The Russian-Ukraine war prompted one of the worst humanitarian crises in Europe since World War II. It has also led to serious environmental consequences.

Environmental costs of Russia-Ukraine war

Australia's unique wildlife is being devastated by bushfires, drought, habitat loss and global warming, a government report said Tuesday, warning that more species are headed for extinction.

The five-yearly State of the Environment report prompted calls for dramatic action to reverse the "poor and deteriorating" state of flora and fauna depicted by scientists on land and at sea.

The damage is being hastened by a climate that has warmed&nbsp;Australia's average land temperature by 1.4 degrees Celsius since the early 20th century, the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-largest-wildlife-overpass-begins-construction-this-month-469956">Construction of world’s largest wildlife overpass to begin this month in US</a>

A failure to manage the pressures "will continue to result in species extinctions," scientists warned in the report.

Australia's environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, said it was a "shocking document".

"If we continue on the trajectory that we are on now, we will see more threatened species, we will see drier rivers, we will see degraded landscape, we will see reefs dying," she told journalists.

"The path we are on is not sustainable."

Plibersek, a member of the centre-left Labor Party that came to power in May elections, criticised the previous conservative government for failing to publish the report, which it had received in December 2021.

She promised to carve out more of&nbsp;Australia's land and oceans for protection, pursue "fundamental reform" of environmental laws and empower a new environmental protection agency.

Ecological bomb

Australia's 2019-2020 "Black Summer" bushfires burned more than eight million hectares of native vegetation and killed or displaced 1-3 billion animals, the report found.

The fires were an "ecological bomb ripping through southeastern&nbsp;Australia", Plibersek said.

Marine heatwaves caused mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef in 2016, 2017 and 2020, scientists said in the report. Since then, a government report in March found the reef had again suffered mass bleaching.

Watch |&nbsp;Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary treats pets

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Millions of hectares of primary forest had been cleared since 1990, the report said.

More than seven million hectares of habitat for&nbsp;threatened species were cleared between 2000 and 2017 without being assessed under&nbsp;Australia's environmental conservation laws, it found.

In five years, more than 200 plant and animal species of national significance had been added to the list of threatened species under&nbsp;Australia's environmental laws.

"Australia&nbsp;has lost more mammal species than any other continent," the report said, with the number of new species listed as being under greater threat up by eight percent in five years.

Heartbreaking

Australia's cities are also growing at a rapid clip, scientists found, raising urban heat, pollution and waste while stretching water and energy resources.

"Sydney has lost more than 70 percent of native vegetation cover through development," the report said.

Sydney Habour's stormwater drains also created hotspots of pollution with concentrations 20 times higher than when the harbour was pristine.

"The findings of this report are heartbreaking, and the leadership failures that have led to loss at this scale devastating," said WWF-Australia&nbsp;acting chief executive Rachel Lowry.

"If we ignore the warnings of this report then iconic species like koalas across eastern&nbsp;Australia, or our largest gliding mammal, the greater glider, will disappear forever on our watch."

WWF-Australia&nbsp;said the report should be a "turning point" that lead to greater investment and stronger laws to protect&nbsp;Australia's wildlife and wilderness.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-watchdog-investigates-kmart-and-bunnings-over-consumers-faceprints-technology-despite-ban-496962">Australian watchdog investigates Kmart and Bunnings over ‘faceprints’ technology</a>

Lowry urged the new government to act quickly, condemning existing environmental legislation for "failing miserably" to protect threatened species.

The "devastating" new report showed coasts and marine environments were deteriorating, the Australian Marine Conservation Society said.

"We need to do more now, or we put at risk everything we rely on our oceans for -- our health, wellbeing, livelihoods and our culture," said the society's chief executive, Darren Kindleysides.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Australia's unique wildlife is being devastated by bushfires, drought, habitat loss and global warming, a government report said Tuesday, warning that more species are headed for extinction.

Australia's unique wildlife is being devastated by bushfires, drought, habitat loss and global warming, a government report said Tuesday, warning that more species are headed for extinction. The five-yearly State of the Environment report prompted calls for dramatic action to reverse the "poor and deteriorating" state of flora and fauna depicted by scientists on land and at sea. The damage is being hastened by a climate that has warmed Australia's average land temperature by 1.4 degrees Celsius since the early 20th century, the report said. Also read | Construction of world’s largest wildlife overpass to begin this month in US A failure to manage the pressures "will continue to result in species extinctions," scientists warned in the report. Australia's environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, said it was a "shocking document". "If we continue on the trajectory that we are on now, we will see more threatened species, we will see drier rivers, we will see degraded landscape, we will see reefs dying," she told journalists. "The path we are on is not sustainable." Plibersek, a member of the centre-left Labor Party that came to power in May elections, criticised the previous conservative government for failing to publish the report, which it had received in December 2021. She promised to carve out more of Australia's land and oceans for protection, pursue "fundamental reform" of environmental laws and empower a new environmental protection agency. Ecological bomb Australia's 2019-2020 "Black Summer" bushfires burned more than eight million hectares of native vegetation and killed or displaced 1-3 billion animals, the report found. The fires were an "ecological bomb ripping through southeastern Australia", Plibersek said. Marine heatwaves caused mass coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef in 2016, 2017 and 2020, scientists said in the report. Since then, a government report in March found the reef had again suffered mass bleaching. Watch | Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary treats pets Millions of hectares of primary forest had been cleared since 1990, the report said. More than seven million hectares of habitat for threatened species were cleared between 2000 and 2017 without being assessed under Australia's environmental conservation laws, it found. In five years, more than 200 plant and animal species of national significance had been added to the list of threatened species under Australia's environmental laws. "Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent," the report said, with the number of new species listed as being under greater threat up by eight percent in five years. Heartbreaking Australia's cities are also growing at a rapid clip, scientists found, raising urban heat, pollution and waste while stretching water and energy resources. "Sydney has lost more than 70 percent of native vegetation cover through development," the report said. Sydney Habour's stormwater drains also created hotspots of pollution with concentrations 20 times higher than when the harbour was pristine. "The findings of this report are heartbreaking, and the leadership failures that have led to loss at this scale devastating," said WWF-Australia acting chief executive Rachel Lowry. "If we ignore the warnings of this report then iconic species like koalas across eastern Australia, or our largest gliding mammal, the greater glider, will disappear forever on our watch." WWF-Australia said the report should be a "turning point" that lead to greater investment and stronger laws to protect Australia's wildlife and wilderness. Also read | Australian watchdog investigates Kmart and Bunnings over ‘faceprints’ technology Lowry urged the new government to act quickly, condemning existing environmental legislation for "failing miserably" to protect threatened species. The "devastating" new report showed coasts and marine environments were deteriorating, the Australian Marine Conservation Society said. "We need to do more now, or we put at risk everything we rely on our oceans for -- our health, wellbeing, livelihoods and our culture," said the society's chief executive, Darren Kindleysides. 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.

'Shocking' report lists devastation to Australia wildlife

A report from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has revealed that investments in plant-based meat alternatives lead to far greater cuts in climate-heating emissions than other green investments.

The improved investment in the production of meat and dairy alternatives resulted in three times more greenhouse gas reductions compared with investment in green cement technology, seven times more than green buildings and 11 times more than zero-emission cars, The Guardian reported citing the report.

“Widespread adoption of alternative proteins can play a critical role in tackling climate change,” Malte Clausen, a partner at BCG told UK-based newspaper

“We call it the untapped climate opportunity – you’re getting more impact from your investment in alternative proteins than in any other sector of the economy.”

Clausen asserted that investments in plant-based have had a dramatic effect in cutting down carbon footprint.

“There’s been a lot of investments into electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels, which is all great and helpful to reduce emissions, but we have not seen comparable investment yet [in alternative proteins], even though it’s rising rapidly,” he said. “If you really care about impact as an investor, this is an area that you definitely need to understand.”

Meat and dairy production uses 83 per cent of farmland and causes 60 per cent of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions, but provides only 18 per cent of calories and 37 per cent of protein.

Moving human diets from meat to plants means less forest is destroyed for pasture and fodder growing and less emissions of the potent greenhouse gas methane produced by cattle and sheep.

The assessment of the BCG group found resonance in the other report of The Project Drawdown group, in which the scientists concluded that avoiding meat and dairy products is the single biggest way to reduce environmental impact on the planet and that large cuts in meat consumption in rich nations are essential to ending the climate crisis.

“Alternative proteins have received only a fraction of the investment deployed in other sectors,” the BCG report said.

“Buildings have received 4.4 times more mitigation capital than food production, even though building emissions are 57 per cent lower than those tied to food production.”

Switching from conventional meat to alternatives is also much less disruptive to consumers than flying less or retrofitting their homes, the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A report from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has revealed that investments in plant-based meat alternatives lead to far greater cuts in climate-heating emissions than other green investments.

A report from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has revealed that investments in plant-based meat alternatives lead to far greater cuts in climate-heating emissions than other green investments. The improved investment in the production of meat and dairy alternatives resulted in three times more greenhouse gas reductions compared with investment in green cement technology, seven times more than green buildings and 11 times more than zero-emission cars, The Guardian reported citing the report. “Widespread adoption of alternative proteins can play a critical role in tackling climate change,” Malte Clausen, a partner at BCG told UK-based newspaper “We call it the untapped climate opportunity – you’re getting more impact from your investment in alternative proteins than in any other sector of the economy.” Clausen asserted that investments in plant-based have had a dramatic effect in cutting down carbon footprint. “There’s been a lot of investments into electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels, which is all great and helpful to reduce emissions, but we have not seen comparable investment yet [in alternative proteins], even though it’s rising rapidly,” he said. “If you really care about impact as an investor, this is an area that you definitely need to understand.” Meat and dairy production uses 83 per cent of farmland and causes 60 per cent of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions, but provides only 18 per cent of calories and 37 per cent of protein. Moving human diets from meat to plants means less forest is destroyed for pasture and fodder growing and less emissions of the potent greenhouse gas methane produced by cattle and sheep. The assessment of the BCG group found resonance in the other report of The Project Drawdown group, in which the scientists concluded that avoiding meat and dairy products is the single biggest way to reduce environmental impact on the planet and that large cuts in meat consumption in rich nations are essential to ending the climate crisis. “Alternative proteins have received only a fraction of the investment deployed in other sectors,” the BCG report said. “Buildings have received 4.4 times more mitigation capital than food production, even though building emissions are 57 per cent lower than those tied to food production.” Switching from conventional meat to alternatives is also much less disruptive to consumers than flying less or retrofitting their homes, the report said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Investments in plant-based meat can help cut down carbon emissions: Report

While the world is facing extreme environmental degradation due to excess plastics being dumped, a startup is turning landfill plastic into garden furniture and fences for the greater good.

Landfill plastic turned into garden furniture & fences using this tech

&nbsp;EU countries clinched deals on proposed laws to combat climate change early Wednesday, backing a 2035 phase-out of new fossil fuel car sales and a multibillion-euro fund to shield poorer citizens from CO2 costs.

After more than 16 hours of negotiations, environment ministers from the European Union's 27 member states agreed their joint positions on five laws, part of a broader packageof measures to slash planet-warming emissions this decade.

"The climate crisis and its consequences are clear, and so policy is unavoidable," EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans said, adding that he thought the invasion of Ukraine by top gas supplier Russia was spurring countries to quit fossil fuels faster.

Ministers supported core parts of the package that the European Commission first proposed last summer, including a law requiring new cars sold in the EU to emit zero CO2 from 2035. That would make it impossible to sell internal-combustion engine cars.

The deal makes it likely that the proposal will become EU law. The ministers' agreements will form their position in upcoming negotiations with the EU Parliament on the final laws. Parliament has already backed the 2035 car target.

Italy, Slovakia and other states had wanted the phase-out delayed to 2040. Countries eventually backed a compromise proposed by Germany, the EU's biggest car market, which kept the 2035 target and asked Brussels to assess in 2026 whether hybrid vehicles or CO2-neutral fuels could comply with the goal.

Timmermans said that the commission would keep an "open mind" but that today, hybrids did not deliver sufficient emissions cuts and alternative fuels were prohibitively expensive.

The climate proposals aim to ensure the 27-country EU - the world's third-biggest greenhouse gas emitter - reaches its 2030 target of reducing net emissions by 55% from 1990 levels.

Doing so will require governments and industries to invest heavily in cleaner manufacturing, renewable energy and electric vehicles.

Ministers backed a new EU carbon market to impose CO2 costs on polluting fuels used in transport and buildings, though they said it should launch in 2027, a year later than initially planned.

After fraught negotiations, they agreed to form a 59-billion-euro EU fund to shield low-income citizens from the policy's costs over 2027-2032.

Lithuania was the only country to oppose the final agreements, having unsuccessfully sought a bigger fund alongside Poland, Latvia and others concerned the new CO2 market could increase citizens' energy bills.

Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands - wealthier countries who would pay more into the fund than they would get back - had wanted it to be smaller.

Ministers also rallied behind reforms to the EU's current carbon market, which forces industry and power plants to pay when they pollute.

Countries accepted core elements of the Commission's proposal to reinforce the market to cut emissions 61% by 2030, and extend it to cover shipping. They agreed on rules to make it easier for the EU to intervene in response to CO2 price spikes.

Ministers backed two other laws to strengthen the national emissions-cutting targets Brussels sets countries for some sectors, and increase natural carbon sinks like forests.

EU countries clinched deals on proposed laws to combat climate change early Wednesday, backing a 2035 phase-out of new fossil fuel car sales and a multibillion-euro fund to shield poorer citizens from CO2 costs.

EU countries clinched deals on proposed laws to combat climate change early Wednesday, backing a 2035 phase-out of new fossil fuel car sales and a multibillion-euro fund to shield poorer citizens from CO2 costs. After more than 16 hours of negotiations, environment ministers from the European Union's 27 member states agreed their joint positions on five laws, part of a broader packageof measures to slash planet-warming emissions this decade. "The climate crisis and its consequences are clear, and so policy is unavoidable," EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans said, adding that he thought the invasion of Ukraine by top gas supplier Russia was spurring countries to quit fossil fuels faster. Ministers supported core parts of the package that the European Commission first proposed last summer, including a law requiring new cars sold in the EU to emit zero CO2 from 2035. That would make it impossible to sell internal-combustion engine cars. The deal makes it likely that the proposal will become EU law. The ministers' agreements will form their position in upcoming negotiations with the EU Parliament on the final laws. Parliament has already backed the 2035 car target. Italy, Slovakia and other states had wanted the phase-out delayed to 2040. Countries eventually backed a compromise proposed by Germany, the EU's biggest car market, which kept the 2035 target and asked Brussels to assess in 2026 whether hybrid vehicles or CO2-neutral fuels could comply with the goal. Timmermans said that the commission would keep an "open mind" but that today, hybrids did not deliver sufficient emissions cuts and alternative fuels were prohibitively expensive. The climate proposals aim to ensure the 27-country EU - the world's third-biggest greenhouse gas emitter - reaches its 2030 target of reducing net emissions by 55% from 1990 levels. Doing so will require governments and industries to invest heavily in cleaner manufacturing, renewable energy and electric vehicles. Ministers backed a new EU carbon market to impose CO2 costs on polluting fuels used in transport and buildings, though they said it should launch in 2027, a year later than initially planned. After fraught negotiations, they agreed to form a 59-billion-euro EU fund to shield low-income citizens from the policy's costs over 2027-2032. Lithuania was the only country to oppose the final agreements, having unsuccessfully sought a bigger fund alongside Poland, Latvia and others concerned the new CO2 market could increase citizens' energy bills. Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands - wealthier countries who would pay more into the fund than they would get back - had wanted it to be smaller. Ministers also rallied behind reforms to the EU's current carbon market, which forces industry and power plants to pay when they pollute. Countries accepted core elements of the Commission's proposal to reinforce the market to cut emissions 61% by 2030, and extend it to cover shipping. They agreed on rules to make it easier for the EU to intervene in response to CO2 price spikes. Ministers backed two other laws to strengthen the national emissions-cutting targets Brussels sets countries for some sectors, and increase natural carbon sinks like forests.

EU countries reach deal on climate laws after late-night talks

Meet the WasteShark, a boxy 5 foot, 2 inch long (157 centimeter) aquatic drone, hoovering up plastic waste in a pond in Rotterdam. Richard Hardiman, Founder and CEO of Ranmarine explains the mission.

"So we wanted it to be as easy to deploy as possible, as easy to capture the trash and bring it back to land, make it safer so that the operator is stood on the shore rather than was in the water, make it battery operated, so it was zero emissions, not diesel or fossil fuel powered. And it was easy to store away. A lot of the time our customers have bigger boats that need a captain and a lot of maintenance and a lot of mechanical movement to make them work. We wanted something very sleek, very simple, gets the trash out and starts recycling faster than what has been done right now."

The drone's hold can accommodate 42 gallons (160 liters) of trash, floating plants and algae, according to RanMarine Technology. It can operate up to eight hours on one charge.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coca-cola-and-pepsico-ranked-as-worlds-leading-plastic-polluters-449536">Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as world's leading plastic polluters</a>

It's inspired by the whale shark, which swims the ocean with its mouth wide open.

"The WasteShark was based on the whale shark, which has a large mouth for capturing its prey. So that's why we have two pontoons, one on each side, so that the waste can come in from the front and it gets trapped in between the pontoons," explains design engineer Tessa Despinic.

