For climate scientists around the world, Twitter was once a platform where they loved to share their research as well as rally support to stop oil pipelines or call out politicians and leaders on their failures to curb pollution. But the scenario seems to have altered as many scientists are now seen leaving Twitter in the wake of the recent increase in climate misinformation posts, threats, and spam.&nbsp;

There has been a recent reappearance of debunked climate change denialists who have been now regularly using Twitter to post memes and talk their points with the hashtag #ClimateScam so much so that the hashtag has become the first result to appear on searching the term "climate" on the site. This sudden surge of anti-climate tweets has left many scientists and activists unnerved.&nbsp;

After Elon Musk's recent leadership takeover, Twitter's content management teams were fired, the sustainability arm of the platform was dismantled and bans were lifted on various prominent celebrities with millions following them, like Donald Trump. For some climate experts, the drastic changes the platform has been subjected to have become too much to bear.&nbsp;

National Snow and Ice Data Centre's scientist Twila Moon had expressed her concerns that if scientists lose their trust in Twitter, the connections established between them could "crumble". “Since Musk’s takeover, I have ramped down my own use of Twitter, using it less both to look for news and to share science. Folks noticing a rise in climate denialism and disinformation is particularly worrying and I am concerned that it could slow climate action in ways that are devastating to economies, communities, and health,” Moon further said.

One of Penn State's prominent climate scientists Michael Mann said that he doesn't plan to leave Twitter immediately, however, he emphasised how climate disinformation has “become a bit more on the nose, with climate deniers who had been deactivated making a reappearance, and climate denial getting somewhat more traction”.

Mann has recently joined Mastodon, which is a new social media site and is seen as Twitter's alternative, and other climate scientists, who have been disappointed by Musk's way of running Twitter, have joined Mann on the alternative platform.&nbsp;

Rutgers University climate scientist Bob Kopp, who had earlier stated that COVID-19 misinformation "tends to go hand in hand" with tweets of climate denialism, said, “I don’t think I’m getting much value from being on Twitter now, there are more interesting conversations happening at Mastodon."&nbsp;

Musk, who was earlier appreciated by environmentalists for leading the electric car firm Tesla, recently stated that Twitter “obviously cannot become a free-for-all hellscape”.&nbsp;

However, climate communications expert at George Mason University Ed Maibach believes that Musk's recent actions reflect “that he is interested in creating a massive, worldwide cage fight. If it comes to that, we’ll take a pass."&nbsp;

Since July, Twitter has seen a tremendous rise in tweets and posts which are talking about the "climate scam", which is three months before Musk's massive USD44 billion takeover, as per Climate Action Against Disinformation coalition's analysis. The coalition explains how the opaque algorithm of Twitter makes it difficult to understand how this happened.&nbsp;

Institute for Strategic Dialogue's head of civic action Jennie King explains, "There’s no evidence there are more posts with ‘climate scam’ than ‘climate emergency’ or other terms, or that they are getting more engagement, so it’s a bit perplexing why it’s the top search term, we are scratching our heads at it."&nbsp;

“I can understand climate scientists saying this is not a productive place for conversations with each other anymore. They’ve become lightening rods for hate speech and death threats, we are seeing a real escalation of threats against them, intended to drive them off the platform," he adds.&nbsp;

King further emphasised on the "renewed energy" seen on Twitter to spread debunked theories of the climate crisis, especially by accounts with a huge number of followers. One of those accounts is of Canadian psychologist and media personality Peterson, whose account is among those which have been reinstated by Musk after it was banned. After being reinstated, Peterson has been regularly tweeting a dozen tweets related to climate change every single day to his 3.5 million followers.&nbsp;

He has continued to share false narratives on how carbon dioxide in excess will benefit the world, how efforts being made to curb pollution being caused by cars are threatening the "automotive freedom" and has alleged that climate campaigners intend to “wreak envious and narcissistic havoc”.

“Peterson is a big one because his brand extends beyond the environment but now he’s doubling down on climate. We’ve seen time and again these accounts that espouse climate denial and delay also spread misinformation on other topics, such as electoral fraud, racial politics or reproductive rights," King said.&nbsp;

Climate scientists now fear that with trends like #ClimateScam, the mainstream social media platforms will now be reigned by conspiracy theorists and others who don't hold expertise on issues of climate change.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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For climate scientists around the world, Twitter was once a platform where they loved to share their research as well as rally support to stop oil pipelines or call out politicians and leaders on their failures to curb pollution.

For climate scientists around the world, Twitter was once a platform where they loved to share their research as well as rally support to stop oil pipelines or call out politicians and leaders on their failures to curb pollution. But the scenario seems to have altered as many scientists are now seen leaving Twitter in the wake of the recent increase in climate misinformation posts, threats, and spam. There has been a recent reappearance of debunked climate change denialists who have been now regularly using Twitter to post memes and talk their points with the hashtag #ClimateScam so much so that the hashtag has become the first result to appear on searching the term "climate" on the site. This sudden surge of anti-climate tweets has left many scientists and activists unnerved. After Elon Musk's recent leadership takeover, Twitter's content management teams were fired, the sustainability arm of the platform was dismantled and bans were lifted on various prominent celebrities with millions following them, like Donald Trump. For some climate experts, the drastic changes the platform has been subjected to have become too much to bear. National Snow and Ice Data Centre's scientist Twila Moon had expressed her concerns that if scientists lose their trust in Twitter, the connections established between them could "crumble". “Since Musk’s takeover, I have ramped down my own use of Twitter, using it less both to look for news and to share science. Folks noticing a rise in climate denialism and disinformation is particularly worrying and I am concerned that it could slow climate action in ways that are devastating to economies, communities, and health,” Moon further said. One of Penn State's prominent climate scientists Michael Mann said that he doesn't plan to leave Twitter immediately, however, he emphasised how climate disinformation has “become a bit more on the nose, with climate deniers who had been deactivated making a reappearance, and climate denial getting somewhat more traction”. Mann has recently joined Mastodon, which is a new social media site and is seen as Twitter's alternative, and other climate scientists, who have been disappointed by Musk's way of running Twitter, have joined Mann on the alternative platform. Rutgers University climate scientist Bob Kopp, who had earlier stated that COVID-19 misinformation "tends to go hand in hand" with tweets of climate denialism, said, “I don’t think I’m getting much value from being on Twitter now, there are more interesting conversations happening at Mastodon." Musk, who was earlier appreciated by environmentalists for leading the electric car firm Tesla, recently stated that Twitter “obviously cannot become a free-for-all hellscape”. However, climate communications expert at George Mason University Ed Maibach believes that Musk's recent actions reflect “that he is interested in creating a massive, worldwide cage fight. If it comes to that, we’ll take a pass." Since July, Twitter has seen a tremendous rise in tweets and posts which are talking about the "climate scam", which is three months before Musk's massive USD44 billion takeover, as per Climate Action Against Disinformation coalition's analysis. The coalition explains how the opaque algorithm of Twitter makes it difficult to understand how this happened. Institute for Strategic Dialogue's head of civic action Jennie King explains, "There’s no evidence there are more posts with ‘climate scam’ than ‘climate emergency’ or other terms, or that they are getting more engagement, so it’s a bit perplexing why it’s the top search term, we are scratching our heads at it." “I can understand climate scientists saying this is not a productive place for conversations with each other anymore. They’ve become lightening rods for hate speech and death threats, we are seeing a real escalation of threats against them, intended to drive them off the platform," he adds. King further emphasised on the "renewed energy" seen on Twitter to spread debunked theories of the climate crisis, especially by accounts with a huge number of followers. One of those accounts is of Canadian psychologist and media personality Peterson, whose account is among those which have been reinstated by Musk after it was banned. After being reinstated, Peterson has been regularly tweeting a dozen tweets related to climate change every single day to his 3.5 million followers. He has continued to share false narratives on how carbon dioxide in excess will benefit the world, how efforts being made to curb pollution being caused by cars are threatening the "automotive freedom" and has alleged that climate campaigners intend to “wreak envious and narcissistic havoc”. “Peterson is a big one because his brand extends beyond the environment but now he’s doubling down on climate. We’ve seen time and again these accounts that espouse climate denial and delay also spread misinformation on other topics, such as electoral fraud, racial politics or reproductive rights," King said. Climate scientists now fear that with trends like #ClimateScam, the mainstream social media platforms will now be reigned by conspiracy theorists and others who don't hold expertise on issues of climate change. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Twitter sees a surge of denialism claims, as scientists look for an alternative site

