Drought crisis is worsening in Kenya as over 2 Million face starvation. Horrific pictures of six Giraffes dying out of starvation shows the dire situation which could snowball any time.

The drought in Kenya: Over 2 million face starvation

People of Taiwan will have to decide for themselves through a referendum if they want to save their fragile Red Algal Coral Reef or let government construct an LNG terminal.

Taiwan to hold a referendum to decide whether to save Coral Reef or construct an LNG terminal

Wilton Cartagena, who runs a grocery store on Coney Island, is relieved that a new ferry service connecting the remote beachfront community to Manhattan will cut the four-hour commute for his employees, most of whom live in the Bronx.

He anticipates that the ferries will also bring an economic boon to its shores, which are best known for an amusement park but tethered to a limited summer season. "Coney Island has been very neglected for a long time, so this is going to be good for business," said Cartagena, who owns J-R Market near the anticipated pier.

Except that what is good for business may be coming at the expense of Brooklyn's last remaining creek and the wildlife that live there. Scientists for the city's Parks Department, which oversees Coney Island Creek Park, say city officials pushed ahead with the plan to build the ferry landing on the creek despite concerns that a service there would damage the ecosystem and release toxic pollution.

The Coney Island Creek — popular among bird-watchers, fishermen, schoolchildren and even those who perform baptisms — attracts nearly 250 bird species, some of them rarities such as the white-winged dove and the thick-billed murre that fly all the way from the Arctic. The creek bottom is filled with horseshoe crabs, a major food source for the birds.

Construction of the pier and waves caused by the ferries will probably disrupt the habitat for the crabs that are dependent on quiet waters, scientists say, toppling the entire food chain and erasing a precious wildlife sanctuary in New York City.

The new ferry line, which is expected to cut the daily slog to Manhattan by half an hour, is part of outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio’s flagship initiative to connect the five boroughs via water, and is tied to redevelopment efforts on Coney Island.

Concerns about the environmental impact flared up almost immediately after the city issued a feasibility study in 2018, offering as options two locations: one to the east and the other to the west of the narrow waterway that connects the creek with Gravesend Bay. The city initially did not consider a Coney Island service for the ferry project, and only started looking into it seriously three years ago.

The Economic Development Corporation, a semi-independent city agency in charge of the project, ultimately settled on the location to the west, just across Kaiser Park, saying it had more water depth and was less exposed to adverse weather.

But in recent weeks, local residents have stepped up their opposition to having the pier on the waterway, after they learned that scientists within the Parks Department had cautioned against the selection.

They have questioned whether there was pressure to rush the ferry service to meet de Blasio’s goal for a robust ferry system before his term ends and to support the luxury condominiums being built there by John Catsimatidis, a billionaire developer who has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying the city over the past three years to build a ferry stop on Coney Island.

A lobbying firm hired by Catsimatidis pushed officials for a stop on Coney Island as well as funding for a shuttle service from the ferry landing to the beachfront, where Catsimatidis’ condos and the amusement park stand.

Catsimatidis, in an interview, confirmed that sales of condo units hinged on an operational ferry service. He has already constructed two buildings as part of his Ocean Drive complex, and even though it was yet to be completed, ads were placed in newspapers with the catch: “Ferry to Manhattan Coming Soon!”

“As far as we’re concerned, we built two beautiful buildings and we spent $400 million,” he said. “You know, that’s a lot of money.” He used an expletive to describe the environmental concerns.

Although the ferry service is set to begin within weeks, residents are still asking the city to slow down.

Besides the effects on the wildlife, there are fears that dredging during construction and the shaking of waters by high-speed ferries would release carcinogens such as mercury, lead and dioxins trapped in the creek bed. The area sits across Calvert Vaux Park, a former industrial dump site, and toxins released in the air and water could affect nearby residents, many of whom live in affordable housing, scientists and environmentalists familiar with the area said.

Last month, video footage showed a subcontractor dredging the creek bed without following stringent protocols used to prevent contaminants from being stirred up. The city Economic Development Corporation responded by firing the subcontractor, saying in an email it had not followed rules properly.

Ann Valdez, 55, who lives in a public-housing complex right across the creek, started having breathing problems over the past couple of months, and her doctor prescribed her a nebulizer. She worried that her breathing would get worse when the ferries stir up toxins from the creek bed.

“People are going to get sick. I have children, grandchildren, and I wouldn’t want them to have to be exposed to that,” she said, adding, “The one thought in my mind is — environmentally, it’s crazy.”

The ferry service wouldn’t necessarily relieve commutes for residents like her either, she said, because she would have to pay extra for the ferry ride to lower Manhattan on top of the subway ride from Pier 11, which is a few blocks away from the nearest station. A one-way ticket on the ferry would cost $2.75, the same amount for a single ride on the subway.

“It makes no sense whatsoever because in reality, they’re not trying to make traveling for us, the average person here, any better because the average person still would have to take other transportation to continue their ride,” she said.

Several scientists employed by NYC Parks told The New York Times that they had provided their superiors extensive data showing the negative impacts of operating a ferry service from Coney Island Creek, including the disruption to the birds and horseshoe crabs.

Crabs depend on quiet waters, and because the shoreline is not armored — meaning it cannot withstand boat waves — wake impacts and dredging during construction would lead to lower sand content, reducing shoreline habitat used by aquatic organisms.

The scientists said their comments were not reflected in a key report sent to regulators to help determine whether to issue a permit, and instead the document said the opposite — that there would be no significant environmental impact.

“We do not see how it was concluded that there will be no significant impacts from expanding ferry service to Coney Island Creek,” the parks scientists wrote to their superiors. “The criteria for such a determination were not set out and were never provided.”

Anessa Hodgson, a parks spokesperson, said the environmental impact statement went through several rounds of review by experts across the agency and also considered public comment. The Parks Department, she added, came to the “ultimate concurrence with the conclusions” outlined in the development agency’s final statement.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation said it follows its own process for approving projects, but that much of its assessment is based on statements provided by the applicant itself — in this case, the Economic Development Corporation. (The conservation scientists themselves do not inspect a site.)

The Army Corps of Engineers, a separate regulator that primarily looks at dredging and in-water construction activities, also concluded that there would not be a significant ecological impact and issued a permit.

In an email, the Economic Development Corporation said it took environmental concerns seriously and that construction would not have proceeded without full approval by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Still, critics questioned the process and said that had the Parks Department aligned with its own scientists, regulators may have taken more time to assess the situation before issuing the permit. But that could mean delaying the launch of the ferry service to a later date — probably not during de Blasio’s tenure, which ends Dec. 31.

A former Economic Development Corporation official involved in the project said that despite the agency being technically independent, pushing back against the mayor’s wishes was virtually impossible.

“If Parks said that there are impacts, this can add significant cost to the project and results in a lot of arguing back and forth about what should be done, where and how,” said Ida Sanoff, executive director of the Natural Resources Protective Association.

Many residents want the ferry service and are hopeful that it would bring a much-needed boost to the local economy. Businesses are hoping it will make the seasonally operated amusement park open year-round.

The ferry at Coney Island Creek also means bringing more people to the side of Coney Island, opposite from the beach and amusement district, where they normally would not venture.

Assemblywoman Mathylde Frontus, whose district includes Coney Island and who has been leading the opposition to the Coney Island Creek location, said she wanted a ferry service too — but not at any cost.

“We would be thrilled and do backflips if we have a ferry in Coney Island, so we want it done properly,” she said.

“If we’re not ready now, we should in fact wait a little longer. Our health is so important that it’s much more important to have it done the right way than any old way.”

Wilton Cartagena, who runs a grocery store on Coney Island, is relieved that a new ferry service connecting the remote beachfront community to Manhattan will cut the four-hour commute for his employees, most of whom live in the Bronx.

