The UK's largest zoo, Whipsnade, has released a video showing a three-week-old baby porcupine dakari. Dakari can be seen wandering around the family's cosy indoor den for the first time. Watch to know more!

A spiky surprise: UK Zoo welcomes new baby porcupine 'dakari'

In Kenya's Mombasa local startup that's named Twende Green Ecocycle has taken the initiative for recycling ocean waste into school furniture for the children. Watch to know more!

Kenya: Mombasa startup 'Twende Green Ecocycle' recycles Ocean waste into furniture

In a concerning development for global trade, the panama canal is facing a critical water shortage. Unlike the Suez Canal, the panama canal relies on freshwater from lake Gatun, and its water level has reached dangerously low levels. The canal's dependence on rainwater, coupled with the El Nino weather phenomenon has resulted in the second driest year in its 110-year-old history. Watch to know more!

Water shortage threatens Panama Canal operations

In a groundbreaking study led by researchers at the university of East Anglia, alarming findings have revealed that approximately 90 percent of the Himalayan region faces the threat of enduring drought for over a year. This is global warming increases by 3 degrees celsius.

90% of Himalayas to face year-long drought at 3°c warming: Study

New study shows how the effects of climate change on income and adaptation in rural areas vary with gender, wealth and age.

Climate change widens income gap for rural women in India: UN report

Coral reefs are nature's spectacle. They are found in seas and ocean beds around the world. These collections of coral, algae, and mollusks support 25 percent of all marine life. But human activities have put their existence in danger. Bleaching, which is among the most adverse effect of human activities on coral reefs has substantially affected marine life.

Conserving coral reefs:  Land-based farms helping restoration of coral reefs

The architects of coral reefs are hard corals. Unlike soft corals, hard corals have stony skeletons made out of limestone that is produced by coral polyps. When polyps die, their skeletons are left behind and used as foundations for new polyps.

Restoring coral reefs: Land-based farms helping restoration of coral reefs

Third march was marked as World Wildlife Day. It is a day to celebrate the natural world and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting wildlife. Unfortunately, there is a sharp decline in biodiversity. The clock is ticking. Watch this detailed report to learn more about the perils facing our world

World marked March 3 as World Wildlife day

Ocean conservationists called Friday for countries to speed up their ratification of a treaty to protect the high seas, a year after the historic text was approved by UN member states.

The treaty -- which took 15 years to be approved -- aims to protect marine ecosystems that are vital to humanity but under threat by pollution.&nbsp;

Members of the United Nations finalized it in March last year, before formally adopting it in June.

Since then, it has been signed by 85 states -- but ratified by only two, Palau and Chile. It needs to be ratified by 60 before it can go into effect.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-high-seas-treaty-adopted-at-the-un-606221" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-high-seas-treaty-adopted-at-the-un-606221&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQhrKDuNOEAxWSfGwGHQKeCaQQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw33P0IcEiLiNoFG0cPdRZyY" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-high-seas-treaty-adopted-at-the-un-606221" target="_blank">Historic&nbsp;high seas treaty&nbsp;adopted at the UN&nbsp;</a>

"Other countries have started their ratification processes but are moving too slowly," said Greenpeace campaigner Laura Meller in a statement.&nbsp;

"Many governments want to present themselves as ocean champions -- we expect them to follow in Chile and Palau's footsteps and bring the treaty to life, so that the real work to protect the oceans can start."&nbsp;

Non-governmental organizations still hope 60 countries can ratify the treaty by 2025.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-years-of-discussions-later-the-ship-has-reached-the-shore-nations-bag-global-treaty-to-protect-high-seas-568720" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/15-years-of-discussions-later-the-ship-has-reached-the-shore-nations-bag-global-treaty-to-protect-high-seas-568720&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQhrKDuNOEAxWSfGwGHQKeCaQQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw13N7gROxSjdhtcnpusnnfD" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-years-of-discussions-later-the-ship-has-reached-the-shore-nations-bag-global-treaty-to-protect-high-seas-568720" target="_blank">After 15 years of talks, over 100 nations agree on global&nbsp;treaty</a>