To guard Earth's ecosystems against the rising threat of climate change and a loss of natural resources, funds towards its&nbsp;protection need to double from current levels and reach $384 billion a year by 2025, said the UN's environment watchdog.

As per the UN Environment Programme's (UNEP) second "State of Finance for Nature" report, currently, $154 billion yearly is spent, primarily by governments, towards "nature-based solutions" or the protection and management of water, land, air and wildlife.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: UN urges shipping industry to cut emissions

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Ivo Mulder, head of UNEP's climate finance unit, said that this amount "will have to increase by several orders of magnitude if we are to tackle the triple crisis of land degradation, climate and nature."

Even if we are going through many crises, like the war in Ukraine and skyrocketing prices, he said, "It shouldn't be too hard a stretch&nbsp;given that almost 50 per cent of global GDP is dependent on healthy and well-functioning ecosystems."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18-billion-thats-how-much-governments-fund-every-year-to-human-extinction-and-climate-change-454012">$1.8 billion; that's how much govt subsidies contribute every year to human extinction &amp; climate change</a>

Meanwhile, according to the agency's assessment, governments spend $500 billion to $1 trillion per year on subsidies for fisheries, agriculture, and fossil fuels, which could have negative environmental effects.

Despite their pledges to reduce carbon emissions and deforestation, private sector actors only account for 17&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of investment&nbsp;in nature-based solutions, said UNEP adding that this means that they "will have to combine net zero with nature positive."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-effect-snow-white-alps-turning-green-says-study-after-analysing-satellite-data-484609">Climate change effect: ‘Snow-white' Alps turning green, says study after analysing satellite data</a>

In order to do this, supply chains would need to be sustainable, activities that undermine biodiversity and climate goals would need to be reduced, and damages that could not be avoided would need to be compensated for by working with nature markets.

(With inputs from agencies)

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To guard Earth's ecosystems against the rising threat of climate change and a loss of natural resources, funds towards its protection need to double from current levels and reach $384 billion a year by 2025, said the UN's environment watchdog.

To guard Earth's ecosystems against the rising threat of climate change and a loss of natural resources, funds towards its protection need to double from current levels and reach $384 billion a year by 2025, said the UN's environment watchdog. As per the UN Environment Programme's (UNEP) second "State of Finance for Nature" report, currently, $154 billion yearly is spent, primarily by governments, towards "nature-based solutions" or the protection and management of water, land, air and wildlife. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: UN urges shipping industry to cut emissions Ivo Mulder, head of UNEP's climate finance unit, said that this amount "will have to increase by several orders of magnitude if we are to tackle the triple crisis of land degradation, climate and nature." Even if we are going through many crises, like the war in Ukraine and skyrocketing prices, he said, "It shouldn't be too hard a stretch given that almost 50 per cent of global GDP is dependent on healthy and well-functioning ecosystems." Also read | $1.8 billion; that's how much govt subsidies contribute every year to human extinction & climate change Meanwhile, according to the agency's assessment, governments spend $500 billion to $1 trillion per year on subsidies for fisheries, agriculture, and fossil fuels, which could have negative environmental effects. Despite their pledges to reduce carbon emissions and deforestation, private sector actors only account for 17 per cent of investment in nature-based solutions, said UNEP adding that this means that they "will have to combine net zero with nature positive." Also read | Climate change effect: ‘Snow-white' Alps turning green, says study after analysing satellite data In order to do this, supply chains would need to be sustainable, activities that undermine biodiversity and climate goals would need to be reduced, and damages that could not be avoided would need to be compensated for by working with nature markets. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP

According to the largest ever coral health survey, destructive dynamite fishing, pollution -- but mostly global warming --&nbsp;has wiped out 14 per cent of the world's coral reefs from 2009 to 2018.

This report titled "Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020", is based on nearly two million data points gathered from 12,000 sites in 73 countries, spanning over 40 years. It's the first survey of its kind since 2008 and the sixth global survey of its kind.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-race-to-save-florida-coral-reef-from-mysterious-disease-417175">Scientists race to save Florida coral reef from mysterious disease</a>

The report compares&nbsp;healthy live coral with algae-infested areas, a sign of coral distress, to determine the change over time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coral loss varied by region from 2009 to 2018, ranging from five per cent in East Asia to 95 per cent in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.&nbsp;According to more than 300 scientists in the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, coral reefs in South Asia and the Pacific, the Arabian Peninsula, and off the coast of Australia were the hardest hit.

WATCH |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-need-to-rethink-our-role-on-planet-if-corals-cannot-be-saved-538687">&nbsp;'We need to rethink our role on planet if corals cannot be saved'</a>

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"Climate change is the biggest threat to the world's reefs," co-author Paul Hardisty, CEO of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, said in a statement.