Wilton Cartagena, who runs a grocery store on Coney Island, is relieved that a new ferry service connecting the remote beachfront community to Manhattan will cut the four-hour commute for his employees, most of whom live in the Bronx. He anticipates that the ferries will also bring an economic boon to its shores, which are best known for an amusement park but tethered to a limited summer season. "Coney Island has been very neglected for a long time, so this is going to be good for business," said Cartagena, who owns J-R Market near the anticipated pier. Except that what is good for business may be coming at the expense of Brooklyn's last remaining creek and the wildlife that live there. Scientists for the city's Parks Department, which oversees Coney Island Creek Park, say city officials pushed ahead with the plan to build the ferry landing on the creek despite concerns that a service there would damage the ecosystem and release toxic pollution. The Coney Island Creek — popular among bird-watchers, fishermen, schoolchildren and even those who perform baptisms — attracts nearly 250 bird species, some of them rarities such as the white-winged dove and the thick-billed murre that fly all the way from the Arctic. The creek bottom is filled with horseshoe crabs, a major food source for the birds. Construction of the pier and waves caused by the ferries will probably disrupt the habitat for the crabs that are dependent on quiet waters, scientists say, toppling the entire food chain and erasing a precious wildlife sanctuary in New York City. The new ferry line, which is expected to cut the daily slog to Manhattan by half an hour, is part of outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio’s flagship initiative to connect the five boroughs via water, and is tied to redevelopment efforts on Coney Island. Concerns about the environmental impact flared up almost immediately after the city issued a feasibility study in 2018, offering as options two locations: one to the east and the other to the west of the narrow waterway that connects the creek with Gravesend Bay. The city initially did not consider a Coney Island service for the ferry project, and only started looking into it seriously three years ago. The Economic Development Corporation, a semi-independent city agency in charge of the project, ultimately settled on the location to the west, just across Kaiser Park, saying it had more water depth and was less exposed to adverse weather. But in recent weeks, local residents have stepped up their opposition to having the pier on the waterway, after they learned that scientists within the Parks Department had cautioned against the selection. They have questioned whether there was pressure to rush the ferry service to meet de Blasio’s goal for a robust ferry system before his term ends and to support the luxury condominiums being built there by John Catsimatidis, a billionaire developer who has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying the city over the past three years to build a ferry stop on Coney Island. A lobbying firm hired by Catsimatidis pushed officials for a stop on Coney Island as well as funding for a shuttle service from the ferry landing to the beachfront, where Catsimatidis’ condos and the amusement park stand. Catsimatidis, in an interview, confirmed that sales of condo units hinged on an operational ferry service. He has already constructed two buildings as part of his Ocean Drive complex, and even though it was yet to be completed, ads were placed in newspapers with the catch: “Ferry to Manhattan Coming Soon!” “As far as we’re concerned, we built two beautiful buildings and we spent $400 million,” he said. “You know, that’s a lot of money.” He used an expletive to describe the environmental concerns. Although the ferry service is set to begin within weeks, residents are still asking the city to slow down. Besides the effects on the wildlife, there are fears that dredging during construction and the shaking of waters by high-speed ferries would release carcinogens such as mercury, lead and dioxins trapped in the creek bed. The area sits across Calvert Vaux Park, a former industrial dump site, and toxins released in the air and water could affect nearby residents, many of whom live in affordable housing, scientists and environmentalists familiar with the area said. Last month, video footage showed a subcontractor dredging the creek bed without following stringent protocols used to prevent contaminants from being stirred up. The city Economic Development Corporation responded by firing the subcontractor, saying in an email it had not followed rules properly. Ann Valdez, 55, who lives in a public-housing complex right across the creek, started having breathing problems over the past couple of months, and her doctor prescribed her a nebulizer. She worried that her breathing would get worse when the ferries stir up toxins from the creek bed. “People are going to get sick. I have children, grandchildren, and I wouldn’t want them to have to be exposed to that,” she said, adding, “The one thought in my mind is — environmentally, it’s crazy.” The ferry service wouldn’t necessarily relieve commutes for residents like her either, she said, because she would have to pay extra for the ferry ride to lower Manhattan on top of the subway ride from Pier 11, which is a few blocks away from the nearest station. A one-way ticket on the ferry would cost $2.75, the same amount for a single ride on the subway. “It makes no sense whatsoever because in reality, they’re not trying to make traveling for us, the average person here, any better because the average person still would have to take other transportation to continue their ride,” she said. Several scientists employed by NYC Parks told The New York Times that they had provided their superiors extensive data showing the negative impacts of operating a ferry service from Coney Island Creek, including the disruption to the birds and horseshoe crabs. Crabs depend on quiet waters, and because the shoreline is not armored — meaning it cannot withstand boat waves — wake impacts and dredging during construction would lead to lower sand content, reducing shoreline habitat used by aquatic organisms. The scientists said their comments were not reflected in a key report sent to regulators to help determine whether to issue a permit, and instead the document said the opposite — that there would be no significant environmental impact. “We do not see how it was concluded that there will be no significant impacts from expanding ferry service to Coney Island Creek,” the parks scientists wrote to their superiors. “The criteria for such a determination were not set out and were never provided.” Anessa Hodgson, a parks spokesperson, said the environmental impact statement went through several rounds of review by experts across the agency and also considered public comment. The Parks Department, she added, came to the “ultimate concurrence with the conclusions” outlined in the development agency’s final statement. The state Department of Environmental Conservation said it follows its own process for approving projects, but that much of its assessment is based on statements provided by the applicant itself — in this case, the Economic Development Corporation. (The conservation scientists themselves do not inspect a site.) The Army Corps of Engineers, a separate regulator that primarily looks at dredging and in-water construction activities, also concluded that there would not be a significant ecological impact and issued a permit. In an email, the Economic Development Corporation said it took environmental concerns seriously and that construction would not have proceeded without full approval by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Army Corps of Engineers. Still, critics questioned the process and said that had the Parks Department aligned with its own scientists, regulators may have taken more time to assess the situation before issuing the permit. But that could mean delaying the launch of the ferry service to a later date — probably not during de Blasio’s tenure, which ends Dec. 31. A former Economic Development Corporation official involved in the project said that despite the agency being technically independent, pushing back against the mayor’s wishes was virtually impossible. “If Parks said that there are impacts, this can add significant cost to the project and results in a lot of arguing back and forth about what should be done, where and how,” said Ida Sanoff, executive director of the Natural Resources Protective Association. Many residents want the ferry service and are hopeful that it would bring a much-needed boost to the local economy. Businesses are hoping it will make the seasonally operated amusement park open year-round. The ferry at Coney Island Creek also means bringing more people to the side of Coney Island, opposite from the beach and amusement district, where they normally would not venture. Assemblywoman Mathylde Frontus, whose district includes Coney Island and who has been leading the opposition to the Coney Island Creek location, said she wanted a ferry service too — but not at any cost. “We would be thrilled and do backflips if we have a ferry in Coney Island, so we want it done properly,” she said. “If we’re not ready now, we should in fact wait a little longer. Our health is so important that it’s much more important to have it done the right way than any old way.”

A ferry is coming to coney island. Here’s why some residents are angry.

Experts are blaming climate change and rapid urbanization for a rapid rise in sea level in Albania. The sea level is expected to rise by 40 inches and will recede the coastal line.

Climate Change: Albania sea level to rise by 40 inches & threaten communist-era bunkers

Brazil and Bolivia join hands to save the endangered Amazon river turtles. Climate change and human intervention have been responsible for a decline in their population.

Climate Change: Brazil join hands with Bolivia to save Amazon river turtles

With the COVID-19 pandemic and face masks becoming mandatory, there has been a whopping 9000% rise in plastic pollution due to face masks.

Study: 9000% rise in plastic pollution due to face masks

Beavers are often nature's best friend, but the rapid rise in the Beaver population in Siberia are increasing carbon emissions. Beaver's invasive traits add to the struggle of scientists to stop them.

The rising population of Beavers driving up carbon emissions in Siberia

In a bid to preserve Amazon river turtles who often fall prey to poachers, Brazil and Bolivia join hands. Turtles have significant biological importance for the environment.

Climate Change: Brazil joins Bolivia to help preserve Amazon river turtles

Due to rapid urbanization and receding wetlands, the population of dragonflies have declined drastically. At this pace, extinction threat looms ahead for the dragonflies, which may, in turn, affect nature's balance.

Climate Change: Dragonflies face extinction threat as wetlands recede, may imbalance nature

According to European Union's Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, wildfires raged by climate change emitted record-breaking carbon into the atmosphere in 2021.

Wildfires raged by climate change spurred record-breaking carbon into the atmosphere | English News

The New York&nbsp;state&nbsp;constitution will be amended to say people have the&nbsp;right&nbsp;to&nbsp;clean&nbsp;air and water and a healthy&nbsp;environment, after voters said yes to the measure in a referendum that was part of local elections on Tuesday.

A total of 60.8 percent of voters approved the referendum question, compared to 27 percent against and 11.7 casting blank ballots, with 99 percent of&nbsp;state&nbsp;districts reporting. Supporters of the "yes" option are claiming victory.

Even though turnout was low,&nbsp;3.1 million people voted out of 12.3 million who were registered, environmental activists said the&nbsp;constitutional&nbsp;amendment is an important step. It came as the COP26 climate summit was underway in Glasgow, Scotland.&nbsp;

"We cannot take&nbsp;clean&nbsp;water and air for granted. For too long, our most vulnerable communities have been harmed by high levels of air pollution and water contamination," said Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

Questions remain on whether this environmental&nbsp;right&nbsp;will be truly binding and opponents are already warning that it would create a legal quagmire that could slow down economic development.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-people-at-risk-of-developing-harmful-diseases-due-to-contaminated-tap-water-426704">Also read |&nbsp;US: People at risk of developing harmful diseases due to contaminated tap water</a>

"The courts are going to have a big job ahead of them to sort out what exactly this means," said Peter Bauer, the director of environmental advocacy group Protect the Adirondacks, whose name refers to a vast mountain and lake area in upstate New York, although he did say the vote is a success for people who care about the&nbsp;environment.&nbsp;

Including rights linked to the&nbsp;environment&nbsp;in the constitution has become an issue in many countries.

In France, for instance, the government abandoned in July a bill that sought to guarantee protection of the&nbsp;environment&nbsp;and biodiversity and to fight climate change in a clause in the constitution, after it failed to win support in parliament.

The website Ballotpedia lists Pennsylvania as the first US&nbsp;state&nbsp;to include the&nbsp;environment&nbsp;in its constitution, in 1971. Five others followed Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana and Rhode Island.

The New York state constitution will be amended to say people have the right to clean air and water and a healthy environment, after voters said yes to the measure in a referendum that was part of local elections on Tuesday.

The New York state constitution will be amended to say people have the right to clean air and water and a healthy environment, after voters said yes to the measure in a referendum that was part of local elections on Tuesday. A total of 60.8 percent of voters approved the referendum question, compared to 27 percent against and 11.7 casting blank ballots, with 99 percent of state districts reporting. Supporters of the "yes" option are claiming victory. Even though turnout was low, 3.1 million people voted out of 12.3 million who were registered, environmental activists said the constitutional amendment is an important step. It came as the COP26 climate summit was underway in Glasgow, Scotland. "We cannot take clean water and air for granted. For too long, our most vulnerable communities have been harmed by high levels of air pollution and water contamination," said Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. Questions remain on whether this environmental right will be truly binding and opponents are already warning that it would create a legal quagmire that could slow down economic development. Also read | US: People at risk of developing harmful diseases due to contaminated tap water "The courts are going to have a big job ahead of them to sort out what exactly this means," said Peter Bauer, the director of environmental advocacy group Protect the Adirondacks, whose name refers to a vast mountain and lake area in upstate New York, although he did say the vote is a success for people who care about the environment. Including rights linked to the environment in the constitution has become an issue in many countries. In France, for instance, the government abandoned in July a bill that sought to guarantee protection of the environment and biodiversity and to fight climate change in a clause in the constitution, after it failed to win support in parliament. The website Ballotpedia lists Pennsylvania as the first US state to include the environment in its constitution, in 1971. Five others followed Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana and Rhode Island.

New York state approves constitutional right to clean environment

Tech giant Yahoo has pulled out of China, citing an “increasingly challenging business and legal environment.” The withdrawal was largely symbolic, as many of the company's services were already blocked by China's digital censorship.

