This is because of its location on the remote, high-altitude region known as the Antarctic plateau, one of the coldest places on Earth.

South Pole warmed 7 times than rest of Antarctica

The South Pole which is considered to be the coldest place on earth has warmed more than 3 times the global rate in the last 30 years. Watch report.

South Pole warmed 3 times global rate in last 30 years

A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050.

The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently.

Currently, the state has 36,000 koalas. A parliamentary inquiry revealed that these numbers&nbsp;are&nbsp;unreliable, and outdated. As logging and habitat displacement continues, koalas may be wiped from the state, and consequentially the country over the next three decades.

Bushfires add to woes

The report was presented on Tuesday, and claimed that the loss of habitat for koalas had been amplified owing to the 2019-2020 bushfires, which rendered 24 per cent of their habitat unliveable. Some habitat regions suffered damage amounting to over 80 per cent loss.

Climate change, complemented by fires and droughts, may drive koalas to extinction.

<h6><img alt="Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7ddf5ea-2689-4ec9-b7d9-b9b2c703b438" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_115.jpg" /> 
Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to the report, intervention is the need of the hour. “Given the scale of loss as a result of the fires to many significant local populations, the committee believes the koala will become extinct in New South Wales well before 2050 and that urgent government intervention is required to protect their habitat and address all other threats to their ongoing survival,” the report said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/koala-bears-wounded-during-australian-bushfires-re-released-into-forests-again-294165" hreflang="en">Koala bears wounded during Australian bushfires re-released into forests again</a>

The state once had a thriving koala population, and the report found that the local extinction happened before the bushfires hit the country.

The report brings to light the inadequacy of existing laws in dealing with the threat. “The report found that habitat loss and fragmentation was the biggest threat to koalas, yet at every turn we were handed evidence that showed our current laws are inadequate and facilitating the clearing of core koala habitat”.

Prioritised action

Based on their findings, the committee made 42 recommendations. They demanded a prioritised action from the government in protecting the koalas, to work on strengthening monitoring methods, and to increase funding for conservation groups that seek to help the koalas.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/koala-population-in-east-australia-faces-extinction-by-2050-warns-wwf-164175/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Additionally, the committee demanded the government to ban opening old forests to logging, and to provide incentives to farmers willing to protect their lands instead of clearing it.

They asked for a “significant increase in koala habitat protected from logging, mining, land clearing and urban development”.

The state’s conservation council reiterated the findings of the committee and called for immediate help. “We are pleased that there is a growing political consensus that koala extinction is a very real possibility if we don’t act urgently to protect koala habitat,” the council’s chief executive, Chris Gambian told the Guardian.

A report on Australia’s environmental laws is due this week, with the threat of loss of habitat looming large on the koala population.

A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050. The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently.

A new report paints a grim picture of the future of koalas in Australia. In the Australian state of New South Wales, there may be no koalas left by 2050. The report claims that without urgent government intervention, the territory will lose all its koala population, many of whom were killed in the long-running bushfires that engulfed Australia recently. Currently, the state has 36,000 koalas. A parliamentary inquiry revealed that these numbers are unreliable, and outdated. As logging and habitat displacement continues, koalas may be wiped from the state, and consequentially the country over the next three decades. Bushfires add to woes The report was presented on Tuesday, and claimed that the loss of habitat for koalas had been amplified owing to the 2019-2020 bushfires, which rendered 24 per cent of their habitat unliveable. Some habitat regions suffered damage amounting to over 80 per cent loss. Climate change, complemented by fires and droughts, may drive koalas to extinction. Two of 72 koalas which were displaced from their habitat by the flood waters recover in an emergency shelter at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane on January 15, 2011 | AFP According to the report, intervention is the need of the hour. “Given the scale of loss as a result of the fires to many significant local populations, the committee believes the koala will become extinct in New South Wales well before 2050 and that urgent government intervention is required to protect their habitat and address all other threats to their ongoing survival,” the report said. Also read: Koala bears wounded during Australian bushfires re-released into forests again The state once had a thriving koala population, and the report found that the local extinction happened before the bushfires hit the country. The report brings to light the inadequacy of existing laws in dealing with the threat. “The report found that habitat loss and fragmentation was the biggest threat to koalas, yet at every turn we were handed evidence that showed our current laws are inadequate and facilitating the clearing of core koala habitat”. Prioritised action Based on their findings, the committee made 42 recommendations. They demanded a prioritised action from the government in protecting the koalas, to work on strengthening monitoring methods, and to increase funding for conservation groups that seek to help the koalas. Additionally, the committee demanded the government to ban opening old forests to logging, and to provide incentives to farmers willing to protect their lands instead of clearing it. They asked for a “significant increase in koala habitat protected from logging, mining, land clearing and urban development”. The state’s conservation council reiterated the findings of the committee and called for immediate help. “We are pleased that there is a growing political consensus that koala extinction is a very real possibility if we don’t act urgently to protect koala habitat,” the council’s chief executive, Chris Gambian told the Guardian. A report on Australia’s environmental laws is due this week, with the threat of loss of habitat looming large on the koala population.

Habitat loss in an Australian state may drive koalas to extinction by 2050

Europe has been hit by a heatwave with temperatures touching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Heatwaves lead to rising temperatures across Europe

Harsh weather conditions creating menace in times of coronavirus

Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming.

Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993.&nbsp;The tarpaulin will protect the ice from melting quickly during the peak of summer.

This year’s short-lived (due to COVID-19) ski season ended recently, and cable cars have been put aside. The white tarps will block sun’s rays from melting the ice, or at least slow down the process tremendously.

"Continuously shrinking"

According to locals, the glacier is constantly shrinking. "This area is continuously shrinking, so we cover as much of it as possible," Davide Panizza, 34, who heads the Carosello-Tonale company that does the work told AFP.