"We welcome the progress made in the global Race for Ratification of the High Seas Treaty over the past year," said Rebecca Hubbard, director of the NGO coalition High Seas Alliance.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-adopts-first-historic-treaty-to-protect-high-seas-606446" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-adopts-first-historic-treaty-to-protect-high-seas-606446&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQhrKDuNOEAxWSfGwGHQKeCaQQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_OEl5ErQIdhQf04bUTLuE" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-adopts-first-historic-treaty-to-protect-high-seas-606446" target="_blank">UN adopts first 'historic'&nbsp;treaty&nbsp;to protect&nbsp;high seas</a>

The treaty has given "hope to citizens around the world that leaders will act. Yet time is not on our side," she added. 
&nbsp;

Ocean conservationists called Friday for countries to speed up their ratification of a treaty to protect the high seas, a year after the historic text was approved by UN member states.

Ocean conservationists called Friday for countries to speed up their ratification of a treaty to protect the high seas, a year after the historic text was approved by UN member states. The treaty -- which took 15 years to be approved -- aims to protect marine ecosystems that are vital to humanity but under threat by pollution. Members of the United Nations finalized it in March last year, before formally adopting it in June. Since then, it has been signed by 85 states -- but ratified by only two, Palau and Chile. It needs to be ratified by 60 before it can go into effect. Also read: Historic high seas treaty adopted at the UN "Other countries have started their ratification processes but are moving too slowly," said Greenpeace campaigner Laura Meller in a statement. "Many governments want to present themselves as ocean champions -- we expect them to follow in Chile and Palau's footsteps and bring the treaty to life, so that the real work to protect the oceans can start." Non-governmental organizations still hope 60 countries can ratify the treaty by 2025. Also read: After 15 years of talks, over 100 nations agree on global treaty "We welcome the progress made in the global Race for Ratification of the High Seas Treaty over the past year," said Rebecca Hubbard, director of the NGO coalition High Seas Alliance. Also read: UN adopts first 'historic' treaty to protect high seas The treaty has given "hope to citizens around the world that leaders will act. Yet time is not on our side," she added.

Activists urge UN states to move faster on high seas treaty

Australia is battling blazing summer heat. On Thursday, the temperatures soared as high as 39 degrees Celsius in parts of Sydney. Amid this, a team of Australian researchers has launched an initiative to provide food, cold water, and cool spaces to the country's homeless population.

Australia's record-breaking summer heat: Project launched to aid

Wall Street's top regulator, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is nearing&nbsp;a decision that could reshape how thousands of US-listed companies disclose their climate-related risks and impacts to investors. <o:p></o:p>

The vote is scheduled for March 6.<o:p></o:p>

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects and controversies surrounding the SEC's proposed rule on climate reporting:<o:p></o:p>

Reporting emissions<o:p></o:p>

In its bid to enhance transparency, the SEC's initial draft rule aimed at comprehensive reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, spanning Scope 1, Scope 2, and even Scope 3 emissions. <o:p></o:p>

Emissions from a company's own operations are categorised as Scope 1 emissions; those from utilities and power generation are categorised as Scope 2 emissions; and emissions from a company's supply chain, which includes goods transportation, business travel, and customer consumption of goods and services, are categorised as Scope 3 emissions.

Scope 3 emissions, particularly contentious due to their complexity and potential burden on companies, have faced significant pushback from major lobby groups, arguing that such disclosures might yield insignificant data and add undue regulatory burden. <o:p></o:p>

Consequently, SEC officials have revised the proposal, opting to exclude Scope 3 emissions from mandatory disclosures. <o:p></o:p>

Moreover, requirements regarding Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been refined, with companies now having the discretion to disclose them based on materiality considerations.<o:p></o:p>

Climate financial impacts<o:p></o:p>

One of the most debated provisions of the proposed rule revolves around companies disclosing financial impacts stemming from climate-related factors, such as damages from extreme weather events or expenses associated with transitioning to low-carbon operations. <o:p></o:p>