More than 40 have been sold to buyers in a dozen countries including the UK, US, Nigeria and Singapore, according to the developers.

Prices start at 23,500 euros (about $25,600) for manually controlled models, more for programmable versions.

The WasteShark is just one of numerous technologies that have been developed to help reduce the problem of plastic waste in rivers and oceans.

Trash is blown, washed or thrown into waterways.

Storm drains funnel in litter tossed onto streets.

In places without refuse collection, people use convenient waters to carry trash away.

Nancy Wallace, director of the US&nbsp;National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program, says it's important to try and prevent the plastic waste ending up in the oceans.

"Once plastic or trash ends up in the ocean, it's very hard to collect because it does break down. And so it gets smaller and smaller and it's just hard to get out to our big open oceans and collect the trash there. We'd much rather collect that trash closer to shore, which is easier, it's less costly," she says.

Also in the Netherlands, the Bubble Barrier Amsterdam devicesits across a river, at the intersection of several canals.

It's a simple system invented by a Dutch company which pumps compressed air into a submerged tube with thousands of tiny holes in it.

The escaping air from the holes form a curtain of bubbles that you see on the water's surface.

Watch |&nbsp;20,000 tons of Plastic flows through Las Vacas each year

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/20000-tons-of-plastic-flows-through-las-vacas-each-year-486737/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These bubbles steer the waste floating on the water as well as rubbish suspended midstream into a collection point moored at one bank.

The tube is set diagonally to direct trash to a rectangular collecting device near the shore.

In India, steel mesh fences that extend above and below aluminium floats have been installed.

The system is modular, inexpensive, easy to maintain and able to withstand monsoons.

AlphaMERS Ltd. has installed the big floating barriers across rivers at eight southern cities from Hyderabad to Tuticorin.

Each is angled to guide trash to a riverbank where excavators pile it into dump trucks.

Eight traps on the Cooum River at Chennai, costing about $120,000 in total, corralled about 2,400 tons (2,200 metric tons) of plastics and 21,800 tons (19,800 metric tons) of other trash and floating plants in 2018, their first year in position, according to the designer D.C. Sekhar.

The system with the biggest fan base may be the anthropomorphized Trash Wheels at the mouths of four Baltimore watersheds.

The devices combine ancient and modern technology to run rakes and a conveyor belt that moves floating trash into barge-mounted dumpsters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-map-antarctic-ocean-reveal-never-before-seen-visuals-486294">Scientists map Antarctic ocean, reveal never-before-seen visuals</a>

The current usually turns a water wheel for power.

When the current slows, a solar-powered water pump spins the wheel.

Osprey Initiative LLC, of Mobile, Alabama, sets up floating traps on creeks, canals and rivers in the US&nbsp;Southeast and trains local crews to deal with the trash they catch.

The company employs about 10 people full-time, with about 30 part-time local workers at projects across nine states, according to owner and founder Don Bates.

It is also helping to change habits in the local community.

"So in the five years since we started, it's amazing the change in our personal footprints and how we are protecting what's downstream. So the products that are out there are becoming more and more recyclable, we love recycling because if it's recycled, it's not becoming litter. So, the awareness, what we're doing and being smart about it, people are really bringing that home. And the best way to fight litter and litter in the water is it never becoming litter on the land," says Don Bates, owner of Osprey Initiative.

The science of plastic pollution is new and almost as much in flux as the waters it studies.

For instance, a scientist who reported in 2017 that rivers might carry anywhere from 450,000 to 4.4 million tons (410,000 to 4 million metric tons) of plastic a year into the sea was part of a 2021 study that narrowed the range considerably, with an upper limit of nearly 3 million tons (2.7 million metric tons).

The devices are fledgling attempts to dent an estimated 8.8 million tons (8 metric tons) of plastic that enter the ocean every year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trash-has-value-kenyan-inventor-turns-plastic-into-bricks-466744">'Trash has value': Kenyan inventor turns plastic into bricks</a>

Once there, the waste maims or kills marine plants and animals including whales, dolphins, and seabirds and accumulates in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and other vast swirls of currents.

Wallace says we need to reduce plastic use and littering in the first to make a real difference to the health of our rivers and oceans.

"The most important thing with marine debris or plastic or trash in our ocean is we don't want it there in the first place. So while all of these devices are incredibly helpful, we really need to work on the upstream solutions of generating less waste from the consumer standpoint, but also the industry standpoint. And so there's a lot of different players that are going to help solve this problem overall." 
&nbsp;

Meet the WasteShark, a boxy 5 foot, 2 inch long (157 centimeter) aquatic drone, hoovering up plastic waste in a pond in Rotterdam. Richard Hardiman, Founder and CEO of Ranmarine explains the mission.

Meet the WasteShark, a boxy 5 foot, 2 inch long (157 centimeter) aquatic drone, hoovering up plastic waste in a pond in Rotterdam. Richard Hardiman, Founder and CEO of Ranmarine explains the mission. "So we wanted it to be as easy to deploy as possible, as easy to capture the trash and bring it back to land, make it safer so that the operator is stood on the shore rather than was in the water, make it battery operated, so it was zero emissions, not diesel or fossil fuel powered. And it was easy to store away. A lot of the time our customers have bigger boats that need a captain and a lot of maintenance and a lot of mechanical movement to make them work. We wanted something very sleek, very simple, gets the trash out and starts recycling faster than what has been done right now." The drone's hold can accommodate 42 gallons (160 liters) of trash, floating plants and algae, according to RanMarine Technology. It can operate up to eight hours on one charge. Also read | Coca-Cola and PepsiCo ranked as world's leading plastic polluters It's inspired by the whale shark, which swims the ocean with its mouth wide open. "The WasteShark was based on the whale shark, which has a large mouth for capturing its prey. So that's why we have two pontoons, one on each side, so that the waste can come in from the front and it gets trapped in between the pontoons," explains design engineer Tessa Despinic. More than 40 have been sold to buyers in a dozen countries including the UK, US, Nigeria and Singapore, according to the developers. Prices start at 23,500 euros (about $25,600) for manually controlled models, more for programmable versions. The WasteShark is just one of numerous technologies that have been developed to help reduce the problem of plastic waste in rivers and oceans. Trash is blown, washed or thrown into waterways. Storm drains funnel in litter tossed onto streets. In places without refuse collection, people use convenient waters to carry trash away. Nancy Wallace, director of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Debris Program, says it's important to try and prevent the plastic waste ending up in the oceans. "Once plastic or trash ends up in the ocean, it's very hard to collect because it does break down. And so it gets smaller and smaller and it's just hard to get out to our big open oceans and collect the trash there. We'd much rather collect that trash closer to shore, which is easier, it's less costly," she says. Also in the Netherlands, the Bubble Barrier Amsterdam devicesits across a river, at the intersection of several canals. It's a simple system invented by a Dutch company which pumps compressed air into a submerged tube with thousands of tiny holes in it. The escaping air from the holes form a curtain of bubbles that you see on the water's surface. Watch | 20,000 tons of Plastic flows through Las Vacas each year These bubbles steer the waste floating on the water as well as rubbish suspended midstream into a collection point moored at one bank. The tube is set diagonally to direct trash to a rectangular collecting device near the shore. In India, steel mesh fences that extend above and below aluminium floats have been installed. The system is modular, inexpensive, easy to maintain and able to withstand monsoons. AlphaMERS Ltd. has installed the big floating barriers across rivers at eight southern cities from Hyderabad to Tuticorin. Each is angled to guide trash to a riverbank where excavators pile it into dump trucks. Eight traps on the Cooum River at Chennai, costing about $120,000 in total, corralled about 2,400 tons (2,200 metric tons) of plastics and 21,800 tons (19,800 metric tons) of other trash and floating plants in 2018, their first year in position, according to the designer D.C. Sekhar. The system with the biggest fan base may be the anthropomorphized Trash Wheels at the mouths of four Baltimore watersheds. The devices combine ancient and modern technology to run rakes and a conveyor belt that moves floating trash into barge-mounted dumpsters. Also read | Scientists map Antarctic ocean, reveal never-before-seen visuals The current usually turns a water wheel for power. When the current slows, a solar-powered water pump spins the wheel. Osprey Initiative LLC, of Mobile, Alabama, sets up floating traps on creeks, canals and rivers in the US Southeast and trains local crews to deal with the trash they catch. The company employs about 10 people full-time, with about 30 part-time local workers at projects across nine states, according to owner and founder Don Bates. It is also helping to change habits in the local community. "So in the five years since we started, it's amazing the change in our personal footprints and how we are protecting what's downstream. So the products that are out there are becoming more and more recyclable, we love recycling because if it's recycled, it's not becoming litter. So, the awareness, what we're doing and being smart about it, people are really bringing that home. And the best way to fight litter and litter in the water is it never becoming litter on the land," says Don Bates, owner of Osprey Initiative. The science of plastic pollution is new and almost as much in flux as the waters it studies. For instance, a scientist who reported in 2017 that rivers might carry anywhere from 450,000 to 4.4 million tons (410,000 to 4 million metric tons) of plastic a year into the sea was part of a 2021 study that narrowed the range considerably, with an upper limit of nearly 3 million tons (2.7 million metric tons). The devices are fledgling attempts to dent an estimated 8.8 million tons (8 metric tons) of plastic that enter the ocean every year. Also read | 'Trash has value': Kenyan inventor turns plastic into bricks Once there, the waste maims or kills marine plants and animals including whales, dolphins, and seabirds and accumulates in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and other vast swirls of currents. Wallace says we need to reduce plastic use and littering in the first to make a real difference to the health of our rivers and oceans. "The most important thing with marine debris or plastic or trash in our ocean is we don't want it there in the first place. So while all of these devices are incredibly helpful, we really need to work on the upstream solutions of generating less waste from the consumer standpoint, but also the industry standpoint. And so there's a lot of different players that are going to help solve this problem overall."

River trash traps chew at huge ocean plastics problem

From a distance, Mount Gorongosa looks pockmarked.

The slopes of this&nbsp;Mozambican&nbsp;landmark were once covered with verdant rain&nbsp;forest.&nbsp;

Now, they are scarred by deep holes -- the result of clearcutting that exposed the soil and parched it, leaving only shrubs and grasses. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

But in recent years, the&nbsp;forest&nbsp;has been growing back, thanks to a previously foreign crop:&nbsp;coffee.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expensive-coffee-customer-at-italy-coffee-bar-calls-police-over-price-of-espresso-480334">Expensive coffee: Customer at Italy coffee bar calls police over price of espresso</a>

As Juliasse Samuel Sabao walks through the plantation, at an altitude of some 1,000 metres (3,300 feet), he points out the obvious progress.

One side of the track resembles a desert. On the other, a dense&nbsp;forest&nbsp;shelters carefully placed&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;plants.

"Before, this was completely empty. Today, you see the result.

"Coffee&nbsp;needs shade to grow. So, for every&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;plant, we plant a tree as well," he said.

Sabao, who works for Gorongosa National Park, fled to Zimbabwe to escape Mozambique's civil war. There, he discovered coffee culture.

He brought that knowledge back with him to help restore the mountain, which was largely cut off from the world for decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-500-kg-of-cocaine-found-in-shipment-of-coffee-beans-at-a-nespresso-plant-in-switzerland-476818">Around 500 kg of cocaine found in shipment of coffee beans at a Nespresso plant in Switzerland</a>

Legacy of war&nbsp;

Mozambique fought a bloody war for freedom from Portugal, but after independence in 1975, a civil war ravaged the country until 1992.

A smaller conflict later erupted in 2013, ending with a peace treaty in 2019.

During the conflicts, Renamo rebels who used the mountain range as a war-time base and stronghold, exploited the park's natural resources to the brink of environmental collapse.

Pedro Muagara, a trained agronomist and the park's director, had planted a few seedlings, until the conflict shattered his&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;dreams.

As the war dragged into its final years, besieged rebels camped on the mountain slopes with their families. They cleared the&nbsp;forest&nbsp;to grow crops to survive.&nbsp;

Now he's back, teaching communities new ways of farming.

"These people depended on subsistence farming, because they can't afford machinery like tractors. That turned them into agricultural nomads," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;The Good Life: Is Coffee good for you?

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"So, they'd clear a few areas, and then&nbsp;deforestation&nbsp;stripped nutrients from the soil. The land got depleted, and when that happened, they'd go clear another patch."

The peace treaty didn't solve the problems of communities on the mountain.

"They didn't have the training or the means to transition from being itinerant farming to conservation farming," Muagara said. &nbsp;

"We had to explain to them that when they lose a tree, they lose their livelihood with it."

Saving&nbsp;trees

Coffee&nbsp;plants take several years to become productive, so the programme also includes food crops so the communities can still support themselves.

The World Bank says Gorongosa now has some 300,000&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;plants as well as 400,000 cashew trees, 400 beehives and 300 new jobs.

Gorongosa&nbsp;coffee&nbsp;is exported around the world, with profits ploughed back into the plantation.

The&nbsp;forest's revival reflects Gorongosa's larger rebirth, since a 20-year partnership was formed in 2008 between Mozambique and the foundation of American philanthropist Greg Carr.

The World Bank has praised the partnership as a model, which has benefited some 200,000 people in the area.

The programme also aligns with the government's goal of improving agriculture and moving beyond exports of raw commodities, said Celso Correia, Agriculture and Rural Development minister.

"One of the biggest challenges in the agriculture sector is the lack of mechanisation, and the need for technology transfers," he said.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-from-checking-on-construction-to-making-coffee-singapores-robots-to-fill-in-labour-gaps-483393">&nbsp;In pics: From checking on construction to making coffee, Singapore’s robots to fill in labour gaps</a>

"The priority is to mobilise resources, but also to improve mobility, developing infrastructure and transportation, so that we can improve the value chain."

With the war in Ukraine, "commodity price inflation is also affecting Mozambique. We need to alleviate this pressure... increase production, (and) be self-sufficient," he said.

"We can't depend on international projects".

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From a distance, Mount Gorongosa looks pockmarked. The slopes of this Mozambican landmark were once covered with verdant rain forest. Now, they are scarred by deep holes -- the result of clearcutting that exposed the soil and parched it, leaving only shrubs and grasses.

From a distance, Mount Gorongosa looks pockmarked. The slopes of this Mozambican landmark were once covered with verdant rain forest. Now, they are scarred by deep holes -- the result of clearcutting that exposed the soil and parched it, leaving only shrubs and grasses. But in recent years, the forest has been growing back, thanks to a previously foreign crop: coffee. Also read | Expensive coffee: Customer at Italy coffee bar calls police over price of espresso As Juliasse Samuel Sabao walks through the plantation, at an altitude of some 1,000 metres (3,300 feet), he points out the obvious progress. One side of the track resembles a desert. On the other, a dense forest shelters carefully placed coffee plants. "Before, this was completely empty. Today, you see the result. "Coffee needs shade to grow. So, for every coffee plant, we plant a tree as well," he said. Sabao, who works for Gorongosa National Park, fled to Zimbabwe to escape Mozambique's civil war. There, he discovered coffee culture. He brought that knowledge back with him to help restore the mountain, which was largely cut off from the world for decades. Also read | Around 500 kg of cocaine found in shipment of coffee beans at a Nespresso plant in Switzerland Legacy of war Mozambique fought a bloody war for freedom from Portugal, but after independence in 1975, a civil war ravaged the country until 1992. A smaller conflict later erupted in 2013, ending with a peace treaty in 2019. During the conflicts, Renamo rebels who used the mountain range as a war-time base and stronghold, exploited the park's natural resources to the brink of environmental collapse. Pedro Muagara, a trained agronomist and the park's director, had planted a few seedlings, until the conflict shattered his coffee dreams. As the war dragged into its final years, besieged rebels camped on the mountain slopes with their families. They cleared the forest to grow crops to survive. Now he's back, teaching communities new ways of farming. "These people depended on subsistence farming, because they can't afford machinery like tractors. That turned them into agricultural nomads," he said. Watch | The Good Life: Is Coffee good for you? "So, they'd clear a few areas, and then deforestation stripped nutrients from the soil. The land got depleted, and when that happened, they'd go clear another patch." The peace treaty didn't solve the problems of communities on the mountain. "They didn't have the training or the means to transition from being itinerant farming to conservation farming," Muagara said. "We had to explain to them that when they lose a tree, they lose their livelihood with it." Saving trees Coffee plants take several years to become productive, so the programme also includes food crops so the communities can still support themselves. The World Bank says Gorongosa now has some 300,000 coffee plants as well as 400,000 cashew trees, 400 beehives and 300 new jobs. Gorongosa coffee is exported around the world, with profits ploughed back into the plantation. The forest's revival reflects Gorongosa's larger rebirth, since a 20-year partnership was formed in 2008 between Mozambique and the foundation of American philanthropist Greg Carr. The World Bank has praised the partnership as a model, which has benefited some 200,000 people in the area. The programme also aligns with the government's goal of improving agriculture and moving beyond exports of raw commodities, said Celso Correia, Agriculture and Rural Development minister. "One of the biggest challenges in the agriculture sector is the lack of mechanisation, and the need for technology transfers," he said. Also read | In pics: From checking on construction to making coffee, Singapore’s robots to fill in labour gaps "The priority is to mobilise resources, but also to improve mobility, developing infrastructure and transportation, so that we can improve the value chain." With the war in Ukraine, "commodity price inflation is also affecting Mozambique. We need to alleviate this pressure... increase production, (and) be self-sufficient," he said. "We can't depend on international projects". 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.