Almost 90 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions is absorbed by the ocean, shielding land surfaces but generating huge, long-lasting marine heatwaves that are forcing many coral species past the edge of tolerance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-recent-recovery-great-barrier-reef-may-not-be-able-to-survive-climate-change-398988">Despite recent recovery, Great Barrier Reef may not be able to survive climate change</a>

As a result of a single "bleaching event" in 1998, eight per cent of all corals were destroyed.&nbsp;

Coral reefs cover less than 0.2 per cent of the ocean's surface, yet they are home to almost 25 per cent of all marine animals and plants.&nbsp;They also provide a huge range of benefits to billions of people everywhere, including jobs, and protection from storms and&nbsp;shoreline&nbsp;erosion.

As per the report, including $36 billion in tourism, coral reefs generate 2.7 trillion dollars in goods and services each year.

The 'Coral Triangle'&nbsp;

"Since 2009 we have lost more coral worldwide than all the living coral in Australia," noted UNEP executive director Inger Anderson.&nbsp;

"We can reverse the losses, but we have to act now."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-great-barrier-reef-doomed-as-up-to-99-of-coral-at-risk-report-finds-374881">The Great Barrier Reef doomed as up to 99% of coral at risk, report finds</a>

UN's climate science advisory panel, the IPCC, predicts that global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius&nbsp;above&nbsp;preindustrial levels&nbsp;will lead to the extinction of 70 to 90 per cent of all corals.&nbsp;And only 1 per cent of corals worldwide would survive in a 2 degree above preindustrial levels&nbsp;world.

Surface temperatures on Earth have already risen by 1.1C above this benchmark.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, according to the report, there are reasons for cautious optimism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/since-1950s-coral-cover-reduced-by-half-in-world-finds-report-414010">Since 1950s, coral cover reduced by half in world, finds report</a> &nbsp;

"Some reefs have shown a remarkable ability to bounce back, which offers some hope for the future recovery of degraded reefs," Hardisty said.

Asia's "Coral Triangle," which contains nearly 30 per cent of the world's coral reefs, has been hit less hard by warming waters over the last decade and has even recovered in some cases.

Watch |&nbsp;Global warming kills 14% of Coral reefs

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Researchers suggest that corals' resilience may be due to species unique to the region, which could open up possibilities for boosting coral growth in other parts of the world.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to the largest ever coral health survey, destructive dynamite fishing, pollution -- but mostly global warming -- has wiped out 14 per cent of the world's coral reefs from 2009 to 2018.

According to the largest ever coral health survey, destructive dynamite fishing, pollution -- but mostly global warming -- has wiped out 14 per cent of the world's coral reefs from 2009 to 2018. This report titled "Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020", is based on nearly two million data points gathered from 12,000 sites in 73 countries, spanning over 40 years. It's the first survey of its kind since 2008 and the sixth global survey of its kind. Also read | Scientists race to save Florida coral reef from mysterious disease The report compares healthy live coral with algae-infested areas, a sign of coral distress, to determine the change over time. Coral loss varied by region from 2009 to 2018, ranging from five per cent in East Asia to 95 per cent in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. According to more than 300 scientists in the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, coral reefs in South Asia and the Pacific, the Arabian Peninsula, and off the coast of Australia were the hardest hit. WATCH | 'We need to rethink our role on planet if corals cannot be saved' × "Climate change is the biggest threat to the world's reefs," co-author Paul Hardisty, CEO of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, said in a statement. Almost 90 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions is absorbed by the ocean, shielding land surfaces but generating huge, long-lasting marine heatwaves that are forcing many coral species past the edge of tolerance. Also read | Despite recent recovery, Great Barrier Reef may not be able to survive climate change As a result of a single "bleaching event" in 1998, eight per cent of all corals were destroyed. Coral reefs cover less than 0.2 per cent of the ocean's surface, yet they are home to almost 25 per cent of all marine animals and plants. They also provide a huge range of benefits to billions of people everywhere, including jobs, and protection from storms and shoreline erosion. As per the report, including $36 billion in tourism, coral reefs generate 2.7 trillion dollars in goods and services each year. The 'Coral Triangle' "Since 2009 we have lost more coral worldwide than all the living coral in Australia," noted UNEP executive director Inger Anderson. "We can reverse the losses, but we have to act now." Also read | The Great Barrier Reef doomed as up to 99% of coral at risk, report finds UN's climate science advisory panel, the IPCC, predicts that global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels will lead to the extinction of 70 to 90 per cent of all corals. And only 1 per cent of corals worldwide would survive in a 2 degree above preindustrial levels world. Surface temperatures on Earth have already risen by 1.1C above this benchmark. However, according to the report, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Also read | Since 1950s, coral cover reduced by half in world, finds report "Some reefs have shown a remarkable ability to bounce back, which offers some hope for the future recovery of degraded reefs," Hardisty said. Asia's "Coral Triangle," which contains nearly 30 per cent of the world's coral reefs, has been hit less hard by warming waters over the last decade and has even recovered in some cases. Watch | Global warming kills 14% of Coral reefs Researchers suggest that corals' resilience may be due to species unique to the region, which could open up possibilities for boosting coral growth in other parts of the world. (With inputs from agencies)

In less than a decade, global warming destroyed 14% of the world's corals: Report

In the temperate shallows of the Mediterranean, once-vibrant red and purple coral forests that provide a crucial haven for biodiversity now stand bleached and brittle, transformed into skeletons by record summer temperatures, scientists say.

Holding naked branches of gorgonian coral, Tristan Estaque of marine conservation group Septentrion Environnement is returning despondent from an exploratory dive off the coast of Marseille in southern France.

"It is heartbreaking, the deterioration is so fast," he tells AFP.&nbsp;

Dive surveys just two months earlier found an intact landscape, lush with violet-fringed fans of gorgonian coral.&nbsp;

Now it is a "ghost forest", says Estaque, with the majestic fans largely bare of living tissue. &nbsp;

"You have to imagine a tree where there are no more leaves, no more bark."

 
Fragile forests&nbsp; 
 
Gorgonian corals, which have flexible skeletons encrusted with polyps, are found across the planet.&nbsp;

Those found in the Mediterranean are said to create "forests", sheltering a huge array of species.&nbsp;But they are acutely vulnerable to human activities. &nbsp;

Fishing nets, anchors and careless divers can rip their delicate structures, while exposure to continuous and intense heat can be lethal.&nbsp;

Marine heatwaves are becoming more common, according to a report this year by UN climate experts. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This summer a major marine heatwave hit the western Mediterranean, with water up to five degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than normal, according to Mercator Ocean International, the organisation that runs the European ocean monitoring service.&nbsp;

In some places water reached 30ºC.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/we-need-to-rethink-our-role-on-planet-if-corals-cannot-be-saved-538687">'We need to rethink our role on planet if corals cannot be saved'</a>

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Recent Septentrion Environment surveys have shown that between 70 and 90 per cent of the red gorgonian population in the 10 to 20-metre zone off Marseille have since died.&nbsp;

The effect was like "an underwater inferno", according to Solene Basthard-Bogain, another of the group's specialists.