Yahoo pulls out of China, citing ‘challenging’ business environment

On November 1, leaders from around the world will gather at Glasgow for the biggest climate summit ever and the stakes could not be higher.&nbsp;Here’s a really simple guide about everything you need to know about the climate crisis.&nbsp;

1. What is climate change?

Climate is the weather of a certain area over a long period of time. But when it starts changing over time, it’s called climate change. This could be a difference in how much rain a place usually gets. Or the region could become drier. Storms can become more frequent and deadlier.&nbsp;

Climate Change is also a change in Earth’s climate: a change in its temperature. While weather can change in a matter of hours, climate takes hundreds or even millions of years to change.&nbsp;

2. Is the world getting warmer?

Yes. Scientists say the world is now 1.2 degrees Celcius warmer that it was in the 19th century. And we humans are to blame for it. This rise in the planet’s temperature is due to human activity of using oil, gas and coal for various purposes.&nbsp;Collectively, they are called fossil fuels. And when they burn, they release greenhouse gases (GHG), mainly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. These gases trap the sun’s heat inside the earth’s atmosphere, causing the temperature of the planet to rise.&nbsp;

3. Why is this dangerous?

As Earth gets hotter and hotter, it affects your regular weather programming. So the world will experience more extreme climate events. Here are a few examples:&nbsp;

<ol>
	<li>longer, hotter heatwaves&nbsp;</li>
	<li>More persistent droughts&nbsp;</li>
	<li>More wildfires&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Extreme rainfall events like flooding, storms&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

A hotter planet will also lead to rising sea levels due to melting ice. Rising sea level threatens to put island nations, coastal cities under water, displacing millions of people. Animals will find it harder to get food and water where they live. Scientists believe at least 550 species could be lost this century if action is not taken.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="Here are 10 questions to understand climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a1e88f9-9acd-4509-a8b8-df4f1cb936d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/drought%202.png" />

&nbsp;

4. What needs to be done?

We need to slow down the increase of our planet’s temperature. Preferably to 1.5 C by the year 2100. Think of the planet as coming down with a fever. The hotter it gets, the worse it is.&nbsp;

5. What is COP26? And how is it relevant?&nbsp;

COP26 stands for the Conference Of the Parties. It’s the annual conference of 197 countries who are part of the UN convention on Climate Change.&nbsp;This time, world leaders are coming together in Glasgow to bring out a more concrete plan to limit global warming, working on promises and goals set out in 2015, in what is known as the&nbsp;Paris Agreement.&nbsp;

The likely targets will be to agree on a plan to limit the rise in temperature to 1.5 C, new goals from countries to reduce carbon emissions by 2030, and $100 billion to be given to poorer nations to fight climate change.

6. What is the Paris Agreement?&nbsp;

The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark moment because it was there for the first time that almost all the world’s countries agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

It was agreed that efforts would be undertaken to limit global temperatures rise to 1.5 C and a promise to achieve&nbsp;net zero emissions&nbsp;between 2050 - 2100. Each country had to set their own emission-reduction targets and review it every five years.&nbsp;

7. Have countries acted on their pledges?

There remains a substantial gap between what governments have promised to do, and the actions they have taken.&nbsp;

The US, the world’s biggest polluter, has promised to cut emissions of GHG by 50 -52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. China and Saudi Arabia have set targets to be carbon-neutral by 2060, but experts say this is meaningless unless action is taken now.&nbsp;

So far only Canada, Denmark, the EU, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, and the UK have signed net-zero commitments into law.&nbsp;

India, the world’s third biggest emitter of GHG after China, has declined from announcing a net zero target. In 2015, India committed to cutting the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33%-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Only 2 countries, Suriname and Bhutan, have already achieved net zero emissions.

In all, over 120 countries have set some form of net-zero targets.&nbsp;

8. A brief segue: What is a net zero emissions target?

Think of it as a scale. On one hand, we have greenhouse gases that are not good for the planet and we have natural process (trees) which can offset them. So there needs to be a balance between GHG emissions produced and GHG taken out of the atmosphere.&nbsp;

’Net zero emissions’ means not producing more greenhouse gases than the environment can offset. But once we stop emitting GHG from fossil fuels, we still need to deal with the emissions that we have already put in the atmosphere over the years. The world has decades of past harm to repair.&nbsp;

9. What is the solution?

First, forget the existence of fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency says that there can be no new coal, oil or gas projects if the world wants to meet their net zero emission targets by 2050.

Fossil fuels are the largest source of GHG emissions.

Shifting to renewable energy is key. Solar, wind and renewable hydrogen do not emit GHG and it is clean, reliable and will become affordable with time. Read about what more you can personally do to combat climate change&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/fighting-climate-change-what-can-you-do-to-help-423750">here</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/fighting-climate-change-what-can-you-do-to-help-423750">.</a>

10. Is it too late?

It is still possible to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. But it will require rapid, far- reaching transformations across every sector- from power, architecture, transport and agriculture. A target is only as good as the policies undermining it.&nbsp;

After decades of governments dragging their feet on tackling climate change, they have found themselves with a crisis that they cannot put off any longer. And with scientists waving red flags in our faces, it is time for governments to act.&nbsp;

On November 1, leaders from around the world will gather at Glasgow for the biggest climate summit ever and the stakes could not be higher. Here’s a really simple guide about everything you need to know about the climate crisis.

On November 1, leaders from around the world will gather at Glasgow for the biggest climate summit ever and the stakes could not be higher. Here’s a really simple guide about everything you need to know about the climate crisis. 1. What is climate change? Climate is the weather of a certain area over a long period of time. But when it starts changing over time, it’s called climate change. This could be a difference in how much rain a place usually gets. Or the region could become drier. Storms can become more frequent and deadlier. Climate Change is also a change in Earth’s climate: a change in its temperature. While weather can change in a matter of hours, climate takes hundreds or even millions of years to change. 2. Is the world getting warmer? Yes. Scientists say the world is now 1.2 degrees Celcius warmer that it was in the 19th century. And we humans are to blame for it. This rise in the planet’s temperature is due to human activity of using oil, gas and coal for various purposes. Collectively, they are called fossil fuels. And when they burn, they release greenhouse gases (GHG), mainly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. These gases trap the sun’s heat inside the earth’s atmosphere, causing the temperature of the planet to rise. 3. Why is this dangerous? As Earth gets hotter and hotter, it affects your regular weather programming. So the world will experience more extreme climate events. Here are a few examples: longer, hotter heatwaves More persistent droughts More wildfires Extreme rainfall events like flooding, storms A hotter planet will also lead to rising sea levels due to melting ice. Rising sea level threatens to put island nations, coastal cities under water, displacing millions of people. Animals will find it harder to get food and water where they live. Scientists believe at least 550 species could be lost this century if action is not taken. 4. What needs to be done? We need to slow down the increase of our planet’s temperature. Preferably to 1.5 C by the year 2100. Think of the planet as coming down with a fever. The hotter it gets, the worse it is. 5. What is COP26? And how is it relevant? COP26 stands for the Conference Of the Parties. It’s the annual conference of 197 countries who are part of the UN convention on Climate Change. This time, world leaders are coming together in Glasgow to bring out a more concrete plan to limit global warming, working on promises and goals set out in 2015, in what is known as the Paris Agreement. The likely targets will be to agree on a plan to limit the rise in temperature to 1.5 C, new goals from countries to reduce carbon emissions by 2030, and $100 billion to be given to poorer nations to fight climate change. 6. What is the Paris Agreement? The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark moment because it was there for the first time that almost all the world’s countries agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions. It was agreed that efforts would be undertaken to limit global temperatures rise to 1.5 C and a promise to achieve net zero emissions between 2050 - 2100. Each country had to set their own emission-reduction targets and review it every five years. 7. Have countries acted on their pledges? There remains a substantial gap between what governments have promised to do, and the actions they have taken. The US, the world’s biggest polluter, has promised to cut emissions of GHG by 50 -52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. China and Saudi Arabia have set targets to be carbon-neutral by 2060, but experts say this is meaningless unless action is taken now. So far only Canada, Denmark, the EU, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, and the UK have signed net-zero commitments into law. India, the world’s third biggest emitter of GHG after China, has declined from announcing a net zero target. In 2015, India committed to cutting the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33%-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels. Only 2 countries, Suriname and Bhutan, have already achieved net zero emissions. In all, over 120 countries have set some form of net-zero targets. 8. A brief segue: What is a net zero emissions target? Think of it as a scale. On one hand, we have greenhouse gases that are not good for the planet and we have natural process (trees) which can offset them. So there needs to be a balance between GHG emissions produced and GHG taken out of the atmosphere. ’Net zero emissions’ means not producing more greenhouse gases than the environment can offset. But once we stop emitting GHG from fossil fuels, we still need to deal with the emissions that we have already put in the atmosphere over the years. The world has decades of past harm to repair. 9. What is the solution? First, forget the existence of fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency says that there can be no new coal, oil or gas projects if the world wants to meet their net zero emission targets by 2050. Fossil fuels are the largest source of GHG emissions. Shifting to renewable energy is key. Solar, wind and renewable hydrogen do not emit GHG and it is clean, reliable and will become affordable with time. Read about what more you can personally do to combat climate change here. 10. Is it too late? It is still possible to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. But it will require rapid, far- reaching transformations across every sector- from power, architecture, transport and agriculture. A target is only as good as the policies undermining it. After decades of governments dragging their feet on tackling climate change, they have found themselves with a crisis that they cannot put off any longer. And with scientists waving red flags in our faces, it is time for governments to act.

Ahead of COP26, here are 10 questions to understand climate change

The use of gasoline and its impact on the environment has been studied at length, it happens to be a major contributor to air pollution. A Scottish biotech company claims to have found a sustainable low-cost alternative- whiskey- here's how!

Whiskey byproducts may fuel cars

Prince William&nbsp;and Kate Middleton on Sunday revealed the first winners of the Earthshot Prize. This prize will award about $1.4 million to five different global initiatives that have advanced “cutting-edge environmental solutions” all across the globe.

The prize council, which included climate experts, actors and world leaders, selected the five winners from 15 finalists.&nbsp;The five winners come from the country of Costa Rica to a municipal program in Milan to several different startups.

They were all selected due to “their groundbreaking solutions to the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet,” a news release from the prize said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-william-launches-most-prestigious-environment-prize-333465">Also read |&nbsp;Prince William launches 'most prestigious' environment prize</a>

Prince William, in a statement, said, "Our five inspirational Winners show that everyone has a role to play in the global effort to repair our planet."

“We need businesses, leaders, innovators, and communities to take action. And, ultimately, we need all of us to demand that the solutions get the support they need. Because the success of our Winners is our collective, global Earthshot.”

The prize is supported by a coalition of individuals, organisations and businesses.&nbsp;

Earlier, Kensington Palace described it as the "most prestigious global environment prize in history" and said it was inspired by US President John F. Kennedy's "Moonshot" project in the 1960s.

"We need to find solutions to be able to live our lives and enjoy our lives and not feel guilty and bad about some of the things we do," the prince, who is second in line to the throne, told BBC Radio 4 in an interview.

Prince William and Kate Middleton on Sunday revealed the first winners of the Earthshot Prize. This prize will award about $1.4 million to five different global initiatives that have advanced “cutting-edge environmental solutions” all across the globe.

