggest climate polluters of the 45 nations that have adopted an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The 2019 complaint alleges that the countries knew about the negative impact on the environment of their carbon emissions and did nothing to prevent it.The lawsuit joins a growing number of attempts to bring climate cases to court, alleging that government or businesses have flouted the law or failed in their international obligations.

One of the most successful has been in the&nbsp;Netherlands, in the Urgenda case, in which judges found the government must change its policies to tackle emissions and the climate crisis.

&nbsp;

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and a group of 15 other young climate activists have hit back at the attempt to throw out their climate crisis case. They have pushed forward their legal complaint at the United Nations against against five countries, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Turkey, which they accuse of backing fossil-fuels and endangering children's well-being through the climate crisis, despite attempts to have it thrown out.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and a group of 15 other young climate activists have hit back at the attempt to throw out their climate crisis case. They have pushed forward their legal complaint at the United Nations against against five countries, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Turkey, which they accuse of backing fossil-fuels and endangering children's well-being through the climate crisis, despite attempts to have it thrown out. Also read: More than one-third of global population could reside in deadly hot areas by 2070: Study The countries have ''breached their obligations under the international Convention on the Rights of Child, by promoting fossil fuels and failing to curb greenhouse gas emissions for decades, despite knowing about the risks of climate change,'' the group said in a press release. Brazil, France and Germany replied to the petition response and said that the UN cannot hear complaint against ''five countries of flouting child rights to clean air.'' With the filing, Thunberg and her fellow activists are escalating a confrontation with the five countries that stemmed from a lawsuit they formally filed to the UN Convention back in September 2019. The group focused on these countries, as they are the biggest climate polluters of the 45 nations that have adopted an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The 2019 complaint alleges that the countries knew about the negative impact on the environment of their carbon emissions and did nothing to prevent it.The lawsuit joins a growing number of attempts to bring climate cases to court, alleging that government or businesses have flouted the law or failed in their international obligations. One of the most successful has been in the Netherlands, in the Urgenda case, in which judges found the government must change its policies to tackle emissions and the climate crisis.

Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN

To curb climate change, the United Kingdom is going to introduce new regulations regarding products which are bought, used briefly, then thrown away in dustbins.

It is&nbsp;part of a worldwide movement called the 'Right to Repair', which has lead to a surge in citizens' repair workshops in several UK cities.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-global-warming-may-hit-indias-gdp-within-a-decade-report-285348">Climate change, global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade: Report</a>

The new rules can spell the death of this common habit often referred to as the ''throwaway culture''.

It will apply to a range of items used on a regular basis such as mobile phones, textiles, electronics, batteries, construction and packaging.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nearly-half-of-worlds-beaches-disappearing-due-to-climate-change-study-283976">Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change: Study</a>

Proposals aim at making environmentally-friendly products the norm and to inculcate the habit of repairing items in case they malfunction or get damaged.

The plan is being presented by the European Commission is likely to create standards for the UK as well, despite Brexit.

The rules will also fight what is known as "premature obsolescence", the syndrome in which manufacturers make goods with deliberately low lifespan to force consumers into buying a newer model.

Recommendations under the proposal include increasing recycled content in products as well as reducing the impact of products on the climate and environment as well.

To curb climate change, the United Kingdom is going to introduce new regulations regarding products which are bought, used briefly, then thrown away in dustbins.

To curb climate change, the United Kingdom is going to introduce new regulations regarding products which are bought, used briefly, then thrown away in dustbins. It is part of a worldwide movement called the 'Right to Repair', which has lead to a surge in citizens' repair workshops in several UK cities. Also read: Climate change, global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade: Report The new rules can spell the death of this common habit often referred to as the ''throwaway culture''. It will apply to a range of items used on a regular basis such as mobile phones, textiles, electronics, batteries, construction and packaging. Also read: Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change: Study Proposals aim at making environmentally-friendly products the norm and to inculcate the habit of repairing items in case they malfunction or get damaged. The plan is being presented by the European Commission is likely to create standards for the UK as well, despite Brexit. The rules will also fight what is known as "premature obsolescence", the syndrome in which manufacturers make goods with deliberately low lifespan to force consumers into buying a newer model. Recommendations under the proposal include increasing recycled content in products as well as reducing the impact of products on the climate and environment as well.

Climate change: New rules can put an end to 'throwaway culture'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Climate change and human encroachment increasing cannibalism among polar bears

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

Climate Crisis affects Antarctica

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

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

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

Hundreds of Amazon employees criticize firm's climate stance

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-tesla-directors-proposed-james-murdoch-succeed-musk-chairman-report-169102">James Murdoch</a>, the son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch has denounced the coverage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-to-be-part-of-school-education-in-new-zealand-273868">climate crisis</a>, especially the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-plummetted-from-australian-bushfire-will-take-a-full-circuit-and-return-to-the-nation-nasa-274181">Australian bushfire</a> by his father's news outlet.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-plummetted-from-australian-bushfire-will-take-a-full-circuit-and-return-to-the-nation-nasa-274181">Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/happy-birthday-rupert-murdoch-a-look-at-media-moguls-life-716">Rupert Murdoch</a> has stepped away from the family business last year.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/happy-birthday-rupert-murdoch-a-look-at-media-moguls-life-716">A look back at media mogul Rupert Murdoch's life</a>

James said that he is ''disappointed'' with the ''conservative bent of mind'' of his father's news outlets.

He considered them to be in ''denial'' specifically when the wildfire has had such a devastating impact on Australia.

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James and his wife Kathryn, an environmental advocate expressed their discontentment and frustration with Fox coverage and News Corp in particular.

The couple believes that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-winning-actor-geoffrey-rush-gets-record-defamation-payout-221250">News Corp</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/margot-robbie-joins-cast-of-fox-news-sex-abuse-scandal-156467">Fox News</a> tried to highlight arson as a major reason behind climate change to overshadow the obvious contradictory evidence.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://t.co/93WEswvZc0">https://t.co/93WEswvZc0</a>
— Kathryn Murdoch (@KathrynAMurdoch) <a href="https://twitter.com/KathrynAMurdoch/status/1216862883713298434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, James is still on the board of News Corp.

However, he is not employed by his father's businesses and runs a private investment company.

The connection between fires and climate was termed as ''hysterical'' and ''silly'' by the Murdoch columnists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-plummetted-from-australian-bushfire-will-take-a-full-circuit-and-return-to-the-nation-nasa-274181">Australian bushfire smoke will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation: NASA</a>

Rupert Murdoch describes himself as a 'climate sceptic' and denies employing '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-corrupt-pillars-of-climate-change-denial-265220">climate deniers</a>'.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-corrupt-pillars-of-climate-change-denial-265220">The corrupt pillars of climate change denial</a>

70 percent&nbsp;of newspaper circulation in Australia's major cities are owned by Murdoch owned titles.

James has previously criticized his father's news outlet as well but this is by far the strongest condemnation yet.

James Murdoch, the son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch has denounced the coverage of climate crisis, especially the Australian bushfire by his father's news outlet.

James Murdoch, the son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch has denounced the coverage of climate crisis, especially the Australian bushfire by his father's news outlet. Also see: Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage Rupert Murdoch has stepped away from the family business last year. Also see: A look back at media mogul Rupert Murdoch's life James said that he is ''disappointed'' with the ''conservative bent of mind'' of his father's news outlets. He considered them to be in ''denial'' specifically when the wildfire has had such a devastating impact on Australia. × James and his wife Kathryn, an environmental advocate expressed their discontentment and frustration with Fox coverage and News Corp in particular. The couple believes that News Corp and Fox News tried to highlight arson as a major reason behind climate change to overshadow the obvious contradictory evidence. https://t.co/93WEswvZc0 — Kathryn Murdoch (@KathrynAMurdoch) January 13, 2020 × Interestingly, James is still on the board of News Corp. However, he is not employed by his father's businesses and runs a private investment company. The connection between fires and climate was termed as ''hysterical'' and ''silly'' by the Murdoch columnists. Also read: Australian bushfire smoke will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation: NASA Rupert Murdoch describes himself as a 'climate sceptic' and denies employing 'climate deniers'. Also read: The corrupt pillars of climate change denial 70 percent of newspaper circulation in Australia's major cities are owned by Murdoch owned titles. James has previously criticized his father's news outlet as well but this is by far the strongest condemnation yet.

Rupert Murdoch's son condemns Fox News and News Corp for coverage of climate change, Australian bushfire

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/climate-change-hits-india-much-work-needs-to-be-done-262038">climate crisis</a>, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/polar-bear-invasion-how-climate-change-is-forcing-them-to-change-their-hunting-habits-197555">Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits</a>

This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2019-15-disasters-the-soaring-costs-of-climate-change-271131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Access to materials from leading science agencies about the climate crisis will be provided to all schools in New Zealand.