While progressive and financial reform groups advocate for such disclosures, highlighting their feasibility and potential benefits for investors, industry voices have raised concerns about the practicality and meaningfulness of the proposed disclosures. <o:p></o:p>

Critiques cite the absence of established accounting methods for quantifying climate impacts and argue that the resulting data might lack relevance or accuracy. <o:p></o:p>

Disclosing risk<o:p></o:p>

Beyond emissions and financial impacts, the proposed rule seeks to compel companies to divulge a spectrum of risk-related information, encompassing how boards manage climate risks, potential implications on business models, corporate strategies, and overall business outlooks. <o:p></o:p>

Additionally, companies would be required to outline low-carbon transition plans and utilise scenario analysis to assess climate-related risks. <o:p></o:p>

Proponents view these disclosures as pivotal for investors to make informed decisions, aligning financial interests with environmental considerations. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Wall Street's top regulator, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is nearing a decision that could reshape how thousands of US-listed companies disclose their climate-related risks and impacts to investors.

Wall Street's top regulator, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is nearing a decision that could reshape how thousands of US-listed companies disclose their climate-related risks and impacts to investors. The vote is scheduled for March 6. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects and controversies surrounding the SEC's proposed rule on climate reporting: Reporting emissions In its bid to enhance transparency, the SEC's initial draft rule aimed at comprehensive reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, spanning Scope 1, Scope 2, and even Scope 3 emissions. Emissions from a company's own operations are categorised as Scope 1 emissions; those from utilities and power generation are categorised as Scope 2 emissions; and emissions from a company's supply chain, which includes goods transportation, business travel, and customer consumption of goods and services, are categorised as Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions, particularly contentious due to their complexity and potential burden on companies, have faced significant pushback from major lobby groups, arguing that such disclosures might yield insignificant data and add undue regulatory burden. Consequently, SEC officials have revised the proposal, opting to exclude Scope 3 emissions from mandatory disclosures. Moreover, requirements regarding Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been refined, with companies now having the discretion to disclose them based on materiality considerations. Climate financial impacts One of the most debated provisions of the proposed rule revolves around companies disclosing financial impacts stemming from climate-related factors, such as damages from extreme weather events or expenses associated with transitioning to low-carbon operations. While progressive and financial reform groups advocate for such disclosures, highlighting their feasibility and potential benefits for investors, industry voices have raised concerns about the practicality and meaningfulness of the proposed disclosures. Critiques cite the absence of established accounting methods for quantifying climate impacts and argue that the resulting data might lack relevance or accuracy. Disclosing risk Beyond emissions and financial impacts, the proposed rule seeks to compel companies to divulge a spectrum of risk-related information, encompassing how boards manage climate risks, potential implications on business models, corporate strategies, and overall business outlooks. Additionally, companies would be required to outline low-carbon transition plans and utilise scenario analysis to assess climate-related risks. Proponents view these disclosures as pivotal for investors to make informed decisions, aligning financial interests with environmental considerations. (With inputs from Reuters)

SEC's climate reporting rule: What's at stake for investors and corporations?

Farmers across Europe have renewed demonstrations to demand action from policymakers. Apart from cheap supermarket prices and low-cost imports, they are also concerned about the European Union's strenuous environmental rules.

European concerned about the EU's strenuous environmental rules

The United States is experiencing wild weather. Multiple cities are experiencing summer-like heat and have reached record February temperatures, but another cold spell is predicted soon. Forecasters say residents will be going from wearing Bermuda shorts to snow pants in less than 24 hours.

Wild weather: Heatwave across US To plunge back into deep winter chills

Here we bring to you the round up of crucial climate stories from across the globe: Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to provide the required support as the country battles a days-long wildfire emergency that has destroyed homes. Authorities have warned. Meanwhile, In Antarctica, climate change is causing sea ice to deplete drastically. Ice coverage across the continent has dropped to record low levels. The latest data by U.S. National snow and ice data center shows that the past three years have recorded the lowest amount of sea ice around Antarctica. Watch to know more!