Prince William and Kate Middleton on Sunday revealed the first winners of the Earthshot Prize. This prize will award about $1.4 million to five different global initiatives that have advanced “cutting-edge environmental solutions” all across the globe. The prize council, which included climate experts, actors and world leaders, selected the five winners from 15 finalists. The five winners come from the country of Costa Rica to a municipal program in Milan to several different startups. They were all selected due to “their groundbreaking solutions to the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet,” a news release from the prize said. Also read | Prince William launches 'most prestigious' environment prize Prince William, in a statement, said, "Our five inspirational Winners show that everyone has a role to play in the global effort to repair our planet." “We need businesses, leaders, innovators, and communities to take action. And, ultimately, we need all of us to demand that the solutions get the support they need. Because the success of our Winners is our collective, global Earthshot.” The prize is supported by a coalition of individuals, organisations and businesses. Earlier, Kensington Palace described it as the "most prestigious global environment prize in history" and said it was inspired by US President John F. Kennedy's "Moonshot" project in the 1960s. "We need to find solutions to be able to live our lives and enjoy our lives and not feel guilty and bad about some of the things we do," the prince, who is second in line to the throne, told BBC Radio 4 in an interview.

'Earthshot Prize': Environmental innovators awarded nearly $7 million

Britain and the United States are among a few countries withholding support for a proposal brought at the United Nations that would recognise access to a safe and healthy environment as a human right.

UN seeks to declare clean environment a human right

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season.

"People of Delhi can register complaints regarding 10 kinds of pollution via Green Delhi App throughout this winter season (ie from October to February). Our 21 member team will work actively during this time," he said while launching the 24X7 Green War Room.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-jal-jeevan-mission-app-rashtriya-jal-jeevan-kosh-today-417578">PM Modi launches Jal Jeevan Mission app, Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh today</a>

The room is permanent which will look into the problem related to waste, bio-mass burning, industrial pollution, construction or demolition related pollution, waste on roads, pollution emitting vehicles, noise pollution, among others, Rai added.

"Green War Room is a joint platform of 27 departments of Delhi and Central government and the Municipal Corporation. Complaints received via Green Delhi App are resolved with the help of the joint action plan of these departments. Every department will have a nodal point and nearly 2,500 people have been trained in batches for the proper implementation of the plan," he said.

The Green Delhi App was launched in 2020 to enable Delhi residents to register complaints about violations of anti-pollution guidelines. However, the app was only available on Android phones then.

"From now on, the app is also available for iOS users," Rai said, adding that the Delhi government had received 27,000 complaints, out of which over 23,000 have already been resolved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-index-india-worlds-second-most-polluted-country-415692">Air Quality Index: India world’s second most polluted country</a>

"The 150 pollution hotspots that we have come to know about via the app will be continuously monitored in this room," he said.

A team of 70 Green Marshals have been set up who will work as a task force to ensure whether the registered complaints have actually been solved or not.

The minister also said that the process for recruitment of 50 engineers has already been started by Delhi Pollution Control Committee to fill vacancies.

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season.

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season. "People of Delhi can register complaints regarding 10 kinds of pollution via Green Delhi App throughout this winter season (ie from October to February). Our 21 member team will work actively during this time," he said while launching the 24X7 Green War Room. Also Read | PM Modi launches Jal Jeevan Mission app, Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh today The room is permanent which will look into the problem related to waste, bio-mass burning, industrial pollution, construction or demolition related pollution, waste on roads, pollution emitting vehicles, noise pollution, among others, Rai added. "Green War Room is a joint platform of 27 departments of Delhi and Central government and the Municipal Corporation. Complaints received via Green Delhi App are resolved with the help of the joint action plan of these departments. Every department will have a nodal point and nearly 2,500 people have been trained in batches for the proper implementation of the plan," he said. The Green Delhi App was launched in 2020 to enable Delhi residents to register complaints about violations of anti-pollution guidelines. However, the app was only available on Android phones then. "From now on, the app is also available for iOS users," Rai said, adding that the Delhi government had received 27,000 complaints, out of which over 23,000 have already been resolved. Also read | Air Quality Index: India world’s second most polluted country "The 150 pollution hotspots that we have come to know about via the app will be continuously monitored in this room," he said. A team of 70 Green Marshals have been set up who will work as a task force to ensure whether the registered complaints have actually been solved or not. The minister also said that the process for recruitment of 50 engineers has already been started by Delhi Pollution Control Committee to fill vacancies.

Delhi government launches advanced Green War Room app to address 10 kinds of pollution

Climate Change is the buzz-word these days, and it seems as if no conversation is complete without bringing it up, even if dropped casually, understood or misunderstood. I shall not delve into that debate. However, what is important is that it has caught people’s attention and concern-Are we heading towards a doomsday?&nbsp; 
Unfortunately, it seems so. As the recent IPCC Climate Change Report has sounded “RED CODE” that every part of the earth is experiencing climate change.

Mahatma Gandhi had said that “The Earth has enough resources for our need but not for our greed”. This is so true. Humans, perceiving themselves as superior beings, have always wanted to conquer and control every part of the universe, including the environment and nature. This path of unsustainable development has come with a price, which we are paying today, and unfortunately there seems to be a path of no return for generations to come.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thirty-years-of-blah-blah-blah-greta-thunberg-slams-climate-talks-bureaucracy-416816">Thirty years of 'blah blah blah': Greta Thunberg slams climate talks bureaucracy</a>

As we are racing to contain global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius to save our planet, it is the most marginalized children and their families who are getting impacted by environment degradation, protracted disaster and climate events, for no fault of theirs. They may be contributing the least to climate change, but face the maximum impact of stress and shocks, so much so that at times their own survival and existence becomes a question mark.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-using-scientific-solutions-to-tackle-climate-change-impact-on-agriculture-pm-modi-416536">India using scientific solutions to tackle climate change impact on agriculture: PM Modi</a>

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in its report “Children’s Rights and Environment Violations of their Rights” has stated that environmental harm can have irreversible, lifelong and even transgenerational consequences. The children are said to be particularly vulnerable, due to their evolving physical and mental development, and status within society. The report also says that over half a billion children live in areas with extremely high risk of flooding, 115 million are at high or extremely high risk from tropical cyclones, and almost 160 million are exposed to high or extremely high drought severity.

Some theories even suggest that COVID-19 may be just the starting point. The humanity may actually be facing more pandemics as we continue to reduce forest cover and biodiversity creating an ecological imbalance and exposing ourselves to diseases and threats.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-world-should-follow-indias-path-on-climate-change-first-solar-ceo-tells-pm-modi-415330">The world should follow India's path on climate change: First Solar CEO tells PM Modi</a>

India is a young country where 40% of its total population are children below 18 years. This means that any impact related to environment, disaster, and climate is going to greatly affect almost half of India’s population with many on the fringes, in terms of their basic needs to health and nutrition, learning, and protection. The devastating consequences could range from increase in vector and bacterial borne diseases, hunger, loss of learning and livelihood, to exploitative situations such as child labour, trafficking, and child marriage to mention but a few.

As in any humanitarian crisis, it is the women and girls who are impacted the most, differently than men and boys, and also have unique needs, which are ignored most of the time. They are the first to adjust and compromise on their needs, and the last to receive any access to information, services or benefits, especially in a country like ours where gender disparity exists in every helm of the life, is deeply entrenched in patriarchy and harmful social and cultural norms. Climate change may actually further widen the existing gender

Inequalities, with the women and girls seeing lesser food on their plates, unable to continue schooling due to less resources at home, or have no access to safer transport and mobility in events of frequent floods or landslides. Here, most women are engaged in informal sector, including ancillary and home-based work, and their livelihoods will be greatly impacted by protracted disasters and climate events. Women largely invest their earnings on their children, and any loss in their income will have a direct bearing on the overall well-being. Women will also be forced to opt for jobs which provide them with meager income, less safety and security, and expose them more to exploitative situations.

This situation may seem to be accentuated. However, everything may not be lost. The call of the hour is for collective actions by the government, civil society organizations and citizens. As protracted disasters and climate events are localized, a universal child benefit programme which can be adapted to the given situation would greatly help children to overcome shocks and stress. Localized resilience and climate change adaptation programmes, specifically looking at children’s needs should be included in the Local Governance plans, both rural and urban, and should be developed in consultation with affected communities including the children and women. India is one of the countries with a large number of social protection programmes and this is an opportunity to review and make them climate proof keeping children in the core, thereby benefitting large number of children and their families. As women and girls are affected differently during disasters and climate events and have their own unique needs, all the programmes of the government aimed at mitigating climate change should be gender transformative and child sensitive.

Addressing climate change is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, the government should meaningfully involve and engage the Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, schools, Resident Welfare Associations, self-help groups, youth groups, corporates, civil society organizations and others to create a mass movement where children, youth, and communities take concrete localized action towards net zero carbon emission.

For instance, schools adopting green measures including switching to clean energy, recycling waste and grey water should be awarded. Waste management, recycling of waste water, rain water harvesting, using clean energy, and maintaining minimum tree cover should be made mandatory to all resident welfare associations. Self-help groups should be provided with cheaper loans and appropriate technology for green entrepreneurships, creating green assets such as afforestation of wasteland, conservation of local forests, better watershed management, upkeep of traditional water systems, grain banks and conserving local biodiversity.

Livelihood options such as eco-tourism should be promoted not only to further the local economy, but also to promote sustainable tourism and conserve nature. It is our responsibility to imbibe a sustainable lifestyle which is not only environment friendly but also does not harm the mother earth.

As Chief Seattle quoted in one of his famous speeches “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man does not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Climate Change is the buzz-word these days, and it seems as if no conversation is complete without bringing it up, even if dropped casually, understood or misunderstood.