These include processing their feelings such as anxiety regarding global warming and instruments for planning their own activism to students.

This initiative will put New Zealand a step ahead over other countries in case of educating its citizens regarding changes in climate.

It is noteworthy that both Australia and the United Kingdom have been condemned about the lack of consistency in the climate crisis.&nbsp;

According to the government, this scheme will be offered in all schools of New Zealand to the students between 11 to 15 years of age.&nbsp;

However, it will not be mandatory.&nbsp;

''As per the feedback received from the teachers all across the country, the children are genuinely interested in educating themselves on matters related to climate change'', said James Shaw, New Zealand's minister for climate change.

In 2019, many students in New Zealand left their classes to protest against climate change.

The youngsters expressed that they felt that the older generations had a passive attitude regarding climate change and that they had deserted the "existential threat".

This became a cause of their concern and made them feel anxious and depressed about their future.

The purpose behind providing these materials, which will include tips from experts and both audio-visual aids as well, will also keep a check on these emotions and will make them introspect and ponder regarding the steps they take when they look for solutions.

Creating an edible garden is a specific environmental issue that will be emphasized in this program.

New Zealand had encountered its fourth warmest year in 2019 since 1909 where the temperature ranged between 0.5C to 1.2C which was higher than the average annual across the countries.

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the climate crisis, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports. Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide.

The New Zealand government has decided to teach school students about the climate crisis, activism and 'eco-anxiety', New Zealand media reports. Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits This positive and developmental change to the school education curriculum will put the country at the forefront of climate crisis education worldwide. Watch: Access to materials from leading science agencies about the climate crisis will be provided to all schools in New Zealand. These include processing their feelings such as anxiety regarding global warming and instruments for planning their own activism to students. This initiative will put New Zealand a step ahead over other countries in case of educating its citizens regarding changes in climate. It is noteworthy that both Australia and the United Kingdom have been condemned about the lack of consistency in the climate crisis. According to the government, this scheme will be offered in all schools of New Zealand to the students between 11 to 15 years of age. However, it will not be mandatory. ''As per the feedback received from the teachers all across the country, the children are genuinely interested in educating themselves on matters related to climate change'', said James Shaw, New Zealand's minister for climate change. In 2019, many students in New Zealand left their classes to protest against climate change. The youngsters expressed that they felt that the older generations had a passive attitude regarding climate change and that they had deserted the "existential threat". This became a cause of their concern and made them feel anxious and depressed about their future. The purpose behind providing these materials, which will include tips from experts and both audio-visual aids as well, will also keep a check on these emotions and will make them introspect and ponder regarding the steps they take when they look for solutions. Creating an edible garden is a specific environmental issue that will be emphasized in this program. New Zealand had encountered its fourth warmest year in 2019 since 1909 where the temperature ranged between 0.5C to 1.2C which was higher than the average annual across the countries.

Climate crisis to be part of school education in New Zealand

With the big blaze in the Australian state of Victoria destroying the flora and fauna of the area inch-by-inch, Bollywood divas including `Climate Warrior` Bhumi Pednekar are taking to social media platforms to share their concern over the major environmental degradation.

With the big blaze in the Australian state of Victoria destroying the flora and fauna of the area inch-by-inch, Bollywood divas including `Climate Warrior` Bhumi Pednekar are taking to social media platforms to share their concern over the major environmental degradation. Bhumi Pednekar, who recently launched her pan India campaign of 'Climate Warrior', reposted a post about the bushfires from climate activist Greta Thunberg and explained how it could be related to the current climate emergency in the world. View this post on Instagram #Repost @gretathunberg with @get_repost ・・・ Australia is on fire. And the summer there has only just begun. 2019 was a year of record heat and record drought. Today the temperature outside Sydney was 48,9°C. 500 million (!!) animals are estimated dead because of the bushfires. Over 20 people have died and thousands of homes have burned to ground. The fires have spewed 2/3 of the nations national annual CO2 emissions, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The smoke has covered glaciers in distant New Zealand (!) making them warm and melt faster because of the albedo effect. And yet. All of this still has not resulted in any political action. Because we still fail to make the connection between the climate crisis and increased extreme weather events and nature disasters like the #AustraliaFires That has to change. And it has to change now. My thoughts are with the people of Australia and those affected by these devastating fires. A post shared by Bhumi✨ (@bhumipednekar) on Jan 4, 2020 at 9:18pm PST × Actor Dia Mirza, who has always been vocal about social issues, also shared a post about the devastating disaster on her account. The actor shared a picture of a seemingly helpless koala bear held by fire security officials and penned a long caption urging the people to act on the situation. View this post on Instagram This is also real. This is also happening. This must stop. We can stop this. Come together. Stay united. Act on climate. Invest in nature. Secure/protect forests. Grow indigenous trees. Empower organisations and individuals who make a difference. Learn the facts. Don’t be scared. Don’t run. Don’t hide. Face it. Feel it. Spend time with children. HEAR them. 🌏 #AustraliaBushFires #ForPeopleAndPlanet #SDGs #SundayVibes #NoteToSelf A post shared by Dia Mirza (@diamirzaofficial) on Jan 4, 2020 at 9:56pm PST × "This is also real. This is also happening. This must stop. We can stop this. Come together. Stay united. Act on climate. Invest in nature. Secure/protect forests. Grow indigenous trees. Empower organizations and individuals who make a difference. Learn the facts. Don't be scared. Don't run. Don't hide. Face it. Feel it. Spend time with children. HEAR them," reads Mirza's caption. Pataudi scion Soha Ali Khan shared a series of informative pictures about the growling forest fires and wrote: "It is hard to imagine that while we are on holiday in Sydney having such a wonderful time in the parks and farms, there are catastrophic fires blazing in many parts of Australia, not so far from us." View this post on Instagram It is hard to imagine that while we are on holiday in Sydney having such a wonderful time in the parks and farms there are catastrophic fires blazing in many parts of Australia not so far from us. People have lost their lives, their homes and millions of animals have been killed. In case you have only just started reading about the fires in Australia here is what you need to know about them and how you can help. A post shared by Soha (@sakpataudi) on Jan 4, 2020 at 4:51pm PST × "People have lost their lives, their homes and millions of animals have been killed. In case you have only just started reading about the fires in Australia, here is what you need to know about them and how you can help," further read her caption. View this post on Instagram These haunting images illustrate the state of a country i’ve called home for as long as I can remember! Today blood red skies loom over Australia in what is the most apocalyptic catastrophe this nation has faced! With temperatures soaring at 48 degrees C, the bush fires are raging and difficult to contain as they are far too big and are now creating their own weather patterns causing lightening strikes that start new fires. The smoke plumes are 14kms high & have reached New Zealand melting glaciers. Areas like the town of Eden and others have been evacuated as they can’t be saved. Roads are closed due to fallen trees & thick smoke. Fires in Victoria and NSW will most likely join and burn for 8 more weeks!!! 95 percent of koalas gone 😢😢500 million animals dead 💔an area the size of Belgium has been decimated ,that’s 5 million hectares of land gone and it shows no signs of slowing down in the peak of an Australian summer. To think of the devastation across this beautiful country is just heartbreaking.. this is tragic on a major scale! To the firefighters who have fought tirelessly and to their families who have stood by them selflessly .. nothing but respect and gratitude 🙏🏽 appreciate you and applaud your bravery! To those who would like to help there is a link in my bio of sites where you can donate.. my thoughts and prayers to everyone effected 💔🙏🏽 A post shared by Shibani Dandekar (@shibanidandekar) on Jan 4, 2020 at 11:42pm PST × Singer and model Shibani Dandekar, who has spent a considerable chunk of her life in Australia, also took to Instagram and shared a series of heartbreaking pictures from the bushfires and wrote a heartfelt post."These haunting images illustrate the state of a country I`ve called home for as long as I can remember! Today bloodred skies loom over Australia in what is the most apocalyptic catastrophe this nation has faced! With temperatures soaring at 48 degrees C, the bush fires are raging and difficult to contain as they are far too big and are now creating their own weather patterns causing lightning strikes that start new fires," read a part of her caption. Dandekar further urged her fans to donate for helping those affected by the bushfires. She shared the link to the donation in her bio and mentioned the same in her caption. The raging wildfire that has already destroyed around 12 million acres of land and 1500 homes is still far from coming under control. 23 people have given their lives to the crisis, reported news agency.

Bhumi Pednekar to Dia Mirza, B-Town divas urge people to donate, act on Australia bushfires

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

Climate change caused 15 disasters, $1 billion loss

Climate-crisis is finally getting the traction that it needed. People across the world are organizing sit-ins in different parts, calling upon those in power to act right now.