And it is not just near the southern French coast.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coral-reefs-in-western-indian-ocean-face-extinction-by-2070-study-claims-434846">Coral reefs in western Indian Ocean face extinction by 2070, study claims</a>

Gorgonian mortality has also been observed on the Spanish coasts and around the Italian island of Sardinia, according to Stephane Sartoretto of the French research agency Ifremer.

The severity of the impact appears to vary depending on the depth of the corals.&nbsp;

Along the sawtooth coastline of France's Calanques National Park, notched with craggy coves and shallow habitats where the gorgonians are found in waters of just six metres (20 feet) in places, the die-offs have been particularly intense.

In the Balearic Islands, they live deeper, at 40 metres, and were therefore less impacted, Sartoretto says.

 
'Forest fire' 
 
In addition to the gorgonians, sponges and bivalves have also been affected.

The marine heatwave likewise battered mussel farming, with 150 tonnes of commercial mussels and 1,000 tonnes of young stock -- for next year's crop -- lost in Spain over the summer.

A drop in temperatures in the Mediterranean could help to save those corals that were spared in the summer die-off, says Basthard-Bogain, although she worries that any pathogens that may have spread because of the heat would still be present in the waters.&nbsp;

There are fears, too, that another hot spell cannot be ruled out before the end of the autumn.&nbsp;

Sartoretto says he worries that repeated periods of heat stress could be devastating for the corals.&nbsp;

"We can ask ourselves about the possibility of their disappearance," he says, adding that their reproduction rate is very slow.&nbsp;

"Like after a forest fire on land," he says, "they will take decades to regenerate."

In the temperate shallows of the Mediterranean, once-vibrant red and purple coral forests that provide a crucial haven for biodiversity now stand bleached and brittle, transformed into skeletons by record summer temperatures, scientists say.

In the temperate shallows of the Mediterranean, once-vibrant red and purple coral forests that provide a crucial haven for biodiversity now stand bleached and brittle, transformed into skeletons by record summer temperatures, scientists say. Holding naked branches of gorgonian coral, Tristan Estaque of marine conservation group Septentrion Environnement is returning despondent from an exploratory dive off the coast of Marseille in southern France. "It is heartbreaking, the deterioration is so fast," he tells AFP. Dive surveys just two months earlier found an intact landscape, lush with violet-fringed fans of gorgonian coral. Now it is a "ghost forest", says Estaque, with the majestic fans largely bare of living tissue. "You have to imagine a tree where there are no more leaves, no more bark." Fragile forests Gorgonian corals, which have flexible skeletons encrusted with polyps, are found across the planet. Those found in the Mediterranean are said to create "forests", sheltering a huge array of species. But they are acutely vulnerable to human activities. Fishing nets, anchors and careless divers can rip their delicate structures, while exposure to continuous and intense heat can be lethal. Marine heatwaves are becoming more common, according to a report this year by UN climate experts. This summer a major marine heatwave hit the western Mediterranean, with water up to five degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than normal, according to Mercator Ocean International, the organisation that runs the European ocean monitoring service. In some places water reached 30ºC. WATCH | 'We need to rethink our role on planet if corals cannot be saved' × Recent Septentrion Environment surveys have shown that between 70 and 90 per cent of the red gorgonian population in the 10 to 20-metre zone off Marseille have since died. The effect was like "an underwater inferno", according to Solene Basthard-Bogain, another of the group's specialists. And it is not just near the southern French coast. ALSO READ: Coral reefs in western Indian Ocean face extinction by 2070, study claims Gorgonian mortality has also been observed on the Spanish coasts and around the Italian island of Sardinia, according to Stephane Sartoretto of the French research agency Ifremer. The severity of the impact appears to vary depending on the depth of the corals. Along the sawtooth coastline of France's Calanques National Park, notched with craggy coves and shallow habitats where the gorgonians are found in waters of just six metres (20 feet) in places, the die-offs have been particularly intense. In the Balearic Islands, they live deeper, at 40 metres, and were therefore less impacted, Sartoretto says. 'Forest fire' In addition to the gorgonians, sponges and bivalves have also been affected. The marine heatwave likewise battered mussel farming, with 150 tonnes of commercial mussels and 1,000 tonnes of young stock -- for next year's crop -- lost in Spain over the summer. A drop in temperatures in the Mediterranean could help to save those corals that were spared in the summer die-off, says Basthard-Bogain, although she worries that any pathogens that may have spread because of the heat would still be present in the waters. There are fears, too, that another hot spell cannot be ruled out before the end of the autumn. Sartoretto says he worries that repeated periods of heat stress could be devastating for the corals. "We can ask ourselves about the possibility of their disappearance," he says, adding that their reproduction rate is very slow. "Like after a forest fire on land," he says, "they will take decades to regenerate."

Climate change: Marine heatwave ravages once-vibrant red and purple coral forests in the Mediterranean

Normal air traffic resumed at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport airport after delays over climate protesters breaking on to the site. Runways were briefly closed on Thursday as climate protesters broke on to the airport.

Berlin airport resumes normal operations after climate protest

Climate change has impacted many countries across the globe. Kenya's agricultural lands have been severely impacted by change in weather patterns. These lands are drying out and turning barren, droughts have left farmers without crops.

WION Climate Tracker: Kenyan farmers endure painful drought, battling it for four years now

The impact of the global climate crisis is being felt around the world. It is high time that we take climate action. Watch this report to know how the climate crisis is hurting our health.

WION Climate Tracker | How climate crisis is hurting our health?

Burning, drifting, and being devoured by insects, Canada’s Boreal forest is shrinking and climate change is to blame.

Second&nbsp;only to the South American Amazon forest, the Boreal forest is vital to ensuring the future of planet Earth, reports AFP.&nbsp;The forest which encircles the arctic and stretches across Canada, Scandinavia, Russia and Alaska has in recent times been weakened by forest fires, the melting of permafrost, an insect infestation, warming temperatures and drifting trees.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Next pandemic to come from melting glaciers? New virus threat as Arctic melts

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As per AFP experts have categorically warned that “the forest is encroaching on the tundra, and the prairies are slowly taking the place of the trees.”

With the rising temperatures “drunken trees” have become a common phenomenon; trees are tilted sideways due to the melting permafrost. Eventually, the soil will completely erode and the fauna will tumble down.

Edmonton-based researcher for the natural resources ministry warns "You have the potential for large shifts," adding that some areas might be flooded and even lose forests, which can eventually turn into bogs or swamps, and lakes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-effect-snow-white-alps-turning-green-says-study-after-analysing-satellite-data-484609">Climate change effect: ‘Snow-white' Alps turning green, says study after analysing satellite data</a>

The degradation of permafrost is behind this “buckling and sinking”, ground which for the past two years has remained frozen is thawing.