The tarpaulin project began in 2008 when the team used to cover 30,000 square metres. Now, they cover over 100,000 square metres.

<h6><img alt="A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f18d3da-71e8-4e77-bb0a-a81b1c608f3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_23.jpg" /> 
A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes&nbsp;| AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to news agency AFP, the tarp is made of "geotextile tarpaulins that reflect sunlight, maintaining a temperature lower than the external one, and thus preserving as much snow as possible”.

Situated at an altitude of 3,000 metres, the tarp is laid down every year.

The tarp is meticulously placed across the mountain, and sewed shut to prevent hot air from sneaking in. It is then covered with bags of sand to restrict movement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/italian-glaciers-tell-the-tale-of-climate-change-lost-13rd-of-its-volume-307503/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Like snow"

To someone looking from a distance, the sheets will look just like snow.

"There are glacier cover systems similar to ours on a few Austrian glaciers, but the surface covered by the tarpaulins is much smaller," one of the company representatives told AFP.

"When we remove them in September and we see that they did their job, we feel proud,” Franco Del Pero, the 48-year-old leader of the operation said.

Tarps are made in Australia and cost $450 each, and the work takes six weeks each, for installing and removing them.

(With inputs from AFP)

Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming. Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993.

Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming. Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993. The tarpaulin will protect the ice from melting quickly during the peak of summer. This year’s short-lived (due to COVID-19) ski season ended recently, and cable cars have been put aside. The white tarps will block sun’s rays from melting the ice, or at least slow down the process tremendously. "Continuously shrinking" According to locals, the glacier is constantly shrinking. "This area is continuously shrinking, so we cover as much of it as possible," Davide Panizza, 34, who heads the Carosello-Tonale company that does the work told AFP. The tarpaulin project began in 2008 when the team used to cover 30,000 square metres. Now, they cover over 100,000 square metres. A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes | AFP According to news agency AFP, the tarp is made of "geotextile tarpaulins that reflect sunlight, maintaining a temperature lower than the external one, and thus preserving as much snow as possible”. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 metres, the tarp is laid down every year. The tarp is meticulously placed across the mountain, and sewed shut to prevent hot air from sneaking in. It is then covered with bags of sand to restrict movement. "Like snow" To someone looking from a distance, the sheets will look just like snow. "There are glacier cover systems similar to ours on a few Austrian glaciers, but the surface covered by the tarpaulins is much smaller," one of the company representatives told AFP. "When we remove them in September and we see that they did their job, we feel proud,” Franco Del Pero, the 48-year-old leader of the operation said. Tarps are made in Australia and cost $450 each, and the work takes six weeks each, for installing and removing them. (With inputs from AFP)

Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change

Our environment is at risk. Climate change is its biggest threat. On World Environment Day, WION's Palki Sharma gets you five videos that tell you how much trouble the world is in.

Gravitas: World Environment Day | 5 Videos you cannot miss

Germany has demolished parts of a power plant in a bid to phase-out nuclear power. Should more countries give up on Nuclear reactors? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Should the world phase out nuclear power?

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle. These people will mostly be poor and cannot afford air conditioning.&nbsp;

According to ecologist Marten Scheffer of Wageningen University in the Netherlands who is also the co-author of the study, the global average annual temperature has been rising by one-degree celsius due to the climate change caused by human activities which will result in such situation.

The number of people could vary on how much does carbon dioxide reduce and the population grows by 2070.

As the world population and carbon pollution are growing on a faster rate the National Academy of Sciences has predicted nearly 3.5 billion people that represent one-third of the global population will live in extremely hot areas by 2070.

International scientists deeply studied humans as they would to bears, birds and bees to understand the "climate niche" where a species flourish. The researchers went 6,000 years back to find a 'sweet spot' of temperatures for humans to habitat and they showed that climate between 11 to 15-degree Celsius is hospitable for the humans to survive.&nbsp;

The humans can live in a less or more temperature that the sweet spot but the farther it goes the harder it gets.&nbsp;

The scientists also looked at places projected where the temperature could be hotter than the sweet spot and they found out that the area constitutes less than 1 per cent of Earth's land and was near the Sahara Desert and includes Mecca, Saudi Arabia where the average temperature is more than 29-degree celsius. Currently 20 million lives in these areas.&nbsp;

But with the growing population and rising temperature, large areas of Africa, Asia, South America and Australia could be in a similar temperature zone.

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle.

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle. These people will mostly be poor and cannot afford air conditioning. According to ecologist Marten Scheffer of Wageningen University in the Netherlands who is also the co-author of the study, the global average annual temperature has been rising by one-degree celsius due to the climate change caused by human activities which will result in such situation. The number of people could vary on how much does carbon dioxide reduce and the population grows by 2070. As the world population and carbon pollution are growing on a faster rate the National Academy of Sciences has predicted nearly 3.5 billion people that represent one-third of the global population will live in extremely hot areas by 2070. International scientists deeply studied humans as they would to bears, birds and bees to understand the "climate niche" where a species flourish. The researchers went 6,000 years back to find a 'sweet spot' of temperatures for humans to habitat and they showed that climate between 11 to 15-degree Celsius is hospitable for the humans to survive. The humans can live in a less or more temperature that the sweet spot but the farther it goes the harder it gets. The scientists also looked at places projected where the temperature could be hotter than the sweet spot and they found out that the area constitutes less than 1 per cent of Earth's land and was near the Sahara Desert and includes Mecca, Saudi Arabia where the average temperature is more than 29-degree celsius. Currently 20 million lives in these areas. But with the growing population and rising temperature, large areas of Africa, Asia, South America and Australia could be in a similar temperature zone.