Teen activist, Greta Thunberg took to twitter urging everyone to join the climate-crisis protests.

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Next global schoolstrike is on November 29th and in some countries December 6th. Please help spread the word! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fridaysforfuture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fridaysforfuture</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y42aNiiKco">pic.twitter.com/Y42aNiiKco</a>
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1196525111278493696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Inspired by Thunberg's weekly protests, millions of young people around the world have since demanded governments to take emergency action against global warming.

Protesters gather in Tokyo for a fresh round of global protests against climate change.

Rally majorly dominated by students is being called "Friday for future" a campaign started by Greta Thunberg.

The students are urging the government to save the planet for the coming generations.

Australians kicked off the movement early in the morning and an unprecedented number of people turned up on the streets of Sydney.

Protesters are holding solidarity sit-downs and demanding action on climate change.

This comes just three days before the united nations climate change conference in Madrid.

Remember, Australia has been reeling under one of the worst bushfires the country has seen.

The data for this year isn't out yet but officials have confirmed that 2018 and 2017 were Australia's third and fourth hottest years on record respectively.

Hundreds of students and victims of Australia's latest bushfires are staging a protest as we speak.

The protesters sat outside the New South Wales Liberal party headquarters to demand the government reject any new coal, oil or gas projects.

In the Indian city of Bhubaneshwar, thousands of people took to the streets with banners on a busy Friday morning.

The people of Bhubaneshwar are calling on the government to act right now.

Climate-crisis is finally getting the traction that it needed. People across the world are organizing sit-ins in different parts, calling upon those in power to act right now.

Climate-crisis is finally getting the traction that it needed. People across the world are organizing sit-ins in different parts, calling upon those in power to act right now. Teen activist, Greta Thunberg took to twitter urging everyone to join the climate-crisis protests. Next global schoolstrike is on November 29th and in some countries December 6th. Please help spread the word! #fridaysforfuture pic.twitter.com/Y42aNiiKco — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) November 18, 2019 × Inspired by Thunberg's weekly protests, millions of young people around the world have since demanded governments to take emergency action against global warming. Protesters gather in Tokyo for a fresh round of global protests against climate change. Rally majorly dominated by students is being called "Friday for future" a campaign started by Greta Thunberg. The students are urging the government to save the planet for the coming generations. Australians kicked off the movement early in the morning and an unprecedented number of people turned up on the streets of Sydney. Protesters are holding solidarity sit-downs and demanding action on climate change. This comes just three days before the united nations climate change conference in Madrid. Remember, Australia has been reeling under one of the worst bushfires the country has seen. The data for this year isn't out yet but officials have confirmed that 2018 and 2017 were Australia's third and fourth hottest years on record respectively. Hundreds of students and victims of Australia's latest bushfires are staging a protest as we speak. The protesters sat outside the New South Wales Liberal party headquarters to demand the government reject any new coal, oil or gas projects. In the Indian city of Bhubaneshwar, thousands of people took to the streets with banners on a busy Friday morning. The people of Bhubaneshwar are calling on the government to act right now.

Urge to curb climate change spreads like 'Wildfire' across the Globe

By Mark Maslin

The fossil fuel industry, political lobbyists, media moguls, and individuals have spent the past 30 years sowing doubt about the reality of climate change - where none exists. The latest estimate is that the world’s five largest publicly-owned oil and gas companies spend about $200 million a year on lobbying to control, delay or block binding climate policy.

Their hold on the public seems to be waning. Two recent polls suggested over 75 per cent of Americans think humans are causing climate change. School climate strikes, Extinction Rebellion protests, national governments declaring a climate emergency, improved media coverage of climate change and an increasing number of extreme weather events have all contributed to this shift. There also seems to be a renewed optimism that we can deal with the crisis.

But this means lobbying has changed, now employing more subtle and more vicious approaches – what has been termed as “climate sadism”. It is used to mock young people going on climate protests and to ridicule Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old young woman with Asperger’s, who is simply telling the scientific truth.

At such a crossroads, it is important to be able to identify the different types of denial. The below taxonomy will help you spot the different ways that are being used to convince you to delay action on climate change.

1. Science denial

This is the type of denial we are all familiar with: That the science of climate change is not settled. Deniers suggest climate change is just part of the natural cycle. Or that climate models are unreliable and too sensitive to carbon dioxide.

Some even suggest that CO₂ is such a small part of the atmosphere it cannot have a large heating affect. Or that climate scientists are fixing the data to show the climate is changing (a global conspiracy that would take thousands of scientists in more than 100 countries to pull off).

All these arguments are false and there is a clear consensus among scientists about the causes of climate change. The climate models that predict global temperature rises have remained very similar over the last 30 years despite the huge increase in complexity, showing it is a robust outcome of the science.

The shift in public opinion means that undermining the science will increasingly have little or no effect. So climate change deniers are switching to new tactics. One of Britain’s leading deniers, Nigel Lawson, the former UK chancellor, now agrees that humans are causing climate change, despite having founded the sceptic Global Warming Policy Foundation in 2009.

It says it is “open-minded on the contested science of global warming, [but] is deeply concerned about the costs and other implications of many of the policies currently being advocated”. In other words, climate change is now about the cost, not the science.

2. Economic denial

The idea that climate change is too expensive to fix is a more subtle form of climate denial. Economists, however, suggest we could fix climate change now by spending 1 per cent of world GDP. Perhaps even less if the cost savings from improved human health and expansion of the global green economy are taken into account. But if we don’t act now, by 2050 it could cost over 20 per cent of world GDP.

We should also remember that in 2018 the world generated $86,000,000,000,000 and every year this World GDP grows by 3.5 per cent. So setting aside just 1 per cent to deal with climate change would make little overall difference and would save the world a huge amount of money. What the climate change deniers also forget to tell you is that they are protecting a fossil fuel industry that receives $5.2 trillion in annual subsidies – which includes subsidised supply costs, tax breaks and environmental costs. This amounts to 6 per cent of world GDP.

The International Monetary Fund estimates that efficient fossil fuel pricing would lower global carbon emissions by 28 per cent, fossil fuel air pollution deaths by 46 per cent, and increase government revenue by 3.8 per cent of the country’s GDP.

3. Humanitarian denial 
​​​​​​​ 
Climate change deniers also argue that climate change is good for us. They suggest longer, warmer summers in the temperate zone will make farming more productive. These gains, however, are often offset by the drier summers and increased the frequency of heatwaves in those same areas. For example, the 2010 “Moscow” heatwave killed 11,000 people, devastated the Russian wheat harvest and increased global food prices.

More than 40 per cent of the world’s population also lives in the Tropics – where from both a human health prospective and an increase in desertification no one wants summer temperatures to rise.

Deniers also point out that plants need atmospheric carbon dioxide to grow so having more of it acts like a fertiliser. This is indeed true and the land biosphere has been absorbing about a quarter of our carbon dioxide pollution every year. Another quarter of our emissions is absorbed by the oceans. But losing massive areas of natural vegetation through deforestation and changes in land use completely nullifies this minor fertilisation effect.

Climate change deniers will tell you that more people die of the cold than heat, so warmer winters will be a good thing. This is deeply misleading. Vulnerable people die of the cold because of poor housing and not being able to afford to heat their homes. Society, not climate, kills them.

This argument is also factually incorrect. In the US, for example, heat-related deaths are four times higher than cold-related ones. This may even be an underestimate as many heat-related deaths are recorded by cause of death such as heart failure, stroke, or respiratory failure, all of which are exacerbated by excessive heat.

4. Political denial 
​​​​​​​ 
Climate change deniers argue we cannot take action because other countries are not taking action. But not all countries are equally guilty of causing current climate change. For example, 25 per cent of the human-produced CO₂ in the atmosphere is generated by the US, another 22 per cent is produced by the EU. Africa produces just under 5 per cent.

Given the historic legacy of greenhouse gas pollution, developed countries have an ethical responsibility to lead the way in cutting emissions. But ultimately, all countries need to act because if we want to minimise the effects of climate change then the world must go carbon zero by 2050.

Deniers will also tell you that there are problems to fix closer to home without bothering with global issues. But many of the solutions to climate change are win-win and will improve the lives of normal people. Switching to renewable energy and electric vehicles, for example, reduces air pollution, which improves people’s overall health.

Developing a green economy provides economic benefits and creates jobs. Improving the environment and reforestation provides protection from extreme weather events and can, in turn, improve food and water security.

5. Crisis denial

The final piece of climate change denial is the argument that we should not rush into changing things, especially given the uncertainty raised by the other four areas of denial above. Deniers argue that climate change is not as bad as scientists make out. We will be much richer in the future and better able to fix climate change. They also play on our emotions as many of us don’t like change and can feel we are living in the best of times – especially if we are richer or in power.