How coffee is saving a unique Mozambican forest

In the face of strong conservative opposition, European&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;lawmakers on Wednesday narrowly voted to back a European&nbsp;Commission proposal for a total ban on new CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035.

The Commission last year unveiled plans to stop the sale of vehicles using internal combustion engines as part of an ambitious climate target to cut emissions by more than half over this decade and 90 per cent by 2035.

The measure passed by 339 votes to 249 with 24 abstentions at a session in Strasbourg -- in practice limiting future sales to emissions-free all-electric models.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-agrees-for-40-women-quotas-on-corporate-boards-to-enhance-gender-equality-486460">European Union agrees for 40% women quotas on corporate boards to enhance gender equality</a>

Cars currently account for 12 percent of all CO2 emissions in the 27-member&nbsp;EU&nbsp;bloc, while transportation overall accounts for around a quarter.

The conservative European People's Party (EPP), the&nbsp;parliament's biggest group of lawmakers, had sought to push a compromise that would have diluted the proposals and allowed sales of hybrid vehicles to continue.

Their amendment was narrowly defeated while an ambitious attempt by the Greens to bring the measure deadline forward to 2030 also failed.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: EU to introduce 'universal charger' by 2024

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Conservatives were also unable to push through amendments on having a car's production-related carbon footprint taken into consideration as well -- potentially allowing carmakers credits for synthetic, so-called e-fuels, made with captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced from renewable sources.

After the vote,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;environmental committee chair Pascal Canfin triumphantly tweeted: "100 percent zero emission cars in 2035! I strongly welcome the vote on CO2 standards in the @Europarl_EN. This position of the European&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;is an important victory and consistent with our objective of climate neutrality."

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100% zero emission cars in 2035 ! I strongly welcome the vote on CO2 standards in the <a href="https://twitter.com/Europarl_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Europarl_EN</a>. This position of the European Parliament is an important victory and consistent with our objective of climate neutrality. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreenDeal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreenDeal</a>
— Pascal Canfin (@pcanfin) <a href="https://twitter.com/pcanfin/status/1534577051457441800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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German Green&nbsp;EU&nbsp;legislator Michael Bloss also hailed the vote as a move that would simultaneously protect the climate and jobs in the sector.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/double-standards-haunt-us-and-europe-in-nato-dispute-with-turkey-486083">Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey</a>

French&nbsp;EPP lawmaker Agnes Evren was less impressed, however, with a decision she said would "condemn industrial activity and strongly penalise consumers".

She said the legislation would prevent the commercialisation of high-performance hybrid vehicles or vehicles using biofuels, whose production she said could potentially prove less expensive and less polluting than electric vehicles.

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In the face of strong conservative opposition, European Parliament lawmakers on Wednesday narrowly voted to back a European Commission proposal for a total ban on new CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035.

In the face of strong conservative opposition, European Parliament lawmakers on Wednesday narrowly voted to back a European Commission proposal for a total ban on new CO2-emitting vehicles by 2035. The Commission last year unveiled plans to stop the sale of vehicles using internal combustion engines as part of an ambitious climate target to cut emissions by more than half over this decade and 90 per cent by 2035. The measure passed by 339 votes to 249 with 24 abstentions at a session in Strasbourg -- in practice limiting future sales to emissions-free all-electric models. Also read | European Union agrees for 40% women quotas on corporate boards to enhance gender equality Cars currently account for 12 percent of all CO2 emissions in the 27-member EU bloc, while transportation overall accounts for around a quarter. The conservative European People's Party (EPP), the parliament's biggest group of lawmakers, had sought to push a compromise that would have diluted the proposals and allowed sales of hybrid vehicles to continue. Their amendment was narrowly defeated while an ambitious attempt by the Greens to bring the measure deadline forward to 2030 also failed. Watch | Gravitas: EU to introduce 'universal charger' by 2024 Conservatives were also unable to push through amendments on having a car's production-related carbon footprint taken into consideration as well -- potentially allowing carmakers credits for synthetic, so-called e-fuels, made with captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced from renewable sources. After the vote, EU environmental committee chair Pascal Canfin triumphantly tweeted: "100 percent zero emission cars in 2035! I strongly welcome the vote on CO2 standards in the @Europarl_EN. This position of the European Parliament is an important victory and consistent with our objective of climate neutrality." 100% zero emission cars in 2035 ! I strongly welcome the vote on CO2 standards in the @Europarl_EN. This position of the European Parliament is an important victory and consistent with our objective of climate neutrality. #GreenDeal — Pascal Canfin (@pcanfin) June 8, 2022 × German Green EU legislator Michael Bloss also hailed the vote as a move that would simultaneously protect the climate and jobs in the sector. Also read | Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey French EPP lawmaker Agnes Evren was less impressed, however, with a decision she said would "condemn industrial activity and strongly penalise consumers". She said the legislation would prevent the commercialisation of high-performance hybrid vehicles or vehicles using biofuels, whose production she said could potentially prove less expensive and less polluting than electric vehicles. 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.

European Union lawmakers pass ban on new petrol, diesel cars by 2035

In a bid to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, New Zealand on Wednesday introduced a draft law where the country’s farmers would be charged every time their sheep or cow burps.

According to the Ministry for Environment, once the law takes shape, New Zealand would be the first country to make farmers pay for livestock emissions, reports Reuters.

New Zealand, a large agricultural exporter, is home to 5 million people and has about 10 million cattle and 26 million sheep. Nearly half its total greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, mainly methane.

According to a draft plan drafted by the government and farm community representatives, farmers will have to pay for their gas emissions starting in 2025. Long-lived and short-lived farm gas will be priced separately, but their volume will be calculated using one measure.

"There is no question that we need to cut the amount of methane we are putting into the atmosphere, and an effective emissions pricing system for agriculture will play a key part in how we achieve that," Climate Change Minister James Shaw was quoted as saying.

The recommendations include incentives for farmers to reduce emissions, which can also be offset by planting forests, according to the document.

The revenue generated from the scheme will be invested in research, development and advisory services for farmers.

“Our recommendations enable sustainable food and fibre production for future generations while playing a fair part in meeting our country’s climate commitments,” said Michael Ahie, chair of the primary sector partnership, He Waka Eke Noa.

The government aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and has until the end of the year to decide how it will tax emissions from the agricultural sector.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a bid to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, New Zealand on Wednesday introduced a draft law where the country’s farmers would be charged every time their sheep or cow burps.

In a bid to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, New Zealand on Wednesday introduced a draft law where the country’s farmers would be charged every time their sheep or cow burps. According to the Ministry for Environment, once the law takes shape, New Zealand would be the first country to make farmers pay for livestock emissions, reports Reuters. New Zealand, a large agricultural exporter, is home to 5 million people and has about 10 million cattle and 26 million sheep. Nearly half its total greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, mainly methane. According to a draft plan drafted by the government and farm community representatives, farmers will have to pay for their gas emissions starting in 2025. Long-lived and short-lived farm gas will be priced separately, but their volume will be calculated using one measure. "There is no question that we need to cut the amount of methane we are putting into the atmosphere, and an effective emissions pricing system for agriculture will play a key part in how we achieve that," Climate Change Minister James Shaw was quoted as saying. The recommendations include incentives for farmers to reduce emissions, which can also be offset by planting forests, according to the document. The revenue generated from the scheme will be invested in research, development and advisory services for farmers. “Our recommendations enable sustainable food and fibre production for future generations while playing a fair part in meeting our country’s climate commitments,” said Michael Ahie, chair of the primary sector partnership, He Waka Eke Noa. The government aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and has until the end of the year to decide how it will tax emissions from the agricultural sector. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

To cut methane emissions, New Zealand to charge farmers for cow and sheep burps

Negotiators from almost 200 countries will meet in Bonn Monday for climate talks tasked with reigniting momentum on tackling global warming, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine overshadows the threat from rising emissions.

The conference will set the stage for a fresh round of major United Nations talks later this year in Egypt.

It will also be a chance to test the resolve of nations facing a catalogue of crises, including escalating climate impacts, geopolitical tensions, bloodshed in Ukraine and the threat of a devastating global food crisis.

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>

"Climate change is not an agenda we can afford to push back on our global schedule," said outgoing UN climate change chief Patricia Espinosa ahead of the meeting.&nbsp;

She said it is imperative that nations arrive at the UN COP27 meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh in November prepared to show they are taking "bold, concrete steps -- backed by specific plans -- to deliver the urgent and transformational climate ambition we simply must see before it's too late".

Governments have already accepted that climate change is a grave threat to humanity and the planet, and have advocated immediate action to cut fossil fuel emissions and prepare for the accelerating impacts of warming.

The summary to this year's landmark climate report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that any further delay in action "will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all".

But as things are going, the world is unlikely to be able to meet the Paris climate deal's commitment to limit warming "well below" 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

"There is this disconnect between the scientific evidence of global crisis in the making, of potentially rushing towards unmanageable climate impact, versus the lack of action," Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, told AFP.

"This is a deep worry."

The world has warmed nearly 1.2C so far -- enough to usher in a crescendo of deadly heatwaves, floods and storm surges made worse by rising seas.

Watch |&nbsp;Stockholm climate conference: Ukraine overshadows climate meet

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&nbsp;Funding focus

While the June 6 to 16 conference in Bonn is a largely technical meeting aimed at preparing for Egypt, there are a number of key issues up for debate.

A particular focus will be funding from rich polluters to help vulnerable developing nations least responsible for global heating to cope with its increasingly ferocious consequences.

A promise of $100 billion a year from 2020 to help them adapt to a warming world has still not been met.

Meanwhile, there are growing calls for "loss and damage" funding for countries already struck by devastating climate impacts, with a specific dialogue on the subject slated for this week.&nbsp;

The Alliance of Small Island States has warned that the Bonn conference must not be "just another talk shop", calling for a "clear view" on when and how this financing will be put in place.

'Fragile' world&nbsp;

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres last week warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine risked slowing action to combat the climate crisis.

"But I think this war has demonstrated one thing: how fragile the world is in its dependence to fossil fuels," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/atmospheric-carbon-dioxide-in-may-15-times-pre-industrial-levels-484969">Atmospheric carbon dioxide in May 1.5 times pre-industrial levels</a>

The invasion has prompted countries, particularly in Europe, to scramble to shore up energy supplies. It has also caused wheat and fertiliser prices to soar.

Fears of a food crisis have intensified in recent weeks, with India moving to ban wheat exports after the hottest March and April on record -- blamed largely on climate change -- hit harvests.

One opportunity for exhibiting political will comes on Wednesday when the European Parliament votes several hotly debated planks of the bloc's sprawling "Fit for 55" climate plan.

EU member states have set themselves the target of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990, and achieving carbon neutrality for the continent by 2050.

In May, an analysis from non-profit groups found that countries in the G20 group of major economies have yet to strengthen greenhouse gas reduction goals, despite agreeing to revisit their plans.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/climate-activists-crash-queen-elizabeths-jubilee-celebrations-protest-against-crowns-climate-inaction-484806">Climate activists crash Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee celebrations, protest against Crown's climate inaction</a>

Last year in Glasgow, countries made new pledges to slash methane emissions, stop deforestation and other measures that -- in addition to existing national carbon cutting pledges could theoretically cap warming under 2C, said Rockstrom.&nbsp;

But that means the focus at this year's meetings needs to be on "accountability", he added.&nbsp;

"We are now in the delivery phase".

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Negotiators from almost 200 countries will meet in Bonn Monday for climate talks tasked with reigniting momentum on tackling global warming, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine overshadows the threat from rising emissions.

Negotiators from almost 200 countries will meet in Bonn Monday for climate talks tasked with reigniting momentum on tackling global warming, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine overshadows the threat from rising emissions. The conference will set the stage for a fresh round of major United Nations talks later this year in Egypt. It will also be a chance to test the resolve of nations facing a catalogue of crises, including escalating climate impacts, geopolitical tensions, bloodshed in Ukraine and the threat of a devastating global food crisis. Also read | Climate change effect: ‘Snow-white' Alps turning green, says study after analysing satellite data "Climate change is not an agenda we can afford to push back on our global schedule," said outgoing UN climate change chief Patricia Espinosa ahead of the meeting. She said it is imperative that nations arrive at the UN COP27 meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh in November prepared to show they are taking "bold, concrete steps -- backed by specific plans -- to deliver the urgent and transformational climate ambition we simply must see before it's too late". Governments have already accepted that climate change is a grave threat to humanity and the planet, and have advocated immediate action to cut fossil fuel emissions and prepare for the accelerating impacts of warming. The summary to this year's landmark climate report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that any further delay in action "will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all". But as things are going, the world is unlikely to be able to meet the Paris climate deal's commitment to limit warming "well below" 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. "There is this disconnect between the scientific evidence of global crisis in the making, of potentially rushing towards unmanageable climate impact, versus the lack of action," Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, told AFP. "This is a deep worry." The world has warmed nearly 1.2C so far -- enough to usher in a crescendo of deadly heatwaves, floods and storm surges made worse by rising seas. Watch | Stockholm climate conference: Ukraine overshadows climate meet Funding focus While the June 6 to 16 conference in Bonn is a largely technical meeting aimed at preparing for Egypt, there are a number of key issues up for debate. A particular focus will be funding from rich polluters to help vulnerable developing nations least responsible for global heating to cope with its increasingly ferocious consequences. A promise of $100 billion a year from 2020 to help them adapt to a warming world has still not been met. Meanwhile, there are growing calls for "loss and damage" funding for countries already struck by devastating climate impacts, with a specific dialogue on the subject slated for this week. The Alliance of Small Island States has warned that the Bonn conference must not be "just another talk shop", calling for a "clear view" on when and how this financing will be put in place. 'Fragile' world UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres last week warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine risked slowing action to combat the climate crisis. "But I think this war has demonstrated one thing: how fragile the world is in its dependence to fossil fuels," he added. Also read | Atmospheric carbon dioxide in May 1.5 times pre-industrial levels The invasion has prompted countries, particularly in Europe, to scramble to shore up energy supplies. It has also caused wheat and fertiliser prices to soar. Fears of a food crisis have intensified in recent weeks, with India moving to ban wheat exports after the hottest March and April on record -- blamed largely on climate change -- hit harvests. One opportunity for exhibiting political will comes on Wednesday when the European Parliament votes several hotly debated planks of the bloc's sprawling "Fit for 55" climate plan. EU member states have set themselves the target of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990, and achieving carbon neutrality for the continent by 2050. In May, an analysis from non-profit groups found that countries in the G20 group of major economies have yet to strengthen greenhouse gas reduction goals, despite agreeing to revisit their plans. Also read | Climate activists crash Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee celebrations, protest against Crown's climate inaction Last year in Glasgow, countries made new pledges to slash methane emissions, stop deforestation and other measures that -- in addition to existing national carbon cutting pledges could theoretically cap warming under 2C, said Rockstrom. But that means the focus at this year's meetings needs to be on "accountability", he added. "We are now in the delivery phase". 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.

Climate talks test global resolve on warming

As the world marks World Environment Day today, the impact of climate change can be felt all around us. It is time to make the sustainability switch.

World Environment Day: Impact of climate change all around us

Through a video conferencing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a global initiative 'Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement'.

Indian PM Narendra Modi launches 'Lifestyle for the environment movement'

More than 70 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel, a latest report said on Thursday.

The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report revealed that 40 percent of the river monitoring stations have high levels of total coliform and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households.

The report, released ahead of World Environment Day to be celebrated on June 5, said that more than a third of India's coastline, spread across 6,907 km, witnessed soil erosion between 1990 and 2018 due to rise in sea level and anthropogenic activities.

India has almost 30 percent of its geographical area under degradation, triggered by various factors which include climate change.

The soil health remains deficient in several key macro and micro-nutrients that are key for sustainable agriculture, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-mass-shooting-suspect-is-indicted-on-a-domestic-terrorism-charge-484305" hreflang="en">New York mass shooting: Suspect is indicted on a domestic terrorism charge</a>

It warned that while the cost of cultivation has increased, the income from it has gown down.

The cost of cultivation has increased by almost 35 percent between 2012-13 and 2018-19, but the share of income from cultivation in an agricultural household has diminished from 48 percent in 2012-13 to 37 percent in 2018-19, it said.

"At the same time, half of all agricultural households are under debt. As per government data, on an average, at least 29 farmers and farm labourers commit suicide in the country daily," the report said.

Scientists said that forest cover in 244 out of 638 assessed districts across India's 27 states and five union territories has shrunk between 2019 and 2021.

By 2050, the entire forest cover might become a climate hotspot, it said.

The report, prepared by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), made some startling revelations on the various environmental issues in India.

India witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this year, as in impact of climate change, which caused massive crop damage and deaths. &nbsp;

In 2022, India recorded its hottest March. This triggered an early onslaught of heatwaves.

As per the report, the country reported 280 heatwave days between March 11 and May 18, the highest in the past 10 years. This is almost double of what the country experienced in 2012, the second highest heatwave year in the past decade.