More than one-third of global population could reside in deadly hot areas by 2070: Study

The Swiss government's coronavirus aid package should be used to make the country's economy more sustainable and help tackle climate change, environmentalists said on Monday (May 4).

Swiss environmentalists demand green reconstruction after coronavirus crisis

The cost of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-concerns-not-limited-to-young-people-says-sri-lankas-ex-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-at-wion-global-summit-284551">climate change</a> may be higher than expected and India is among the countries most vulnerable to the crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nearly-half-of-worlds-beaches-disappearing-due-to-climate-change-study-283976">Also Read:&nbsp;Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change</a>

A recent report has warned that temperatures in India would reach such extreme levels in the near future that they may prove to be lethal for an average human being.

The effects of climate change can be seen everywhere, toxic air, intense heatwave, forest fires, melting ice caps, flash floods and sinking cities.

According to a report by the McKinsey global institute, high temperatures and heat waves may threaten the very survival of human beings.

India could be one of the world's first places where temperatures may rise above the survival threshold for humans.

Climate change and global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade, the report said.

The report says by 2030, temperatures in India could reach such a level that outdoor workers may be forced to cut short their daylight working hours to beat lethal heat waves.

The resultant loss in productivity could put 2.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent of India's GDP at risk annually and by 2050, several pockets with a population of 16 to 20 crore people would experience 60 per cent annual chance of such heat waves.

Just 4-5 hours of outdoor exposure during this time can prove to be fatal for a healthy human being.

As of 2017, heat-exposed work produces about 50 per cent dip in India's GDP mainly agricultural and mining. 
&nbsp;

The cost of climate change may be higher than expected and India is among the countries most vulnerable to the crisis. Also Read: Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change A recent report has warned that temperatures in India would reach such extreme levels in the near future that they may prove to be lethal for an average human being.

The cost of climate change may be higher than expected and India is among the countries most vulnerable to the crisis. Also Read: Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change A recent report has warned that temperatures in India would reach such extreme levels in the near future that they may prove to be lethal for an average human being. The effects of climate change can be seen everywhere, toxic air, intense heatwave, forest fires, melting ice caps, flash floods and sinking cities. According to a report by the McKinsey global institute, high temperatures and heat waves may threaten the very survival of human beings. India could be one of the world's first places where temperatures may rise above the survival threshold for humans. Climate change and global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade, the report said. The report says by 2030, temperatures in India could reach such a level that outdoor workers may be forced to cut short their daylight working hours to beat lethal heat waves. The resultant loss in productivity could put 2.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent of India's GDP at risk annually and by 2050, several pockets with a population of 16 to 20 crore people would experience 60 per cent annual chance of such heat waves. Just 4-5 hours of outdoor exposure during this time can prove to be fatal for a healthy human being. As of 2017, heat-exposed work produces about 50 per cent dip in India's GDP mainly agricultural and mining.

Climate change, global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade: Report

“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.” &nbsp;I was attending a panel called 'Urban Skylines of the Future'&nbsp;at the 2020 Jaipur Literature Festival when Professor Navroz K Dubash from India’s Centre for Policy Research made this statement.&nbsp;

The panel was hosted in response to a UN report that claimed that by 2050, 35 per cent of the world’s urban population growth will happen in Nigeria, China, and India, with India responsible for the greatest portion of that growth. &nbsp;

Earlier in the day, I attended a session, also featuring Professor Dubash, with journalist David Wallace-Wells, author of the 2017 landmark climate piece, 'The Uninhabitable Earth.'&nbsp;Last year, Wallace-Wells released a full book edition of the piece, which paints, in heavily researched, terrifying detail, the worst case (but certainly not impossible) scenario if humans do not act fast to slash our carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and take the steps available to us to prevent runaway climate change. &nbsp;

These two sessions put into stark relief a question that I have been wrestling with since I first arrived and started working in India a few months ago - can a fast-growing country like India develop both quickly and sustainably? Or put more fundamentally: Are economic development and environmental sustainability even compatible? &nbsp;

Which brings me back to Professor Dubash’s statement—“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.” Whether your source material is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s landmark 2018 report (which gives us roughly a decade to make major changes if we are to avert the most serious consequences of climate change by limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius), Wallace-Wells’ book (which shows us a near-future world with social and ecological collapse), or some other research-based publication, the urgency of climate change is clear. But as I’ve quickly learned - whether in conversations with peers and coworkers, through readings, or through the panels I attended—the fair question comes up about who bears the responsibility for solving the climate crisis? &nbsp;

We can look at the list of countries most responsible for the historical emissions that are largely responsible for the climate crisis—the top 10 being the US, China, Russia, Germany, UK, Japan, France, India, Canada, and Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
Contrasting this to the 10 countries most impacted by climate change today—Japan, Philippines, Germany, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, Canada, Fiji - we see some overlap, but generally, climate change can be perceived as a problem caused by the Global North that devastates the Global South. As these countries work to develop and urbanise, is it the responsibility of poorer, more vulnerable countries to solve a problem they didn’t create?

In fact, when we look to the behaviours of small island nations, we can see that they clearly recognise the existential threat that climate change poses to them, and have made major commitments when it comes to reducing their emissions, greening their infrastructure, and making sure they are designing for a resilient future. Their ability to change the global trajectory, however, is unfortunately limited, unless the most major polluters step up and change their ways. &nbsp;

But this is where India has a particularly interesting role to play: It holds the unfortunate distinction of being both one of the world’s fastest-growing and most major polluters, and one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In fact, during Wallace-Wells and Dubash’s panel, one of the panellists shared the fact that India will bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s climate impact because of its population density, geography, and inequality.