But similarly, hollow arguments were used in the past to delay ending slavery, granting the vote to women, ending colonial rule, ending segregation, decriminalising homosexuality, bolstering worker’s rights and environmental regulations, allowing same sex marriages and banning smoking.

The fundamental question is why are we allowing the people with the most privilege and power to convince us to delay saving our planet from climate change?

 
(Mark Maslin is Professor of Earth System Science, UCL) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-five-corrupt-pillars-of-climate-change-denial-122893"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Mark Maslin The fossil fuel industry, political lobbyists, media moguls, and individuals have spent the past 30 years sowing doubt about the reality of climate change - where none exists.

By Mark Maslin The fossil fuel industry, political lobbyists, media moguls, and individuals have spent the past 30 years sowing doubt about the reality of climate change - where none exists. The latest estimate is that the world’s five largest publicly-owned oil and gas companies spend about $200 million a year on lobbying to control, delay or block binding climate policy. Their hold on the public seems to be waning. Two recent polls suggested over 75 per cent of Americans think humans are causing climate change. School climate strikes, Extinction Rebellion protests, national governments declaring a climate emergency, improved media coverage of climate change and an increasing number of extreme weather events have all contributed to this shift. There also seems to be a renewed optimism that we can deal with the crisis. But this means lobbying has changed, now employing more subtle and more vicious approaches – what has been termed as “climate sadism”. It is used to mock young people going on climate protests and to ridicule Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old young woman with Asperger’s, who is simply telling the scientific truth. At such a crossroads, it is important to be able to identify the different types of denial. The below taxonomy will help you spot the different ways that are being used to convince you to delay action on climate change. 1. Science denial This is the type of denial we are all familiar with: That the science of climate change is not settled. Deniers suggest climate change is just part of the natural cycle. Or that climate models are unreliable and too sensitive to carbon dioxide. Some even suggest that CO₂ is such a small part of the atmosphere it cannot have a large heating affect. Or that climate scientists are fixing the data to show the climate is changing (a global conspiracy that would take thousands of scientists in more than 100 countries to pull off). All these arguments are false and there is a clear consensus among scientists about the causes of climate change. The climate models that predict global temperature rises have remained very similar over the last 30 years despite the huge increase in complexity, showing it is a robust outcome of the science. The shift in public opinion means that undermining the science will increasingly have little or no effect. So climate change deniers are switching to new tactics. One of Britain’s leading deniers, Nigel Lawson, the former UK chancellor, now agrees that humans are causing climate change, despite having founded the sceptic Global Warming Policy Foundation in 2009. It says it is “open-minded on the contested science of global warming, [but] is deeply concerned about the costs and other implications of many of the policies currently being advocated”. In other words, climate change is now about the cost, not the science. 2. Economic denial The idea that climate change is too expensive to fix is a more subtle form of climate denial. Economists, however, suggest we could fix climate change now by spending 1 per cent of world GDP. Perhaps even less if the cost savings from improved human health and expansion of the global green economy are taken into account. But if we don’t act now, by 2050 it could cost over 20 per cent of world GDP. We should also remember that in 2018 the world generated $86,000,000,000,000 and every year this World GDP grows by 3.5 per cent. So setting aside just 1 per cent to deal with climate change would make little overall difference and would save the world a huge amount of money. What the climate change deniers also forget to tell you is that they are protecting a fossil fuel industry that receives $5.2 trillion in annual subsidies – which includes subsidised supply costs, tax breaks and environmental costs. This amounts to 6 per cent of world GDP. The International Monetary Fund estimates that efficient fossil fuel pricing would lower global carbon emissions by 28 per cent, fossil fuel air pollution deaths by 46 per cent, and increase government revenue by 3.8 per cent of the country’s GDP. 3. Humanitarian denial Climate change deniers also argue that climate change is good for us. They suggest longer, warmer summers in the temperate zone will make farming more productive. These gains, however, are often offset by the drier summers and increased the frequency of heatwaves in those same areas. For example, the 2010 “Moscow” heatwave killed 11,000 people, devastated the Russian wheat harvest and increased global food prices. More than 40 per cent of the world’s population also lives in the Tropics – where from both a human health prospective and an increase in desertification no one wants summer temperatures to rise. Deniers also point out that plants need atmospheric carbon dioxide to grow so having more of it acts like a fertiliser. This is indeed true and the land biosphere has been absorbing about a quarter of our carbon dioxide pollution every year. Another quarter of our emissions is absorbed by the oceans. But losing massive areas of natural vegetation through deforestation and changes in land use completely nullifies this minor fertilisation effect. Climate change deniers will tell you that more people die of the cold than heat, so warmer winters will be a good thing. This is deeply misleading. Vulnerable people die of the cold because of poor housing and not being able to afford to heat their homes. Society, not climate, kills them. This argument is also factually incorrect. In the US, for example, heat-related deaths are four times higher than cold-related ones. This may even be an underestimate as many heat-related deaths are recorded by cause of death such as heart failure, stroke, or respiratory failure, all of which are exacerbated by excessive heat. 4. Political denial Climate change deniers argue we cannot take action because other countries are not taking action. But not all countries are equally guilty of causing current climate change. For example, 25 per cent of the human-produced CO₂ in the atmosphere is generated by the US, another 22 per cent is produced by the EU. Africa produces just under 5 per cent. Given the historic legacy of greenhouse gas pollution, developed countries have an ethical responsibility to lead the way in cutting emissions. But ultimately, all countries need to act because if we want to minimise the effects of climate change then the world must go carbon zero by 2050. Deniers will also tell you that there are problems to fix closer to home without bothering with global issues. But many of the solutions to climate change are win-win and will improve the lives of normal people. Switching to renewable energy and electric vehicles, for example, reduces air pollution, which improves people’s overall health. Developing a green economy provides economic benefits and creates jobs. Improving the environment and reforestation provides protection from extreme weather events and can, in turn, improve food and water security. 5. Crisis denial The final piece of climate change denial is the argument that we should not rush into changing things, especially given the uncertainty raised by the other four areas of denial above. Deniers argue that climate change is not as bad as scientists make out. We will be much richer in the future and better able to fix climate change. They also play on our emotions as many of us don’t like change and can feel we are living in the best of times – especially if we are richer or in power. But similarly, hollow arguments were used in the past to delay ending slavery, granting the vote to women, ending colonial rule, ending segregation, decriminalising homosexuality, bolstering worker’s rights and environmental regulations, allowing same sex marriages and banning smoking. The fundamental question is why are we allowing the people with the most privilege and power to convince us to delay saving our planet from climate change? (Mark Maslin is Professor of Earth System Science, UCL) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The corrupt pillars of climate change denial

By:&nbsp;Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal

Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday.

According to the Lancet Countdown Report 2019 on Health and Climate Change, air, water, soil, and chemical pollution were responsible for 940,000 deaths of children worldwide in 2016 and two-thirds of them were under the age of 5.&nbsp;

Pollution is inequitably distributed, and the overwhelming majority of pollution-related deaths in children occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most were due to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caused by polluted air and water.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2018 called air pollution a “silent public health emergency”.&nbsp;

Air pollution annually leads to nearly 7 million premature deaths, about 4 million of which are due to outdoor air pollution. It not only shortens our life span but also affects our day-to-day life negatively. It may cause various heart and lung diseases.&nbsp;

Recent research has linked air pollution to brain cancer for the first time. A comprehensive global review earlier in 2019 concluded that air pollution may be damaging every organ and virtually every cell in the human body.

India is in the midst of an air pollution crisis. Multiple studies show over one million deaths annually in recent years in India is caused by air pollution. According to a Greenpeace study, Delhi is the most polluted capital city on the planet.

World Health Organization (WHO) reports showing that air pollution has a vast and terrible impact on child health and survival. Globally, 93% of all children live in environments with air pollution levels above the WHO guidelines. More than one in every four deaths of children under 5 years is directly or indirectly related to environmental risks. Both ambient air pollution (AAP) and household air pollution (HAP) contribute to respiratory tract infections that resulted in 543 000 deaths in children under 5 years in 2016.&nbsp;

One of the best ways to make our future generations ready is to educate them about pollution and it's adverse effects.&nbsp;

Here is a list of children around the world who have come up with ways to combat pollution and lead a healthy life:

Licypriya Kangujam and her SUKIFU (Survival Kit for the Future)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
8-years-old Indian Climate Activist Licypriya Kangujam brings out a symbolic device called SUKIFU to curb air pollution. SUKIFU is almost zero budget kit specially designed from trash to provide fresh air into our body when the pollution rate is high.This wearable plant is recognition of the Green Movement and it would be inspiring attention for all across the globe facing deadly pollution.Anybody can build up this concept at home from the trash by recycling to instil fresh air directly into our lungs.