Climate triggers more internal displacements than conflicts in the world now and India is the fourth worst hit after China, the Philippines and Bangladesh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-slides-on-report-of-saudi-arabia-ready-to-pump-more-if-russian-output-sinks-484383" hreflang="en">Oil slides on report of Saudi Arabia ready to pump more if Russian output sink</a>

It said that more than 1.7 million Indians die due to diseases attributable to unhealthy diet and that 71 percent of the country's population cannot afford a healthy diet.

The report said that only five large states in India which are Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and two small states -Mizoram and Telangana- show good overall performance in Health Index that looks at key health indicators and existing infrastructure.

In the energy sector, the report said that one-third of all carbon emissions come from burning coal, making it the single largest contributor to climate change in the world. India has the world's second largest operational coal plants capacity, after China.

"By 2050, the world must reduce its GHG emissions from coal by 99 per cent to restrict the temperature rise to 1.5 degree C by 2100," it said.

India recycled 12 percent and burnt 20 percent of the 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste it generated in 2019-20, the report said, adding that there is no information on the remaining 68 percent of plastic waste, which most likely ends up in dumpsites and landfills.

The report said that reducing air pollution to meet the World Health Organization's levels would add 2.2 years to global life expectancy and in India, the life expectancy will go up by 5.9 years if the country meets the WHO levels of PM2.5.

In the last 50 years since the Stockholm conference in 1972 started a global debate around environment, the world has seen a 38-fold increase in environmental laws but the condition of the planet continues to worsen, a latest report said on Thursday.

The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report released ahead of World Environment Day to be celebrated on June 5, revealed that India's performance on climate action slipped between 2019 and 2020.

Globally, the report said that annual CO2 emissions have reached 36.7 billion tonnes, which is more than double of what was emitted in 1972 and it will have an impact on the planet's health and biodiversity in the next 50 years, unless corrective measures are fast-tracked.

It warned that with eight years left to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, under the United Nations, India’s preparedness remains far from satisfactory.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, which provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

It said that India has identified 295 primary indicators, but it is monitoring only 115 of these.

Performance of all the states and union territories remains poor in the 13th SDG which is climate action.

"In essence, India is not even monitoring progress on 61 per cent of its indicators. For instance, there are 41 indicators identified under SDG 8, which deals with sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment. India monitors just nine of them. It is silent on crucial indicators such as the growth of registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises," the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-will-break-into-pieces-ex-pm-khan-warns-of-civil-war-if-polls-not-announced-484372" hreflang="en">Pak could split into 3 parts &amp; also lose nuclear deterrent capabilities: Khan</a>

There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

The report, prepared by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), made some startling revelations on the various environmental issues in India.

It said that India has identified 295 primary indicators, but it is monitoring only 115 of these.

Performance of all the states and union territories remains poor in the 13th SDG which is climate action. 
"In essence, India is not even monitoring progress on 61 per cent of its indicators. For instance, there are 41 indicators identified under SDG 8, which deals with sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment. India monitors just nine of them. It is silent on crucial indicators such as the growth of registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises," the report said.

India witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this year, as in impact of climate change, which caused massive crop damage and deaths. &nbsp;

In 2022, India recorded its hottest March. This triggered an early onslaught of heatwaves. The country reported 280 heatwave days between March 11 and May 18, the highest in the past 10 years. This is almost double of what the country experienced in 2012, the second highest heatwave year in the past decade.

According to the report, 74 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel.

40 percent of the stations have high levels of total coliform, and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households.

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More than 70 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel, a latest report said on Thursday. The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report revealed that 40 percent of the river monitoring stations have high levels of total coliform and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households.

More than 70 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel, a latest report said on Thursday. The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report revealed that 40 percent of the river monitoring stations have high levels of total coliform and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households. The report, released ahead of World Environment Day to be celebrated on June 5, said that more than a third of India's coastline, spread across 6,907 km, witnessed soil erosion between 1990 and 2018 due to rise in sea level and anthropogenic activities. India has almost 30 percent of its geographical area under degradation, triggered by various factors which include climate change. The soil health remains deficient in several key macro and micro-nutrients that are key for sustainable agriculture, it said. Also read | New York mass shooting: Suspect is indicted on a domestic terrorism charge It warned that while the cost of cultivation has increased, the income from it has gown down. The cost of cultivation has increased by almost 35 percent between 2012-13 and 2018-19, but the share of income from cultivation in an agricultural household has diminished from 48 percent in 2012-13 to 37 percent in 2018-19, it said. "At the same time, half of all agricultural households are under debt. As per government data, on an average, at least 29 farmers and farm labourers commit suicide in the country daily," the report said. Scientists said that forest cover in 244 out of 638 assessed districts across India's 27 states and five union territories has shrunk between 2019 and 2021. By 2050, the entire forest cover might become a climate hotspot, it said. The report, prepared by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), made some startling revelations on the various environmental issues in India. India witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this year, as in impact of climate change, which caused massive crop damage and deaths. In 2022, India recorded its hottest March. This triggered an early onslaught of heatwaves. As per the report, the country reported 280 heatwave days between March 11 and May 18, the highest in the past 10 years. This is almost double of what the country experienced in 2012, the second highest heatwave year in the past decade. Climate triggers more internal displacements than conflicts in the world now and India is the fourth worst hit after China, the Philippines and Bangladesh. Also read | Oil slides on report of Saudi Arabia ready to pump more if Russian output sink It said that more than 1.7 million Indians die due to diseases attributable to unhealthy diet and that 71 percent of the country's population cannot afford a healthy diet. The report said that only five large states in India which are Telangana, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and two small states -Mizoram and Telangana- show good overall performance in Health Index that looks at key health indicators and existing infrastructure. In the energy sector, the report said that one-third of all carbon emissions come from burning coal, making it the single largest contributor to climate change in the world. India has the world's second largest operational coal plants capacity, after China. "By 2050, the world must reduce its GHG emissions from coal by 99 per cent to restrict the temperature rise to 1.5 degree C by 2100," it said. India recycled 12 percent and burnt 20 percent of the 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste it generated in 2019-20, the report said, adding that there is no information on the remaining 68 percent of plastic waste, which most likely ends up in dumpsites and landfills. The report said that reducing air pollution to meet the World Health Organization's levels would add 2.2 years to global life expectancy and in India, the life expectancy will go up by 5.9 years if the country meets the WHO levels of PM2.5. In the last 50 years since the Stockholm conference in 1972 started a global debate around environment, the world has seen a 38-fold increase in environmental laws but the condition of the planet continues to worsen, a latest report said on Thursday. The 'State of India's Environment -2022' report released ahead of World Environment Day to be celebrated on June 5, revealed that India's performance on climate action slipped between 2019 and 2020. Globally, the report said that annual CO2 emissions have reached 36.7 billion tonnes, which is more than double of what was emitted in 1972 and it will have an impact on the planet's health and biodiversity in the next 50 years, unless corrective measures are fast-tracked. It warned that with eight years left to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, under the United Nations, India’s preparedness remains far from satisfactory. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, which provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. It said that India has identified 295 primary indicators, but it is monitoring only 115 of these. Performance of all the states and union territories remains poor in the 13th SDG which is climate action. "In essence, India is not even monitoring progress on 61 per cent of its indicators. For instance, there are 41 indicators identified under SDG 8, which deals with sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment. India monitors just nine of them. It is silent on crucial indicators such as the growth of registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises," the report said. Also read | Pak could split into 3 parts & also lose nuclear deterrent capabilities: Khan There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. The report, prepared by India's environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), made some startling revelations on the various environmental issues in India. It said that India has identified 295 primary indicators, but it is monitoring only 115 of these. Performance of all the states and union territories remains poor in the 13th SDG which is climate action. "In essence, India is not even monitoring progress on 61 per cent of its indicators. For instance, there are 41 indicators identified under SDG 8, which deals with sustained and inclusive economic growth and productive employment. India monitors just nine of them. It is silent on crucial indicators such as the growth of registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises," the report said. India witnessed an unprecedented heatwave this year, as in impact of climate change, which caused massive crop damage and deaths. In 2022, India recorded its hottest March. This triggered an early onslaught of heatwaves. The country reported 280 heatwave days between March 11 and May 18, the highest in the past 10 years. This is almost double of what the country experienced in 2012, the second highest heatwave year in the past decade. According to the report, 74 percent of river monitoring stations in India have alarming levels of heavy toxic metals like iron and nickel. 40 percent of the stations have high levels of total coliform, and 15 percent have biochemical oxygen demand beyond permissible limits, which indicate poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households. 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.

India's performance on climate action slipped between 2019 and 2020: Report

The&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;charged Tuesday.

The World Health Organization accused the industry of causing widespread deforestation, diverting badly needed land and water in poor countries away from food production, spewing out plastic and chemical waste as well as emitting millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;

In its report released on World No&nbsp;Tobacco&nbsp;Day, the UN agency called for the&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry to be held to account and foot the bill for the cleanup.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-no-tobacco-day-2022-a-threat-to-environment-483731">World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment'</a>

The report, "Tobacco: poisoning our planet", looks at the impacts of the whole cycle, from the growth of plants to the manufacturing of&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;products, to consumption and waste.

While&nbsp;tobacco's health impacts have been well documented for decades -- with smoking still causing more than eight million deaths worldwide every year, the report focuses on its broader&nbsp;environmental&nbsp;consequences.

The findings are "quite&nbsp;devastating," Ruediger Krech,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;director of health promotion, told AFP, slamming the industry as "one of the biggest polluters that we know of."

The industry is responsible for the loss of some 600 million trees each year, while&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;growing and production uses 200,000 hectares of land and 22 billion tonnes of water annually, the report found.

It also emits around 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, it said.

4.5 trillion cigarette butts

In addition, "tobacco&nbsp;products are the most littered item on the planet, containing over 7,000 toxic chemicals, which leech into our environment when discarded," Krech said.

He pointed out that each one of the estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts that end up in our oceans, rivers, sidewalks and beaches every year can pollute 100 litres of water.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements

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And up to a quarter of all&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;farmers contract so-called green&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;sickness, or poisoning from the nicotine they absorb through the skin.

Farmers&nbsp;who&nbsp;handle&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;leaves all day consume the equivalent of 50 cigarettes worth of nicotine a day, Krech said.

This is especially worrying for the many children involved in&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;farming.

"Just imagine a 12-year-old being exposed to 50 cigarettes a day," he said.

Most&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;is grown in poorer countries, where water and farmland are often in short supply, and where such crops are often grown at the expense of vital food production, the report said.

Tobacco&nbsp;farming also accounts for about five percent of global deforestation, and drives depletion of precious water resources.

Plastic pollution&nbsp;

At the same time the processing and transportation of&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;with the equivalent of one-fifth of the global airline industry's carbon footprint.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-long-a-safe-haven-for-tobacco-ads-weighs-a-ban-452502">Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban</a>

In addition, products like cigarettes, smokeless&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;and e-cigarettes also contribute significantly to the global build-up of plastic pollution,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;warned.

Cigarette filters contain microplastics -- the tiny fragments that have been detected in every ocean and even at the bottom of the world's deepest trench&nbsp;and make up the second-highest form of plastic pollution worldwide, the report said.

And yet, despite&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry marketing,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;stressed that there is no evidence filters provide any proven health benefits over smoking non-filtered cigarettes.

The UN agency urged policy makers worldwide to treat cigarette filters as single-use plastics, and to consider banning them.

It also decried that taxpayers around the world had been covering the towering costs of cleaning up the&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry's mess.

Each year, China for instance dishes out around $2.6 billion and India around $766 million, while Brazil and Germany pay some $200 million each to clean up littered&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;products, the report found.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ancient-north-americans-used-tobacco-over-12000-years-ago-says-study-420073">Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study</a>

WHO&nbsp;insisted that more countries should follow the so-called Polluter Pays Principle, as in France and Spain.

It is important, Krech said, that "the industry pay actually for the mess that they are creating."

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The tobacco industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the WHO charged Tuesday.

The tobacco industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the WHO charged Tuesday. The World Health Organization accused the industry of causing widespread deforestation, diverting badly needed land and water in poor countries away from food production, spewing out plastic and chemical waste as well as emitting millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. In its report released on World No Tobacco Day, the UN agency called for the tobacco industry to be held to account and foot the bill for the cleanup. Also read | World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment' The report, "Tobacco: poisoning our planet", looks at the impacts of the whole cycle, from the growth of plants to the manufacturing of tobacco products, to consumption and waste. While tobacco's health impacts have been well documented for decades -- with smoking still causing more than eight million deaths worldwide every year, the report focuses on its broader environmental consequences. The findings are "quite devastating," Ruediger Krech, WHO director of health promotion, told AFP, slamming the industry as "one of the biggest polluters that we know of." The industry is responsible for the loss of some 600 million trees each year, while tobacco growing and production uses 200,000 hectares of land and 22 billion tonnes of water annually, the report found. It also emits around 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, it said. 4.5 trillion cigarette butts In addition, "tobacco products are the most littered item on the planet, containing over 7,000 toxic chemicals, which leech into our environment when discarded," Krech said. He pointed out that each one of the estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts that end up in our oceans, rivers, sidewalks and beaches every year can pollute 100 litres of water. Watch | 56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements And up to a quarter of all tobacco farmers contract so-called green tobacco sickness, or poisoning from the nicotine they absorb through the skin. Farmers who handle tobacco leaves all day consume the equivalent of 50 cigarettes worth of nicotine a day, Krech said. This is especially worrying for the many children involved in tobacco farming. "Just imagine a 12-year-old being exposed to 50 cigarettes a day," he said. Most tobacco is grown in poorer countries, where water and farmland are often in short supply, and where such crops are often grown at the expense of vital food production, the report said. Tobacco farming also accounts for about five percent of global deforestation, and drives depletion of precious water resources. Plastic pollution At the same time the processing and transportation of tobacco account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions with the equivalent of one-fifth of the global airline industry's carbon footprint. Also read | Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban In addition, products like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes also contribute significantly to the global build-up of plastic pollution, WHO warned. Cigarette filters contain microplastics -- the tiny fragments that have been detected in every ocean and even at the bottom of the world's deepest trench and make up the second-highest form of plastic pollution worldwide, the report said. And yet, despite tobacco industry marketing, WHO stressed that there is no evidence filters provide any proven health benefits over smoking non-filtered cigarettes. The UN agency urged policy makers worldwide to treat cigarette filters as single-use plastics, and to consider banning them. It also decried that taxpayers around the world had been covering the towering costs of cleaning up the tobacco industry's mess. Each year, China for instance dishes out around $2.6 billion and India around $766 million, while Brazil and Germany pay some $200 million each to clean up littered tobacco products, the report found. Also read | Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study WHO insisted that more countries should follow the so-called Polluter Pays Principle, as in France and Spain. It is important, Krech said, that "the industry pay actually for the mess that they are creating." 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.

Big tobacco's environmental impact is 'devastating': WHO

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year to create awareness of the dangers of smoking, tobacco companies' and their business practices. As per the United Nations, consumption of tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year. Not just this, it causes huge damage to our environment, including damaging forests, polluting air and affecting water supplies.

The World Health Organisation released figures according to which six hundred million&nbsp;trees are&nbsp;chopped, 22 billion&nbsp;tonnes of water are used in making cigarettes, and 84 million&nbsp;tonnes of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere raised global temperatures. The organisation further highlighted a briefing about the implications.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-long-a-safe-haven-for-tobacco-ads-weighs-a-ban-452502">Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban</a>

Theme

This year’s theme for World No Tobacco Day 2022 is "Tobacco: A Threat to our Environment." The campaign’s motive is to raise public awareness of tobacco’s severe environmental impacts, including its manufacturing, distribution and waste. Nearly 3.5 million hectares of land are destroyed every year to grow tobacco.

The campaign also aims to&nbsp;call for action, mainly focusing on youth to help them with pushing effective policies against tobacco industries holding them accountable for the environmental harm caused so that it can later be avoided.

How is health affected by tobacco’s environmental impact?

A farmer, who plants tobacco might inhale nicotine the same way as 50 cigarettes per day. Furthermore, Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) is a type of nicotine that affects one out of every four&nbsp;producers.

These tobacco producers might also have higher levels of aluminium and arsenic in their blood due to pesticides, which if chronic, might lead to blood disease, neurological disorders, birth deformities, and many more.

Children who work at tobacco farms have higher chances of developing kidney disease during their early ages and have higher chances of smoking rates.

Women who work on farms can be adversely affected as they can face high risks of infertility or reproductive issues.

Watch |&nbsp;56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements

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What is WHO’s response?

The human and economic cost of tobacco is staggering but can be prevented if the right actions are taken.

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was adopted by WHO member states in the year 2003. This has been in force since 2005 and has 182 parties covering nearly 90 per cent of the global population.

In 2007, MPOWER was launched by WHO as a practical approach to scale up the enforcement of the requirement of FCTC for the reduction measures on the ground. MPOWER stands for&nbsp;Monitoring tobacco's use, protecting from using it, offering a help to quit it, warning about its dangers, enforcing ban on promotion of tobacco and raising taxes on it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ancient-north-americans-used-tobacco-over-12000-years-ago-says-study-420073">Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study</a>

The WHO’s "No Tobacco Unit" (TFI) recently launched two online courses on tobacco product regulation on OpenWHO. Product regulation in general terms means knowing the contents (in) and emissions (out) of tobacco products.