With it, bacteria are eating away at the biomass collected over thousands of years, generating carbon, and methane emissions which are then contributing to the acceleration of global warming.

Data collected by Global Forest Watch, the World Resources Institute, and the University of Maryland also revealed that extreme heat waves are five times more likely today than 150 years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-climate-change-will-impact-the-worlds-regions-differently-457772">How climate change will impact the world's regions differently</a>

The higher temperatures have also brought on another problem: insect infestations, which are quickly eating away at the trees.

Fauna, already weakened by the droughts brought on by heatwaves struggle to fend off bugs that exploit the longer summers and warmer winters.

Scientists as per AFP say that for now there’s still hope for the ecosystem's continued resilience, even as they ponder whether the forest’s “tipping point”, a threshold after which emissions will be inevitable and changes to the ecosystem irreversible is approaching.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Burning, drifting, and being devoured by insects, Canada’s Boreal forest is shrinking and climate change is to blame. Second only to the South American Amazon forest, the Boreal forest is vital to ensuring the future of planet Earth, reports AFP.

Burning, drifting, and being devoured by insects, Canada’s Boreal forest is shrinking and climate change is to blame. Second only to the South American Amazon forest, the Boreal forest is vital to ensuring the future of planet Earth, reports AFP. The forest which encircles the arctic and stretches across Canada, Scandinavia, Russia and Alaska has in recent times been weakened by forest fires, the melting of permafrost, an insect infestation, warming temperatures and drifting trees. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Next pandemic to come from melting glaciers? New virus threat as Arctic melts As per AFP experts have categorically warned that “the forest is encroaching on the tundra, and the prairies are slowly taking the place of the trees.” With the rising temperatures “drunken trees” have become a common phenomenon; trees are tilted sideways due to the melting permafrost. Eventually, the soil will completely erode and the fauna will tumble down. Edmonton-based researcher for the natural resources ministry warns "You have the potential for large shifts," adding that some areas might be flooded and even lose forests, which can eventually turn into bogs or swamps, and lakes. Also read | Climate change effect: ‘Snow-white' Alps turning green, says study after analysing satellite data The degradation of permafrost is behind this “buckling and sinking”, ground which for the past two years has remained frozen is thawing. With it, bacteria are eating away at the biomass collected over thousands of years, generating carbon, and methane emissions which are then contributing to the acceleration of global warming. Data collected by Global Forest Watch, the World Resources Institute, and the University of Maryland also revealed that extreme heat waves are five times more likely today than 150 years ago. Also read | How climate change will impact the world's regions differently The higher temperatures have also brought on another problem: insect infestations, which are quickly eating away at the trees. Fauna, already weakened by the droughts brought on by heatwaves struggle to fend off bugs that exploit the longer summers and warmer winters. Scientists as per AFP say that for now there’s still hope for the ecosystem's continued resilience, even as they ponder whether the forest’s “tipping point”, a threshold after which emissions will be inevitable and changes to the ecosystem irreversible is approaching. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Global warming slowly devastating Boreal forest a.k.a. Earth's second lung

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday that the "very life of the planet" is at stake and urged nations during his COP27 address to work towards combating climate crisis. Biden also mentioned the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and said that the conflict has made it more urgent for nations around the world to make extra commitments towards crisis management.

“Every nation needs to step up. At this gathering, we must renew and raise our climate ambitions.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-to-receive-mandate-to-form-new-government-in-israel-533284">Benjamin Netanyahu to receive mandate to form new government in Israel</a>

“It’s a duty and responsibility of global leadership. Countries that are in a position to help should be supporting developing countries so they can make decisive climate decisions—facilitating their energy transitions, building a path to prosperity compatible with our climate imperative.”

During the ongoing COP27 summit, several leaders have already made their intentions clear about meeting the global warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius and Biden also followed suit. The US President added that the country is on track and will cut their emissions by half before 2030.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-inner-circle-split-on-timing-of-presidential-campaign-announcement-533403" hreflang="en">Trump's inner circle split over timing of presidential campaign announcement</a>

"The United States will meet our emissions targets," he said. “Let’s raise both our ambition and speed of our efforts. &nbsp;If we are going to win this fight, every major emitter needs to align with 1.5C. We can no longer plead ignorance of the consequences of our actions or continue to repeat our mistakes. Everyone has to keep accelerating progress throughout this decisive decade.”

During the speech, Biden also mentioned a number of initiatives including management of methane and introduction of warning systems for detecting weather disasters in specifically Africa.

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday that the "very life of the planet" is at stake and urged nations during his COP27 address to work towards combating climate crisis.

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday that the "very life of the planet" is at stake and urged nations during his COP27 address to work towards combating climate crisis. Biden also mentioned the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and said that the conflict has made it more urgent for nations around the world to make extra commitments towards crisis management. “Every nation needs to step up. At this gathering, we must renew and raise our climate ambitions.” Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu to receive mandate to form new government in Israel “It’s a duty and responsibility of global leadership. Countries that are in a position to help should be supporting developing countries so they can make decisive climate decisions—facilitating their energy transitions, building a path to prosperity compatible with our climate imperative.” During the ongoing COP27 summit, several leaders have already made their intentions clear about meeting the global warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius and Biden also followed suit. The US President added that the country is on track and will cut their emissions by half before 2030. Also read | Trump's inner circle split over timing of presidential campaign announcement "The United States will meet our emissions targets," he said. “Let’s raise both our ambition and speed of our efforts. If we are going to win this fight, every major emitter needs to align with 1.5C. We can no longer plead ignorance of the consequences of our actions or continue to repeat our mistakes. Everyone has to keep accelerating progress throughout this decisive decade.” During the speech, Biden also mentioned a number of initiatives including management of methane and introduction of warning systems for detecting weather disasters in specifically Africa.

COP27: Joe Biden calls for commitment to climate targets amid Ukraine war

In COP27 climate summit, countries will be aiming to make progress on climate finance and helping developing countries with the loss and damage they suffer from the climate crisis.

WION Climate Tracker | COP27 Summit: Egypt looks at developed nations to fulfil financial purpose

The world's biggest climate conference has began in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Nearly 200 countries gathering for the summit are expected to lock horns over whether rich nations should pay compensation to vulnerable nations hit by climate-fuelled disasters.

WION Climate Tracker | COP27 begins in Sharm El Sheikh, focus on implementation of climate plans

COP27 Climate Summit is underway. A debate was organised on the 'Loss & Damage' compensation fund. But are rich countries reluctant to pay compensation? Watch here.

WION Climate Tracker: Are rich countries reluctant to pay compensation?