“This is the ultimate solution. Whoever, carry this, especially the children moving on the popular street laced with Smog, would no doubt attract a due attention of the climate experts, pollution control board members, scientists, policymakers, city/municipal commissioners and the entire generation, who are bound to ensure “Safe Future” to their “Generation Next”. This type of pollution is not acceptable by any standards," she said.

Anna Du and her Deep Plastics Initiative 
&nbsp; 
A middle school girl has developed a robot that can find microplastics in the ocean and help in reducing waste and pollution.

She was walking along Castle Island’s beach in South Boston when she noticed plastic scattered on the shoreline. She reached down to pick it up and quickly realized there were many more tiny pieces than she could handle.

“When I realized how many pieces there were, it seemed impossible,” says Du, who was in sixth grade at the time.

Geetanjali Rao and her Tethys 
&nbsp; 
A 13-year-old, who already has her name in the Forbes '30 under 30' list for her small, mobile device that tests for lead in drinking water. It detects the amount of lead present in the sample and also indicates how safe is it to drink that water. She named the device Tethys after the Greek Titan goddess of clean water.

By: Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday.

By: Sakshi Khandelwal and Ayushi Agarwal Air pollution is high in more than 90 per cent of cities across the globe and climate change is already damaging the health of the world’s children, a new report revealed on Thursday. According to the Lancet Countdown Report 2019 on Health and Climate Change, air, water, soil, and chemical pollution were responsible for 940,000 deaths of children worldwide in 2016 and two-thirds of them were under the age of 5. Pollution is inequitably distributed, and the overwhelming majority of pollution-related deaths in children occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most were due to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caused by polluted air and water. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the first Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in 2018 called air pollution a “silent public health emergency”. Air pollution annually leads to nearly 7 million premature deaths, about 4 million of which are due to outdoor air pollution. It not only shortens our life span but also affects our day-to-day life negatively. It may cause various heart and lung diseases. Recent research has linked air pollution to brain cancer for the first time. A comprehensive global review earlier in 2019 concluded that air pollution may be damaging every organ and virtually every cell in the human body. India is in the midst of an air pollution crisis. Multiple studies show over one million deaths annually in recent years in India is caused by air pollution. According to a Greenpeace study, Delhi is the most polluted capital city on the planet. World Health Organization (WHO) reports showing that air pollution has a vast and terrible impact on child health and survival. Globally, 93% of all children live in environments with air pollution levels above the WHO guidelines. More than one in every four deaths of children under 5 years is directly or indirectly related to environmental risks. Both ambient air pollution (AAP) and household air pollution (HAP) contribute to respiratory tract infections that resulted in 543 000 deaths in children under 5 years in 2016. One of the best ways to make our future generations ready is to educate them about pollution and it's adverse effects. Here is a list of children around the world who have come up with ways to combat pollution and lead a healthy life: Licypriya Kangujam and her SUKIFU (Survival Kit for the Future) 8-years-old Indian Climate Activist Licypriya Kangujam brings out a symbolic device called SUKIFU to curb air pollution. SUKIFU is almost zero budget kit specially designed from trash to provide fresh air into our body when the pollution rate is high.This wearable plant is recognition of the Green Movement and it would be inspiring attention for all across the globe facing deadly pollution.Anybody can build up this concept at home from the trash by recycling to instil fresh air directly into our lungs. “This is the ultimate solution. Whoever, carry this, especially the children moving on the popular street laced with Smog, would no doubt attract a due attention of the climate experts, pollution control board members, scientists, policymakers, city/municipal commissioners and the entire generation, who are bound to ensure “Safe Future” to their “Generation Next”. This type of pollution is not acceptable by any standards," she said. Anna Du and her Deep Plastics Initiative A middle school girl has developed a robot that can find microplastics in the ocean and help in reducing waste and pollution. She was walking along Castle Island’s beach in South Boston when she noticed plastic scattered on the shoreline. She reached down to pick it up and quickly realized there were many more tiny pieces than she could handle. “When I realized how many pieces there were, it seemed impossible,” says Du, who was in sixth grade at the time. Geetanjali Rao and her Tethys A 13-year-old, who already has her name in the Forbes '30 under 30' list for her small, mobile device that tests for lead in drinking water. It detects the amount of lead present in the sample and also indicates how safe is it to drink that water. She named the device Tethys after the Greek Titan goddess of clean water.

As climate crisis claims over 9 lakh lives, children ready to lead fight against pollution

By Gabriel Recchia and Haydn Belfield

There’s little that the left and the right agree on these days. But surely one thing is beyond question: that national governments must protect citizens from the gravest threats and risks they face. Although our government, wherever we are in the world, may not be able to save everyone from a pandemic or protect people and infrastructure from a devastating cyberattack, surely they have thought through these risks in advance and have well-funded, adequately practiced plans?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is an emphatic no.

Not all policy areas are subject to this challenge. National defence establishments, for example, often have the frameworks and processes that facilitate policy decisions for extreme risks. But more often than not, and on more issues than not, governments fail to imagine how worst-case scenarios can come about – much less plan for them. Governments have never been able to divert significant attention from the here and happening to the future and uncertain.

A recent report published by Cambridge University’s Centre for the Study of Existential Risk argues that this needs to change. If even only one catastrophic risk manifests – whether through nature, accident or intention – it would harm human security, prosperity and potential on a scale never before seen in human history. There are concrete steps governments can take to address this, but they are currently being neglected.

The risks that we face today are many and varied. They include:

1. Tipping points in the environmental system due to climate change or mass biodiversity loss. 
2. Malicious, or accidentally harmful, use of artificial intelligence. 
3. Malicious use of, or unintended consequences from, advanced biotechnologies. 
4. A natural or engineered global pandemic. 
5. Intentional, miscalculated, or accidental use of nuclear weapons.

Each of these global catastrophic risks could cause unprecedented harm. A pandemic, for example, could speed around our hyper-connected world, threatening hundreds of millions – potentially billions – of people. In this globalised world of just-in-time delivery and global supply chains, we are more vulnerable to disruption than ever before. And the secondary effects of instability, mass migration and unrest may be comparably destructive. If any of these events occurred, we would pass on a diminished, fearful and wounded world to our descendants.

So how did we come to be so woefully unprepared, and what, if anything, can our governments do to make us safer?

A modern problem 
 
Dealing with catastrophic risks on a global scale is a particularly modern problem. The risks themselves are a result of modern trends in population, information, politics, warfare, technology, climate and environmental damage.

These risks are a problem for governments that are set up around traditional threats. Defence forces were built to protect from external menaces, mostly foreign invading forces. Domestic security agencies became increasingly significant in the 20th century, as threats to sovereignty and security – such as organised crime, domestic terrorism, extreme political ideologies and sophisticated espionage – increasingly came from inside national borders.

Unfortunately, these traditional threats are no longer the greatest concern today. Risks arising from the domains of technology, environment, biology and warfare don’t fall neatly into government’s view of the world. Instead, they are varied, global, complex and catastrophic.

As a result, these risks are currently not a priority for governments. Individually, they are quite unlikely. And such low-probability high-impact events are difficult to mobilise a response to. In addition, their unprecedented nature means we haven’t yet been taught a sharp lesson in the need to prepare for them. Many of the risks could take decades to arise, which conflicts with typical political time scales.

Governments, and the bureaucracies that support them, are not positioned to handle what’s coming. They don’t have the right incentives or skill sets to manage extreme risks, at least beyond natural disasters and military attacks. They are often stuck on old problems, and struggle to be agile to what’s new or emerging. Risk management as a practice is not a government’s strength. And technical expertise, especially on these challenging problem sets, tends to reside outside government.

Perhaps most troubling is the fact that any attempt to tackle these risks is not nationally confined: it would benefit everyone in the world – and indeed future generations. When the benefits are dispersed and the costs immediate, it is tempting to coast and hope others will pick up the slack.

Time to act 
 
Despite these daunting challenges, governments have the capability and responsibility to increase national readiness for extreme events.

The first step is for governments to improve their own understanding of the risks. Developing a better understanding of extreme risks is not as simple as conducting better analysis or more research. It requires a whole-of-government framework with explicit strategies for understanding the types of risks we face, as well as their causes, impacts, probabilities and time scales.

With this plan, governments can chart more secure and prosperous futures for their citizens, even if the most catastrophic possibilities never come to pass.