To me, in this sobering position, there is an exciting possibility for India. Unlike many countries which have largely completed their urbanisation, India has the opportunity to create a blueprint for what it looks like for a massive country to urbanise in an era where carbon neutrality is imperative. India has to find ways of tackling climate risks - extreme heat waves, drought, air pollution, floods and other natural disasters while addressing major urbanisation realities like transportation, energy, construction, supply chain management, and sanitation.

If India is able to innovate its way into a low to no carbon future, imagine the precedent it could set for other countries—big and small, high and low polluting—all across the world. While climate change will, over time, impact all of the top 10 polluters on the list, India must address the problem with an even greater sense of urgency given the impact its already having on its population (just look at 2019’s flooding, heatwaves, delayed monsoon, and more). Beyond solving a problem for its own people, India could help safeguard the futures for other countries as well - stepping into an even greater international leadership role. &nbsp;

(A previous version of this article was <a href="https://aif.org/urbanization-after-paris-part-1/">originally published </a>by the American India Foundation)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.” I was attending a panel called 'Urban Skylines of the Future' at the 2020 Jaipur Literature Festival when Professor Navroz K Dubash from India’s Centre for Policy Research made this statement.

“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.”  I was attending a panel called 'Urban Skylines of the Future' at the 2020 Jaipur Literature Festival when Professor Navroz K Dubash from India’s Centre for Policy Research made this statement. The panel was hosted in response to a UN report that claimed that by 2050, 35 per cent of the world’s urban population growth will happen in Nigeria, China, and India, with India responsible for the greatest portion of that growth.  Earlier in the day, I attended a session, also featuring Professor Dubash, with journalist David Wallace-Wells, author of the 2017 landmark climate piece, 'The Uninhabitable Earth.' Last year, Wallace-Wells released a full book edition of the piece, which paints, in heavily researched, terrifying detail, the worst case (but certainly not impossible) scenario if humans do not act fast to slash our carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and take the steps available to us to prevent runaway climate change.  These two sessions put into stark relief a question that I have been wrestling with since I first arrived and started working in India a few months ago - can a fast-growing country like India develop both quickly and sustainably? Or put more fundamentally: Are economic development and environmental sustainability even compatible?  Which brings me back to Professor Dubash’s statement—“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.” Whether your source material is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s landmark 2018 report (which gives us roughly a decade to make major changes if we are to avert the most serious consequences of climate change by limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius), Wallace-Wells’ book (which shows us a near-future world with social and ecological collapse), or some other research-based publication, the urgency of climate change is clear. But as I’ve quickly learned - whether in conversations with peers and coworkers, through readings, or through the panels I attended—the fair question comes up about who bears the responsibility for solving the climate crisis?  We can look at the list of countries most responsible for the historical emissions that are largely responsible for the climate crisis—the top 10 being the US, China, Russia, Germany, UK, Japan, France, India, Canada, and Ukraine. Contrasting this to the 10 countries most impacted by climate change today—Japan, Philippines, Germany, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, Canada, Fiji - we see some overlap, but generally, climate change can be perceived as a problem caused by the Global North that devastates the Global South. As these countries work to develop and urbanise, is it the responsibility of poorer, more vulnerable countries to solve a problem they didn’t create? In fact, when we look to the behaviours of small island nations, we can see that they clearly recognise the existential threat that climate change poses to them, and have made major commitments when it comes to reducing their emissions, greening their infrastructure, and making sure they are designing for a resilient future. Their ability to change the global trajectory, however, is unfortunately limited, unless the most major polluters step up and change their ways.  But this is where India has a particularly interesting role to play: It holds the unfortunate distinction of being both one of the world’s fastest-growing and most major polluters, and one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In fact, during Wallace-Wells and Dubash’s panel, one of the panellists shared the fact that India will bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s climate impact because of its population density, geography, and inequality. To me, in this sobering position, there is an exciting possibility for India. Unlike many countries which have largely completed their urbanisation, India has the opportunity to create a blueprint for what it looks like for a massive country to urbanise in an era where carbon neutrality is imperative. India has to find ways of tackling climate risks - extreme heat waves, drought, air pollution, floods and other natural disasters while addressing major urbanisation realities like transportation, energy, construction, supply chain management, and sanitation. If India is able to innovate its way into a low to no carbon future, imagine the precedent it could set for other countries—big and small, high and low polluting—all across the world. While climate change will, over time, impact all of the top 10 polluters on the list, India must address the problem with an even greater sense of urgency given the impact its already having on its population (just look at 2019’s flooding, heatwaves, delayed monsoon, and more). Beyond solving a problem for its own people, India could help safeguard the futures for other countries as well - stepping into an even greater international leadership role.  (A previous version of this article was originally published by the American India Foundation) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: India has to find ways of tackling climate risks

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades.

When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.4 celsius on average - which was estimated in a recent report - Australia is projected to be closer to 4 celsius.

Despite good rain in some parts of Australia during February, summer rainfall was below average for the country as a whole.

The report reveals that summers are on average 31 days longer and winters 21 days shorter than it was in the 1950s and 60s.

The report has been released in the wake of the devastating and lengthy bushfires that burned nearly 30 million acres bushland, killing 33 people and nearly 1 billion native animals.

As per the report, the difference can be felt in Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of the country.Extreme heat can put the public at risk and hurt the economy.

Scientists have warned that increased temperatures and heat waves will lead to more dangerous fire seasons.

While shorter winters will reduce the window for hazard reduction to mitigate the impact of fires.

The Australian government has committed to the Paris agreement, which aims for a 26 to 28 per cent reduction on 2005 greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2030.

But still, the think-tank is calling the government to boost its emissions reduction plan to prevent more climate change-related warming.

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades. When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.