According to recent research, the top one per cent of earners in the United Kingdom produces the same amount of carbon dioxide emissions in a single year as the bottom 10 per cent do over the course of more than two decades.&nbsp;

The report findings show the stark differences in carbon footprints between the bulk of people, even in industrialised nations, and what has been dubbed "the polluting elite," whose high-carbon lifestyles apparently feed the climate problem.&nbsp;

Citing the Autonomy's analysis of income and greenhouse gas data from 1998 to 2018, The Guardian reported that those earning £170,000 or more in the UK in 2018 were responsible for far more greenhouse gas emissions than the 30% of people earning £21,500 or less in the same year.

It would take a low earner 26 years to produce as much carbon dioxide as the richest do in a year.

The media outlet mentioned that before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and lockdowns, which halted high-carbon activities like flying, the period covered by the dataset ends in 2018.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/counter-terrorism-police-take-over-attack-on-dover-immigration-centre-530339">UK: Counter-terrorism police take over attack on Dover immigration centre</a>&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;UK Cost of Living Crisis: Food banks 'lifesaver', Britons worried about winter&nbsp;

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According to Autonomy, the UK could have earned roughly £126 billion by now by taxing carbon emissions from just the top one per cent of income categories, which could have been used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an equitable manner, such as by insulating homes for lower-income people.&nbsp;

The huge gap needs to be closed, according to Peter Newell, who is a professor of international politics at the University of Sussex.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alarming-figure-as-more-than-a-million-in-us-are-rationing-insulin-because-of-its-high-cost-530328">Alarming figure as more than a million in US are rationing insulin because of its high cost</a>&nbsp;

Newell told The Guardian: "This new report on the benefits of taxing extreme carbon emitters makes for shocking reading. On the eve of a critical climate summit [Cop27] in Egypt, and staring down an unprecedented cost of living crisis, it is clear we are not all in this together."&nbsp;

"Revenue raised from a carbon tax on the wealthiest top 1% of the population would have raised enough money to retrofit nearly 8m homes, keeping us warm this winter and bringing down fuel bills, while providing critical support for renewable energy and making us less dependent on Putin’s gas," added Newell, who was not part of the Autonomy report but has done considerable research on the "polluting elite."&nbsp;

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According to recent research, the top one per cent of earners in the United Kingdom produces the same amount of carbon dioxide emissions in a single year as the bottom 10 per cent do over the course of more than two decades.

According to recent research, the top one per cent of earners in the United Kingdom produces the same amount of carbon dioxide emissions in a single year as the bottom 10 per cent do over the course of more than two decades. The report findings show the stark differences in carbon footprints between the bulk of people, even in industrialised nations, and what has been dubbed "the polluting elite," whose high-carbon lifestyles apparently feed the climate problem. Citing the Autonomy's analysis of income and greenhouse gas data from 1998 to 2018, The Guardian reported that those earning £170,000 or more in the UK in 2018 were responsible for far more greenhouse gas emissions than the 30% of people earning £21,500 or less in the same year. It would take a low earner 26 years to produce as much carbon dioxide as the richest do in a year. The media outlet mentioned that before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and lockdowns, which halted high-carbon activities like flying, the period covered by the dataset ends in 2018. ALSO READ | UK: Counter-terrorism police take over attack on Dover immigration centre WATCH | UK Cost of Living Crisis: Food banks 'lifesaver', Britons worried about winter × According to Autonomy, the UK could have earned roughly £126 billion by now by taxing carbon emissions from just the top one per cent of income categories, which could have been used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an equitable manner, such as by insulating homes for lower-income people. The huge gap needs to be closed, according to Peter Newell, who is a professor of international politics at the University of Sussex. ALSO READ | Alarming figure as more than a million in US are rationing insulin because of its high cost Newell told The Guardian: "This new report on the benefits of taxing extreme carbon emitters makes for shocking reading. On the eve of a critical climate summit [Cop27] in Egypt, and staring down an unprecedented cost of living crisis, it is clear we are not all in this together." "Revenue raised from a carbon tax on the wealthiest top 1% of the population would have raised enough money to retrofit nearly 8m homes, keeping us warm this winter and bringing down fuel bills, while providing critical support for renewable energy and making us less dependent on Putin’s gas," added Newell, who was not part of the Autonomy report but has done considerable research on the "polluting elite." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. Live TV

'Polluting elite': Study highlights massive carbon dioxide emissions gap between rich and poor

New research claims that cutting meat consumption will help in tackling the climate crisis. If the world wants to avoid the worst effects of the climate problem, consumption should be decreased to the equivalent of around two hamburgers a week in the developed world.&nbsp;

As per the study, the consumption and production of meat contribute significantly to climate change, accounting for around a third of the UK's diet-related carbon emissions.&nbsp;

In order to reduce the environmental impact of food production, a report commissioned by the government last year found that people must eat 30 per cent less meat by the end of the decade.&nbsp;

In regions where meat consumption is high, daily meat consumption must drop to 79 kcal per person by 2030 (equivalent to two beef burgers per week) and 60 kcal by 2050 (1.5 beef burgers per week).&nbsp;

Apart from meat consumption, additional measures include accelerating the phase-out of coal as an energy source and a six-fold faster expansion of public transportation.&nbsp;

The new 200-page report, states that we need a five-fold increase in the rate at which we transition to healthier, more sustainable diets.&nbsp;

As quoted by Daily Mail, Ani Dasgupta, president and CEO of World Resources Institute, said: "This year, the world has seen the devastation wrought by just 1.1 degrees Celsius of warming."&nbsp;

"Every fraction of a degree matters in the fight to protect people and the planet. We are seeing important advances in the fight against climate change, but we are still not winning in any sector," Dasgupta added.&nbsp;

"The State of Climate Action 2022 is an urgent wakeup call for decision-makers to commit to real transformation across every aspect of our economy," Dasgupta said.&nbsp;

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New research claims that cutting meat consumption will help in tackling the climate crisis. If the world wants to avoid the worst effects of the climate problem, consumption should be decreased to the equivalent of around two hamburgers a week in the developed world.

New research claims that cutting meat consumption will help in tackling the climate crisis. If the world wants to avoid the worst effects of the climate problem, consumption should be decreased to the equivalent of around two hamburgers a week in the developed world. As per the study, the consumption and production of meat contribute significantly to climate change, accounting for around a third of the UK's diet-related carbon emissions. In order to reduce the environmental impact of food production, a report commissioned by the government last year found that people must eat 30 per cent less meat by the end of the decade. In regions where meat consumption is high, daily meat consumption must drop to 79 kcal per person by 2030 (equivalent to two beef burgers per week) and 60 kcal by 2050 (1.5 beef burgers per week). Apart from meat consumption, additional measures include accelerating the phase-out of coal as an energy source and a six-fold faster expansion of public transportation. The new 200-page report, states that we need a five-fold increase in the rate at which we transition to healthier, more sustainable diets. As quoted by Daily Mail, Ani Dasgupta, president and CEO of World Resources Institute, said: "This year, the world has seen the devastation wrought by just 1.1 degrees Celsius of warming." "Every fraction of a degree matters in the fight to protect people and the planet. We are seeing important advances in the fight against climate change, but we are still not winning in any sector," Dasgupta added. "The State of Climate Action 2022 is an urgent wakeup call for decision-makers to commit to real transformation across every aspect of our economy," Dasgupta said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Slashing meat consumption will help to avoid a climate crisis, new study claims

This year we have witnessed immense climate around the world. From floods that put one-third of Pakistan under water to hurricanes and typhoons. V20 has said that rich countries must urgently develop a plan to assist countries suffering the ravages of extreme weather.