Climate Change is the buzz-word these days, and it seems as if no conversation is complete without bringing it up, even if dropped casually, understood or misunderstood. I shall not delve into that debate. However, what is important is that it has caught people’s attention and concern-Are we heading towards a doomsday? Unfortunately, it seems so. As the recent IPCC Climate Change Report has sounded “RED CODE” that every part of the earth is experiencing climate change. Mahatma Gandhi had said that “The Earth has enough resources for our need but not for our greed”. This is so true. Humans, perceiving themselves as superior beings, have always wanted to conquer and control every part of the universe, including the environment and nature. This path of unsustainable development has come with a price, which we are paying today, and unfortunately there seems to be a path of no return for generations to come. Also Read | Thirty years of 'blah blah blah': Greta Thunberg slams climate talks bureaucracy As we are racing to contain global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius to save our planet, it is the most marginalized children and their families who are getting impacted by environment degradation, protracted disaster and climate events, for no fault of theirs. They may be contributing the least to climate change, but face the maximum impact of stress and shocks, so much so that at times their own survival and existence becomes a question mark. Also Read | India using scientific solutions to tackle climate change impact on agriculture: PM Modi The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in its report “Children’s Rights and Environment Violations of their Rights” has stated that environmental harm can have irreversible, lifelong and even transgenerational consequences. The children are said to be particularly vulnerable, due to their evolving physical and mental development, and status within society. The report also says that over half a billion children live in areas with extremely high risk of flooding, 115 million are at high or extremely high risk from tropical cyclones, and almost 160 million are exposed to high or extremely high drought severity. Some theories even suggest that COVID-19 may be just the starting point. The humanity may actually be facing more pandemics as we continue to reduce forest cover and biodiversity creating an ecological imbalance and exposing ourselves to diseases and threats. Also Read | The world should follow India's path on climate change: First Solar CEO tells PM Modi India is a young country where 40% of its total population are children below 18 years. This means that any impact related to environment, disaster, and climate is going to greatly affect almost half of India’s population with many on the fringes, in terms of their basic needs to health and nutrition, learning, and protection. The devastating consequences could range from increase in vector and bacterial borne diseases, hunger, loss of learning and livelihood, to exploitative situations such as child labour, trafficking, and child marriage to mention but a few. As in any humanitarian crisis, it is the women and girls who are impacted the most, differently than men and boys, and also have unique needs, which are ignored most of the time. They are the first to adjust and compromise on their needs, and the last to receive any access to information, services or benefits, especially in a country like ours where gender disparity exists in every helm of the life, is deeply entrenched in patriarchy and harmful social and cultural norms. Climate change may actually further widen the existing gender Inequalities, with the women and girls seeing lesser food on their plates, unable to continue schooling due to less resources at home, or have no access to safer transport and mobility in events of frequent floods or landslides. Here, most women are engaged in informal sector, including ancillary and home-based work, and their livelihoods will be greatly impacted by protracted disasters and climate events. Women largely invest their earnings on their children, and any loss in their income will have a direct bearing on the overall well-being. Women will also be forced to opt for jobs which provide them with meager income, less safety and security, and expose them more to exploitative situations. This situation may seem to be accentuated. However, everything may not be lost. The call of the hour is for collective actions by the government, civil society organizations and citizens. As protracted disasters and climate events are localized, a universal child benefit programme which can be adapted to the given situation would greatly help children to overcome shocks and stress. Localized resilience and climate change adaptation programmes, specifically looking at children’s needs should be included in the Local Governance plans, both rural and urban, and should be developed in consultation with affected communities including the children and women. India is one of the countries with a large number of social protection programmes and this is an opportunity to review and make them climate proof keeping children in the core, thereby benefitting large number of children and their families. As women and girls are affected differently during disasters and climate events and have their own unique needs, all the programmes of the government aimed at mitigating climate change should be gender transformative and child sensitive. Addressing climate change is everyone’s responsibility. Therefore, the government should meaningfully involve and engage the Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, schools, Resident Welfare Associations, self-help groups, youth groups, corporates, civil society organizations and others to create a mass movement where children, youth, and communities take concrete localized action towards net zero carbon emission. For instance, schools adopting green measures including switching to clean energy, recycling waste and grey water should be awarded. Waste management, recycling of waste water, rain water harvesting, using clean energy, and maintaining minimum tree cover should be made mandatory to all resident welfare associations. Self-help groups should be provided with cheaper loans and appropriate technology for green entrepreneurships, creating green assets such as afforestation of wasteland, conservation of local forests, better watershed management, upkeep of traditional water systems, grain banks and conserving local biodiversity. Livelihood options such as eco-tourism should be promoted not only to further the local economy, but also to promote sustainable tourism and conserve nature. It is our responsibility to imbibe a sustainable lifestyle which is not only environment friendly but also does not harm the mother earth. As Chief Seattle quoted in one of his famous speeches “All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man does not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Climate Change: Everyone’s business for the present and the future generation

In keeping with the annual, 'barbaric' tradition of killing dolphins, nearly 1500 of these mammals were killed in Faroe Island in Denmark. The images and videos from the event held over the weekend depicted water and shoreline becoming red with blood of dead dolphins. The hunt has sparked outrage and drawn sharp reaction from animal rights activists

The hunt is called Grindadrap.dolphins are herded by motorboats towards the shore. They are then killed by the whalers on the shores using harpoons and even power drills. Grindadrap is considered to be an example of traditional 'aboriginal whaling'

As per local media reports, 1428 dolphins were killed during the hunt over the weekend. Tweets showing horrific photos and videos of the hunt did rounds.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/MettePrime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MettePrime</a> It is time for DENMARK to stop the bloody slaughter in the Faroe Islands! Yesterday over 1,400 dolphins were slaughtered! TIME FOR YOU TO ACT! <a href="https://t.co/yGlvPvbrX5">pic.twitter.com/yGlvPvbrX5</a>
— peter baldwin (@petethepunk) <a href="https://twitter.com/petethepunk/status/1437390143254671373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Last night 1428 white side dolphins were slaughtered on the Faroe Islands what utter cruel barbaric bastards (photo courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/seashepherd_uk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@seashepherd_uk</a> ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZacGoldsmith?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZacGoldsmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/peterjameshall_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peterjameshall_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/whalesorg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@whalesorg</a> <a href="https://t.co/K442OCxaQO">pic.twitter.com/K442OCxaQO</a>
— dominic dyer (@domdyer70) <a href="https://twitter.com/domdyer70/status/1437439122210271234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Animal rights activists are up in arms over the practice. Blue Planet Society urged Danish authorities as well as the EU to stop the annual hunt

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A massacre. 
 
An estimated ONE THOUSAND white-sided dolphins cruelly slaughtered in the Faroe Islands last night. 
 
Read more here <a href="https://t.co/yc2Gkx3am3">https://t.co/yc2Gkx3am3</a> 
 
📷 Palli Asbjornsson Justesen <a href="https://t.co/J7UvTVY2bi">pic.twitter.com/J7UvTVY2bi</a>
— Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) <a href="https://twitter.com/Seasaver/status/1437320283627610113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

 
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In keeping with the annual, 'barbaric' tradition of killing dolphins, nearly 1500 of these mammals were killed in Faroe Island in Denmark. The images and videos from the event held over the weekend depicted water and shoreline becoming red with blood of dead dolphins.

In keeping with the annual, 'barbaric' tradition of killing dolphins, nearly 1500 of these mammals were killed in Faroe Island in Denmark. The images and videos from the event held over the weekend depicted water and shoreline becoming red with blood of dead dolphins. The hunt has sparked outrage and drawn sharp reaction from animal rights activists The hunt is called Grindadrap.dolphins are herded by motorboats towards the shore. They are then killed by the whalers on the shores using harpoons and even power drills. Grindadrap is considered to be an example of traditional 'aboriginal whaling' As per local media reports, 1428 dolphins were killed during the hunt over the weekend. Tweets showing horrific photos and videos of the hunt did rounds. @MettePrime It is time for DENMARK to stop the bloody slaughter in the Faroe Islands! Yesterday over 1,400 dolphins were slaughtered! TIME FOR YOU TO ACT! pic.twitter.com/yGlvPvbrX5 — peter baldwin (@petethepunk) September 13, 2021 × Last night 1428 white side dolphins were slaughtered on the Faroe Islands what utter cruel barbaric bastards (photo courtesy of @seashepherd_uk ) @ZacGoldsmith @peterjameshall_ @whalesorg pic.twitter.com/K442OCxaQO — dominic dyer (@domdyer70) September 13, 2021 × Animal rights activists are up in arms over the practice. Blue Planet Society urged Danish authorities as well as the EU to stop the annual hunt A massacre. An estimated ONE THOUSAND white-sided dolphins cruelly slaughtered in the Faroe Islands last night. Read more here https://t.co/yc2Gkx3am3 📷 Palli Asbjornsson Justesen pic.twitter.com/J7UvTVY2bi — Blue Planet Society (@Seasaver) September 13, 2021 ×

Slaughter of 1500 dolphins in Denmark sparks outrage

Expanding its effort to cut carbon emissions, China opened its first plant that will turn radioactive waste into glass.

The disposal technique was carried out on Saturday at a facility in Guangyuan in southwest Sichuan province, according to state news outlet The Global Times which cited the country’s State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defence.

Although some elements such as uranium can be recycled in a reprocessing facility, the remaining spent fuel needs to be disposed of safely.

Nuclear power is often viewed as a green source of energy due to nuclear power plants not producing greenhouse gasses.

However, a major environmental concern related to nuclear power failure to dispose of radioactive wastes such as uranium mill tailings, reactor fuel, and other radioactive wastes.

However, they do produce nuclear waste, because although spent nuclear fuel is no longer useful for generating power, it does still release heat and radiation&nbsp;for many, many years afterwards.

China’s disposal method was carried out by mixing liquid nuclear waste with glass materials at temperatures of around 1,100 degrees Celsius.

Once cooled, the nuclear waste is then stored within the glass, which helps prevent dangerous radioactivity from leaking out.

China is not the first country in the world to perform this technique, which is referred to as nuclear waste vitrification.

A number of countries, including the US, France, Germany and others have disposed of nuclear waste in this way.

(With inputs from agencies)

Expanding its effort to cut carbon emissions, China opened its first plant that will turn radioactive waste into glass. The disposal technique was carried out on Saturday at a facility in Guangyuan in southwest Sichuan province, according to state news outlet The Global Times which cited the country’s State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defence.

Expanding its effort to cut carbon emissions, China opened its first plant that will turn radioactive waste into glass. The disposal technique was carried out on Saturday at a facility in Guangyuan in southwest Sichuan province, according to state news outlet The Global Times which cited the country’s State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defence. Although some elements such as uranium can be recycled in a reprocessing facility, the remaining spent fuel needs to be disposed of safely. Nuclear power is often viewed as a green source of energy due to nuclear power plants not producing greenhouse gasses. However, a major environmental concern related to nuclear power failure to dispose of radioactive wastes such as uranium mill tailings, reactor fuel, and other radioactive wastes. However, they do produce nuclear waste, because although spent nuclear fuel is no longer useful for generating power, it does still release heat and radiation for many, many years afterwards. China’s disposal method was carried out by mixing liquid nuclear waste with glass materials at temperatures of around 1,100 degrees Celsius. Once cooled, the nuclear waste is then stored within the glass, which helps prevent dangerous radioactivity from leaking out. China is not the first country in the world to perform this technique, which is referred to as nuclear waste vitrification. A number of countries, including the US, France, Germany and others have disposed of nuclear waste in this way. (With inputs from agencies)

China opens its first plant that turns radioactive waste into glass

The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover. The number is highest till now for second consecutive year.