Wildfires rage across Australia | Jacarandas blooms early in Mexico

Out-of-control wildfire in Australia's Victoria has forced evacuations of more than 2,000 people. The state authorities have issued emergency warnings as extremely hot weather conditions move across the state.

Several Australian towns threatened by massive bushfire

Goa has become India's first state to get World Bank's climate funds. The government of Goa has announced a partnership with the World Bank to establish a blended finance facility. The arrangement is aimed at bolstering the climate resilience of the coastal state.

Goa takes the lead among Indian states in climate financing

Your upcoming trip to Hawaii, the Aloha State, will incur an additional $25 charge. Lawmakers are pushing for action to tackle the environmental impact of tourism, especially after the destructive wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, claiming 100 lives and projecting a $6 billion rebuilding cost. The proposed legislation seeks to implement a $25 climate tax on tourists to safeguard Hawaii's natural resources from the influx of visitors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-on-verge-of-crossing-major-tipping-points-might-trigger-climate-catastrophe-in-10-years-report-666744" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-on-verge-of-crossing-major-tipping-points-might-trigger-climate-catastrophe-in-10-years-report-666744&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiB_dj75bmEAxV3jK8BHVWKBzMQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1KOFUzQdQBk8FJ1kN2fQnj" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-on-verge-of-crossing-major-tipping-points-might-trigger-climate-catastrophe-in-10-years-report-666744" target="_blank">Earth on verge of crossing major 'tipping points'</a>

With 9.5 million tourists recorded last year, concerns about environmental strain have intensified.

Last year, Hawaii's Legislature considered a $50 green fee for accessing state parks and beaches, which didn't pass. Now, a new climate fee is under consideration, aiming to make visitors more accountable for preserving natural resources and conscious of climate change effects without imposing additional taxes on Hawaii residents.

"I'll renew our efforts to pass a climate impact fee to help us confront the terrible impacts of climate change," stated Green, a Democrat. "Last year, it stalled a little bit, but imagine how helpful that programme would have been to address the disaster in Maui. We need to do a little better this year."

Green anticipates the proposed tax to generate approximately $68 million annually. The funds would be allocated to causes such as wildfire and flood prevention, coral reef restoration, green infrastructure, land management, and emergency supplies, according to the bill.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-this-is-how-climate-change-is-causing-health-issues-around-the-world-666144" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-this-is-how-climate-change-is-causing-health-issues-around-the-world-666144&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjCgrad5rmEAxXLXmwGHWGMDms4ChAWegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2d7uLuljFkoJQFXhGnWyXw" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-this-is-how-climate-change-is-causing-health-issues-around-the-world-666144" target="_blank">Explained | This is how&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change is causing health issues</a>

"We already collect fees from travellers. This modest fee is far less than the resort fees or other taxes visitors have paid for years," Green emphasised. "So I believe in my heart, this is not too much to ask of visitors to our islands. Now, I'm open to any other proposal that would achieve the same goals."

Alternative measures, like year-long licences or passes for popular hiking trails and parks, have been suggested by other state lawmakers. There have also been discussions about increasing the state hotel tax, already one of the highest in the country. Despite these options, Green remains optimistic about the proposed climate tax, especially considering the urgent need to address Hawaii's environmental challenges.

If approved, this policy would mark the first of its kind for any U.S. state. In recent years, countries like Greece, New Zealand, Venice, Italy, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador have implemented charges for tourism-related infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies)

Your upcoming trip to Hawaii, the Aloha State, will incur an additional $25 charge. Lawmakers are pushing for action to tackle the environmental impact of tourism, especially after the destructive wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, claiming 100 lives and projecting a $6 billion rebuilding cost.