WION Climate Tracker: Rich countries must urgently help climate-threatened nations, says V20

Thousands of protesters have piled into the streets of Paris in a show of anger against the rising inflation, fuel shortages and climate inaction.

Protesters in Paris march against rising cost of living and climate crisis

UK: One of the greatest challenges today is that we often feel untouched by the problems of others and by global issues like climate change even when we can easily do something to help. In the latest, climate activists threw soup on Vincent van Gogh's painting named sunflowers to spread climate crisis awareness. Watch the video to know why.

WION Fineprint: Why are climate activists targeting artworks?

With ongoing climate crisis there's now a threat to Owls. In a bid to maintain its population, a zoo in Spain's Madrid is trying their best. Two twin eagle owls have been released into the Madrid Countryside under Madrid Zoo's breeding programme.

WION Climate Tracker: Eagle owl twins released under Madrid Zoo's breeding programme

Egypt is the host nation of this year's United Nation's climate change conference. The summit also known as the COP27 has managed to gather a lot of attention as the world struggles to deal with the consequences of climate crisis.

WION Climate Tracker: Coca Cola to sponsor COP27; environmentalists target company

Polar bears in Canada are seeing the first-hand consequence of climate change. Every year, starting in late June when the bay ice disappears, they have to move on to the shores to begin a period of force fasting.

WION Climate Tracker: Polar bears in Canada forced into fasting due to receding ice

Northern Kenya is facing its worst drought over 40 years, the failure of annual rainfall has now left millions of people on the verge of a famine. Many people have fled from their homes and their livestock and crops have been destroyed.

WION Climate Tracker: Kenya ravaged by alarming drought; 1.5 mn people forced to abandon homes

One of the most pressing environmental issues of the world is plastic pollution. The rapid rise in the production of plastic products has overwhelmed the world's ability to deal with them. In Panama City, efforts are on to collect trash which ends up on the Juan Diaz river - a trash collecting machine has begun scooping out the discarded items from the river.

WION Climate Tracker | Mission to reduce plastic waste: Machine in Panama City cleans polluted river

Plastic pollution has now become one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The rapid rise in production of disposable plastic products has overwhelmed the ability to deal with them. Although, now in an attempt to control plastic pollution, the US is planning to form coalition of countries to drive negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty.

WION Climate Tracker: US seeks to form coalition of countries to control plastic pollution

With the winters fast approaching and the ongoing energy crisis due to the Russia and Ukraine war, the UK govt is now looking at the other alternatives sources of energy for home heating.

WION Climate Tracker: Blow to UK's sustainable future; plans to change existing boilers in houses

Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by the wrath of the intense hurricanes but what is making these hurricanes stronger and more dangerous? Well, know about it by watching this video.

WION Climate Tracker: Hurricanes becoming more intense as climate change impacting them

In UK, people are still not allowed to use hosepipes to water their gardens and wash their cars and windows and if a person is found breaching these rules, they will be charged up to 1,000 pounds.

WION Climate Tracker: UK tries to save water amid drought; hosepipe ban extended in UK

Many experts, studies, and organisations have long advocated against a non-vegetarian diet. They claim that meat is bad for the environment.

Now one organisation is taking activism&nbsp;further, and wants meat-eating men "banned from having sex". The animal rights organisation claims that men who wolf down meat significantly contribute to the climate crisis and are purveyors of "toxic masculinity".

Watch |&nbsp;Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth?

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According to the German chapter of the animal rights organisation Peta, men are mostly to blame for the climate crisis since they consume more meat than women. It makes reference to a study published in the scientific journal PLOS One last year that revealed that males generate 41 per cent more greenhouse gases than women due to their eating habits.

The organisation suggests that women should "go on sex strike to save the world" and wants carnivorous men to be banned from reproducing.

"After all, every child not born saves 58.6 tons of CO2-equivalent per year," said Daniel Cox, Peta Germany's team leader for campaigns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-meat-increases-risk-of-heart-diseases-by-18-study-399496">Red meat increases risk of heart diseases by 18%: Study</a>

Germany, known for its love of bratwurst and schnitzel, has been outraged by the request for a sex ban on carnivorous men.

Alois Rainer, a master butcher and MP for the German Christian Social Union party, referred to the notion as "total nonsense."

The article was also featured on the front page of the best-selling tabloid newspaper Bild, which referred to it as a "crazy suggestion."

As quoted by Daily Mail, Cox further said, "Who doesn't know them, the suburban fathers handling beer bottles and barbecue tongs, who sizzle 70-cent sausages on their €700 grill."

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/change-spending-habits-study-reveals-that-men-are-worse-for-the-planet-399480">'Change spending habits': Study reveals that men are worse for the planet</a>

It is not just detrimental to the animals that Germany's "grill masters" believe that eating meat is the only way to demonstrate their "masculinity to themselves and their peers" he said adding "now there's scientific evidence that toxic masculinity also harms the climate."

The group is referring to remarks made by French politician from the Green Party Sandrine Rousseau, who last month called the outdoor grill a "symbol of masculinity."

Cox also proposes a heavy meat tax of 41 per cent for men in addition to the prohibition on sexual activity and reproduction.

"We recommend changing their lifestyle" to all fathers who continue to grill meat if they value their children's future and want them to thrive on livable earth, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Many experts, studies, and organisations have long advocated against a non-vegetarian diet. They claim that meat is bad for the environment. Now one organisation is taking activism further, and wants meat-eating men "banned from having sex".