Governments around the world are already working towards improving their understanding of risk. For example, the United Kingdom is a world leader in applying an all-hazard national risk assessment process. This assessment ensures governments understand all the hazards – natural disasters, pandemics, cyber attacks, space weather, infrastructure collapse – that their country faces. It helps local first responders to prepare for the most damaging scenarios.

Finland’s Committee for the Future, meanwhile, is an example of a parliamentary select committee that injects a dose of much-needed long-term thinking into domestic policy. It acts as a think tank for futures, science and technology policy and provides advice on legislation coming forward that has an impact on Finland’s long-range future.

And Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Futures is leading in “horizon scanning”, a set of methods that helps people think about the future and potential scenarios. This is not prediction. It’s thinking about what might be coming around the corner, and using that knowledge to inform policy.

But these actions are few and far between.

We need all governments to put more energy towards understanding the risks, and acting on that knowledge. Some countries may even need grand changes to their political and economic systems, a level of change that typically only occurs after a catastrophe. We cannot – and do not have to – wait for these structural changes or for a global crisis. Forward-leaning leaders must act now to better understand the risks that their countries face.

(Gabriel Recchia is Research Associate, Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication, University of Cambridge; Haydn Belfield&nbsp;Research Associate, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/climate-change-pandemics-biodiversity-loss-no-country-is-sufficiently-prepared-123466">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Gabriel Recchia and Haydn Belfield There’s little that the left and the right agree on these days. But surely one thing is beyond question: that national governments must protect citizens from the gravest threats and risks they face.

By Gabriel Recchia and Haydn Belfield There’s little that the left and the right agree on these days. But surely one thing is beyond question: that national governments must protect citizens from the gravest threats and risks they face. Although our government, wherever we are in the world, may not be able to save everyone from a pandemic or protect people and infrastructure from a devastating cyberattack, surely they have thought through these risks in advance and have well-funded, adequately practiced plans? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is an emphatic no. Not all policy areas are subject to this challenge. National defence establishments, for example, often have the frameworks and processes that facilitate policy decisions for extreme risks. But more often than not, and on more issues than not, governments fail to imagine how worst-case scenarios can come about – much less plan for them. Governments have never been able to divert significant attention from the here and happening to the future and uncertain. A recent report published by Cambridge University’s Centre for the Study of Existential Risk argues that this needs to change. If even only one catastrophic risk manifests – whether through nature, accident or intention – it would harm human security, prosperity and potential on a scale never before seen in human history. There are concrete steps governments can take to address this, but they are currently being neglected. The risks that we face today are many and varied. They include: 1. Tipping points in the environmental system due to climate change or mass biodiversity loss. 2. Malicious, or accidentally harmful, use of artificial intelligence. 3. Malicious use of, or unintended consequences from, advanced biotechnologies. 4. A natural or engineered global pandemic. 5. Intentional, miscalculated, or accidental use of nuclear weapons. Each of these global catastrophic risks could cause unprecedented harm. A pandemic, for example, could speed around our hyper-connected world, threatening hundreds of millions – potentially billions – of people. In this globalised world of just-in-time delivery and global supply chains, we are more vulnerable to disruption than ever before. And the secondary effects of instability, mass migration and unrest may be comparably destructive. If any of these events occurred, we would pass on a diminished, fearful and wounded world to our descendants. So how did we come to be so woefully unprepared, and what, if anything, can our governments do to make us safer? A modern problem Dealing with catastrophic risks on a global scale is a particularly modern problem. The risks themselves are a result of modern trends in population, information, politics, warfare, technology, climate and environmental damage. These risks are a problem for governments that are set up around traditional threats. Defence forces were built to protect from external menaces, mostly foreign invading forces. Domestic security agencies became increasingly significant in the 20th century, as threats to sovereignty and security – such as organised crime, domestic terrorism, extreme political ideologies and sophisticated espionage – increasingly came from inside national borders. Unfortunately, these traditional threats are no longer the greatest concern today. Risks arising from the domains of technology, environment, biology and warfare don’t fall neatly into government’s view of the world. Instead, they are varied, global, complex and catastrophic. As a result, these risks are currently not a priority for governments. Individually, they are quite unlikely. And such low-probability high-impact events are difficult to mobilise a response to. In addition, their unprecedented nature means we haven’t yet been taught a sharp lesson in the need to prepare for them. Many of the risks could take decades to arise, which conflicts with typical political time scales. Governments, and the bureaucracies that support them, are not positioned to handle what’s coming. They don’t have the right incentives or skill sets to manage extreme risks, at least beyond natural disasters and military attacks. They are often stuck on old problems, and struggle to be agile to what’s new or emerging. Risk management as a practice is not a government’s strength. And technical expertise, especially on these challenging problem sets, tends to reside outside government. Perhaps most troubling is the fact that any attempt to tackle these risks is not nationally confined: it would benefit everyone in the world – and indeed future generations. When the benefits are dispersed and the costs immediate, it is tempting to coast and hope others will pick up the slack. Time to act Despite these daunting challenges, governments have the capability and responsibility to increase national readiness for extreme events. The first step is for governments to improve their own understanding of the risks. Developing a better understanding of extreme risks is not as simple as conducting better analysis or more research. It requires a whole-of-government framework with explicit strategies for understanding the types of risks we face, as well as their causes, impacts, probabilities and time scales. With this plan, governments can chart more secure and prosperous futures for their citizens, even if the most catastrophic possibilities never come to pass. Governments around the world are already working towards improving their understanding of risk. For example, the United Kingdom is a world leader in applying an all-hazard national risk assessment process. This assessment ensures governments understand all the hazards – natural disasters, pandemics, cyber attacks, space weather, infrastructure collapse – that their country faces. It helps local first responders to prepare for the most damaging scenarios. Finland’s Committee for the Future, meanwhile, is an example of a parliamentary select committee that injects a dose of much-needed long-term thinking into domestic policy. It acts as a think tank for futures, science and technology policy and provides advice on legislation coming forward that has an impact on Finland’s long-range future. And Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Futures is leading in “horizon scanning”, a set of methods that helps people think about the future and potential scenarios. This is not prediction. It’s thinking about what might be coming around the corner, and using that knowledge to inform policy. But these actions are few and far between. We need all governments to put more energy towards understanding the risks, and acting on that knowledge. Some countries may even need grand changes to their political and economic systems, a level of change that typically only occurs after a catastrophe. We cannot – and do not have to – wait for these structural changes or for a global crisis. Forward-leaning leaders must act now to better understand the risks that their countries face. (Gabriel Recchia is Research Associate, Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication, University of Cambridge; Haydn Belfield Research Associate, Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, University of Cambridge) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss: No country is sufficiently prepared

Ahead of World Food Day, the World Food Programme (WFP) said more than 800 million people, one in nine people globally, are facing chronic hunger and are unable to meet their basic food requirements. WFP. World Food Day is marked on Wednesday (16 Oct). WFP said, for the most part, the causes of hunger remain the same – conflict, the climate crisis and economic marginalization.

More than 800 million people facing chronic hunger: World Food Programme

Climate crisis finally getting the attraction that it deserves. The whole world has been gripped by the protests against climate change these days. Watch this video to know in detail.

Climate change crisis finally getting attraction that it deserves

Many argue that climate change is not a recent problem and has been occurring for millions of years, citing examples of the Little Ice Age. What they fail to realise is that humans have much more to lose now than they had then. Further, today humans are in a position to prevent and reduce climate change because they are the ones causing it.

Having said that, humans are not the only species bearing the brunt of climate change. Insects are also feeling the heat. However, the insect, animal and avian world have been bearing the cross of human progress for centuries. Dodo’s, passenger pigeons, the cheetah in India and a host of other species have been squashed underfoot in the march of progress. It is reported that since humans overran the planet after the last ice age, more than 300 mammal species have been wiped out.

Did their disappearance have an impact on human existence? Nobody knows because neither are the consequences immediately visible nor is the connection between the extinction of species and its impact on humans easy to ascertain.

In the modern world, the first impacts of the use of chemical pesticides was documented in Rachel Carsen’s book ‘Silent Spring’. She observed the absence of bird song and related it to the use of pesticides. These chemicals were not only killing weeds and bugs, but also birds and other insects -natural predators of such bugs. Chemicals are very secular, they harm everyone without prejudice.

In time, pests not only became immune to pesticides, but their natural predators also reduced, resulting in more chemicals in the field. Exposure to chemicals also began to affect humans. Skin rashes, breathing problems and lower IQ in children were some of the problems that began to be reported from farms. The war on pests has resulted in collateral damage both on humans and other species.

A study by the Zoological Society of London and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) states that ‘we have wiped out 58 per cent of animal life between 1970 and 2012’. &nbsp;

Recent reports suggest insects are facing mass extinction. A study conducted in the rain forests of Puerto Rico reported a decline, by a factor of four or eight, in the number of insects and invertebrates caught in traps. While the number of insects caught in sticky traps declined by a factor of 60, all caused by chemical-intensive agriculture, climate change and urbanisation.