A new report from the Australia Institute says Australia's summers have been extended by half due to climate change. Pushing up temperatures in recent decades. When temperatures across the rest of the world increase by 3.4 celsius on average - which was estimated in a recent report - Australia is projected to be closer to 4 celsius. Despite good rain in some parts of Australia during February, summer rainfall was below average for the country as a whole. The report reveals that summers are on average 31 days longer and winters 21 days shorter than it was in the 1950s and 60s. The report has been released in the wake of the devastating and lengthy bushfires that burned nearly 30 million acres bushland, killing 33 people and nearly 1 billion native animals. As per the report, the difference can be felt in Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of the country.Extreme heat can put the public at risk and hurt the economy. Scientists have warned that increased temperatures and heat waves will lead to more dangerous fire seasons. While shorter winters will reduce the window for hazard reduction to mitigate the impact of fires. The Australian government has committed to the Paris agreement, which aims for a 26 to 28 per cent reduction on 2005 greenhouse gas emissions levels by 2030. But still, the think-tank is calling the government to boost its emissions reduction plan to prevent more climate change-related warming.

Climate change: Australian summers now twice as long as winters

Each year around 12 million tons of plastic waste is dumped into the world's oceans, polluting the water, killing wildlife and creating microplastics that enter the food chain.

The Battle Against Ocean Plastic

Ranked: 14 Indian cities among world's most polluted - Is your city in the list?

A new study has said that there would be zero to few suitable coral habitats would be left in the earth by 2100.

New Study: No coral reefs by 2100

Mentioning that India has a population of almost 2,970 at present, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the country would take a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation.

"India has the distinction of having a population of almost 2,970 tigers. India has achieved its target of doubling the number of targets two years before the committed date of 2022. India would be taking a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation," Modi said while addressing a convention on `Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals` at Gandhinagar via video conference.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-never-lacked-resources-skills-needs-to-work-with-comprehensive-mindset-pm-modi-280983">India never lacked resources, skills; needs to work with comprehensive mindset, says PM Modi</a>

Highlighting that India`s forest cover has increased significantly, the Prime Minister said, "The present assessment also indicates that the total forest cover is 21.67 per cent of the total geographical area of the country.

The number of protected areas has increased from 745 in 2014 to 870 in 2019 with an area coverage of nearly 1.7 lakh square km.""The range of our initiatives includes an ambitious target of 450 megawatts in renewable energy, a push towards electric vehicles, smart cities, conservation of water and more," he said.

The Prime Minister continued that the international solar alliance, the coalition for disaster-resilient infrastructure and industries transition leadership have seen encouraging participation from countries worldwide.

Stressing on initiatives taken by India to set standards for the conservation of Asian elephants leopards and Asiatic lions, he said, "India is supporting more than 60 per cent of the global Asian elephant population.

30 elephant reserves have been identified by our states.""We have launched Project Snow Leopard, to protect the animal and its habitat in the Upper Himalayas.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-unveils-tallest-deendayal-upadhyaya-statue-in-varanasi-280918">PM Modi unveils tallest Deendayal Upadhyaya statue in Varanasi</a>

The Gir landscape in Gujarat is the only home for the Asiatic lion and the pride of the country. We have initiated an Asiatic Lion conservation project since Jan 2019 to protect them.

Today, the population of Asiatic Lions stands at 523," he said.

The Prime Minister added that the Government of India has launched the National Conservation Strategy for the Indian one-horned rhinos, which are found in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, in 2019.

The UN conference, which started today in Gandhinagar, will conclude on February 22.

The summit is said to bring together 1200 delegates from over 110 countries to deliberate on the alarming decline of migratory species.

Topics such as the impact of infrastructure development on the migratory patterns of animals will be discussed in the conference.

Mentioning that India has a population of almost 2,970 at present, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the country would take a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation.

Mentioning that India has a population of almost 2,970 at present, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the country would take a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation. "India has the distinction of having a population of almost 2,970 tigers. India has achieved its target of doubling the number of targets two years before the committed date of 2022. India would be taking a leading role in promoting green economy including conservation of mountain ecology with people`s participation," Modi said while addressing a convention on `Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals` at Gandhinagar via video conference. Also read: India never lacked resources, skills; needs to work with comprehensive mindset, says PM Modi Highlighting that India`s forest cover has increased significantly, the Prime Minister said, "The present assessment also indicates that the total forest cover is 21.67 per cent of the total geographical area of the country. The number of protected areas has increased from 745 in 2014 to 870 in 2019 with an area coverage of nearly 1.7 lakh square km.""The range of our initiatives includes an ambitious target of 450 megawatts in renewable energy, a push towards electric vehicles, smart cities, conservation of water and more," he said. The Prime Minister continued that the international solar alliance, the coalition for disaster-resilient infrastructure and industries transition leadership have seen encouraging participation from countries worldwide. Stressing on initiatives taken by India to set standards for the conservation of Asian elephants leopards and Asiatic lions, he said, "India is supporting more than 60 per cent of the global Asian elephant population. 30 elephant reserves have been identified by our states.""We have launched Project Snow Leopard, to protect the animal and its habitat in the Upper Himalayas. Also read: PM Modi unveils tallest Deendayal Upadhyaya statue in Varanasi The Gir landscape in Gujarat is the only home for the Asiatic lion and the pride of the country. We have initiated an Asiatic Lion conservation project since Jan 2019 to protect them. Today, the population of Asiatic Lions stands at 523," he said. The Prime Minister added that the Government of India has launched the National Conservation Strategy for the Indian one-horned rhinos, which are found in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, in 2019. The UN conference, which started today in Gandhinagar, will conclude on February 22. The summit is said to bring together 1200 delegates from over 110 countries to deliberate on the alarming decline of migratory species. Topics such as the impact of infrastructure development on the migratory patterns of animals will be discussed in the conference.