Policymakers, regulators, health authorities, or anyone interested in tobacco product regulation will benefit from these courses.

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(With inputs from agencies)

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year to create awareness of the dangers of smoking, tobacco companies' and their business practices. As per the United Nations, consumption of tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year.

World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 every year to create awareness of the dangers of smoking, tobacco companies' and their business practices. As per the United Nations, consumption of tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year. Not just this, it causes huge damage to our environment, including damaging forests, polluting air and affecting water supplies. The World Health Organisation released figures according to which six hundred million trees are chopped, 22 billion tonnes of water are used in making cigarettes, and 84 million tonnes of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere raised global temperatures. The organisation further highlighted a briefing about the implications. Also read | Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban Theme This year’s theme for World No Tobacco Day 2022 is "Tobacco: A Threat to our Environment." The campaign’s motive is to raise public awareness of tobacco’s severe environmental impacts, including its manufacturing, distribution and waste. Nearly 3.5 million hectares of land are destroyed every year to grow tobacco. The campaign also aims to call for action, mainly focusing on youth to help them with pushing effective policies against tobacco industries holding them accountable for the environmental harm caused so that it can later be avoided. How is health affected by tobacco’s environmental impact? A farmer, who plants tobacco might inhale nicotine the same way as 50 cigarettes per day. Furthermore, Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) is a type of nicotine that affects one out of every four producers. These tobacco producers might also have higher levels of aluminium and arsenic in their blood due to pesticides, which if chronic, might lead to blood disease, neurological disorders, birth deformities, and many more. Children who work at tobacco farms have higher chances of developing kidney disease during their early ages and have higher chances of smoking rates. Women who work on farms can be adversely affected as they can face high risks of infertility or reproductive issues. Watch | 56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements What is WHO’s response? The human and economic cost of tobacco is staggering but can be prevented if the right actions are taken. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was adopted by WHO member states in the year 2003. This has been in force since 2005 and has 182 parties covering nearly 90 per cent of the global population. In 2007, MPOWER was launched by WHO as a practical approach to scale up the enforcement of the requirement of FCTC for the reduction measures on the ground. MPOWER stands for Monitoring tobacco's use, protecting from using it, offering a help to quit it, warning about its dangers, enforcing ban on promotion of tobacco and raising taxes on it. Also read | Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study The WHO’s "No Tobacco Unit" (TFI) recently launched two online courses on tobacco product regulation on OpenWHO. Product regulation in general terms means knowing the contents (in) and emissions (out) of tobacco products. Policymakers, regulators, health authorities, or anyone interested in tobacco product regulation will benefit from these courses. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment'

In pics: Jordan’s artist uses plastic arts to raise concerns for environmental issues

Climate change is real. Our Earth is dying a slow death. Whether one likes it or not, we are responsible for it in one way or the other. Unless we make right amends, nothing is going to change. It is not just about holding marches, discussions or coming up with innovative slogans or getting popular in the world by raising the voice. It is all about actually taking some corrective measures as if things go the way they are currently, we may be the reason for our own downfall. But yes, there is still time to make things right. &nbsp;&nbsp;

For years, the world has been using fossil fuels excessively, resorting to deforestation, killing animals for sport, harming ocean life as we please, etc. In all of these actions, hardly any consideration has been given to any of the ill-effects of these activities. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-global-warming-increase-killer-heatwaves-will-get-more-frequent-report-481799" hreflang="en">Global warming made killer heatwaves in India, Pakistan 30 times more likely: Report</a>

Due to this, the world is at a stage where the temperature is going to rise above 1.5C soon, glaciers are melting around the world, sea level is rising, deforestation is still continuing, use of fossil fuel is rising, etc. The scientists have already warned the world to make changes or face catastrophe at the end. But we are busy putting in all the resources in fighting our ‘so-called’ enemies. It seems to be high time to realise who is the real enemy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Nowadays, the world talks about saving Earth in climate change conferences, Earth Day rallies and so on. Only a little is being done on the ground. If we don’t act now, saving our planet will become impossible. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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To actually make any climate change initiative successful, the contribution of every person counts. It can be as small as planting a tree to using solar power at home. Even big steps like shunning the use of fossil fuels can help. You can go for electric vehicles or take up clean energy for various things. Anything is achievable if we come together and stay on the right course. So, let’s do our bit for the environment before it bids us final goodbye.&nbsp;

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Climate change is real. Our Earth is dying a slow death. Whether one likes it or not, we are responsible for it in one way or the other. Unless we make right amends, nothing is going to change.

Climate change is real. Our Earth is dying a slow death. Whether one likes it or not, we are responsible for it in one way or the other. Unless we make right amends, nothing is going to change. It is not just about holding marches, discussions or coming up with innovative slogans or getting popular in the world by raising the voice. It is all about actually taking some corrective measures as if things go the way they are currently, we may be the reason for our own downfall. But yes, there is still time to make things right. For years, the world has been using fossil fuels excessively, resorting to deforestation, killing animals for sport, harming ocean life as we please, etc. In all of these actions, hardly any consideration has been given to any of the ill-effects of these activities. Also Read: Global warming made killer heatwaves in India, Pakistan 30 times more likely: Report Due to this, the world is at a stage where the temperature is going to rise above 1.5C soon, glaciers are melting around the world, sea level is rising, deforestation is still continuing, use of fossil fuel is rising, etc. The scientists have already warned the world to make changes or face catastrophe at the end. But we are busy putting in all the resources in fighting our ‘so-called’ enemies. It seems to be high time to realise who is the real enemy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Nowadays, the world talks about saving Earth in climate change conferences, Earth Day rallies and so on. Only a little is being done on the ground. If we don’t act now, saving our planet will become impossible. Watch: Riyadh hit by second sandstorm in a week × To actually make any climate change initiative successful, the contribution of every person counts. It can be as small as planting a tree to using solar power at home. Even big steps like shunning the use of fossil fuels can help. You can go for electric vehicles or take up clean energy for various things. Anything is achievable if we come together and stay on the right course. So, let’s do our bit for the environment before it bids us final goodbye. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Climate change: Are we doing our bit for environment?  

Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth. With no sunlight and harsh conditions, these four months are perfect for their grueling training.

Although most places around the world experience four major seasons, there are only two – summer and winter – when it comes to Antarctica. The coldest continent in the earth experiences sunlight for six months while the other part of the year is spent in complete darkness.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-wions-global-summit-2022-world-leaders-converge-to-discuss-thoughts-issues-479257" hreflang="en">LIVE | WION's Global Summit 2022: Mindful of bioweapon, thanks to Wuhan virus'</a>

Concordia, the remotest base in Antarctica, will once again be the base for the 12-member team from the European Space Agency (ESA) who will live and work in isolation. The mission for the crew will be to conduct various experiments to understand how the harsh conditions affect humans.

“From sleep studies to gut health measurements to mindful practices, the crew are poked and prodded to help researchers understand and overcome the challenges extreme environments, like space, pose to present and future explorers,” the ESA said on its official website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-on-the-brink-of-the-next-world-war-former-belarusian-minister-vladzimir-astapenka-479412">We are on the brink of next world war: Former Belarusian minister Astapenka</a>

The Concordia station will also not be receiving any more resources from outside as the last supplies flight visited Antarctica in February. In theory, the base is currently stocked up for at least nine months and the temperatures are expected to drop to nearly -80 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

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Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth.

Imagine four months without any sunlight – That is the reality for Antarctica as it entered the ‘long night’ period with the final sunset on May 13. The isolation and extreme temperatures in the region may feel intimidating to most people but it also presents a special opportunity for astronauts to prepare for their space missions and practice living in some of the harder conditions on earth. With no sunlight and harsh conditions, these four months are perfect for their grueling training. Although most places around the world experience four major seasons, there are only two – summer and winter – when it comes to Antarctica. The coldest continent in the earth experiences sunlight for six months while the other part of the year is spent in complete darkness. Also read | LIVE | WION's Global Summit 2022: Mindful of bioweapon, thanks to Wuhan virus' Concordia, the remotest base in Antarctica, will once again be the base for the 12-member team from the European Space Agency (ESA) who will live and work in isolation. The mission for the crew will be to conduct various experiments to understand how the harsh conditions affect humans. “From sleep studies to gut health measurements to mindful practices, the crew are poked and prodded to help researchers understand and overcome the challenges extreme environments, like space, pose to present and future explorers,” the ESA said on its official website. Also read | We are on the brink of next world war: Former Belarusian minister Astapenka The Concordia station will also not be receiving any more resources from outside as the last supplies flight visited Antarctica in February. In theory, the base is currently stocked up for at least nine months and the temperatures are expected to drop to nearly -80 degrees Celsius. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

'Extreme environment': Antarctica goes dark for four months as 'long night' begins

Desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) act as one of the drivers of migration, India said on Saturday at the 15th international conference of the UNCCD which is underway at Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa.

Making a statement on behalf of India, Joint Secretary, Environment, Jigmet Takpa asserted that the youth are most likely to face migration and engaging them is vital to restoration efforts for resilient and sustainable food systems.

India, which has handed over the presidency of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP 15 to Cote d’Ivoire after presiding over it for two years, called for prioritising integrated land-use planning together with enhancing green and blue infrastructure for sustainable development.

Apart from desertification, land degradation and drought, other factors that could cause migration include climate and environmental changes.&nbsp;

In rural areas affected by DLDD, livelihood opportunities through land restoration activities should be ensured, he said.&nbsp;

The Indian official said that a stronger symbiotic urban-rural linkage targeting vulnerable groups that include women, rural youth, refugees, and internally displaced person must be provided with on-farm and off-farm employment.&nbsp;

“Youth are most likely to face migration and engaging youth is vital to restoration efforts for resilient and sustainable food systems,” he said.&nbsp;

The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under Ministry of Home Affairs is the designated authority in India that compiles information on migration based on the data compiled during national census which usually takes place at a gap of ten years’ time interval.

Reducing the extent of human migration is one of the pronounced achievements of watershed development programmes being implemented by Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, the official said.&nbsp;

Watershed is an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.

“About 60 percent of the amount spent in each watershed goes for labour component which generates substantial employment for the local landless, small and marginal farming community people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/g7-condemns-indias-decision-to-ban-wheat-exports-478936" hreflang="en">'Worsen the crisis': G7 condemns India's decision to ban wheat export</a>

“Use of machinery in watershed activities is kept to the minimum so that employment opportunities are kept intact which minimize human migration from the watershed project areas,” Takpa said.&nbsp;

Indian environment minister Bhupender Yadav spoke at the BRICS high-level meeting on Climate Change on Friday where he highlighted the relevance of the forum to jointly address climate change, to explore approaches to accelerate low-carbon and resilient transition, and to achieve sustainable recovery and development.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-on-climate-what-is-lifestyle-for-environment-445613">PM Modi on climate: what is 'Lifestyle for Environment'?</a>

The COP15 is being held with an aim to restore 1 billion hectares of degraded land between now and 2030 besides also focusing on how to handle droughts, sand and dust storms, wildfires and other disaster risks.

Over 2,000 delegates from 196 countries are attending UNCCD COP 15, which commenced on May 9 and is likely to conclude on May 20.&nbsp;

Desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) act as one of the drivers of migration, India said on Saturday at the 15th international conference of the UNCCD which is underway at Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa.

Desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) act as one of the drivers of migration, India said on Saturday at the 15th international conference of the UNCCD which is underway at Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa. Making a statement on behalf of India, Joint Secretary, Environment, Jigmet Takpa asserted that the youth are most likely to face migration and engaging them is vital to restoration efforts for resilient and sustainable food systems. India, which has handed over the presidency of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP 15 to Cote d’Ivoire after presiding over it for two years, called for prioritising integrated land-use planning together with enhancing green and blue infrastructure for sustainable development. Apart from desertification, land degradation and drought, other factors that could cause migration include climate and environmental changes. In rural areas affected by DLDD, livelihood opportunities through land restoration activities should be ensured, he said. The Indian official said that a stronger symbiotic urban-rural linkage targeting vulnerable groups that include women, rural youth, refugees, and internally displaced person must be provided with on-farm and off-farm employment. “Youth are most likely to face migration and engaging youth is vital to restoration efforts for resilient and sustainable food systems,” he said. The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under Ministry of Home Affairs is the designated authority in India that compiles information on migration based on the data compiled during national census which usually takes place at a gap of ten years’ time interval. Reducing the extent of human migration is one of the pronounced achievements of watershed development programmes being implemented by Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, the official said. Watershed is an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas. “About 60 percent of the amount spent in each watershed goes for labour component which generates substantial employment for the local landless, small and marginal farming community people. Also read | 'Worsen the crisis': G7 condemns India's decision to ban wheat export “Use of machinery in watershed activities is kept to the minimum so that employment opportunities are kept intact which minimize human migration from the watershed project areas,” Takpa said. Indian environment minister Bhupender Yadav spoke at the BRICS high-level meeting on Climate Change on Friday where he highlighted the relevance of the forum to jointly address climate change, to explore approaches to accelerate low-carbon and resilient transition, and to achieve sustainable recovery and development. Also read | PM Modi on climate: what is 'Lifestyle for Environment'? The COP15 is being held with an aim to restore 1 billion hectares of degraded land between now and 2030 besides also focusing on how to handle droughts, sand and dust storms, wildfires and other disaster risks. Over 2,000 delegates from 196 countries are attending UNCCD COP 15, which commenced on May 9 and is likely to conclude on May 20.

Desertification, land degradation and drought key drivers of migration: India at UNCCD conference

The number of flying insects has fallen drastically in UK by as much as 60 per cent between 2004 and 2021, a recent survey has revealed,&nbsp;warning of dire consequences for crop pollination and natural food chains.

The scientists who took out this survey warned that the drop was “terrifying”, as life on Earth depends on insects, The Guardian reported.

According to a survey by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife, moths, flies, aphids, bees and flying beetles declined by almost 60 per cent in less than 20 years.

The drop was also witnessed among pollinators—the insects who perform natural pest control, break down organic matter and return nutrients to the soil—the survey noted.

The study has raised fears that a loss of pollinators could cause a shortage of food crops.

The aim of the survey was to count bug splats on car registration plates. For this, they created an app called Bugs Matter&nbsp;for use by ordinary citizens.

Users were asked to clean their license plates before heading out in their vehicle and then click pictures of the number of bugs they found splattered on the plates when they returned.

Those records were then sent to the team at Buglife, and they collated the data into a count of bug splats over a given time period for the entire UK—in this instance from 2004 to 2021.

It was later found that the fall was highest in England at 65 per cent with Wales recording 55 per cent fewer insects and Scotland 28 per cent.

“This vital study suggests that the number of flying insects is declining by an average of 34% per decade – this is terrifying,” The Guardian quoted Matt Shardlow of Buglife as saying.

“We cannot put off action any longer, for the health and wellbeing of future generations this demands a political and a societal response. It is essential that we halt biodiversity decline now.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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The number of flying insects has fallen drastically in UK by as much as 60 per cent between 2004 and 2021, a recent survey has revealed, warning of dire consequences for crop pollination and natural food chains.

The number of flying insects has fallen drastically in UK by as much as 60 per cent between 2004 and 2021, a recent survey has revealed, warning of dire consequences for crop pollination and natural food chains. The scientists who took out this survey warned that the drop was “terrifying”, as life on Earth depends on insects, The Guardian reported. According to a survey by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife, moths, flies, aphids, bees and flying beetles declined by almost 60 per cent in less than 20 years. The drop was also witnessed among pollinators—the insects who perform natural pest control, break down organic matter and return nutrients to the soil—the survey noted. The study has raised fears that a loss of pollinators could cause a shortage of food crops. The aim of the survey was to count bug splats on car registration plates. For this, they created an app called Bugs Matter for use by ordinary citizens. Users were asked to clean their license plates before heading out in their vehicle and then click pictures of the number of bugs they found splattered on the plates when they returned. Those records were then sent to the team at Buglife, and they collated the data into a count of bug splats over a given time period for the entire UK—in this instance from 2004 to 2021. It was later found that the fall was highest in England at 65 per cent with Wales recording 55 per cent fewer insects and Scotland 28 per cent. “This vital study suggests that the number of flying insects is declining by an average of 34% per decade – this is terrifying,” The Guardian quoted Matt Shardlow of Buglife as saying. “We cannot put off action any longer, for the health and wellbeing of future generations this demands a political and a societal response. It is essential that we halt biodiversity decline now.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE

Number of flying insects fell by almost 60% in 20 years in UK, reveals survey, warns of consequences

The construction of the world’s largest wildlife overpass, which will be&nbsp;built across the 101 highway&nbsp;near Los Angeles, has been initiated,&nbsp;with experts hoping&nbsp;that the crossing creates a safe passage for wild animals.

Robert Rock, a landscape architect with Living Futures in Chicago&nbsp;who led the design, has described&nbsp;this project as one of the most remarkable designs worldwide.

He said that unlike other bridges and under crosses which are mostly made of cement and steel, this crossing will have environmental-themed surroundings featuring&nbsp;native plants and vegetated walls on both sides, The Guardian reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/there-may-be-50000-species-of-spider-crawling-the-earth-469916">There may be 50,000 species of spider crawling the Earth</a>

Rock has put together a team of experts who are expected to help him execute this project. They are: a&nbsp;soil scientist who will collect&nbsp;samples nearby that are specific to the local trees,&nbsp;and a mycologist, who will study&nbsp;the fungi of the area and how they can help the seamless flow of plants and animals across the bridge.