Your upcoming trip to Hawaii, the Aloha State, will incur an additional $25 charge. Lawmakers are pushing for action to tackle the environmental impact of tourism, especially after the destructive wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, claiming 100 lives and projecting a $6 billion rebuilding cost. The proposed legislation seeks to implement a $25 climate tax on tourists to safeguard Hawaii's natural resources from the influx of visitors. Also read: Earth on verge of crossing major 'tipping points' With 9.5 million tourists recorded last year, concerns about environmental strain have intensified. Last year, Hawaii's Legislature considered a $50 green fee for accessing state parks and beaches, which didn't pass. Now, a new climate fee is under consideration, aiming to make visitors more accountable for preserving natural resources and conscious of climate change effects without imposing additional taxes on Hawaii residents. "I'll renew our efforts to pass a climate impact fee to help us confront the terrible impacts of climate change," stated Green, a Democrat. "Last year, it stalled a little bit, but imagine how helpful that programme would have been to address the disaster in Maui. We need to do a little better this year." Green anticipates the proposed tax to generate approximately $68 million annually. The funds would be allocated to causes such as wildfire and flood prevention, coral reef restoration, green infrastructure, land management, and emergency supplies, according to the bill. Also read: Explained | This is how climate change is causing health issues "We already collect fees from travellers. This modest fee is far less than the resort fees or other taxes visitors have paid for years," Green emphasised. "So I believe in my heart, this is not too much to ask of visitors to our islands. Now, I'm open to any other proposal that would achieve the same goals." Alternative measures, like year-long licences or passes for popular hiking trails and parks, have been suggested by other state lawmakers. There have also been discussions about increasing the state hotel tax, already one of the highest in the country. Despite these options, Green remains optimistic about the proposed climate tax, especially considering the urgent need to address Hawaii's environmental challenges. If approved, this policy would mark the first of its kind for any U.S. state. In recent years, countries like Greece, New Zealand, Venice, Italy, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador have implemented charges for tourism-related infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies)

Planning a trip to Hawaii as tourist? You might have to pay climate fee

California is bracing for intense flooding as the state endures another wave of heavy rainstorms. Less than two weeks after a mega storm, yet another atmospheric river is pinwheeling into the state from the Pacific Ocean. At least 25 people have been killed in Afghanistan, and several others injured, after a landslide cascaded through the village of mokani in the east of the country. The landslide occurred on Sunday night. As per local officials, it was caused due to heavy snowfall and relentless rains that are still ongoing. Watch to know more!

California braces for floods | Heavy snowfall triggers landslide in Afghanistan

According to a new research, locust outbreaks could worsen as global temperatures continue to climb. The study is the first to show a robust link between large-scale, synchronous locust swarms and specific weather patterns.

Locust hotspots could expand due to rising temperatures: Study

3 of the world's largest asset managers - JPMorgan Chase, State Street, and BlackRock - have distanced themselves from a key investor coalition pushing companies to reduce emissions.

Departures &amp; impact

JPMorgan Chase and State Street have entirely withdrawn from the Climate Action 100+ (CA100+), a powerful coalition representing over $60 trillion in assets. BlackRock has shifted its membership to its international arm, effectively removing $6.6 trillion from the coalition's direct influence in North America. All three firms cited concerns about maintaining independence and control over their investment decisions and engagement strategies as reasons for their decisions.

This combined move removes nearly $14 trillion in assets from coordinated efforts on Wall Street, potentially weakening the collective pressure on companies to address climate risks. Some see the decision as influenced by growing political pressure from those who view such coalitions as anti-competitive or a breach of fiduciary duty.

The road ahead for CA100+

Despite the loss of these prominent asset managers, CA100+ continues to grow, with over 700 firms still onboard, including 60 new additions in the recent past. However, the departure raises questions about the future direction of groups like CA100+ as they grapple with balancing vocal advocacy with market dynamics.

While some critics argue that the firms succumbed to political pressure, others view the decisions as part of a broader trend of companies becoming less vocal about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

3 of the world's largest asset managers - JPMorgan Chase, State Street, and BlackRock - have distanced themselves from a key investor coalition pushing companies to reduce emissions.