This translates to deaths of 4 activists per week. Key findings of the report said that half of the attacks took place in just three countries: Columbia, Mexico and the Philippines.

In Mexico, there were 30 lethal attacks against land and environmental defenders in 2020. This is 67 per cent increase from 2019. Almost third of the attacks were carried out against those opposing logging. Half of the attacks were directed against indigenous communities.

Colombia saw the highest number of killings for second year in a row in 2020. 65 land and environmental defenders were killed. Indigenous people were particularly impacted.

Situation in the Philippines is increasingly meeting international condemnation. Police and military have been cracking down on protests against damaging industries. Global Witness has noted the President Duterte's years in office have seen rise in attacks on environmental activists. 29 environmental activists were killed.

The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover.

The pandemic year of 2020 is being mentioned for another horrific milestone. Global Witness, in its report, said that 227 environmental activists were killed worldover. The number is highest till now for second consecutive year. This translates to deaths of 4 activists per week. Key findings of the report said that half of the attacks took place in just three countries: Columbia, Mexico and the Philippines. In Mexico, there were 30 lethal attacks against land and environmental defenders in 2020. This is 67 per cent increase from 2019. Almost third of the attacks were carried out against those opposing logging. Half of the attacks were directed against indigenous communities. Colombia saw the highest number of killings for second year in a row in 2020. 65 land and environmental defenders were killed. Indigenous people were particularly impacted. Situation in the Philippines is increasingly meeting international condemnation. Police and military have been cracking down on protests against damaging industries. Global Witness has noted the President Duterte's years in office have seen rise in attacks on environmental activists. 29 environmental activists were killed.

Number of environmental activists killed world over highest for second year

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options;&nbsp;from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless.&nbsp;

From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian,&nbsp;and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/destroying-stereotypes-study-finds-that-older-adults-support-govt-efforts-to-tackle-climate-change-409522">Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change</a>

While there will be meat on the menu, but it'll be limited to only one option four days a week.

Daniela Kummle of Studierendenwerk, which provides economic, social, health, and cultural support to students living in Berlin's universities, explains that they developed this nutritional concept after students requested an environmental-friendly menu at the canteens.

According to a survey conducted in 2019, 13.5 per cent of Berlin's student population describes themselves as vegans, compared with only 1.6 per cent of the country's total population, while 33 per cent consider themselves vegetarians.&nbsp;The Berlin universities' canteens served 5.6 million students that year.

After years of increasing demand, German university canteens and cafeterias already offer 30-50 per cent vegetarian meals, said Stefan Grob, a spokesperson for Deutsches Studentenwerk the umbrella organization for student support services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/blood-soaked-naked-activists-protest-against-meat-consumption-in-spain-385763">'Blood-soaked' naked activists protest against meat consumption in Spain</a>

Student consumers' consumption habits are changing, according to Kummle, Director of the Studierendenwerk Association. A trend toward fewer animal-based products is very evident, according to him.

Since 2010, the Free University of Berlin has had a vegetarian canteen called Veggie No.&nbsp;1 and 2019 saw the opening of a restaurant serving only vegan food called Veggie No. 2.

Among Berlin's university students, climate protection has become a pressing concern.

In 2019, almost 300 staff members at Humboldt University&nbsp;and Technische Universität Berlin signed a letter agreeing to forego short-distance travel related to their jobs for journeys shorter than 1,000km.

Humboldt University aims to be climate neutral by 2030, while Technische Universität Berlin hopes to be climate neutral by 2045.

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options; from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless. From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian, and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent.

German capital's campus canteens drastically cut meat and fish options; from this winter, Berlin's universities will be almost meatless. From October, 34 canteens and cafes that serve Berlin's student population across four universities will offer a menu that's 68 per cent vegan, 28 per cent vegetarian, and a fish option that would make up another 2 per cent. Also read | Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change While there will be meat on the menu, but it'll be limited to only one option four days a week. Daniela Kummle of Studierendenwerk, which provides economic, social, health, and cultural support to students living in Berlin's universities, explains that they developed this nutritional concept after students requested an environmental-friendly menu at the canteens. According to a survey conducted in 2019, 13.5 per cent of Berlin's student population describes themselves as vegans, compared with only 1.6 per cent of the country's total population, while 33 per cent consider themselves vegetarians. The Berlin universities' canteens served 5.6 million students that year. After years of increasing demand, German university canteens and cafeterias already offer 30-50 per cent vegetarian meals, said Stefan Grob, a spokesperson for Deutsches Studentenwerk the umbrella organization for student support services. Also read | 'Blood-soaked' naked activists protest against meat consumption in Spain Student consumers' consumption habits are changing, according to Kummle, Director of the Studierendenwerk Association. A trend toward fewer animal-based products is very evident, according to him. Since 2010, the Free University of Berlin has had a vegetarian canteen called Veggie No. 1 and 2019 saw the opening of a restaurant serving only vegan food called Veggie No. 2. Among Berlin's university students, climate protection has become a pressing concern. In 2019, almost 300 staff members at Humboldt University and Technische Universität Berlin signed a letter agreeing to forego short-distance travel related to their jobs for journeys shorter than 1,000km. Humboldt University aims to be climate neutral by 2030, while Technische Universität Berlin hopes to be climate neutral by 2045.

To save the environment, Berlin universities go 'almost' meatless

A study finds that older adults overwhelmingly support government efforts to tackle climate change, even if it raises prices.

The results of a survey of more than 500 over-50s revealed that almost two-thirds of the respondents favour ministers moving faster on climate initiatives, regardless of whether such initiatives mean that products and services would become more expensive as time passed or become more challenging to obtain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-says-ocean-surface-climates-may-disappear-by-2100-408799" hreflang="en">Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100</a>

This study, which was conducted by Rest Less, found that challenging the stereotypes and assumptions about older generations' attitudes toward the issue, only a minority of older people are unconcerned about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>.

Stuart Lewis, the founder of Rest Less, a website that supports and provides advice to older people, says that their research shows that mid-lifers&nbsp;feel a responsibility for planetary health as well as for reducing climate change.

About half of the people polled reported reducing their vehicle use and consuming less meat and dairy in recent years in an effort to reduce waste, while almost two in three respondents revealed they had bought fewer clothes recently in order to cut down on waste.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-mountain-forests-store-two-thirds-more-carbon-than-previously-believed-study-408374" hreflang="en">African mountain forests store two-thirds more carbon than previously believed: Study</a>

In addition, half of the respondents have reduced home energy usage, while almost one in five reported only buying seasonal foods.

According to Lewis, many midlifers that they surveyed are already making changes to their lifestyle.

Despite these findings, another research suggests that older homeowners will not likely benefit financially from greening their homes.

By 2035, the government intends to have as many homes as possible rated C or better in terms of energy efficiency. Improvements might include insulating water tanks, installing solar panel systems, and installing heat pumps.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unicef-report-finds-that-virtually-no-child-will-escape-the-impact-of-global-warming-407151" hreflang="en">UNICEF report finds that virtually no child will escape the impact of global warming</a>

However, older people's spending on improvements is often much higher since they tend to own older and less energy-efficient homes.&nbsp;

In a study done by Nationwide building society, the average cost of improvement projects was found to be about £8,100, which increased to £25,800 for homes with F or G energy efficiency rating.

A study finds that older adults overwhelmingly support government efforts to tackle climate change, even if it raises prices. The results of a survey of more than 500 over-50s revealed that almost two-thirds of the respondents favour ministers moving faster on climate initiatives, regardless of whether such initiatives mean that products and services would become more expensive as time passed or become more challenging to obtain.

A study finds that older adults overwhelmingly support government efforts to tackle climate change, even if it raises prices. The results of a survey of more than 500 over-50s revealed that almost two-thirds of the respondents favour ministers moving faster on climate initiatives, regardless of whether such initiatives mean that products and services would become more expensive as time passed or become more challenging to obtain. Also read | Study says ocean surface climates may disappear by 2100 This study, which was conducted by Rest Less, found that challenging the stereotypes and assumptions about older generations' attitudes toward the issue, only a minority of older people are unconcerned about climate change. Stuart Lewis, the founder of Rest Less, a website that supports and provides advice to older people, says that their research shows that mid-lifers feel a responsibility for planetary health as well as for reducing climate change. About half of the people polled reported reducing their vehicle use and consuming less meat and dairy in recent years in an effort to reduce waste, while almost two in three respondents revealed they had bought fewer clothes recently in order to cut down on waste. Also read | African mountain forests store two-thirds more carbon than previously believed: Study In addition, half of the respondents have reduced home energy usage, while almost one in five reported only buying seasonal foods. According to Lewis, many midlifers that they surveyed are already making changes to their lifestyle. Despite these findings, another research suggests that older homeowners will not likely benefit financially from greening their homes. By 2035, the government intends to have as many homes as possible rated C or better in terms of energy efficiency. Improvements might include insulating water tanks, installing solar panel systems, and installing heat pumps. Also read | UNICEF report finds that virtually no child will escape the impact of global warming However, older people's spending on improvements is often much higher since they tend to own older and less energy-efficient homes. In a study done by Nationwide building society, the average cost of improvement projects was found to be about £8,100, which increased to £25,800 for homes with F or G energy efficiency rating.

Destroying stereotypes: Study finds that older adults support govt efforts to tackle climate change

A Swiss foundation has built a new kind of power plant. It buys or barters household waste for biogas. This initiative is supported by the foundation ReBin. Its aim is to encourage a circular economy and to show the population that waste is a resource.

Biogas changes attitudes towards waste in rural Benin

A recent Global survey found that three-quarters of people from the world's richest nations believe humanity is pushing the earth towards dangerous tipping points and favour a shift of priorities away from economic gain.

In the survey for the Global Commons Alliance (GCA), Ipsos Mori found that around 58 per cent of people are extremely concerned with the state of the planet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-dont-know-how-the-story-is-going-to-end-melting-glaciers-climate-change-alarm-scientists-405722" hreflang="en">'We don't know how the story is going to end': Melting glaciers, climate change alarm scientists</a>

Four out of five respondents reported willingness to do more to regenerate the global commons.

Owen Gaffney the lead author of this report, says the results show that the global community backs quick, decisive action to address the climate and ecological crises.

According to him, the world is aware of the crisis. People know we are taking huge risks, and they want their governments to do more.

The majority of respondents (59 per cent) stated that nature has already been damaged enough to no longer be able to meet human needs.