He said that this&nbsp;project, nearly a decade in the making, will be able to protect mountain lions from crossing the roads.

Almost 25 mountains lions have been killed since 2002 while crossing the freeways in Los Angeles, with the latest death being reported just a week ago when a young lion&nbsp;was struck and killed&nbsp;on the pacific coast highway.

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Some of the animals expected to use this wildlife bridge. Image Courtesy: Living Habitats and National Wildlife Federation 
&nbsp;

On Earth Day, April 22, a launching ceremony will kick-off&nbsp;to mark the start of construction for the $90m crossing, which will be named Wallis Annenberg wildlife crossing.

About 60 per cent of the cost of construction will come from private donations while the rest from public funds. A majority of the work will be done at night and is not expected to be completed until 2025, The Guardian reported.

Watch |&nbsp;Terramation: The environment friendly 'green' burial trends in US

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Beth Pratt, an urban ecologist with the National Wildlife Federation,&nbsp;took at least a decade in planning the project, from convincing transportation officials of its importance, to bringing all stakeholders and fund donors together.

She told The Guardian, “I’m a little dizzy still, but I feel relieved.&nbsp;We have the chance to give these mountain lions a shot at a future.”

Pratt said approximately 300,00 cars pass through this area. She hoped&nbsp;that this bridge will serve as an example of how humans can live harmoniously.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/believe-it-or-not-fungi-talk-to-each-other-like-humans-claims-study-468908">&nbsp;Believe it or not: Fungi talk to each other like humans, claims study</a>

Detailing the hardships she faced in the initial days, Pratt said that it was difficult to raise money but "luckily the team was able to find people who understood the importance of this project".

(With inputs from agencies)

The construction of the world’s largest wildlife overpass, which will be built across the 101 highway near Los Angeles, has been initiated, with experts hoping that the crossing creates a safe passage for wild animals.

The construction of the world’s largest wildlife overpass, which will be built across the 101 highway near Los Angeles, has been initiated, with experts hoping that the crossing creates a safe passage for wild animals. Robert Rock, a landscape architect with Living Futures in Chicago who led the design, has described this project as one of the most remarkable designs worldwide. He said that unlike other bridges and under crosses which are mostly made of cement and steel, this crossing will have environmental-themed surroundings featuring native plants and vegetated walls on both sides, The Guardian reported. Also read | There may be 50,000 species of spider crawling the Earth Rock has put together a team of experts who are expected to help him execute this project. They are: a soil scientist who will collect samples nearby that are specific to the local trees, and a mycologist, who will study the fungi of the area and how they can help the seamless flow of plants and animals across the bridge. He said that this project, nearly a decade in the making, will be able to protect mountain lions from crossing the roads. Almost 25 mountains lions have been killed since 2002 while crossing the freeways in Los Angeles, with the latest death being reported just a week ago when a young lion was struck and killed on the pacific coast highway. Some of the animals expected to use this wildlife bridge. Image Courtesy: Living Habitats and National Wildlife Federation On Earth Day, April 22, a launching ceremony will kick-off to mark the start of construction for the $90m crossing, which will be named Wallis Annenberg wildlife crossing. About 60 per cent of the cost of construction will come from private donations while the rest from public funds. A majority of the work will be done at night and is not expected to be completed until 2025, The Guardian reported. Watch | Terramation: The environment friendly 'green' burial trends in US Beth Pratt, an urban ecologist with the National Wildlife Federation, took at least a decade in planning the project, from convincing transportation officials of its importance, to bringing all stakeholders and fund donors together. She told The Guardian, “I’m a little dizzy still, but I feel relieved. We have the chance to give these mountain lions a shot at a future.” Pratt said approximately 300,00 cars pass through this area. She hoped that this bridge will serve as an example of how humans can live harmoniously. Also read | Believe it or not: Fungi talk to each other like humans, claims study Detailing the hardships she faced in the initial days, Pratt said that it was difficult to raise money but "luckily the team was able to find people who understood the importance of this project". (With inputs from agencies)

Construction of world’s largest wildlife overpass to begin this month in US

At a time when some countries show total disregard for human rights, Ecuador has gone a step further by expanding the legal rights to cover wild animals, making the South American first in the world to introduce such a concept.

The decision was taken by the country’s highest court when it was hearing a case for Estrellita, a woolly monkey taken from the wild when she was one-month-old and kept as a pet. She later died a month after it was moved to the zoo, reports Inside Climate News.

Ana Beatriz Burbano Proaño, a librarian, kept Estrellita as a pet for 18 years. But in 2019, the authorities moved seized the monkey and moved it to a zoo, saying that owning wild animals as pets is illegal in Ecuador.

A month after it was separated from her owner, the monkey died, following which Proaño filed a habeas corpus petition, asking the court to rule that the monkey’s rights were violated.

The court ruled that Estrellita’s rights were indeed violated by not only the government but also by Burbano Proaño for removing her from her natural habitat at a young age.

The court&nbsp;noted that “wild species and their individuals have the right not to be hunted, fished, captured, collected, extracted, kept, retained, trafficked, traded or exchanged,” and that these creatures have individual value not related to their usefulness to humans.

Following the ruling, noted environmental lawyer Hugo Echeverría said, “This verdict raises animal rights to the level of the constitution, the highest law of Ecuador.”

“While rights of nature were enshrined in the constitution, it was not clear prior to this decision whether individual animals could benefit from the rights of nature and be considered rights holders as a part of nature. The court has stated that animals are subject of rights protected by rights of nature,” he said in a press release.

(With inputs from agencies)

At a time when some countries show total disregard for human rights, Ecuador has gone a step further by expanding the legal rights to cover wild animals, making the South American first in the world to introduce such a concept.

At a time when some countries show total disregard for human rights, Ecuador has gone a step further by expanding the legal rights to cover wild animals, making the South American first in the world to introduce such a concept. The decision was taken by the country’s highest court when it was hearing a case for Estrellita, a woolly monkey taken from the wild when she was one-month-old and kept as a pet. She later died a month after it was moved to the zoo, reports Inside Climate News. Ana Beatriz Burbano Proaño, a librarian, kept Estrellita as a pet for 18 years. But in 2019, the authorities moved seized the monkey and moved it to a zoo, saying that owning wild animals as pets is illegal in Ecuador. A month after it was separated from her owner, the monkey died, following which Proaño filed a habeas corpus petition, asking the court to rule that the monkey’s rights were violated. The court ruled that Estrellita’s rights were indeed violated by not only the government but also by Burbano Proaño for removing her from her natural habitat at a young age. The court noted that “wild species and their individuals have the right not to be hunted, fished, captured, collected, extracted, kept, retained, trafficked, traded or exchanged,” and that these creatures have individual value not related to their usefulness to humans. Following the ruling, noted environmental lawyer Hugo Echeverría said, “This verdict raises animal rights to the level of the constitution, the highest law of Ecuador.” “While rights of nature were enshrined in the constitution, it was not clear prior to this decision whether individual animals could benefit from the rights of nature and be considered rights holders as a part of nature. The court has stated that animals are subject of rights protected by rights of nature,” he said in a press release. (With inputs from agencies)

This country became the first in the world to give legal rights to wild animals

"Plastic&nbsp;still has value," said Nzambi Matee of the mountains of discarded oil drums, laundry buckets, yoghurt tubs and other trash being shredded&nbsp;into&nbsp;colourful flakes at her Nairobi factory.

"I believe that&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;is one of the misunderstood materials."

The 30-year-old&nbsp;Kenyan&nbsp;engineer and&nbsp;inventor&nbsp;would know: her start-up recycles tonnes of&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;destined for landfill&nbsp;into&nbsp;eco-friendly&nbsp;bricks&nbsp;that are stronger, cheaper and lighter than concrete.

A creation of her own design, these sustainable paving blocks already line roads, driveways and sidewalks in Nairobi, but could soon also serve as an alternative building material for low-cost housing.

Every day her enterprise, Gjenge Makers, churns out 1,500&nbsp;bricks&nbsp;made from industrial and household&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;that otherwise would be dumped in the city's overflowing garbage heaps.

The young entrepreneur quit a job in oil and gas -- the very industry that makes&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;from fossil fuels -- to explore recycling after being shocked at how little trash was being reused.

"In Nairobi we generate about 500 metric tonnes of&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;waste every single day, and only a fraction of that is recycled," said Matee,&nbsp;who&nbsp;bounds with energy around the factory floor in denim overalls and trainers.&nbsp;

"And that made me think -- what happens to this&nbsp;plastic?"

Stronger, lighter, cheaper&nbsp;

Most winds up in landfill, rivers and oceans, and less than 10 percent is recycled.

In Nairobi, one of Africa's fastest-growing capitals, Matee found an endless supply of raw material to work with, scouring the city's tips and industrial zones for unwanted&nbsp;plastic.

It took several years to perfect a prototype -- the machinery required was custom built and sourced from spare industrial parts -- but by 2019 production was steadily underway.

The shredded&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;is mixed with sand and subjected to extreme heat, producing a &nbsp;sludge that is moulded&nbsp;into&nbsp;different sized blocks.

The end result is a paver that is anywhere between two and seven times stronger than concrete, half the weight, and as much as 15 percent cheaper, says Matee.

It is also more durable.&nbsp;

Plastic&nbsp;is fibrous in nature, and the unique production process prevents air pockets from forming within the&nbsp;bricks. This results in greater compression strength than conventional paving stones that crack under heavy force or prolonged weather exposure.

"Because of that, it doesn't break," said Matee, clapping two of the&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;bricks&nbsp;together sharply.

In 2021, they recycled 50 tonnes of&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;but Matee hopes to double that amount this year as production expands.

&nbsp;Big plans&nbsp;

There are limitations.&nbsp;

Of the seven major types of&nbsp;plastic, only four can be recycled&nbsp;into&nbsp;bricks.&nbsp;

PET&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;-- the kind used in&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;bottles and a major scourge on the environment -- is not yet compatible, but they hope to change that.

"There is more that can be done, there is more that needs to be done. We are just a single drop in the ocean... small, small drops will make a big effect," Matee said.

They are trying to break&nbsp;into&nbsp;the affordable housing market by designing a block that can replace or complement&nbsp;bricks, mortar and other standard building materials.

A prototype is in the works, with plans to build a model home by the end of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We want to be the leaders in alternative building products. Our first area of attack is&nbsp;plastic," Matee said.

Her trailblazing work has attracted accolades, and earned another boost earlier this year after she designed a custom gavel for a major UN environment summit where the&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;trash crisis topped the agenda.

Gjenge Makers has also created over 100 direct and indirect jobs through recycling&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;–- helping both livelihoods and the environment in a way Matee says wasn't possible working with fossil fuels.

"Let's just say I sleep better," she said with a grin.

"Plastic still has value," said Nzambi Matee of the mountains of discarded oil drums, laundry buckets, yoghurt tubs and other trash being shredded into colourful flakes at her Nairobi factory.

"Plastic still has value," said Nzambi Matee of the mountains of discarded oil drums, laundry buckets, yoghurt tubs and other trash being shredded into colourful flakes at her Nairobi factory. "I believe that plastic is one of the misunderstood materials." The 30-year-old Kenyan engineer and inventor would know: her start-up recycles tonnes of plastic destined for landfill into eco-friendly bricks that are stronger, cheaper and lighter than concrete. A creation of her own design, these sustainable paving blocks already line roads, driveways and sidewalks in Nairobi, but could soon also serve as an alternative building material for low-cost housing. Every day her enterprise, Gjenge Makers, churns out 1,500 bricks made from industrial and household plastic that otherwise would be dumped in the city's overflowing garbage heaps. The young entrepreneur quit a job in oil and gas -- the very industry that makes plastic from fossil fuels -- to explore recycling after being shocked at how little trash was being reused. "In Nairobi we generate about 500 metric tonnes of plastic waste every single day, and only a fraction of that is recycled," said Matee, who bounds with energy around the factory floor in denim overalls and trainers. "And that made me think -- what happens to this plastic?" Stronger, lighter, cheaper Most winds up in landfill, rivers and oceans, and less than 10 percent is recycled. In Nairobi, one of Africa's fastest-growing capitals, Matee found an endless supply of raw material to work with, scouring the city's tips and industrial zones for unwanted plastic. It took several years to perfect a prototype -- the machinery required was custom built and sourced from spare industrial parts -- but by 2019 production was steadily underway. The shredded plastic is mixed with sand and subjected to extreme heat, producing a sludge that is moulded into different sized blocks. The end result is a paver that is anywhere between two and seven times stronger than concrete, half the weight, and as much as 15 percent cheaper, says Matee. It is also more durable. Plastic is fibrous in nature, and the unique production process prevents air pockets from forming within the bricks. This results in greater compression strength than conventional paving stones that crack under heavy force or prolonged weather exposure. "Because of that, it doesn't break," said Matee, clapping two of the plastic bricks together sharply. In 2021, they recycled 50 tonnes of plastic but Matee hopes to double that amount this year as production expands. Big plans There are limitations. Of the seven major types of plastic, only four can be recycled into bricks. PET plastic -- the kind used in plastic bottles and a major scourge on the environment -- is not yet compatible, but they hope to change that. "There is more that can be done, there is more that needs to be done. We are just a single drop in the ocean... small, small drops will make a big effect," Matee said. They are trying to break into the affordable housing market by designing a block that can replace or complement bricks, mortar and other standard building materials. A prototype is in the works, with plans to build a model home by the end of the year. "We want to be the leaders in alternative building products. Our first area of attack is plastic," Matee said. Her trailblazing work has attracted accolades, and earned another boost earlier this year after she designed a custom gavel for a major UN environment summit where the plastic trash crisis topped the agenda. Gjenge Makers has also created over 100 direct and indirect jobs through recycling plastic –- helping both livelihoods and the environment in a way Matee says wasn't possible working with fossil fuels. "Let's just say I sleep better," she said with a grin.

'Trash has value': Kenyan inventor turns plastic into bricks

The world needs to launch a "transformation" to curb global warming, a top researcher behind an upcoming UN report on&nbsp;climate&nbsp;solutions said, adding that it is&nbsp;never&nbsp;to&nbsp;late&nbsp;to act.

In a United Nations assessment in February dubbed an "atlas of human suffering", experts laid out in devastating detail the past, present and future impacts of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change on people and the planet they depend on.&nbsp;

Science now considers it unequivocal that humans are responsible for this accelerating climatic upheaval, and the next report by the Intergovernmental Panel on&nbsp;Climate&nbsp;Change (IPCC), expected in early April, focuses on how we might get ourselves out of the mess we created.&nbsp;

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To do that the world must find a way to drastically cut the amount of planet-warming gases pumped into the atmosphere.&nbsp;

"We are talking about the large-scale transformation of all the major systems: energy, transport, infrastructure, buildings, agriculture and food,"&nbsp;climate&nbsp;economist Celine Guivarch told AFP.&nbsp;

The war in Ukraine not only shows the world’s "great dependence on fossil fuels", particularly responsible for&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, but it also could be an opportunity to make the right choices, she said.

"We are at a crossroads and depending on the decisions taken, we can contribute to making the problem of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change worse or to find answers", said Guivarch.&nbsp;

But to reach carbon neutrality by mid-century, major changes must be started now, said the researcher at the International Centre for Research on the Environment and Development.&nbsp;

That is in part because of the inertia in human systems -- like the time it takes to build new infrastructure -- and natural ones, because CO2 remains in the atmosphere for several centuries.

Never&nbsp;too&nbsp;late

According to the UN, emissions must be slashed almost in half by 2030 to have a hope of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era, the most ambitious Paris Agreement goal.&nbsp;

But emissions are still on the rise.&nbsp;

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Despite the urgency, some still want to do nothing.&nbsp;

"We hardly hear&nbsp;climate-sceptic commentary anymore, but there is this new 'delay discourse'," said Guivarch.&nbsp;

"They recognise that there is&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change and that it is of human origin, but they seek to justify minimal&nbsp;action&nbsp;or no&nbsp;action."

Some suggest waiting for future technological solutions to be deployed in 10, 20 or 30 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And people, companies and even nations may argue that since their emissions are dwarfed by bigger polluters, it is useless to take&nbsp;action.&nbsp;

Others shrug at the signs that&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change is ramping up extreme events and say it is&nbsp;too&nbsp;late&nbsp;to do anything about it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"This is wrong," said Guivarch, adding that every fraction of a degree increases the impacts and multiplies the risks.&nbsp;

So, "it is&nbsp;never&nbsp;too&nbsp;late&nbsp;to act, because all greenhouse gas emissions avoided, stave off impacts and risks".&nbsp;

But she does not minimise the challenges ahead.&nbsp;

To trigger a real economic transformation will require bringing on board "the whole of society, businesses, citizens", while focusing investments on solutions and away from fossil fuels.&nbsp;

While awareness has grown since the Paris deal was signed in 2015 and decision-makers are increasingly embracing the subject, she said there is still a lack of understanding of the "orders of magnitude, the speed and the extent of the transformation that we are talking about". &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Collectively on a global scale, the actions are not up to the challenge," said Guivarch.

Watch |&nbsp;Wion Climate Summit: Where do we find the money to fund climate change?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-summit-where-do-we-find-the-money-to-fund-climate-change-462644/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The world needs to launch a "transformation" to curb global warming, a top researcher behind an upcoming UN report on climate solutions said, adding that it is never to late to act.