3 of the world's largest asset managers - JPMorgan Chase, State Street, and BlackRock - have distanced themselves from a key investor coalition pushing companies to reduce emissions. Departures & impact JPMorgan Chase and State Street have entirely withdrawn from the Climate Action 100+ (CA100+), a powerful coalition representing over $60 trillion in assets. BlackRock has shifted its membership to its international arm, effectively removing $6.6 trillion from the coalition's direct influence in North America. All three firms cited concerns about maintaining independence and control over their investment decisions and engagement strategies as reasons for their decisions. This combined move removes nearly $14 trillion in assets from coordinated efforts on Wall Street, potentially weakening the collective pressure on companies to address climate risks. Some see the decision as influenced by growing political pressure from those who view such coalitions as anti-competitive or a breach of fiduciary duty. The road ahead for CA100+ Despite the loss of these prominent asset managers, CA100+ continues to grow, with over 700 firms still onboard, including 60 new additions in the recent past. However, the departure raises questions about the future direction of groups like CA100+ as they grapple with balancing vocal advocacy with market dynamics. While some critics argue that the firms succumbed to political pressure, others view the decisions as part of a broader trend of companies becoming less vocal about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

Major investors step back from climate coalition

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has slammed governments for buying weapons at the cost of policies to tackle the climate crisis. The UN chief said it is distressing to see governments spending heavily on arms, while starving budgets for climate action.

UN chief slams 'distressing' spending on conflicts at the cost of climate policies

A fast-moving winter storm is expected to hit the U.S. Northeast on Tuesday, possibly dumping as much as 8 inches of snow on New York City before moving. The city has issued a travel advisory, asking residents to stay off the roads. New York City public schools will also remain closed on Tuesday. Watch to know more!

Snowstorm expected to hit northeast US, advisory issued in New York

The global mean temperature has been breached. The average worldwide temperature rose above 1.5° Celsius for the first time, as per the European climate agency.

Global mean temperature breaches 1.5° Celsius threshold for an entire year for the first time

For the first time on record, the earth has endured 12 months of temperatures that have breached the limit set by the Paris agreement. Europe's climate monitor C3S has confirmed that from February 2023 to January 2024, the world crossed the threshold of keeping global warming to under 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

World sees first 12 months above 1.5°c warming level

Climate activists have been calling for immediate action against energy-related emissions. However, according to a recent estimate by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (E.I.A.), U.S. Bitcoin miners are using as much power as the state of Utah.

Bitcoin miners ignore climate action calls

Parisians have voted in favour of tripling parking costs for SUVs, as the city aims to tackle air pollution and a looming climate crisis. In a closely-watched referendum, over 54 percent voted for special parking fees for heavy, large and polluting sports utility vehicles. Watch to know more!

Paris triples parking costs for SUVs to tackle air pollution

A UK court on Friday (Feb 2) cleared climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with four other protesters, of a public order offence over staging a demonstration outside an oil and gas conference in 2023.

The London court judge denounced the conditions imposed by police at the time Thunberg was arrested calling them "unlawful" and said that she had no case to answer.

District Judge John Law, dismissing the cases against the prominent Swedish campaigner and four other activists arrested, ruled that police stationed in London at the time of the environmental protest in October 2023, attempted to impose "unlawful" conditions before officers arrested dozens of protesters.

"The prosecution evidence is insufficient for any reasonable court to properly convict and I exercise my discretion to acquit all five defendants," Law said, to applause and cheers from a packed public gallery.

Addressing the five defendants, he added: "You are all found not guilty of this offence."

Thunberg was charged with a public order offence after she was detained at a protest outside an annual gathering of energy industry figures in London.&nbsp;

In November last year, she had pleaded not guilty to violating a public order law alongside two demonstrators from the Fossil Free London (FFL) campaign group and two Greenpeace activists.

The 21-year-old campaigner and other defendants had faced a maximum fine of £2,500 ($3,177) if convicted.