In general, 74 per cent agreed that nations should focus more on the wellbeing and health of people and nature instead of GDP and profits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-is-a-hammer-hitting-us-on-the-head-developing-nations-say-405011">Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say</a>

Across the G20 nations, this was generally well supported. Just 25 per cent of respondents believed that governments should prioritize jobs and profits over nature.

The only country with a 50 per cent approval rate for economic priority was India.

In this survey of G20 nation's citizens, eighty-three per cent said they want to protect and restore nature more and more than two thirds (69 per cent) believe the benefits of protecting the global commons exceed the costs.&nbsp;

According to Kenya's environmentalist Elizabeth Wathuti, people are beginning to feel that nature is striking back.

She says that the power elite seems to believe it is okay to fell old trees, destruct natural ecosystems, dig up oil and plant new trees as long as they plant more trees later. However, these approaches are not working, and this report shows that many people aren't supportive of such economic idiocy, she added.

It is likely that vested political and economic interests will continue to resist moves to strengthen planetary ecosystems, as they have throughout the last half-century. Yet, a vast majority of the world's population supported overcoming those obstacles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-floods-scientists-warn-climate-change-may-cause-erratic-rain-patterns-worldwide-405692" hreflang="en">Japan floods: Scientists warn climate change may cause erratic rain patterns worldwide</a>

The report identified a group that they labelled&nbsp;“emerging planetary stewards”.

This group&nbsp;generally consists of well-educated, urban, first-generation, global female citizens, under 45 years of age. These people are&nbsp;the most aware of the risks and are eager to work for change.&nbsp;

However, among men, older individuals, rural dwellers, nationalists, and residents of wealthy countries, awareness and willingness to act were lowest.

&nbsp;

A recent Global survey found that three-quarters of people from the world's richest nations believe humanity is pushing the earth towards dangerous tipping points and favour a shift of priorities away from economic gain.

A recent Global survey found that three-quarters of people from the world's richest nations believe humanity is pushing the earth towards dangerous tipping points and favour a shift of priorities away from economic gain. In the survey for the Global Commons Alliance (GCA), Ipsos Mori found that around 58 per cent of people are extremely concerned with the state of the planet. Also read | 'We don't know how the story is going to end': Melting glaciers, climate change alarm scientists Four out of five respondents reported willingness to do more to regenerate the global commons. Owen Gaffney the lead author of this report, says the results show that the global community backs quick, decisive action to address the climate and ecological crises. According to him, the world is aware of the crisis. People know we are taking huge risks, and they want their governments to do more. The majority of respondents (59 per cent) stated that nature has already been damaged enough to no longer be able to meet human needs. In general, 74 per cent agreed that nations should focus more on the wellbeing and health of people and nature instead of GDP and profits. Also read | Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say Across the G20 nations, this was generally well supported. Just 25 per cent of respondents believed that governments should prioritize jobs and profits over nature. The only country with a 50 per cent approval rate for economic priority was India. In this survey of G20 nation's citizens, eighty-three per cent said they want to protect and restore nature more and more than two thirds (69 per cent) believe the benefits of protecting the global commons exceed the costs. According to Kenya's environmentalist Elizabeth Wathuti, people are beginning to feel that nature is striking back. She says that the power elite seems to believe it is okay to fell old trees, destruct natural ecosystems, dig up oil and plant new trees as long as they plant more trees later. However, these approaches are not working, and this report shows that many people aren't supportive of such economic idiocy, she added. It is likely that vested political and economic interests will continue to resist moves to strengthen planetary ecosystems, as they have throughout the last half-century. Yet, a vast majority of the world's population supported overcoming those obstacles. Also read | Japan floods: Scientists warn climate change may cause erratic rain patterns worldwide The report identified a group that they labelled “emerging planetary stewards”. This group generally consists of well-educated, urban, first-generation, global female citizens, under 45 years of age. These people are the most aware of the risks and are eager to work for change. However, among men, older individuals, rural dwellers, nationalists, and residents of wealthy countries, awareness and willingness to act were lowest.

Humans pushing planet towards 'tipping point'; Global citizens concerned

Bottled water has a 3,500 times higher impact on the natural resources of the Earth when compared to normal tap water, recent research has concluded.

In a first of its kind research, scientists studied the impact of bottled water on the Earth’s ecosystem in comparison to tap water.&nbsp; Experts found out that the bottled water can result in a 3,500 times higher cost of resource extraction than tap water consumption.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pesticides-harmful-for-bees-says-a-recent-study-403193" hreflang="en">Pesticides harmful for bees, says a recent study</a>

This research, conducted by the Barcelona&nbsp;Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), has come at a time when the consumption of bottled water is becoming increasingly popular in Barcelona. Experts have also claimed that the impact of bottled water is 1,400 times higher on the ecosystem than tap water.

"I think this study can help to reduce bottled water consumption, but we need more active policies to change that,"&nbsp;lead author of the study and ISGlobal researcher Cristina Villanueva said. "For example, in Barcelona, we could have more education campaigns to make the public aware that the health gains from drinking bottled water are minor compared to the environmental impacts. We need to improve access to public water, to public fountains, to public buildings where you can bring your own bottle and don’t need to buy one. We need to facilitate access to public water in public streets."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-to-test-if-cannabis-based-mouth-spray-can-treat-brain-tumours-402684" hreflang="en">Researchers to test if cannabis-based mouth spray can treat brain tumours</a>

"People trust bottled water because advertisers have done a good job of convincing people it’s a good option, so we need the effort on the other side," she added.

Researchers also pointed out that the process of treating drinking water generates low levels of trihalomethanes (THM), which are often associated with a high risk of bladder cancer.

However, the experts feel that "health reasons don’t justify the wide use of bottled water. Yes, strictly speaking, drinking tap water is worse for local health, but when you weigh both, what you gain from drinking bottled water is minimal. It’s quite obvious that the environmental impacts of bottled water are higher compared to tap water,"&nbsp;Villanueva explained.

Bottled water has a 3,500 times higher impact on the natural resources of the Earth when compared to normal tap water, recent research has concluded. In a first of its kind research, scientists studied the impact of bottled water on the Earth’s ecosystem in comparison to tap water.

Bottled water has a 3,500 times higher impact on the natural resources of the Earth when compared to normal tap water, recent research has concluded. In a first of its kind research, scientists studied the impact of bottled water on the Earth’s ecosystem in comparison to tap water. Experts found out that the bottled water can result in a 3,500 times higher cost of resource extraction than tap water consumption. Also read | Pesticides harmful for bees, says a recent study This research, conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), has come at a time when the consumption of bottled water is becoming increasingly popular in Barcelona. Experts have also claimed that the impact of bottled water is 1,400 times higher on the ecosystem than tap water. "I think this study can help to reduce bottled water consumption, but we need more active policies to change that," lead author of the study and ISGlobal researcher Cristina Villanueva said. "For example, in Barcelona, we could have more education campaigns to make the public aware that the health gains from drinking bottled water are minor compared to the environmental impacts. We need to improve access to public water, to public fountains, to public buildings where you can bring your own bottle and don’t need to buy one. We need to facilitate access to public water in public streets." Also read | Researchers to test if cannabis-based mouth spray can treat brain tumours "People trust bottled water because advertisers have done a good job of convincing people it’s a good option, so we need the effort on the other side," she added. Researchers also pointed out that the process of treating drinking water generates low levels of trihalomethanes (THM), which are often associated with a high risk of bladder cancer. However, the experts feel that "health reasons don’t justify the wide use of bottled water. Yes, strictly speaking, drinking tap water is worse for local health, but when you weigh both, what you gain from drinking bottled water is minimal. It’s quite obvious that the environmental impacts of bottled water are higher compared to tap water," Villanueva explained.

Bottled water has 3,500 times more impact on environment than tap water

Israel’s Environmental Protection Ministry said that it was delaying the implementation of a proposed oil transport deal with the United Arab Emirates, freezing a project that has angered environmentalists.

Israel postpones execution of UAE oil pipeline deal over environmental concerns

After years of waiting, Richard Branson's journey to&nbsp;space&nbsp;this month on a Virgin Galactic vessel was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. Instead, the jaunt attracted significant criticism -- about its carbon footprint.

With Jeff Bezos set to launch on a Blue Origin rocket on July 20, and Elon Musk's SpaceX planning an all-civilian orbital mission in September, the nascent&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;industry finds itself facing tough questions about its&nbsp;environmental&nbsp;impact.

Right now, rocket launches as a whole don't happen often enough to pollute significantly.

"The carbon dioxide emissions are totally negligible compared to other human activities or even commercial aviation,"&nbsp;NASA's chief climate advisor Gavin Schmidt told AFP.&nbsp;

But some scientists are worried about the potential for longer term harm as the industry is poised for major growth, particularly impacts to the ozone layer in the still poorly understood upper atmosphere.

Virgin Galactic, which came under fire in op-eds on CNN and Forbes, as well as on social media, for sending its billionaire founder to&nbsp;space&nbsp;for a few minutes in a fossil fuel-guzzling spaceship, says its carbon emissions are about equivalent to a business-class ticket from London to New York.

The company "has already taken steps to offset the carbon emissions from its test flights and is examining opportunities to offset the carbon emissions for future customer flights, and reduce our supply chain's carbon footprint," it said in a statement to AFP.

But while transatlantic flights carry hundreds of people, Virgin's emissions work out to around 4.5 tonnes per passenger in a six-passenger flight, according to an analysis published by French astrophysicist Roland Lehoucq and colleagues in The Conversation.

That's roughly equivalent to driving a typical car around the Earth, and more than twice the individual annual carbon budget recommended to meet the objectives of the Paris climate accord.

"The issue here is really one of the disproportionate impacts," Darin Toohey, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dreamers-programme-deemed-unlawful-by-us-federal-judge-biden-says-deeply-disappointed-398708">Also read |&nbsp;'Dreamers' programme deemed unlawful by US Federal Judge, Biden says 'deeply disappointed'</a>

"I actually grew up on the&nbsp;space&nbsp;program and that got me into science.... but if someone offered me a free ride, I would be very nervous taking it because I would know that my own footprint is way larger than it should be," he said.

Cleaner fuels possible&nbsp;

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo uses a type of synthetic rubber as fuel and burns it in nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.

The fuel pumps black carbon into the upper stratosphere, 30-50 kilometres (18 to 30 miles) high.&nbsp;

Once there, these particles can have multiple impacts, from reflecting sunlight and causing a nuclear winter effect, to accelerating chemical reactions that deplete the ozone layer, which is vital to protecting people from harmful radiation.