A global scientific review reported in The Guardian states that the global mass of insects is falling at the rate of 2.5 per cent a year. They could vanish within a century. These are food for other creatures higher up in the food chain. As per researchers, this decline has coincided with the loss of birds, lizards and frogs.

Now, why should this be a worry for us? It can be argued that this should be the least of our worries as we are on top of the food chain, can make babies and meat in the laboratory, and can harness the wind and sun.

We should be concerned and here is why. According to scientists, it would take almost 3 million years for evolution to naturally replace species made extinct by humans.

Insects are pollinators and waste management experts, controlling other insects, keeping the soil healthy while also serving the most important function – being food for those higher up the food chain.

In the absence of pollinators, many plant species will disappear. Sure, the argument can be made that humans will be able to recreate such plants in the laboratory.

Approximately 87 per cent of the over 300,000 species of plants need external pollinators, where would one begin?

There is enough proof to declare that our handling of excreta is not as good as that of the dung beetle. Can human’s copy the magic that the earthworm performs on the soil? That being said, seed companies develop seeds in the laboratories to be sold to farmers along with pesticides and other chemicals. So, some can argue that agriculture will not be affected by insect decline. However, chemical residue in food and water sources links back to pesticide and fertiliser use.

There have been five earlier mass extinctions in the last 4 billion years. These were caused by volcanic eruptions, meteorite impacts and the ice age. Humans did not have much to lose then as they do now. One is not only speaking about death.

The development has inured many of us to a way of life far removed from hardships, money has been invested to ensure that one is not accosted by survival issues that our forefathers faced. The collapse of the insect world will potentially add to other woes destabilising the socio-economic system. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Is the decline of insects an existential threat like climate change? The answer is I don’t know, nor would I like to find out. &nbsp;

Are we equipped to battle a potential second existential threat? The answer is a NO, looking at the way we are handling the climate crisis.

Many in power either refuse to acknowledge the threat of Climate Change or don’t do enough to reduce the impact their economies have on the climate, for example moving to renewables from fossil fuels. Humanity is already paying for this dilly-dallying monetarily. According to a report by Christian Aid, the cost of 10 major climatic events in 2018, including the floods in Kerala, ranged from $1 billion to seven billion each.

Though there are many reports on the decline of insect populations, there is no official acknowledgement of this threat and its potential impacts. But should we wait for that? As individuals, there are many things that can be done. Going organic, using natural pesticides at home, growing home gardens are some of the day-to-day activities that come to mind. If you haven’t started as yet, there is no better time than now. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bearing-brunt-of-climate-change-2778913">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Many argue that climate change is not a recent problem and has been occurring for millions of years, citing examples of the Little Ice Age. What they fail to realise is that humans have much more to lose now than they had then.

Many argue that climate change is not a recent problem and has been occurring for millions of years, citing examples of the Little Ice Age. What they fail to realise is that humans have much more to lose now than they had then. Further, today humans are in a position to prevent and reduce climate change because they are the ones causing it. Having said that, humans are not the only species bearing the brunt of climate change. Insects are also feeling the heat. However, the insect, animal and avian world have been bearing the cross of human progress for centuries. Dodo’s, passenger pigeons, the cheetah in India and a host of other species have been squashed underfoot in the march of progress. It is reported that since humans overran the planet after the last ice age, more than 300 mammal species have been wiped out. Did their disappearance have an impact on human existence? Nobody knows because neither are the consequences immediately visible nor is the connection between the extinction of species and its impact on humans easy to ascertain. In the modern world, the first impacts of the use of chemical pesticides was documented in Rachel Carsen’s book ‘Silent Spring’. She observed the absence of bird song and related it to the use of pesticides. These chemicals were not only killing weeds and bugs, but also birds and other insects -natural predators of such bugs. Chemicals are very secular, they harm everyone without prejudice. In time, pests not only became immune to pesticides, but their natural predators also reduced, resulting in more chemicals in the field. Exposure to chemicals also began to affect humans. Skin rashes, breathing problems and lower IQ in children were some of the problems that began to be reported from farms. The war on pests has resulted in collateral damage both on humans and other species. A study by the Zoological Society of London and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) states that ‘we have wiped out 58 per cent of animal life between 1970 and 2012’. Recent reports suggest insects are facing mass extinction. A study conducted in the rain forests of Puerto Rico reported a decline, by a factor of four or eight, in the number of insects and invertebrates caught in traps. While the number of insects caught in sticky traps declined by a factor of 60, all caused by chemical-intensive agriculture, climate change and urbanisation. A global scientific review reported in The Guardian states that the global mass of insects is falling at the rate of 2.5 per cent a year. They could vanish within a century. These are food for other creatures higher up in the food chain. As per researchers, this decline has coincided with the loss of birds, lizards and frogs. Now, why should this be a worry for us? It can be argued that this should be the least of our worries as we are on top of the food chain, can make babies and meat in the laboratory, and can harness the wind and sun. We should be concerned and here is why. According to scientists, it would take almost 3 million years for evolution to naturally replace species made extinct by humans. Insects are pollinators and waste management experts, controlling other insects, keeping the soil healthy while also serving the most important function – being food for those higher up the food chain. In the absence of pollinators, many plant species will disappear. Sure, the argument can be made that humans will be able to recreate such plants in the laboratory. Approximately 87 per cent of the over 300,000 species of plants need external pollinators, where would one begin? There is enough proof to declare that our handling of excreta is not as good as that of the dung beetle. Can human’s copy the magic that the earthworm performs on the soil? That being said, seed companies develop seeds in the laboratories to be sold to farmers along with pesticides and other chemicals. So, some can argue that agriculture will not be affected by insect decline. However, chemical residue in food and water sources links back to pesticide and fertiliser use. There have been five earlier mass extinctions in the last 4 billion years. These were caused by volcanic eruptions, meteorite impacts and the ice age. Humans did not have much to lose then as they do now. One is not only speaking about death. The development has inured many of us to a way of life far removed from hardships, money has been invested to ensure that one is not accosted by survival issues that our forefathers faced. The collapse of the insect world will potentially add to other woes destabilising the socio-economic system. Is the decline of insects an existential threat like climate change? The answer is I don’t know, nor would I like to find out. Are we equipped to battle a potential second existential threat? The answer is a NO, looking at the way we are handling the climate crisis. Many in power either refuse to acknowledge the threat of Climate Change or don’t do enough to reduce the impact their economies have on the climate, for example moving to renewables from fossil fuels. Humanity is already paying for this dilly-dallying monetarily. According to a report by Christian Aid, the cost of 10 major climatic events in 2018, including the floods in Kerala, ranged from $1 billion to seven billion each. Though there are many reports on the decline of insect populations, there is no official acknowledgement of this threat and its potential impacts. But should we wait for that? As individuals, there are many things that can be done. Going organic, using natural pesticides at home, growing home gardens are some of the day-to-day activities that come to mind. If you haven’t started as yet, there is no better time than now. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Bearing brunt of climate change

With double-digit scores across Europe's biggest countries including a stunning 20 per cent in Germany, the Greens bagged record gains in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-turnout-has-dropped-in-european-elections-221696"> EU elections</a> on Sunday with younger voters leading calls for action to halt global warming.

The environmental party doubled its score in Germany from the last EU elections in 2014, knocking the Social Democrats off their traditional second place.

In France, the Greens were number three with 12 per cent, while in Austria, Ireland and the Netherlands, they garnered double-digits.

In Britain, they were on 12.4 per cent, nearly double their previous score, and beating the ruling Conservatives into fifth place.

"To see The Green Party beating the Conservatives so far in these elections is truly amazing. Something seismic is happening in British and European politics," said Alexandra Phillips, Green Party candidate for South East England.

With the two main traditional EU blocs -- the conservative EPP and the centre-left Social Democrats projected to lose ground, the Greens could end up as kingmakers in the European Parliament.

"This is a Sunday for Future," said the Greens' lead candidate in Germany Sven Giegold, in a nod to the "Fridays for Future" school strikes by students sounding the alarm on the climate crisis.

His counterpart in France, Yannick Jadot, also hailed it as a "green wave in which we are the main players".

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe acknowledged the "message about the ecological emergency".

"Everywhere in Europe, our citizens and in particular the youngest is asking us to act with determination and that's what we'll do in France and in Europe," he said.

In Ireland, Green Party candidate Ciaran Cuffe was on course to top the first preference tally in Dublin on 23 per cent of the vote, with the Greens also seen in contention in the country's two other constituencies.

Congratulating the Greens, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the election was about Brexit and climate action.

