Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, New York City has employed unusual landscapers - in New York City harbour.

Sheep get summer jobs in New York City

Greenpeace Russia announces its closure after authorities label it as an 'undesirable' organisation.

Russia declares Greenpeace as 'undesirable'

<p>Scientists&nbsp;suffering insults and mass-spam are abandoning&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;for alternative social networks as hostile&nbsp;climate-change denialism&nbsp;surges&nbsp;on the platform following Elon Musk's takeover.</p>

<p>Researchers have documented an explosion of hate and misinformation on&nbsp;Twitter since the billionaire Tesla owner took over in October 2022 — and now experts say communicating about&nbsp;climate&nbsp;science on the social network on which many of them rely is getting harder.</p>

<p>Policies aimed at curbing the deadly effects of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change are accelerating, prompting a rise in what experts identify as organised resistance by opponents of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;reform.</p>

<p>Peter Gleick, a&nbsp;climate&nbsp;and water specialist with nearly 99,000 followers, announced on May 21 he would no longer post on the platform because it was amplifying racism and sexism.</p>

<p>While he is accustomed to "offensive, personal, ad hominem attacks, up to and including direct physical threats", he told AFP, "in the past few months, since the takeover and changes at&nbsp;Twitter, the amount, vituperativeness, and intensity of abuse has skyrocketed".</p>

<h2><strong>Climate&nbsp;tweets decline&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Robert Rohde, a physicist and lead scientist at the non-profit environmental data analysis group Berkeley Earth, analysed activity on hundreds of accounts of widely followed specialists posting about&nbsp;climate&nbsp;science before and after the takeover.</p>

<p>He found&nbsp;climate&nbsp;scientists' tweets were losing impact. The average number of likes they received was down 38 per cent and average retweets fell 40 per cent.</p>

<p>Twitter&nbsp;has not commented directly about what changes it has made to the algorithms that drive traffic and visibility.</p>

<p>Contacted at its email address for comment, its press department returned its now customary reply, an automated email with a "poop" emoji.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Elon Musk &amp; Ron DeSantis to unite on Twitter spaces</strong></p>

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<p>But in a tweet seen as an acknowledgement of a deliberate change, Musk wrote in January: "People on the right should see more 'left-wing' stuff and people on the left should see more 'right-wing' stuff. But you can just block it if you want to stay in an echo chamber."</p>

<h2><strong>Climate</strong>&nbsp;denial bots&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In another analysis, prominent climatologist Katharine Hayhoe monitored responses to a tweet on&nbsp;<strong>climate</strong>&nbsp;change which she published twice, as an experiment, on separate dates before and after the takeover.</p>

<p>She counted the hostile comments and examined them for signs that they came from bots -– automated accounts that researchers say are pushing mass misinformation.</p>

<p>Inauthentic accounts can be identified by analysis tools such as Bot Sentinel.</p>

<p>Replies from apparent trolls or bots increased 15 to 30 times over a two-month period compared to the previous two years, Hayhoe tweeted in January 2023.</p>

<p>"Before October, my account was growing steadily at a rate of at least several thousand new followers a month. Since then, it has not changed," she told AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>Scientists</strong>&nbsp;leaving&nbsp;<strong>Twitter</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Andrew Dessler, professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&amp;M University, said he was moving most of his&nbsp;climate&nbsp;communication to Substack, a newsletter platform.</p>

<p>"Climate&nbsp;communications on&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;are less useful (now) given that I can see that my tweets are getting less engagement," he said.</p>

<p>"In response to almost any tweet concerning&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, I find my notifications inundated with replies from verified accounts making misleading or misguided claims."</p>

<p>Others have abandoned&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;altogether.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-is-elon-musk-a-republican-will-twitter-take-sides-with-desantis-link-595899">Explained: Is Elon Musk a Republican? Will Twitter take sides with Ron DeSantis link?</a></p>

<p>Hayhoe said that of a&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;list of 3,000&nbsp;climate&nbsp;scientists&nbsp;that she keeps, 100 disappeared after the takeover.</p>

<p>Glaciologist Ruth Mottram had more than 10,000 followers on&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;but left in February and joined an alternative&nbsp;scientists' forum powered by Mastodon -– a crowdfunded, decentralised grouping of social networks founded in 2016.</p>

<p>"It's really been a revelation in many ways. It's a much quieter and more thoughtful platform," she told AFP.</p>