"We could be at a dangerous point," said Toohey, who wants more scientific investigations into these effects before the launches become more frequent.

Virgin has said it wants to conduct 400 flights a year.

Compared to Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo spaceplanes, Blue Origin's are much cleaner, according to a recent paper by scientist Martin Ross of Aerospace, which Bezos' company plugged on Twitter.

That's because it burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which combusts as water vapor.

Ross' paper found Blue Origin's vertical launch reusable rocket causes a hundred times less ozone loss and 750 times less climate forcing magnitude than Virgin's, according to ballpark calculations.

But that doesn't mean it's totally clean.&nbsp;

"It takes electricity to make liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen," Ross told AFP.

"You could go back and calculate how much electricity was used to make the propellant," he said. "It depends how far back in the supply chain you look."

&nbsp;Space&nbsp;shaming?

The impact of suborbital launches such as those by Virgin and Blue Origin pale in comparison to the impact of rockets that achieve orbit.

When SpaceX puts four private citizens into&nbsp;space&nbsp;in September, it will use its Falcon 9 rocket, which calculations show puts out the equivalent of 395 transatlantic flights-worth of carbon emissions.

"We are living in the era of climate change and starting an activity that increases emissions as part of a&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;activity is not good timing," Annette Toivonen, author of the book "Sustainable&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Tourism," told AFP.

The world is far more aware of the climate crisis now than when these companies were founded in the early 2000s and that could encourage businesses to look at ways to minimize pollution through cleaner technologies to get ahead of the problem.

"Who would want to be a&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourist if you can't tell people you were a&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourist?" argued Toivonen, who lectures at Finland's Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

After years of waiting, Richard Branson's journey to space this month on a Virgin Galactic vessel was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. Instead, the jaunt attracted significant criticism -- about its carbon footprint.

After years of waiting, Richard Branson's journey to space this month on a Virgin Galactic vessel was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. Instead, the jaunt attracted significant criticism -- about its carbon footprint. With Jeff Bezos set to launch on a Blue Origin rocket on July 20, and Elon Musk's SpaceX planning an all-civilian orbital mission in September, the nascent space tourism industry finds itself facing tough questions about its environmental impact. Right now, rocket launches as a whole don't happen often enough to pollute significantly. "The carbon dioxide emissions are totally negligible compared to other human activities or even commercial aviation," NASA's chief climate advisor Gavin Schmidt told AFP. But some scientists are worried about the potential for longer term harm as the industry is poised for major growth, particularly impacts to the ozone layer in the still poorly understood upper atmosphere. Virgin Galactic, which came under fire in op-eds on CNN and Forbes, as well as on social media, for sending its billionaire founder to space for a few minutes in a fossil fuel-guzzling spaceship, says its carbon emissions are about equivalent to a business-class ticket from London to New York. The company "has already taken steps to offset the carbon emissions from its test flights and is examining opportunities to offset the carbon emissions for future customer flights, and reduce our supply chain's carbon footprint," it said in a statement to AFP. But while transatlantic flights carry hundreds of people, Virgin's emissions work out to around 4.5 tonnes per passenger in a six-passenger flight, according to an analysis published by French astrophysicist Roland Lehoucq and colleagues in The Conversation. That's roughly equivalent to driving a typical car around the Earth, and more than twice the individual annual carbon budget recommended to meet the objectives of the Paris climate accord. "The issue here is really one of the disproportionate impacts," Darin Toohey, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder told AFP. Also read | 'Dreamers' programme deemed unlawful by US Federal Judge, Biden says 'deeply disappointed' "I actually grew up on the space program and that got me into science.... but if someone offered me a free ride, I would be very nervous taking it because I would know that my own footprint is way larger than it should be," he said. Cleaner fuels possible Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo uses a type of synthetic rubber as fuel and burns it in nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. The fuel pumps black carbon into the upper stratosphere, 30-50 kilometres (18 to 30 miles) high. Once there, these particles can have multiple impacts, from reflecting sunlight and causing a nuclear winter effect, to accelerating chemical reactions that deplete the ozone layer, which is vital to protecting people from harmful radiation. "We could be at a dangerous point," said Toohey, who wants more scientific investigations into these effects before the launches become more frequent. Virgin has said it wants to conduct 400 flights a year. Compared to Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo spaceplanes, Blue Origin's are much cleaner, according to a recent paper by scientist Martin Ross of Aerospace, which Bezos' company plugged on Twitter. That's because it burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which combusts as water vapor. Ross' paper found Blue Origin's vertical launch reusable rocket causes a hundred times less ozone loss and 750 times less climate forcing magnitude than Virgin's, according to ballpark calculations. But that doesn't mean it's totally clean. "It takes electricity to make liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen," Ross told AFP. "You could go back and calculate how much electricity was used to make the propellant," he said. "It depends how far back in the supply chain you look." Space shaming? The impact of suborbital launches such as those by Virgin and Blue Origin pale in comparison to the impact of rockets that achieve orbit. When SpaceX puts four private citizens into space in September, it will use its Falcon 9 rocket, which calculations show puts out the equivalent of 395 transatlantic flights-worth of carbon emissions. "We are living in the era of climate change and starting an activity that increases emissions as part of a tourism activity is not good timing," Annette Toivonen, author of the book "Sustainable Space Tourism," told AFP. The world is far more aware of the climate crisis now than when these companies were founded in the early 2000s and that could encourage businesses to look at ways to minimize pollution through cleaner technologies to get ahead of the problem. "Who would want to be a space tourist if you can't tell people you were a space tourist?" argued Toivonen, who lectures at Finland's Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

Environmental concerns grow as space tourism lifts off

After receiving multiple death threats due to her campaign against the development of wetlands in a national park, a prominent environment activist has been shot dead near her home in Kenya.&nbsp;

Joannah Stutchbury, who was 67, was shot at 10 pm local time on Thursday as she returned to her home on the outskirts of Nairobi.&nbsp;

As per her friends, she had stopped her car to clear branches blocking her driveway when she was shot several times.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-president-says-calm-has-been-restored-to-most-places-398597">Also read |&nbsp;South African president says calm has been restored to most places</a>

Neighbours found her body in the car with the engine still running and valuables still in the vehicle. This is how it was suggested that the attack was not a robbery.

Dr Paula Kahumbu, the CEO of WildlifeDirect, a conservation NGO, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "It is really awful. The conservation fraternity is very shaken. It is devastating".

The Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, condemned the killing. He said,&nbsp;For the longest time, Joannah has been a steadfast champion for the conservation of our environment and is remembered for her relentless efforts to protect Kiambu forest from encroachment".

(With inputs from agencies)

After receiving multiple death threats due to her campaign against the development of wetlands in a national park, a prominent environment activist has been shot dead near her home in Kenya.

After receiving multiple death threats due to her campaign against the development of wetlands in a national park, a prominent environment activist has been shot dead near her home in Kenya. Joannah Stutchbury, who was 67, was shot at 10 pm local time on Thursday as she returned to her home on the outskirts of Nairobi. As per her friends, she had stopped her car to clear branches blocking her driveway when she was shot several times. Also read | South African president says calm has been restored to most places Neighbours found her body in the car with the engine still running and valuables still in the vehicle. This is how it was suggested that the attack was not a robbery. Dr Paula Kahumbu, the CEO of WildlifeDirect, a conservation NGO, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "It is really awful. The conservation fraternity is very shaken. It is devastating". The Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, condemned the killing. He said, For the longest time, Joannah has been a steadfast champion for the conservation of our environment and is remembered for her relentless efforts to protect Kiambu forest from encroachment". (With inputs from agencies)

Environment activist shot dead outside Nairobi home

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause.

The drone footage from the area was captured on Wednesday (July 14). The footage shows hundreds of flaminglets partly buried in dried parts of Lake Tuz. Lake Tuz is in Turkey's Konya province.

Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli told reporters that initial analysis showed the Flamingoes were not poisoned.

Environmentalists say that agricultural irrigation practices in the region along with Climate Change and drought caused the deaths.

As per a report published by Turkish environmental foundation TEMA in 2020, the annual water reserve in central province of Konya's close basin was 4.5 billion cubic metres, while the consumption reached 6.5 billion cubic metres. Environmentalist and wildlife photographer Fahri Tunc said the canal that was built to deliver water to Lake Tuz is redirected for agricultural irrigation.

"This is the irrigation canal that comes from Konya. It needs to deliver water to Lake Tuz. As you can see, the water is not coming through. It stopped," Tunc said.

Statistics show that 5000-10,000 flaminglets are born in Lake Tuz every year.

Tunc said, this year, only 5,000 eggs have hatched and most of the birds died while seeking water on the surface of partially dried lake.

President of Doga (Nature) Association, Dicle Tuba Kilic said the only way to prevent mass flamingo deaths is to change the agricultural irrigation methods in region.

Pakdemirli said the deaths are not related to the irrigation practices in the region.

"I want to stress that there is no direct or indirect connection between this incident and the wells in the area or the agricultural irrigation," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause.

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause. The drone footage from the area was captured on Wednesday (July 14). The footage shows hundreds of flaminglets partly buried in dried parts of Lake Tuz. Lake Tuz is in Turkey's Konya province. Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli told reporters that initial analysis showed the Flamingoes were not poisoned. Environmentalists say that agricultural irrigation practices in the region along with Climate Change and drought caused the deaths. As per a report published by Turkish environmental foundation TEMA in 2020, the annual water reserve in central province of Konya's close basin was 4.5 billion cubic metres, while the consumption reached 6.5 billion cubic metres. Environmentalist and wildlife photographer Fahri Tunc said the canal that was built to deliver water to Lake Tuz is redirected for agricultural irrigation. "This is the irrigation canal that comes from Konya. It needs to deliver water to Lake Tuz. As you can see, the water is not coming through. It stopped," Tunc said. Statistics show that 5000-10,000 flaminglets are born in Lake Tuz every year. Tunc said, this year, only 5,000 eggs have hatched and most of the birds died while seeking water on the surface of partially dried lake. President of Doga (Nature) Association, Dicle Tuba Kilic said the only way to prevent mass flamingo deaths is to change the agricultural irrigation methods in region. Pakdemirli said the deaths are not related to the irrigation practices in the region. "I want to stress that there is no direct or indirect connection between this incident and the wells in the area or the agricultural irrigation," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey: Drone footage shows thousands of dead flamingoes, investigation on

Students at a Kyiv school have been learning about saving the environment and helping those in need by using a special recycling machine which uses plastic bottles as currency.

Kyiv recycling machine trades plastic for donations to good causes

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