Many experts, studies, and organisations have long advocated against a non-vegetarian diet. They claim that meat is bad for the environment. Now one organisation is taking activism further, and wants meat-eating men "banned from having sex". The animal rights organisation claims that men who wolf down meat significantly contribute to the climate crisis and are purveyors of "toxic masculinity". Watch | Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth? According to the German chapter of the animal rights organisation Peta, men are mostly to blame for the climate crisis since they consume more meat than women. It makes reference to a study published in the scientific journal PLOS One last year that revealed that males generate 41 per cent more greenhouse gases than women due to their eating habits. The organisation suggests that women should "go on sex strike to save the world" and wants carnivorous men to be banned from reproducing. "After all, every child not born saves 58.6 tons of CO2-equivalent per year," said Daniel Cox, Peta Germany's team leader for campaigns. Also read | Red meat increases risk of heart diseases by 18%: Study Germany, known for its love of bratwurst and schnitzel, has been outraged by the request for a sex ban on carnivorous men. Alois Rainer, a master butcher and MP for the German Christian Social Union party, referred to the notion as "total nonsense." The article was also featured on the front page of the best-selling tabloid newspaper Bild, which referred to it as a "crazy suggestion." As quoted by Daily Mail, Cox further said, "Who doesn't know them, the suburban fathers handling beer bottles and barbecue tongs, who sizzle 70-cent sausages on their €700 grill." Also read | 'Change spending habits': Study reveals that men are worse for the planet It is not just detrimental to the animals that Germany's "grill masters" believe that eating meat is the only way to demonstrate their "masculinity to themselves and their peers" he said adding "now there's scientific evidence that toxic masculinity also harms the climate." The group is referring to remarks made by French politician from the Green Party Sandrine Rousseau, who last month called the outdoor grill a "symbol of masculinity." Cox also proposes a heavy meat tax of 41 per cent for men in addition to the prohibition on sexual activity and reproduction. "We recommend changing their lifestyle" to all fathers who continue to grill meat if they value their children's future and want them to thrive on livable earth, he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Organisation wants meat-eating men 'banned from having sex'. Here's why

"Our glaciers are melting fast, our forests are burning and our heat waves have crossed 53 degrees celcius, making us the hottest place on the planet," Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said while calling for climate action. He also talked about how his government spent millions of dollars on the climate crisis.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls for climate action at UNGA

World leaders are in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. At the week-long high-level meeting climate change was among the key topics of discussion. The Biden Administration has promised a whopping $369 billion towards fighting the climate crisis.

WION Climate Tracker | US President signs $369bn legislation for climate crisis

The world is on the brink of another humanitarian crisis. A new research shows that extreme hunger is closely linked to the climate crisis. Many areas of the world being impacted by extreme weather conditions are experiencing severe food shortages.

WION Climate Tracker | Climate crisis playing vital role towards hunger problem

At this point, everyone (except a few naysayers) acknowledge&nbsp;that climate change is a reality and we are all facing a very real danger. The Earth is warming up, the ice caps are melting, and despite the fact that organisations and national governments around the world have set lofty goals, we are mostly at a loss for what can be done to speedily reverse the situation.

Now, scientists have proposed an ambitious and some might say downright "bizarre" plan to reverse the ice loss: they want to refreeze the north and south poles.

A recent study carried out by Wake Smith of Yale University and&nbsp;published in Environmental Research Communications proposes that a high-flying aircraft will spray small aerosol particles into the atmosphere at latitudes of 60 degrees north and south.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Is your adorable puppy as bad for the planet as a gas-guzzling SUV?

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These aerosols would gradually float poleward if dispersed at a height of 43,000 feet&nbsp;significantly shading the ground below, claims the study.&nbsp;They say that the additional shade would allow the melting poles to refreeze, reducing the problems of melting glacier ice and rising sea levels.

According to the scientists, the method would "abate climate change by deflecting back into space a small fraction of the incoming solar radiation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/robots-are-here-for-good-or-bad-but-will-they-take-over-the-world-worlds-most-advanced-humanoid-says-no-515864" hreflang="en">Robots are here 'for good, or bad,' but will they take over the world? World's most advanced humanoid says no</a>

However, it does come at a hefty cost. The method is called stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) and as per the Daily Mail report would cost a whopping $11 billion yearly.

Although they admitted that the idea is controversial, the researchers asserted that the idea is "feasible" and that $11 billion a year is "extraordinarily cheap" in comparison to other climate solutions like carbon capture.

The proposal does have some drawbacks: The planes would emit their own emissions that would contribute to global warming.&nbsp;Additionally, the aerosol would contain sulphur dioxide, which in large doses can harm the lungs and airways by corroding them and causing nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/infographic-climate-crisis-has-driven-world-on-brink-of-five-disastrous-tipping-points-514540" hreflang="en">Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points</a>

But the researchers contend that less than one per cent of the global population lives in the target areas.&nbsp;

However, Smith also admitted that the plan would only serve as a sort of Earth-salvaging bandage rather than addressing the fundamental causes of climate change.

"It's aspirin, not penicillin. It's not a substitute for decarbonisation," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At this point, everyone (except a few naysayers) acknowledge that climate change is a reality and we are all facing a very real danger. The Earth is warming up, the ice caps are melting, and despite the fact that organisations and national governments around the world have set lofty goals, we are mostly at a loss for what can be done to speedily reverse the situation.

At this point, everyone (except a few naysayers) acknowledge that climate change is a reality and we are all facing a very real danger. The Earth is warming up, the ice caps are melting, and despite the fact that organisations and national governments around the world have set lofty goals, we are mostly at a loss for what can be done to speedily reverse the situation. Now, scientists have proposed an ambitious and some might say downright "bizarre" plan to reverse the ice loss: they want to refreeze the north and south poles. A recent study carried out by Wake Smith of Yale University and published in Environmental Research Communications proposes that a high-flying aircraft will spray small aerosol particles into the atmosphere at latitudes of 60 degrees north and south. Watch | WION Fineprint | Is your adorable puppy as bad for the planet as a gas-guzzling SUV? These aerosols would gradually float poleward if dispersed at a height of 43,000 feet significantly shading the ground below, claims the study. They say that the additional shade would allow the melting poles to refreeze, reducing the problems of melting glacier ice and rising sea levels. According to the scientists, the method would "abate climate change by deflecting back into space a small fraction of the incoming solar radiation." Also read | Robots are here 'for good, or bad,' but will they take over the world? World's most advanced humanoid says no However, it does come at a hefty cost. The method is called stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) and as per the Daily Mail report would cost a whopping $11 billion yearly. Although they admitted that the idea is controversial, the researchers asserted that the idea is "feasible" and that $11 billion a year is "extraordinarily cheap" in comparison to other climate solutions like carbon capture. The proposal does have some drawbacks: The planes would emit their own emissions that would contribute to global warming. Additionally, the aerosol would contain sulphur dioxide, which in large doses can harm the lungs and airways by corroding them and causing nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Also read | Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points But the researchers contend that less than one per cent of the global population lives in the target areas. However, Smith also admitted that the plan would only serve as a sort of Earth-salvaging bandage rather than addressing the fundamental causes of climate change. "It's aspirin, not penicillin. It's not a substitute for decarbonisation," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists suggest a stop-gap solution for 'refreezing' melting ice; will cost whopping $11 billion yearly

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