India to take lead role in promoting 'green economy': PM Modi

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

Javadekar, who was addressing a press conference here along with his Norwegian counterpart Sveinung Rotevan on the side-lines of a United Nation summit biodiversity conservation, emphasised for a shared understanding of the global problem, which cannot be solved by any one country alone.

Javadekar said, "'Say No to plastic'&nbsp;has been an action initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India produces 20,000 tons of plastic out of which 15,000 tons is collected. However, the remaining 5,000 to 6,000 tons remain in the water bodies. India-Norway cooperation can move ahead in this arena."

Both countries assured that they are committed to supporting global action to address plastic pollution and exploring the feasibility of establishing a new global agreement on plastic pollution.

In addition, the two sides expressed interest to continue and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation on the environment and climate between the two countries, including on ocean affairs.

Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Norway on `India-Norway Ocean Dialogue` apart from an establishment of a joint task force on the blue economy.

According to the agreement, the ocean, if managed properly, holds the key to meeting many of the sustainable development goals. Integrated ocean management is central to achieving a sustainable blue economy.

Reiterating the importance of a joint effort towards the protection of the environment, Rotevatn said, "India and Norway have long-standing and good cooperation. Our two countries shared experiences in environment management. Norway sees India as an important player in the environment. Today we had a productive meeting."

India is marking the beginning of a super year of Biodiversity with the hosting of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, from February 17-22, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

The Opening Ceremony and Plenary session of the COP will be followed by side events and working group meetings until the closing ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the COP 13 via video conferencing. Numerous national and international organisations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation during the course of the conference.

Representatives from 130 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will attend the UN summit.&nbsp;

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday. Javadekar, who was addressing a press conference here along with his Norwegian counterpart Sveinung Rotevan on the side-lines of a United Nation summit biodiversity conservation, emphasised for a shared understanding of the global problem, which cannot be solved by any one country alone. Javadekar said, "'Say No to plastic' has been an action initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India produces 20,000 tons of plastic out of which 15,000 tons is collected. However, the remaining 5,000 to 6,000 tons remain in the water bodies. India-Norway cooperation can move ahead in this arena." Both countries assured that they are committed to supporting global action to address plastic pollution and exploring the feasibility of establishing a new global agreement on plastic pollution. In addition, the two sides expressed interest to continue and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation on the environment and climate between the two countries, including on ocean affairs. Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Norway on `India-Norway Ocean Dialogue` apart from an establishment of a joint task force on the blue economy. According to the agreement, the ocean, if managed properly, holds the key to meeting many of the sustainable development goals. Integrated ocean management is central to achieving a sustainable blue economy. Reiterating the importance of a joint effort towards the protection of the environment, Rotevatn said, "India and Norway have long-standing and good cooperation. Our two countries shared experiences in environment management. Norway sees India as an important player in the environment. Today we had a productive meeting." India is marking the beginning of a super year of Biodiversity with the hosting of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, from February 17-22, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. The Opening Ceremony and Plenary session of the COP will be followed by side events and working group meetings until the closing ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the COP 13 via video conferencing. Numerous national and international organisations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation during the course of the conference. Representatives from 130 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will attend the UN summit.

India, Norway agree to jointly tackle environmental concerns

February 16 in History: Castro becomes Premier of Cuba, Kyoto Protocol is put into action, and more!

The postcard image of a snow-clad&nbsp;landmass that we all know as Antarctica may be a thing of the past.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/penguins-in-peril-chinstrap-colonies-in-western-antarctic-decline-as-global-warming-worsens-279997">Chinstrap penguins in peril: Colonies in Western Antarctic decline as global warming worsens</a>

Temperatures in Antarctica are rising rapidly, prompting fears of climate instability and now the region has registered temperature of more than 20 degrees celsius for the first time on record.&nbsp;

Scientists in Antarctica have recorded a new high temperature of 20.75 degrees celsius or 69.35 Fahrenheit.

Brazilian researcher Carlos Schaefer has said on record that the region has never witnessed a temperature this high.

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It is quite alarming because the temperature has crossed the barrier of 20 degrees for the first time in Antarctica.

It is important to note that the 20.75 degrees celsius logged by Brazilian scientists at Seymour island on February 9 was almost a full degree higher than another alarming figure recorded almost four&nbsp;decades ago.

In January 1982, a previously high temperature of 19.8-degree celsius had been recorded on Signy Island.

The researcher, Shaeffer, has cautioned that the reading is a "one-off" and is not part of a long-term data set. He also says that the reading has no meaning with respect to a "climate change trend".

This alarming news comes a week after Argentina's national meteorological service recorded&nbsp;the hottest day at 18.3 degrees celsius at midday near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The postcard image of a snow-clad landmass that we all know as Antarctica may be a thing of the past. Also read- Chinstrap penguins in peril: Colonies in Western Antarctic decline as global warming worsens Temperatures in Antarctica are rising rapidly, prompting fears of climate instability and now the region has registered temperature of more than 20 degrees celsius for the first time on record.