The world needs to launch a "transformation" to curb global warming, a top researcher behind an upcoming UN report on climate solutions said, adding that it is never to late to act. In a United Nations assessment in February dubbed an "atlas of human suffering", experts laid out in devastating detail the past, present and future impacts of climate change on people and the planet they depend on. Science now considers it unequivocal that humans are responsible for this accelerating climatic upheaval, and the next report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), expected in early April, focuses on how we might get ourselves out of the mess we created. Also read | WION Climate Summit | Denmark's Ambassador to India stresses the need for individual responsibility To do that the world must find a way to drastically cut the amount of planet-warming gases pumped into the atmosphere. "We are talking about the large-scale transformation of all the major systems: energy, transport, infrastructure, buildings, agriculture and food," climate economist Celine Guivarch told AFP. The war in Ukraine not only shows the world’s "great dependence on fossil fuels", particularly responsible for climate change, but it also could be an opportunity to make the right choices, she said. "We are at a crossroads and depending on the decisions taken, we can contribute to making the problem of climate change worse or to find answers", said Guivarch. But to reach carbon neutrality by mid-century, major changes must be started now, said the researcher at the International Centre for Research on the Environment and Development. That is in part because of the inertia in human systems -- like the time it takes to build new infrastructure -- and natural ones, because CO2 remains in the atmosphere for several centuries. Never too late According to the UN, emissions must be slashed almost in half by 2030 to have a hope of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era, the most ambitious Paris Agreement goal. But emissions are still on the rise. Also read | Thousands protest in France to call for more attention towards climate Despite the urgency, some still want to do nothing. "We hardly hear climate-sceptic commentary anymore, but there is this new 'delay discourse'," said Guivarch. "They recognise that there is climate change and that it is of human origin, but they seek to justify minimal action or no action." Some suggest waiting for future technological solutions to be deployed in 10, 20 or 30 years. And people, companies and even nations may argue that since their emissions are dwarfed by bigger polluters, it is useless to take action. Others shrug at the signs that climate change is ramping up extreme events and say it is too late to do anything about it. "This is wrong," said Guivarch, adding that every fraction of a degree increases the impacts and multiplies the risks. So, "it is never too late to act, because all greenhouse gas emissions avoided, stave off impacts and risks". But she does not minimise the challenges ahead. To trigger a real economic transformation will require bringing on board "the whole of society, businesses, citizens", while focusing investments on solutions and away from fossil fuels. While awareness has grown since the Paris deal was signed in 2015 and decision-makers are increasingly embracing the subject, she said there is still a lack of understanding of the "orders of magnitude, the speed and the extent of the transformation that we are talking about". "Collectively on a global scale, the actions are not up to the challenge," said Guivarch. Watch | Wion Climate Summit: Where do we find the money to fund climate change?

Never too late for 'transformational' climate action: UN report

The&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Barrier&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;has again been hit with "widespread"&nbsp;bleaching, authorities said Friday, as higher-than-average ocean temperatures off Australia's northeast threaten the already struggling World Heritage site.

Surveillance flights over the&nbsp;reef&nbsp;revealed damage due to heat stress ranging from minor to severe&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;across the 2,300-kilometre (1,243-mile) network of corals, the&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Barrier&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;Marine Park Authority said.&nbsp;

"Bleaching&nbsp;has been detected across the Marine Park -- it is&nbsp;widespread&nbsp;but variable, across multiple regions, ranging in impact from minor to severe," the authority said in its weekly update.&nbsp;

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Over the past week sea temperatures throughout the marine park ranged between 0.5 and two degrees Celsius above average, while the far north and inshore areas recorded temperatures between two and four degrees above average.&nbsp;

"The most heavily impacted reefs are around the Townsville region. There have also been reports of early mortality where heat stress has been the greatest."

The news comes ahead of a UNESCO trip to the&nbsp;reef&nbsp;to inspect the site's health, informing a decision on its heritage listing which is to be considered in June.

Bleaching&nbsp;occurs when healthy corals become stressed by spikes in ocean temperatures, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues, draining them of their vibrant colours.

There have been five mass&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;events across the&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Barrier&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;triggered by unusually warm sea temperatures since 1997, leaving many affected corals struggling to survive.

Several cyclones have also battered the&nbsp;reef, as climate change drives more extreme weather.

Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish have also eaten away at the coral.

While recent changes are not yet classified as a mass&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;event, the Australian Marine Conservation Society described the report as "disastrous news", particularly during a La Nina weather pattern, which is usually associated with cooler ocean temperatures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-climate-summit-nepals-environment-minister-urges-for-global-partnerships-to-combat-climate-crisis-462719">WION Climate Summit: Nepal's environment minister urges for global partnerships to combat climate crisis</a>

"It shows the consistent pressure our&nbsp;reef&nbsp;is now under from global heating," the society's campaign manager Lissa Schindler said.&nbsp;

"A healthy&nbsp;reef&nbsp;can recover from coral&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;but it needs time. More frequent marine heatwaves primarily driven by the burning of coal and gas means it is not getting this time."

Australia's conservative government earlier this year announced new funding in the hope of preventing the climate-ravaged&nbsp;reef&nbsp;from being removed from UNESCO's World Heritage list.

When the UN previously threatened to downgrade the&nbsp;reef's World Heritage listing in 2015, Australia created a "Reef&nbsp;2050" plan and poured billions of dollars into protection.

The measures are believed to have arrested the pace of decline, but much of the world's largest&nbsp;reef&nbsp;system has already been damaged.

A recent study found&nbsp;bleaching&nbsp;had affected 98 percent of the&nbsp;reef&nbsp;since 1998, leaving just a fraction untouched.

The&nbsp;Great&nbsp;Barrier&nbsp;Reef&nbsp;-- the world's largest living structure, visible from space -- was added to the list in 1981 for its "superlative natural beauty" and extensive biodiversity.

But the list is not permanently fixed, and sites can be downgraded or even removed entirely on the UN body's recommendation.

While placement on the "in-danger" list is not considered a sanction -- some nations have their sites added to gain international attention to help save them -- others see it as a dishonour.

Watch |&nbsp;Microplastics found in Marine life: Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

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The Great Barrier Reef has again been hit with "widespread" bleaching, authorities said Friday, as higher-than-average ocean temperatures off Australia's northeast threaten the already struggling World Heritage site.

The Great Barrier Reef has again been hit with "widespread" bleaching, authorities said Friday, as higher-than-average ocean temperatures off Australia's northeast threaten the already struggling World Heritage site. Surveillance flights over the reef revealed damage due to heat stress ranging from minor to severe bleaching across the 2,300-kilometre (1,243-mile) network of corals, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority said. "Bleaching has been detected across the Marine Park -- it is widespread but variable, across multiple regions, ranging in impact from minor to severe," the authority said in its weekly update. Also read | Australian watchdog sues Facebook-owner Meta over scam advertisements Over the past week sea temperatures throughout the marine park ranged between 0.5 and two degrees Celsius above average, while the far north and inshore areas recorded temperatures between two and four degrees above average. "The most heavily impacted reefs are around the Townsville region. There have also been reports of early mortality where heat stress has been the greatest." The news comes ahead of a UNESCO trip to the reef to inspect the site's health, informing a decision on its heritage listing which is to be considered in June. Bleaching occurs when healthy corals become stressed by spikes in ocean temperatures, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues, draining them of their vibrant colours. There have been five mass bleaching events across the Great Barrier Reef triggered by unusually warm sea temperatures since 1997, leaving many affected corals struggling to survive. Several cyclones have also battered the reef, as climate change drives more extreme weather. Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish have also eaten away at the coral. While recent changes are not yet classified as a mass bleaching event, the Australian Marine Conservation Society described the report as "disastrous news", particularly during a La Nina weather pattern, which is usually associated with cooler ocean temperatures. Also read | WION Climate Summit: Nepal's environment minister urges for global partnerships to combat climate crisis "It shows the consistent pressure our reef is now under from global heating," the society's campaign manager Lissa Schindler said. "A healthy reef can recover from coral bleaching but it needs time. More frequent marine heatwaves primarily driven by the burning of coal and gas means it is not getting this time." Australia's conservative government earlier this year announced new funding in the hope of preventing the climate-ravaged reef from being removed from UNESCO's World Heritage list. When the UN previously threatened to downgrade the reef's World Heritage listing in 2015, Australia created a "Reef 2050" plan and poured billions of dollars into protection. The measures are believed to have arrested the pace of decline, but much of the world's largest reef system has already been damaged. A recent study found bleaching had affected 98 percent of the reef since 1998, leaving just a fraction untouched. The Great Barrier Reef -- the world's largest living structure, visible from space -- was added to the list in 1981 for its "superlative natural beauty" and extensive biodiversity. But the list is not permanently fixed, and sites can be downgraded or even removed entirely on the UN body's recommendation. While placement on the "in-danger" list is not considered a sanction -- some nations have their sites added to gain international attention to help save them -- others see it as a dishonour. Watch | Microplastics found in Marine life: Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

Great Barrier Reef suffers 'widespread' bleaching event

A study reveals how people from rich countries can prevent the climate crisis by making certain changes in their lifestyles.

You can help fight climate change with these six lifestyle changes

Chile&nbsp;said Saturday it is creating a vast&nbsp;national&nbsp;park&nbsp;to protect hundreds of&nbsp;glaciers&nbsp;that are melting due to climate change.

The new&nbsp;National&nbsp;Glacier&nbsp;Park&nbsp;will cover 75,000 hectares of Andes mountain land about 60 kilometers (40 miles) from the capital Santiago, President Sebastian Pinera said at a ceremony announcing its creation.

"We are managing to protect 368&nbsp;glaciers," the president said.

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These masses of permanent ice hold 32 times more water than a reservoir that serves the capital city's seven million people, the president added.

A recent study by the University of&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;said&nbsp;glaciers&nbsp;in the central part of the country, which includes the new&nbsp;park, are shrinking due to global warming.

Pinera said establishing the&nbsp;park&nbsp;is "a fundamental step that our country is taking to combat the destruction of nature."

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It will also help preserve flora native to mountain terrain and animals likes pumas and foxes.

Chile&nbsp;is among the world's top 10 countries as measured by glacier surface area, the government says. Others include Canada, the United States, China and Russia.

Chile said Saturday it is creating a vast national park to protect hundreds of glaciers that are melting due to climate change. The new National Glacier Park will cover 75,000 hectares of Andes mountain land about 60 kilometers (40 miles) from the capital Santiago, President Sebastian Pinera said at a ceremony announcing its creation.

Chile said Saturday it is creating a vast national park to protect hundreds of glaciers that are melting due to climate change. The new National Glacier Park will cover 75,000 hectares of Andes mountain land about 60 kilometers (40 miles) from the capital Santiago, President Sebastian Pinera said at a ceremony announcing its creation. "We are managing to protect 368 glaciers," the president said. Also read | Sydney faces more rain as death toll from Australian floods rises to 17 These masses of permanent ice hold 32 times more water than a reservoir that serves the capital city's seven million people, the president added. A recent study by the University of Chile said glaciers in the central part of the country, which includes the new park, are shrinking due to global warming. Pinera said establishing the park is "a fundamental step that our country is taking to combat the destruction of nature." Also read | Astronomers have a new theory on how former 'fireball' Earth became habitable It will also help preserve flora native to mountain terrain and animals likes pumas and foxes. Chile is among the world's top 10 countries as measured by glacier surface area, the government says. Others include Canada, the United States, China and Russia.

Chile creates national park to save glaciers

In the oilfields of southern&nbsp;Iraq, billions of cubic feet of gas literally go up in smoke, burnt off on flare stacks for want of the infrastructure to capture and process it.

The flares produce vast amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming without any economic or social benefit.

Analysts say the waste is particularly egregious, as&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;is a significant importer of natural gas, meeting a third of its needs through expensive and not always reliable supplies from neighbouring Iran.

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The government has pledged to phase out the practice by 2030 but the road to a greener, less wasteful energy sector is proving a long one.

For the oil companies exploiting the mega fields around Basra, it is actually cheaper to flare off the associated gas than to capture, process and market it, despite the obvious environmental costs.

Currently, only half of the three million cubic feet of gas that comes out of Iraqi oil wells each day is captured and processed.

The rest is burnt off in flares creating the plumes of acrid black smoke that blight the skies.

"Flared gas, if captured and processed, could provide electricity to three million homes," said Yesar al-Maleki, Gulf analyst at Middle East Economic Survey.

"This could definitely help the country end its acute power shortages that go up all the way to a supply and demand gap of nine gigawatts in summer."

Up in smoke

In December,&nbsp;Iraq's oil minister Ihsan Ismail pledged to cut flare gas by 90 per cent by 2024.

But despite contracts with foreign oil majors, including France's TotalEnergies, the target is likely to face bureaucratic obstacles in a sector which provides 90 per cent of government revenues.

Over the past two years, the government has cut flare gas by just five per cent.

The captured gas is fuel that&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;desperately needs for its power stations.

Under an exemption from US sanctions on Iran,&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;imports 750 million cubic feet per day from its eastern neighbour.

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Any disruption to that supply can lead to widespread power cuts, particularly in summer when the demand for air conditioning and refrigeration peaks.

Maleki said the failure to address the issue bore multiple costs for&nbsp;Iraq.

"It loses financially by burning money in the air; it loses more money by importing gas from neighbouring countries at a premium; it loses more money resolving resultant issues in its power sector when it switches its gas turbines to costly and pollutive liquid fuels; and it definitely loses environmentally."

Basra province is home to&nbsp;Iraq's five largest oilfields and accounts for 65 percent of its flared gas, according to World Bank figures.

The Basrah Gas Company, a consortium of&nbsp;Iraq's state-owned South Gas Company, Shell and Mitsubishi, captures one billion cubic feet of gas from the three fields in which it operates.

It plans to raise that figure to 1.4 billion cubic feet by the end of 2023 but doing so requires heavy investment, in processing as well as capture.

Managing director Malcolm Mayes said the consortium was investing around $1.5 billion in a giant new processing facility in Artawi, outside Basra.

"In Artawi, we are building two processing trains," Mayes said.&nbsp;

"The first will be on stream in May 2023 and the second will come on stream in November 2023, and at that point we will have the capacity to process 1.4 billion cubic feet -- approaching 90 percent from our lease area."

Cleaner electricity

Iraq&nbsp;has also signed a mega-contract with TotalEnergies that includes building a processing facility for the associated gas from three southern oilfeilds.

"The plant's launch is scheduled for 2026," the French firm said.

Iraq&nbsp;says the plant will process 300 million cubic feet a day of gas that is currently flared off, rising to 600 million in a second phase.

Teams from TotalEnergies are already on the ground carrying out preliminary studies, but the process is dragging on.

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Last month, Baghdad said some clauses of the contract "require time and cannot be implemented or solved in a short period".

A similar project awarded to Chinese firms in neighbouring Maysan province is only half finished.

In the meantime, Basra's residents continue to live with the environmental consequences.

"Everything is polluted by these flares -- the water, the animals, they're all dead," said Salem, an 18-year-old shepherd in the village of Nahr Bin Omar, site of a major oilfield just north of Basra.

In the oilfields of southern Iraq, billions of cubic feet of gas literally go up in smoke, burnt off on flare stacks for want of the infrastructure to capture and process it.

In the oilfields of southern Iraq, billions of cubic feet of gas literally go up in smoke, burnt off on flare stacks for want of the infrastructure to capture and process it. The flares produce vast amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming without any economic or social benefit. Analysts say the waste is particularly egregious, as Iraq is a significant importer of natural gas, meeting a third of its needs through expensive and not always reliable supplies from neighbouring Iran. Also read | Pope Francis lands in Iraq on first-ever papal visit The government has pledged to phase out the practice by 2030 but the road to a greener, less wasteful energy sector is proving a long one. For the oil companies exploiting the mega fields around Basra, it is actually cheaper to flare off the associated gas than to capture, process and market it, despite the obvious environmental costs. Currently, only half of the three million cubic feet of gas that comes out of Iraqi oil wells each day is captured and processed. The rest is burnt off in flares creating the plumes of acrid black smoke that blight the skies. "Flared gas, if captured and processed, could provide electricity to three million homes," said Yesar al-Maleki, Gulf analyst at Middle East Economic Survey. "This could definitely help the country end its acute power shortages that go up all the way to a supply and demand gap of nine gigawatts in summer." Up in smoke In December, Iraq's oil minister Ihsan Ismail pledged to cut flare gas by 90 per cent by 2024. But despite contracts with foreign oil majors, including France's TotalEnergies, the target is likely to face bureaucratic obstacles in a sector which provides 90 per cent of government revenues. Over the past two years, the government has cut flare gas by just five per cent. The captured gas is fuel that Iraq desperately needs for its power stations. Under an exemption from US sanctions on Iran, Iraq imports 750 million cubic feet per day from its eastern neighbour. Also read | Even as Covid rages in Iraq, vaccines viewed with suspicion Any disruption to that supply can lead to widespread power cuts, particularly in summer when the demand for air conditioning and refrigeration peaks. Maleki said the failure to address the issue bore multiple costs for Iraq. "It loses financially by burning money in the air; it loses more money by importing gas from neighbouring countries at a premium; it loses more money resolving resultant issues in its power sector when it switches its gas turbines to costly and pollutive liquid fuels; and it definitely loses environmentally." Basra province is home to Iraq's five largest oilfields and accounts for 65 percent of its flared gas, according to World Bank figures. The Basrah Gas Company, a consortium of Iraq's state-owned South Gas Company, Shell and Mitsubishi, captures one billion cubic feet of gas from the three fields in which it operates. It plans to raise that figure to 1.4 billion cubic feet by the end of 2023 but doing so requires heavy investment, in processing as well as capture. Managing director Malcolm Mayes said the consortium was investing around $1.5 billion in a giant new processing facility in Artawi, outside Basra. "In Artawi, we are building two processing trains," Mayes said. "The first will be on stream in May 2023 and the second will come on stream in November 2023, and at that point we will have the capacity to process 1.4 billion cubic feet -- approaching 90 percent from our lease area." Cleaner electricity Iraq has also signed a mega-contract with TotalEnergies that includes building a processing facility for the associated gas from three southern oilfeilds. "The plant's launch is scheduled for 2026," the French firm said. Iraq says the plant will process 300 million cubic feet a day of gas that is currently flared off, rising to 600 million in a second phase. Teams from TotalEnergies are already on the ground carrying out preliminary studies, but the process is dragging on. Watch | The nuclear threat in Ukraine: UN atomic watchdog condemns Russia after fire incident Last month, Baghdad said some clauses of the contract "require time and cannot be implemented or solved in a short period". A similar project awarded to Chinese firms in neighbouring Maysan province is only half finished. In the meantime, Basra's residents continue to live with the environmental consequences. "Everything is polluted by these flares -- the water, the animals, they're all dead," said Salem, an 18-year-old shepherd in the village of Nahr Bin Omar, site of a major oilfield just north of Basra.