<p>"On Mastodon, I haven't had any abuse at all or even people questioning&nbsp;climate change. I think we'd become far too used to it on&nbsp;Twitter... I had blocked loads of accounts over on the birdsite (Twitter)," she said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Organised' campaign&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Michael Mann, a prominent&nbsp;climate&nbsp;scientist at the University of Pennsylvania and a regular target for abuse by deniers of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, said he believed the rise in misinformation was "organised and orchestrated" by opponents of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;reforms.</p>

<p>"I've seen a huge rise in trolls and bots. Many target tweets of mine for attack," he said.</p>

<p>Mann's 2021 book "The New&nbsp;Climate&nbsp;War" documented action by oil producers to sow&nbsp;climate&nbsp;denialism on social media.</p>

<p>"The professional trolls manipulate the online environment with strategic posts that generate conflict and division, leading to a feeding frenzy," he told AFP.</p>

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Scientists suffering insults and mass-spam are abandoning Twitter for alternative social networks as hostile climate-change denialism surges on the platform following Elon Musk's takeover.

Scientists suffering insults and mass-spam are abandoning Twitter for alternative social networks as hostile climate-change denialism surges on the platform following Elon Musk's takeover. Researchers have documented an explosion of hate and misinformation on Twitter since the billionaire Tesla owner took over in October 2022 — and now experts say communicating about climate science on the social network on which many of them rely is getting harder. Policies aimed at curbing the deadly effects of climate change are accelerating, prompting a rise in what experts identify as organised resistance by opponents of climate reform. Peter Gleick, a climate and water specialist with nearly 99,000 followers, announced on May 21 he would no longer post on the platform because it was amplifying racism and sexism. While he is accustomed to "offensive, personal, ad hominem attacks, up to and including direct physical threats", he told AFP, "in the past few months, since the takeover and changes at Twitter, the amount, vituperativeness, and intensity of abuse has skyrocketed". Climate tweets decline Robert Rohde, a physicist and lead scientist at the non-profit environmental data analysis group Berkeley Earth, analysed activity on hundreds of accounts of widely followed specialists posting about climate science before and after the takeover. He found climate scientists' tweets were losing impact. The average number of likes they received was down 38 per cent and average retweets fell 40 per cent. Twitter has not commented directly about what changes it has made to the algorithms that drive traffic and visibility. Contacted at its email address for comment, its press department returned its now customary reply, an automated email with a "poop" emoji. ALSO WATCH | Elon Musk & Ron DeSantis to unite on Twitter spaces But in a tweet seen as an acknowledgement of a deliberate change, Musk wrote in January: "People on the right should see more 'left-wing' stuff and people on the left should see more 'right-wing' stuff. But you can just block it if you want to stay in an echo chamber." Climate denial bots In another analysis, prominent climatologist Katharine Hayhoe monitored responses to a tweet on climate change which she published twice, as an experiment, on separate dates before and after the takeover. She counted the hostile comments and examined them for signs that they came from bots -– automated accounts that researchers say are pushing mass misinformation. Inauthentic accounts can be identified by analysis tools such as Bot Sentinel. Replies from apparent trolls or bots increased 15 to 30 times over a two-month period compared to the previous two years, Hayhoe tweeted in January 2023. "Before October, my account was growing steadily at a rate of at least several thousand new followers a month. Since then, it has not changed," she told AFP. Scientists leaving Twitter Andrew Dessler, professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University, said he was moving most of his climate communication to Substack, a newsletter platform. "Climate communications on Twitter are less useful (now) given that I can see that my tweets are getting less engagement," he said. "In response to almost any tweet concerning climate change, I find my notifications inundated with replies from verified accounts making misleading or misguided claims." Others have abandoned Twitter altogether. ALSO READ | Explained: Is Elon Musk a Republican? Will Twitter take sides with Ron DeSantis link? Hayhoe said that of a Twitter list of 3,000 climate scientists that she keeps, 100 disappeared after the takeover. Glaciologist Ruth Mottram had more than 10,000 followers on Twitter but left in February and joined an alternative scientists' forum powered by Mastodon -– a crowdfunded, decentralised grouping of social networks founded in 2016. "It's really been a revelation in many ways. It's a much quieter and more thoughtful platform," she told AFP. "On Mastodon, I haven't had any abuse at all or even people questioning climate change. I think we'd become far too used to it on Twitter... I had blocked loads of accounts over on the birdsite (Twitter)," she said. 'Organised' campaign Michael Mann, a prominent climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania and a regular target for abuse by deniers of climate change, said he believed the rise in misinformation was "organised and orchestrated" by opponents of climate reforms. "I've seen a huge rise in trolls and bots. Many target tweets of mine for attack," he said. Mann's 2021 book "The New Climate War" documented action by oil producers to sow climate denialism on social media. "The professional trolls manipulate the online environment with strategic posts that generate conflict and division, leading to a feeding frenzy," he told AFP. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Climate scientists flee Twitter, allege hostile climate change denialism has surged on platform

A massive fire engulfs regions in western Spain. The fire has spread over 8,000 hectares near the border with Portugal.