The postcard image of a snow-clad landmass that we all know as Antarctica may be a thing of the past. Also read- Chinstrap penguins in peril: Colonies in Western Antarctic decline as global warming worsens Temperatures in Antarctica are rising rapidly, prompting fears of climate instability and now the region has registered temperature of more than 20 degrees celsius for the first time on record. Scientists in Antarctica have recorded a new high temperature of 20.75 degrees celsius or 69.35 Fahrenheit. Brazilian researcher Carlos Schaefer has said on record that the region has never witnessed a temperature this high. × It is quite alarming because the temperature has crossed the barrier of 20 degrees for the first time in Antarctica. It is important to note that the 20.75 degrees celsius logged by Brazilian scientists at Seymour island on February 9 was almost a full degree higher than another alarming figure recorded almost four decades ago. In January 1982, a previously high temperature of 19.8-degree celsius had been recorded on Signy Island. The researcher, Shaeffer, has cautioned that the reading is a "one-off" and is not part of a long-term data set. He also says that the reading has no meaning with respect to a "climate change trend". This alarming news comes a week after Argentina's national meteorological service recorded the hottest day at 18.3 degrees celsius at midday near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctic meltdown: Snow paradise registers over 20 degrees celsius for first time

This year winter in France has so far remain mildest and this had a direct impact on key resorts which is situated in France. Tha lack of snow has forced resorts to shut down its key runs in midseason.

Global warming impacts ski resorts in France

Chinstrap penguins in peril: Colonies in Western Antarctic decline as global warming worsens

A research base in the Antarctic has recorded the hottest temperature ever for the continent amid rising concern about global warming. The Esperanza base on the northern tip of the Antarctic peninsula recorded a temperature of 18.3 degrees Celsius.

Antarctica records warmest day with the temperature of 18.3 degrees Celsius

Rising ocean levels could trigger a mass movement that would compel more than 13 million individuals living along the beachfront zones of the United States to migrate inland by 2100, according to a study by The University of Southern California scholars.

The research published in the magazine PLOS ONE this week found the effect of rising seas will swell the nation over, past seaside regions in danger of flooding, as influenced individuals move inland.

Sea-level rise is caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater as it warms.

Within just a few decades, hundreds of thousands of homes on the US coast will be flooded.

In fact, by the end of the century, six feet of ocean-level rise would redraw the coastline of southern Florida, parts of North Carolina and Virginia and most of Boston and New Orleans.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rising ocean levels could trigger a mass movement that would compel more than 13 million individuals living along the beachfront zones of the United States to migrate inland by 2100, according to a study by The University of Southern California scholars.

Rising ocean levels could trigger a mass movement that would compel more than 13 million individuals living along the beachfront zones of the United States to migrate inland by 2100, according to a study by The University of Southern California scholars. The research published in the magazine PLOS ONE this week found the effect of rising seas will swell the nation over, past seaside regions in danger of flooding, as influenced individuals move inland. Sea-level rise is caused primarily by two factors related to global warming: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater as it warms. Within just a few decades, hundreds of thousands of homes on the US coast will be flooded. In fact, by the end of the century, six feet of ocean-level rise would redraw the coastline of southern Florida, parts of North Carolina and Virginia and most of Boston and New Orleans. (With inputs from agencies)

Rising sea levels will force mass migration of 13 million Americans by 2100

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein

Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Their work came on the heels of an IPCC report that warned of dire environmental, economic and health consequences in the absence of any serious momentum toward decarbonization by 2030.

But the crews were not adding to the two charging stations installed in each parking lot in 2013. They came to remove them.

This erasure of one provincial government’s climate project by its successor was only the tip of the melting iceberg. The steady unravelling of climate policy began when the newly elected Conservative government cancelled the provincial cap and trade system and renewable energy contracts from Ontario’s feed-in-tariff system. It also removed subsidies for electric vehicles (up to $14,000 per vehicle under the previous government).

Despite being sold as cost-cutting, some of the reversals have been expensive. Cancelling 750 renewable-energy projects, for instance, cost $231 million.

It is tempting to view this unwinding through the lens of the polarized politics plaguing many western democracies. That misses the bigger picture.

Our research on more than two dozen climate initiatives around the world — from the community level to the global scale — revealed that the Ontario story is depressingly familiar. There is no lack of climate initiatives — our case studies are only a small cross-section of thousands. Rather, the problem is that these initiatives tend to get started, make some progress and then get stuck or even regress.

Everything is connected

Dependence on fossil energy means it is difficult for a new policy or technology in isolation to catalyze breakthrough changes. Part of the story is the pushback they generate, as happened in Ontario, from political and economic interests that mobilize opposition.

But overt resistance is not the only obstacle to change. Changing one thing often runs into the powerful inertia of related policies, technologies, interests and patterns of behaviour.

For example, a local or provincial policy to incentivize electric vehicle purchases by allowing free parking or providing subsidies may make some progress reducing emissions. But if other parts of the transportation system do not change, the policy will stall or reverse.

Without charging stations, people will have range anxiety. If subsidies decline or higher levels of government do not impose stricter fuel standards, markets for EVs can dry up. If the electric grid is supplied by dirty coal power or other high carbon fuels, EV purchases will have less effect on overall emissions. If the uptake of EVs remains low as a result, auto companies and the public may oppose such policies as costly for limited impact.

These challenging, interdependent dynamics are evident across policies and scales. Even in Germany, which implemented some of the most aggressive renewable energy policies, decarbonization has stalled despite strong public support. Pricing and policy dynamics, such as the shale gas revolution outside of Germany and the decision to phase out nuclear power, led to coal becoming the cheapest source of energy, resulting in the extension of coal-fired power plants.

The German phase-out of coal power will be complete in 2038 (too slow according to some activists) and comes with billions of Euros in compensation for coal-producing states and companies.

The purgatory of incremental change

Climate initiatives also get stuck because the momentum they generate is not always in the direction of substantial change or decarbonization. For instance, moving from coal-fired to natural gas electricity production can lower emissions. However, turning to this bridge fuel reinforces dependence on fossil energy. Political coalitions that support and benefit from such an initial change might not favour more aggressive action.