It's a long road ahead for Iraq's pledge to phase out gas flares

The road meandering towards Gaza Valley is notorious for the stench of&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;choking the plant and animal life that once flourished in the Palestinian enclave's biggest wetland.

That is expected to change after the sullied habitat was declared Gaza's first nature reserve, set for a UN-backed, decade long clean-up effort under the territory's Hamas Islamist rulers.&nbsp;

"The valley will return to its beautiful natural state" for local people to walk through and enjoy, said Jaber Abu Hajeer, the mayor of the area known as Wadi Gaza.

The fouling of the valley with raw sewerage, wastewater and rubbish is a consequence of chronic under-development in the strip that has been blockaded by Israel since 2007.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-woman-found-seated-on-her-dining-table-in-mummified-state-two-years-after-her-death-452149">Italian woman found seated on her dining table in mummified state two years after her death&nbsp;</a>

Gaza's poor infrastructure cannot manage the waste produced by a population that has rapidly grown to 2.3 million.

For more than three decades, sewage was pumped straight into Wadi Gaza and parts of its became dumping grounds for household waste and construction debris.

What was once a "beautiful nature reserve" gradually became "a swamp full of insects, snakes and bacteria, an out-of-control dump," said Abdel-Fattah Abd Rabbo, an environmental specialist at the Islamic University of Gaza.

Until last year, some 16,000 cubic metres of wastewater were pumped into the valley every day, say local authorities, causing a range of health problems for families living along the waterway that empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

Local resident Abdulkarim al-Louh said "unfortunately, due to the political situation that we are living under, the reserve got destroyed and was transformed into a waste water swamp".

He said he hoped that reversing the damage "will clear the area of the diseases, water waste, insects and mosquitos that all Wadi Gaza residents suffer from".

&nbsp;'Green belt'&nbsp;

The pumping of untreated effluent into the valley stopped last year, when a new treatment plant opened in central Gaza,&nbsp;but Wadi Gaza's full rehabilitation is expected to take time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The United Nations Development Programme is backing a 10-year, $66 million effort, led by five local Gazan governments, that aims to make the area an urgently needed ecological oasis.&nbsp;

A UNDP project coordinator, Muhammad Abu Shaaban, said the goal is create a "green belt", rich in biodiversity.

Step one is the clean-up, and municipal staff were on site last week trying to clear the creek of filth.

The next phase is a massive tree-planting effort, ahead of infrastructure improvements including better road access to make the area attractive to local tourists.&nbsp;

Abu Shaaban said the master plan aims to solve "all the environmental issues in the valley", including&nbsp;pollution, encroachment, building violations and "the floods the valley has been suffering from over the years".

Gaza's population, which has endured the crippling blockade and waves of conflict between Hamas and Israel, have few outdoor recreational spaces other than the coastline.&nbsp;

Israel and Egypt tightly control access in and out of Gaza and foreign visitors are largely kept away.&nbsp;

Mayor Hajeer pledged that, when the restoration project is completed, Wadi Gaza will become "a cultural, sporting and tourist attraction".

Abdulrahim Abu al-Konboz, director of solid waste management in Gaza, said all residents "will benefit from this programme since the water that runs through Wadi Gaza will be clean and free of pollutants when it reaches the sea.&nbsp;

"Gaza beach in the summer will be free of the&nbsp;pollution&nbsp;which used to come from the Wadi Gaza area."

The road meandering towards Gaza Valley is notorious for the stench of pollution choking the plant and animal life that once flourished in the Palestinian enclave's biggest wetland.

The road meandering towards Gaza Valley is notorious for the stench of pollution choking the plant and animal life that once flourished in the Palestinian enclave's biggest wetland. That is expected to change after the sullied habitat was declared Gaza's first nature reserve, set for a UN-backed, decade long clean-up effort under the territory's Hamas Islamist rulers. "The valley will return to its beautiful natural state" for local people to walk through and enjoy, said Jaber Abu Hajeer, the mayor of the area known as Wadi Gaza. The fouling of the valley with raw sewerage, wastewater and rubbish is a consequence of chronic under-development in the strip that has been blockaded by Israel since 2007. Also read | Italian woman found seated on her dining table in mummified state two years after her death Gaza's poor infrastructure cannot manage the waste produced by a population that has rapidly grown to 2.3 million. For more than three decades, sewage was pumped straight into Wadi Gaza and parts of its became dumping grounds for household waste and construction debris. What was once a "beautiful nature reserve" gradually became "a swamp full of insects, snakes and bacteria, an out-of-control dump," said Abdel-Fattah Abd Rabbo, an environmental specialist at the Islamic University of Gaza. Until last year, some 16,000 cubic metres of wastewater were pumped into the valley every day, say local authorities, causing a range of health problems for families living along the waterway that empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Local resident Abdulkarim al-Louh said "unfortunately, due to the political situation that we are living under, the reserve got destroyed and was transformed into a waste water swamp". He said he hoped that reversing the damage "will clear the area of the diseases, water waste, insects and mosquitos that all Wadi Gaza residents suffer from". 'Green belt' The pumping of untreated effluent into the valley stopped last year, when a new treatment plant opened in central Gaza, but Wadi Gaza's full rehabilitation is expected to take time. The United Nations Development Programme is backing a 10-year, $66 million effort, led by five local Gazan governments, that aims to make the area an urgently needed ecological oasis. A UNDP project coordinator, Muhammad Abu Shaaban, said the goal is create a "green belt", rich in biodiversity. Step one is the clean-up, and municipal staff were on site last week trying to clear the creek of filth. The next phase is a massive tree-planting effort, ahead of infrastructure improvements including better road access to make the area attractive to local tourists. Abu Shaaban said the master plan aims to solve "all the environmental issues in the valley", including pollution, encroachment, building violations and "the floods the valley has been suffering from over the years". Gaza's population, which has endured the crippling blockade and waves of conflict between Hamas and Israel, have few outdoor recreational spaces other than the coastline. Israel and Egypt tightly control access in and out of Gaza and foreign visitors are largely kept away. Mayor Hajeer pledged that, when the restoration project is completed, Wadi Gaza will become "a cultural, sporting and tourist attraction". Abdulrahim Abu al-Konboz, director of solid waste management in Gaza, said all residents "will benefit from this programme since the water that runs through Wadi Gaza will be clean and free of pollutants when it reaches the sea. "Gaza beach in the summer will be free of the pollution which used to come from the Wadi Gaza area."

Pollution clean-up aims to create Gaza's first nature reserve

The protected old-growth forest in the Amazon of southeastern Peru appears pristine: Ancient trees with massive trunks grow alongside young, slender ones, forming a canopy so thick it sometimes feels to scientists like evening during the day.

But a new analysis of what’s inside the forest’s leaves and birds’ feathers tells a different story: The same canopy that supports some of the richest biodiversity on the planet is also sucking up alarming levels of toxic mercury, according to a study published Friday.

The mercury is released into the air by miners searching for gold along nearby riverbanks. They use mercury to separate the precious metal from surrounding sediment and then burn it off. Carried in the air, particles catch on leaves like dust and are washed onto the forest floor by rain. Other particles are sucked into the leaves’ tissue. From there, mercury appears to have transferred up the food web to songbirds, which showed levels of mercury 2-12 times as high as those in comparable areas farther from mining activity.

“The patterns were so much more stark and so much more devastating than we expected to find,” said Jacqueline Gerson, a biogeochemist at the University of California, Berkeley, who led the research as a doctoral student at Duke University. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.

The findings, from the Madre de Dios region of Peru, provide new evidence of how people are altering ecosystems around the world, as species extinction rates accelerate, with little understanding of the consequences.

Scientists have long known that mercury, which is also released into the air by burning coal, is a dangerous neurotoxin to humans and animals. In aquatic ecosystems, it can easily convert into a very poisonous form called methylmercury. As big fish eat smaller ones, the mercury sticks around, accumulating up the food web. For this reason, doctors advise pregnant women around the world to avoid eating large, predatory fish like shark, king mackerel and swordfish.

In the Madre de Dios region, where illegal gold mining has surged in recent years along with the price of gold on global markets, the government declared a health emergency in 2016 after 40% of people tested in 97 villages had dangerously high levels of mercury in their systems.

Researchers have mostly focused on human exposure to mercury in rivers, lakes and oceans. They have not been as worried about it on land, since it is less likely to become methylmercury. But the sheer load of mercury going into the forest, combined with rainy conditions and soil, are leading to concerning levels of methylmercury there.

“It’s been assumed that people living in the Peruvian Amazon have been getting all their methylmercury exposure from eating fish,” Gerson said. “That may not be the case.”

The kind of gold mining that happens in the Madre de Dios region, called artisanal and small-scale gold mining, occurs in about 70 countries, often illegally or unofficially, and it is the largest source of mercury pollution in the world. It also accounts for about 20% of global gold production.

Julio Cusurichi Palacios, president of the Native Federation of the Madre de Dios River and Tributaries, a group formed by Indigenous communities in the region, said the government should combat illegal mining with enforcement but also by strengthening alternative livelihoods for Indigenous and other local people. They harvest fish, Brazil nuts, yucca and corn, he said, but need help “improving their goods, selling their goods, so they don’t fall into thinking, ‘I better go into mining, since my product doesn’t have a market.’”

For the research, Gerson and her team collected soil, leaves, forest litter and other samples at three sites near mining activity and two farther away. To collect certain leaves, they used a giant slingshot to shoot a rope with a weight into the canopy and pull branches down.

When the mercury levels came back, it was the protected old-growth site near gold mining activity that stood out. Those areas had more than 15 times as much mercury as nearby clearings, presumably because the thick canopy and vegetation caught and stored the mercury.

Shocked by the numbers, Gerson kept searching the scientific literature for examples of forests with similar levels. The only one she found was in an industrial area in Guizhou, China, polluted by mercury mining and coal burning. Some levels in the healthy-looking old-growth Amazon were even higher.

By capturing the mercury, the forests are helping to keep it out of aquatic systems, said Emily Bernhardt, a professor of biogeochemistry at Duke and co-author of the study.

“These are some of the most biodiverse forests on Earth,” Bernhardt said. “We already knew they sequester tons of carbon in their biomass and their soils, and we have now uncovered an additional, incredibly important service.”

But the service is not without cost. Mercury poisoning can affect birds’ ability to navigate and sing, and can cause them to lay fewer eggs, she noted. It can also make their eggs less likely to hatch.

Previously, scientists had assumed that the airborne mercury pollution from this kind of gold mining would have less impact locally, said Daniel Obrist, an environmental science professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell who has studied mercury in forests in the northeastern United States and the Arctic and was not involved with the Amazon study.

“It fills a very important gap in understanding what happens there with small scale mining and what the implications are,” Obrist said. “Not only for global processes, but also for local communities.”

The protected old-growth forest in the Amazon of southeastern Peru appears pristine: Ancient trees with massive trunks grow alongside young, slender ones, forming a canopy so thick it sometimes feels to scientists like evening during the day.

The protected old-growth forest in the Amazon of southeastern Peru appears pristine: Ancient trees with massive trunks grow alongside young, slender ones, forming a canopy so thick it sometimes feels to scientists like evening during the day. But a new analysis of what’s inside the forest’s leaves and birds’ feathers tells a different story: The same canopy that supports some of the richest biodiversity on the planet is also sucking up alarming levels of toxic mercury, according to a study published Friday. The mercury is released into the air by miners searching for gold along nearby riverbanks. They use mercury to separate the precious metal from surrounding sediment and then burn it off. Carried in the air, particles catch on leaves like dust and are washed onto the forest floor by rain. Other particles are sucked into the leaves’ tissue. From there, mercury appears to have transferred up the food web to songbirds, which showed levels of mercury 2-12 times as high as those in comparable areas farther from mining activity. “The patterns were so much more stark and so much more devastating than we expected to find,” said Jacqueline Gerson, a biogeochemist at the University of California, Berkeley, who led the research as a doctoral student at Duke University. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications. The findings, from the Madre de Dios region of Peru, provide new evidence of how people are altering ecosystems around the world, as species extinction rates accelerate, with little understanding of the consequences. Scientists have long known that mercury, which is also released into the air by burning coal, is a dangerous neurotoxin to humans and animals. In aquatic ecosystems, it can easily convert into a very poisonous form called methylmercury. As big fish eat smaller ones, the mercury sticks around, accumulating up the food web. For this reason, doctors advise pregnant women around the world to avoid eating large, predatory fish like shark, king mackerel and swordfish. In the Madre de Dios region, where illegal gold mining has surged in recent years along with the price of gold on global markets, the government declared a health emergency in 2016 after 40% of people tested in 97 villages had dangerously high levels of mercury in their systems. Researchers have mostly focused on human exposure to mercury in rivers, lakes and oceans. They have not been as worried about it on land, since it is less likely to become methylmercury. But the sheer load of mercury going into the forest, combined with rainy conditions and soil, are leading to concerning levels of methylmercury there. “It’s been assumed that people living in the Peruvian Amazon have been getting all their methylmercury exposure from eating fish,” Gerson said. “That may not be the case.” The kind of gold mining that happens in the Madre de Dios region, called artisanal and small-scale gold mining, occurs in about 70 countries, often illegally or unofficially, and it is the largest source of mercury pollution in the world. It also accounts for about 20% of global gold production. Julio Cusurichi Palacios, president of the Native Federation of the Madre de Dios River and Tributaries, a group formed by Indigenous communities in the region, said the government should combat illegal mining with enforcement but also by strengthening alternative livelihoods for Indigenous and other local people. They harvest fish, Brazil nuts, yucca and corn, he said, but need help “improving their goods, selling their goods, so they don’t fall into thinking, ‘I better go into mining, since my product doesn’t have a market.’” For the research, Gerson and her team collected soil, leaves, forest litter and other samples at three sites near mining activity and two farther away. To collect certain leaves, they used a giant slingshot to shoot a rope with a weight into the canopy and pull branches down. When the mercury levels came back, it was the protected old-growth site near gold mining activity that stood out. Those areas had more than 15 times as much mercury as nearby clearings, presumably because the thick canopy and vegetation caught and stored the mercury. Shocked by the numbers, Gerson kept searching the scientific literature for examples of forests with similar levels. The only one she found was in an industrial area in Guizhou, China, polluted by mercury mining and coal burning. Some levels in the healthy-looking old-growth Amazon were even higher. By capturing the mercury, the forests are helping to keep it out of aquatic systems, said Emily Bernhardt, a professor of biogeochemistry at Duke and co-author of the study. “These are some of the most biodiverse forests on Earth,” Bernhardt said. “We already knew they sequester tons of carbon in their biomass and their soils, and we have now uncovered an additional, incredibly important service.” But the service is not without cost. Mercury poisoning can affect birds’ ability to navigate and sing, and can cause them to lay fewer eggs, she noted. It can also make their eggs less likely to hatch. Previously, scientists had assumed that the airborne mercury pollution from this kind of gold mining would have less impact locally, said Daniel Obrist, an environmental science professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell who has studied mercury in forests in the northeastern United States and the Arctic and was not involved with the Amazon study. “It fills a very important gap in understanding what happens there with small scale mining and what the implications are,” Obrist said. “Not only for global processes, but also for local communities.”

Alarming levels of mercury are found in old growth Amazon forest

Two of South Africa's indigenous communities have dragged the tech giant Amazon to court. Members of the Khoi Khoi and San community have now filed a case in the Cape Town court against the construction of a new 70,000 sq. meter Amazon complex. Their concern was that the project would harm the environment. The court's ruling might be announced in the next week.

South Africa's indigenous communities file case against tech giant Amazon

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