Out-of-control wildfire leaves scorched landscape in Spain

Mount Everest is losing snow and turning “dry and rocky”, British climber Kenton Cool, who made his 17th ascent of the world's highest peak this week, the most by a foreigner, said on Saturday.

Everest losing snow, turning dry and rocky: Record-holding climber

Floating solar panel farms are beginning to boom in the united states after rapid growth in Asia. They are attractive not just for their clean power and lack of a land footprint, but because they also conserve water by preventing evaporation.

Floating Solar panels help climate in more ways than one

The carbon capture technology is revolutionising the fight against climate change and buildings in New York are its latest example. They are reducing the emissions by trapping carbon dioxide which is then transported to sites outside Manhattan for processing.

Carbon Capture Tech vs Climate Change

A record 71 million people were internally displaced last year by what is being called 'a perfect storm' of war and natural disasters.

Disasters, war internally displaced 71 million people in 2022

Cyclone mocha forming over Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into a severe storm by Friday says India's met department. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report

Cyclone Mocha forms over Southeast Bay Of Bengal

Tempers frayed on Sunday after a climate activist from the group extinction rebellion interrupted a live political debate in Switzerland.

Climate activist interrupts Swiss public debate on live TV

Pandas, named Shuang Shuang, Chong Chong, Xi Xi and Qing Qing enjoy an irresistible meal of fresh bamboo shoots and carrots at Chongqing zoo in Southwest China's Chongqing city.

Pandas enjoy refreshments at Chongqing zoo

The risk of extreme events is growing, and they're affecting every corner of the world. We bring you a timeline of events from January to March 2023.

Extreme weather events from January-March 2023

Record-breaking heatwaves in India last year put 90% of the population at increased risk of going hungry, losing income, or premature death, says a shocking study.

Rising heatwave imperil India's development goals: Study

Thousands of indigenous Brazilians marched in downtown Brasilia to call on their government to take action on climate change and to demand the creation of new reserves on their ancestral lands.

Thousands gather in Brasilia for new reserves

Spanish government warns people to take precautions amid drought and heat 7c-11c above average for the time of year.

Spain pleads for EU crisis funds as drought hits farmers

A wild grass variant could be the answer to the world's need for climate-friendly fuel alternatives. A small town in north-eastern France is using miscanthus, a wild variety of grass usually found in Asia and Africa, as a replacement for burning wood as a source of energy.

Small French town replaces wood with wild grass

The Northern hemisphere is experiencing contrasting climatic conditions. While Europe is baking due to sizzling heat, the American mid-West is experiencing unnaturally chilly weather for April. The stark difference is affecting wildlife and humans alike. Spain's citizens are sweating under the heat, whereas migratory birds in America are freezing in mid-air and dropping out of the sky.

Europe sizzles due to sizzling heat while U.S. experiences unnatural chill

On Tuesday, the European parliament approved sweeping reforms to make EU climate change policies more ambitious. The reforms are aimed at massively cutting the blocs greenhouse emissions including the introduction of a carbon border tax on imports.

EU parliament casts final vote on its biggest climate policy

The G7 conference of energy and environment ministers is being held in Japan and began on Saturday in the city of Sapporo. During the two days of discussions, the world's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the necessity of reducing carbon emissions in an effort to avert the worst effects of climate change will be reconciled.

G7 Climate Talks: Meet seeks to reconcile world's heavy reliance on fossil fuels

As Japan eyes its goal towards becoming a carbon-neutral society, Japanese company and climate groups have called on the government to step-up the introduction of renewable energy and quickly adopt carbon pricing to tackle global warming.

Japan climate group calls for reforms for effective carbon pricing | WION Climate Tracker

Analysts hail the "Beginning of the end of the fossil age". Emissions from the dirtiest fuels in the power sector are set to drop.

Fossil Fuel emissions from electricity set to fall: Study

It's two days since the massive fire at the Richmond plastic recycling factory in Indiana filled the air with billowing clouds of jet-black fumes. Until now thousands have been evacuated from nearby residential areas.

Massive fire burns down plastic recycling factory in Indiana

Once a scenic coastal town, Brazil Atafona turns apocalyptic. Climate experts say global warming is making the issue worse by forcing existential losses in the town.