Her lawyer, Raj Chada, said the case against them had been "rightly dismissed", arguing that the police stipulations "disproportionately interfered with our client's rights to free speech".&nbsp;

He added: "The government should stop prosecuting peaceful protesters and instead find ways to tackle the climate crisis."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-blaze-gas-truck-explosion-leaves-three-dead-in-kenyas-nairobi-injures-nearly-300-686459">Massive gas truck explosion leaves three dead in Kenya's Nairobi, injures nearly 300</a>

<h2>Thunberg charged by UK police after being held over climate protest</h2>

Thunberg was charged with "failing to comply with a condition" by the UK police levied under Britain's Public Order Act that dealt with public assemblies and was released on bail.

London police said they imposed "conditions to prevent disruption to the public" after officers arrived at the protest site, which were then breached and further prompted the arrests.

"The protesters were asked to move from the road onto the pavement, which would enable them to continue with their demonstration without breaching the conditions," a police statement had said in October.

Several hundred protestors had gathered outside the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel during the "Oily Money Out" demonstration, organised by pressure groups Fossil Free London and Greenpeace, blocking all entrances to the venue.

Banging drums, the protesters chanted, "Stop the oil, stop the gas." The protesters argued that most industry profit is ploughed back into dirty energy that worsens climate change.

"Oil companies have racked up billions upon billions of profit, breaking records across the board last year. Oily CEOs took home multi-million-pound pay cheques," Fossil Free London said in a statement.

"The overwhelming majority of this money is going straight back into fossil fuel expansion, not the green energy they claim to support," the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A UK court on Friday (Feb 2) cleared climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with four other protesters, of a public order offence over staging a demonstration outside an oil and gas conference in 2023.

A UK court on Friday (Feb 2) cleared climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with four other protesters, of a public order offence over staging a demonstration outside an oil and gas conference in 2023. The London court judge denounced the conditions imposed by police at the time Thunberg was arrested calling them "unlawful" and said that she had no case to answer. District Judge John Law, dismissing the cases against the prominent Swedish campaigner and four other activists arrested, ruled that police stationed in London at the time of the environmental protest in October 2023, attempted to impose "unlawful" conditions before officers arrested dozens of protesters. "The prosecution evidence is insufficient for any reasonable court to properly convict and I exercise my discretion to acquit all five defendants," Law said, to applause and cheers from a packed public gallery. Addressing the five defendants, he added: "You are all found not guilty of this offence." Thunberg was charged with a public order offence after she was detained at a protest outside an annual gathering of energy industry figures in London. In November last year, she had pleaded not guilty to violating a public order law alongside two demonstrators from the Fossil Free London (FFL) campaign group and two Greenpeace activists. The 21-year-old campaigner and other defendants had faced a maximum fine of £2,500 ($3,177) if convicted. Her lawyer, Raj Chada, said the case against them had been "rightly dismissed", arguing that the police stipulations "disproportionately interfered with our client's rights to free speech". He added: "The government should stop prosecuting peaceful protesters and instead find ways to tackle the climate crisis." Also read: Massive gas truck explosion leaves three dead in Kenya's Nairobi, injures nearly 300 Thunberg charged by UK police after being held over climate protest Thunberg was charged with "failing to comply with a condition" by the UK police levied under Britain's Public Order Act that dealt with public assemblies and was released on bail. London police said they imposed "conditions to prevent disruption to the public" after officers arrived at the protest site, which were then breached and further prompted the arrests. "The protesters were asked to move from the road onto the pavement, which would enable them to continue with their demonstration without breaching the conditions," a police statement had said in October. Several hundred protestors had gathered outside the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel during the "Oily Money Out" demonstration, organised by pressure groups Fossil Free London and Greenpeace, blocking all entrances to the venue. Banging drums, the protesters chanted, "Stop the oil, stop the gas." The protesters argued that most industry profit is ploughed back into dirty energy that worsens climate change. "Oil companies have racked up billions upon billions of profit, breaking records across the board last year. Oily CEOs took home multi-million-pound pay cheques," Fossil Free London said in a statement. "The overwhelming majority of this money is going straight back into fossil fuel expansion, not the green energy they claim to support," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

UK court dismisses case against Greta Thunberg and other activists over London protest

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