"It's a very clear message from the public that they want us to do more on climate action -- and we've got that message. That's going to require lots of changes on an individual level, community level and Govt level," he said on Twitter.

&nbsp;'Prove you mean business'&nbsp;

"The big story tonight is that the far right didn't rise in Europe, those numbers didn't come in," said Irish Green Party leader Eamon Ryan.

"What actually happened is the Greens came in, the counter to that. In Germany they're the second biggest party, and right across Europe and including here at home I'm so glad that green wave hit home -- we're part of that story."

The momentum for the Green surge had been building up over months as the strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, not only refused to lose steam but caught the imagination of youth across the world.

In a major mobilisation on Friday, tens of thousands of students rallied, with some calling on their parents to tick the box for the environment at European polls this week.

Cheering Sunday's results, a leading student activist in Germany Luisa Neubauer wrote: "The European elections show that we're not only bringing the climate crisis to the streets but also to the ballot boxes. This should give food for thought to those who have in the last month laughed at 'youth engagement'."

Under the 2015 Paris deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the 28-nation EU has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030, compared with 1990.

But many scientists and climate activists say Europe and all other major economies must sharply raise their ambition.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change warned in October that warming is currently on track towards a catastrophic 3C or 4C rise.

Biggest challenge&nbsp;

In Germany, the climate crisis has exposed a generational split, with adults and the elderly accused of hanging on to their polluting diesel cars while youngsters are urging change by going on school strikes.

Stunned by the Greens surge, the parties in Germany's governing coalition vowed to take on the challenge.

Markus Soeder, who heads Chancellor Angela Merkel's Bavarian allies CSU, declared the environmental party as its main competitor.

"The biggest challenge of the future is the intensive debate with the Greens," he said, adding that "old measures that we had before, are no longer valid".

Underlining that his party is struggling to win over young voters, he added that "we must work to be younger, cooler and more open".

Early results suggest around one in three under-30s voted Green, while only 13 per cent picked the CDU.

With double-digit scores across Europe's biggest countries including a stunning 20 per cent in Germany, the Greens bagged record gains in EU elections on Sunday with younger voters leading calls for action to halt global warming.

With double-digit scores across Europe's biggest countries including a stunning 20 per cent in Germany, the Greens bagged record gains in EU elections on Sunday with younger voters leading calls for action to halt global warming. The environmental party doubled its score in Germany from the last EU elections in 2014, knocking the Social Democrats off their traditional second place. In France, the Greens were number three with 12 per cent, while in Austria, Ireland and the Netherlands, they garnered double-digits. In Britain, they were on 12.4 per cent, nearly double their previous score, and beating the ruling Conservatives into fifth place. "To see The Green Party beating the Conservatives so far in these elections is truly amazing. Something seismic is happening in British and European politics," said Alexandra Phillips, Green Party candidate for South East England. With the two main traditional EU blocs -- the conservative EPP and the centre-left Social Democrats projected to lose ground, the Greens could end up as kingmakers in the European Parliament. "This is a Sunday for Future," said the Greens' lead candidate in Germany Sven Giegold, in a nod to the "Fridays for Future" school strikes by students sounding the alarm on the climate crisis. His counterpart in France, Yannick Jadot, also hailed it as a "green wave in which we are the main players". France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe acknowledged the "message about the ecological emergency". "Everywhere in Europe, our citizens and in particular the youngest is asking us to act with determination and that's what we'll do in France and in Europe," he said. In Ireland, Green Party candidate Ciaran Cuffe was on course to top the first preference tally in Dublin on 23 per cent of the vote, with the Greens also seen in contention in the country's two other constituencies. Congratulating the Greens, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the election was about Brexit and climate action. "It's a very clear message from the public that they want us to do more on climate action -- and we've got that message. That's going to require lots of changes on an individual level, community level and Govt level," he said on Twitter. 'Prove you mean business' "The big story tonight is that the far right didn't rise in Europe, those numbers didn't come in," said Irish Green Party leader Eamon Ryan. "What actually happened is the Greens came in, the counter to that. In Germany they're the second biggest party, and right across Europe and including here at home I'm so glad that green wave hit home -- we're part of that story." The momentum for the Green surge had been building up over months as the strikes started last November by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 16, not only refused to lose steam but caught the imagination of youth across the world. In a major mobilisation on Friday, tens of thousands of students rallied, with some calling on their parents to tick the box for the environment at European polls this week. Cheering Sunday's results, a leading student activist in Germany Luisa Neubauer wrote: "The European elections show that we're not only bringing the climate crisis to the streets but also to the ballot boxes. This should give food for thought to those who have in the last month laughed at 'youth engagement'." Under the 2015 Paris deal to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the 28-nation EU has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030, compared with 1990. But many scientists and climate activists say Europe and all other major economies must sharply raise their ambition. The UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change warned in October that warming is currently on track towards a catastrophic 3C or 4C rise. Biggest challenge In Germany, the climate crisis has exposed a generational split, with adults and the elderly accused of hanging on to their polluting diesel cars while youngsters are urging change by going on school strikes. Stunned by the Greens surge, the parties in Germany's governing coalition vowed to take on the challenge. Markus Soeder, who heads Chancellor Angela Merkel's Bavarian allies CSU, declared the environmental party as its main competitor. "The biggest challenge of the future is the intensive debate with the Greens," he said, adding that "old measures that we had before, are no longer valid". Underlining that his party is struggling to win over young voters, he added that "we must work to be younger, cooler and more open". Early results suggest around one in three under-30s voted Green, while only 13 per cent picked the CDU.

'Green wave' in European Union vote amid climate crisis

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has a simple wish for the future, she just wants everything fixed.

Sixteen-year-old Thunberg spoke to Reuters underneath a stage in Rome's Piazza del Popolo on Friday before she addressed thousands of Italian youth on the climate crisis.

"I think what I want for the future is just that we fix everything and that we fix the climate and the ecological crisis so that everyone lives in peace, I guess, very naive," she said, shrugging her shoulders.

Thunberg has inspired a movement of children against global warming but she says her fight is also seen in small changes she has made in her personal life. She no longer takes planes or goes shopping.

"I do many small things just to change my habit like I have become vegan, I have stopped flying, I have shop-stopped and small things like that," she said, patiently straining to hear questions over the noise of the speakers above.

The teenager has come in for some criticism with some saying she is stealing the limelight away from her cause.

"I mean I don't enjoy attention but I enjoy making a difference," she said saying she tries to make sure the climate crisis is always the focus.

But she warned the world did not have enough time to wait until she was grown up to change things, time was running out and politicians need to act now to save the planet.

"When I am grown up when I am old enough to become a politician, I mean it will be too late to act because we need to act now," she said.

"We can't wait for people like me to grow up and become the ones in charge," she warned.

Thunberg has been nominated for the Nobel peace prize, has addressed the United Nations Climate Conference and spoken at the European Parliament. But asked if she had plans to address the United Nations in New York, she said:

"I guess I would have to take a boat if I were to go to North America, so that would take a while."

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has a simple wish for the future, she just wants everything fixed. Sixteen-year-old Thunberg spoke to Reuters underneath a stage in Rome's Piazza del Popolo on Friday before she addressed thousands of Italian youth on the climate crisis.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has a simple wish for the future, she just wants everything fixed. Sixteen-year-old Thunberg spoke to Reuters underneath a stage in Rome's Piazza del Popolo on Friday before she addressed thousands of Italian youth on the climate crisis. "I think what I want for the future is just that we fix everything and that we fix the climate and the ecological crisis so that everyone lives in peace, I guess, very naive," she said, shrugging her shoulders. Thunberg has inspired a movement of children against global warming but she says her fight is also seen in small changes she has made in her personal life. She no longer takes planes or goes shopping. "I do many small things just to change my habit like I have become vegan, I have stopped flying, I have shop-stopped and small things like that," she said, patiently straining to hear questions over the noise of the speakers above. The teenager has come in for some criticism with some saying she is stealing the limelight away from her cause. "I mean I don't enjoy attention but I enjoy making a difference," she said saying she tries to make sure the climate crisis is always the focus. But she warned the world did not have enough time to wait until she was grown up to change things, time was running out and politicians need to act now to save the planet. "When I am grown up when I am old enough to become a politician, I mean it will be too late to act because we need to act now," she said. "We can't wait for people like me to grow up and become the ones in charge," she warned. Thunberg has been nominated for the Nobel peace prize, has addressed the United Nations Climate Conference and spoken at the European Parliament. But asked if she had plans to address the United Nations in New York, she said: "I guess I would have to take a boat if I were to go to North America, so that would take a while."

'We can't wait for people like me to grow up and be the ones in charge,' climate activist Greta warns

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