Sea swallows town in Brazil

Multiple people have died and rescue efforts are underway after a tornado ripped through Southeast Missouri overnight. Hem Soraya brings you the report.

Missouri tornado leaves trail of destruction, kills at least 5

Reservoirs whose water levels had plummeted during punishing drought have recovered, but officials warn to not waste water. Hem Soraya brings you the report.

Storms dramatically fill reservoirs in California

Two people died and more than a million were without power after an ice storm hit Canada's two most-populated provinces. Hem Soraya brings you the report.

Quebec ice storm leaves two dead, a million without power

<p>Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP. The step was reportedly taken in a protest as it foreshadows the “end of the world” scenario we are heading towards.&nbsp;</p>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="it">♠️ Roma - Tinta di nero l'acqua della fontana della Barcaccia 🚰<br />
<br />
E' assurdo che questo gesto vi scandalizzi, quando stiamo vivendo un'emergenza siccità che mette in crisi l'agricoltura, la produzione di energia... insomma la nostra stessa sussistenza, e ci sono dei responsabili. <a href="https://t.co/AROZ0oU8CX">pic.twitter.com/AROZ0oU8CX</a></p>
— Ultima Generazione (@UltimaGenerazi1) <a href="https://twitter.com/UltimaGenerazi1/status/1642110335665463296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The group has been carrying out peaceful but disruptive protests in the country since before the last year’s general election urging lawmakers from all parties to make climate change their priority, as per AFP. This was also around the time when climate activists across Europe were seen throwing soup, mashed potatoes and even washable paint on artworks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protest on Saturday targetted the 17th-century fountain, known to Romans as La Barcaccia in Rome where three activists were seen pouring vegetable-based carbon liquid before being escorted away by the police. The boat-shaped fountain was designed by the prominent Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini.</p>

<p>According to Last Generation, it is believed that it was inspired by the discovery in 1598 of a boat in the square after it was washed inland by a flooding Tiber river. But the reason why they decided to turn it black was to evoke “the ‘end of the world’ scenario we are heading for, as we increasingly step on the accelerator: drought alternating with devastating floods, which will put an end to life on Earth, along with heat waves,” said the group, in a statement.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP.

Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP. The step was reportedly taken in a protest as it foreshadows the “end of the world” scenario we are heading towards. ♠️ Roma - Tinta di nero l'acqua della fontana della Barcaccia 🚰 E' assurdo che questo gesto vi scandalizzi, quando stiamo vivendo un'emergenza siccità che mette in crisi l'agricoltura, la produzione di energia... insomma la nostra stessa sussistenza, e ci sono dei responsabili. pic.twitter.com/AROZ0oU8CX — Ultima Generazione (@UltimaGenerazi1) April 1, 2023 × The group has been carrying out peaceful but disruptive protests in the country since before the last year’s general election urging lawmakers from all parties to make climate change their priority, as per AFP. This was also around the time when climate activists across Europe were seen throwing soup, mashed potatoes and even washable paint on artworks. The protest on Saturday targetted the 17th-century fountain, known to Romans as La Barcaccia in Rome where three activists were seen pouring vegetable-based carbon liquid before being escorted away by the police. The boat-shaped fountain was designed by the prominent Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini. According to Last Generation, it is believed that it was inspired by the discovery in 1598 of a boat in the square after it was washed inland by a flooding Tiber river. But the reason why they decided to turn it black was to evoke “the ‘end of the world’ scenario we are heading for, as we increasingly step on the accelerator: drought alternating with devastating floods, which will put an end to life on Earth, along with heat waves,” said the group, in a statement. 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.

WATCH | Climate activists in Rome turn 17th-century landmark fountain black in protest

Mississippi is facing the wrath of mother nature. At least about 23 people are reported to have been killed and dozens of others are injured in Mississippi that has been struck by massive tornado and strong thunderstorms.

Mississippi: Twister leaves 160-km-long trail of damage and destruction

The fourth and final instalment of the sixth assessment report by the intergovernmental panel on climate change is out. It says that the world is on course to overshoot the 1.5 degree celsius global warming threshold. The assessment also stressed that humanity still has a chance to prevent the worst of future harms. In this episode of WION conversation we decode the IPCC report and some of the key takeaways.

New IPCC report on climate change

On Monday, Mozambique and Malawi were counting the cost of tropical storm Freddy which killed more than 100 people, injuring scores and leaving a trail of destruction as it ripped through southern Africa for the second time in a month. @ShivanChanana tells you more.

Cyclone Freddy batters Mozambique & Malawi; kills more than 100

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