A case in point is Colorado’s New Energy Economy policy. In the mid-2000s, it included a commitment to shift from coal to renewables supported by unions and energy companies. The fracking revolution, however, lowered natural gas prices and encouraged the development of coalitions that supported it as a transition fuel.

The state government subsequently redefined the new energy economy to include natural gas, undermining its commitment to renewables. This shift put Colorado on an improved, but still carbon-intensive, pathway. The state is in the midst of changing oil and gas regulations again.

These dynamics apply equally to individuals. Studies show that nudging people to change their daily practices can decrease their support for broader, transformative policies because they feel they have done enough.

Getting unstuck

Our research has identified four questions to ask when designing and implementing climate action to counter these dynamics: Does it disrupt dependence on fossil energy? Does it build coalitions that favour more aggressive actions? Is it sensitive to broader connections? Does it spark climate action elsewhere?

These questions suggest a need to value the transformative potential of any climate action rather than (only) the immediate emissions reductions. Quick emissions reductions like those generated by fuel switching are seductive but can stall. Instead, policy-makers should evaluate climate action on whether it contributes to disrupting reliance on fossil energy and reinforcing alternative paths.

Getting unstuck also requires thinking beyond single policies. A successful EV policy like Norway’s pays attention to the entire personal transport sector (taxes and subsidies, infrastructure, etc.). It has even catalyzed change in the broader transportation sector, including electric ferries and aviation.

Moreover, the politics of getting started are different than the politics of maintaining and extending climate action. One way to create broader coalitions of support is to build justice and equity into every climate action. Overly technocratic climate initiatives, such as smart cities, can get stuck and fail to catalyze broad decarbonization in part because they fail to generate broad and diverse coalitions to build on initial successes.

Building a better society is not possible without addressing climate change. Addressing climate change is not politically feasible without pursuing a more just and equitable society to ensure broad support.

(Matthew Hoffmann is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto; Steven Bernstein is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-128287">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Their work came on the heels of an IPCC report that warned of dire environmental, economic and health consequences in the absence of any serious momentum toward decarbonization by 2030. But the crews were not adding to the two charging stations installed in each parking lot in 2013. They came to remove them. This erasure of one provincial government’s climate project by its successor was only the tip of the melting iceberg. The steady unravelling of climate policy began when the newly elected Conservative government cancelled the provincial cap and trade system and renewable energy contracts from Ontario’s feed-in-tariff system. It also removed subsidies for electric vehicles (up to $14,000 per vehicle under the previous government). Despite being sold as cost-cutting, some of the reversals have been expensive. Cancelling 750 renewable-energy projects, for instance, cost $231 million. It is tempting to view this unwinding through the lens of the polarized politics plaguing many western democracies. That misses the bigger picture. Our research on more than two dozen climate initiatives around the world — from the community level to the global scale — revealed that the Ontario story is depressingly familiar. There is no lack of climate initiatives — our case studies are only a small cross-section of thousands. Rather, the problem is that these initiatives tend to get started, make some progress and then get stuck or even regress. Everything is connected Dependence on fossil energy means it is difficult for a new policy or technology in isolation to catalyze breakthrough changes. Part of the story is the pushback they generate, as happened in Ontario, from political and economic interests that mobilize opposition. But overt resistance is not the only obstacle to change. Changing one thing often runs into the powerful inertia of related policies, technologies, interests and patterns of behaviour. For example, a local or provincial policy to incentivize electric vehicle purchases by allowing free parking or providing subsidies may make some progress reducing emissions. But if other parts of the transportation system do not change, the policy will stall or reverse. Without charging stations, people will have range anxiety. If subsidies decline or higher levels of government do not impose stricter fuel standards, markets for EVs can dry up. If the electric grid is supplied by dirty coal power or other high carbon fuels, EV purchases will have less effect on overall emissions. If the uptake of EVs remains low as a result, auto companies and the public may oppose such policies as costly for limited impact. These challenging, interdependent dynamics are evident across policies and scales. Even in Germany, which implemented some of the most aggressive renewable energy policies, decarbonization has stalled despite strong public support. Pricing and policy dynamics, such as the shale gas revolution outside of Germany and the decision to phase out nuclear power, led to coal becoming the cheapest source of energy, resulting in the extension of coal-fired power plants. The German phase-out of coal power will be complete in 2038 (too slow according to some activists) and comes with billions of Euros in compensation for coal-producing states and companies. The purgatory of incremental change Climate initiatives also get stuck because the momentum they generate is not always in the direction of substantial change or decarbonization. For instance, moving from coal-fired to natural gas electricity production can lower emissions. However, turning to this bridge fuel reinforces dependence on fossil energy. Political coalitions that support and benefit from such an initial change might not favour more aggressive action. A case in point is Colorado’s New Energy Economy policy. In the mid-2000s, it included a commitment to shift from coal to renewables supported by unions and energy companies. The fracking revolution, however, lowered natural gas prices and encouraged the development of coalitions that supported it as a transition fuel. The state government subsequently redefined the new energy economy to include natural gas, undermining its commitment to renewables. This shift put Colorado on an improved, but still carbon-intensive, pathway. The state is in the midst of changing oil and gas regulations again. These dynamics apply equally to individuals. Studies show that nudging people to change their daily practices can decrease their support for broader, transformative policies because they feel they have done enough. Getting unstuck Our research has identified four questions to ask when designing and implementing climate action to counter these dynamics: Does it disrupt dependence on fossil energy? Does it build coalitions that favour more aggressive actions? Is it sensitive to broader connections? Does it spark climate action elsewhere? These questions suggest a need to value the transformative potential of any climate action rather than (only) the immediate emissions reductions. Quick emissions reductions like those generated by fuel switching are seductive but can stall. Instead, policy-makers should evaluate climate action on whether it contributes to disrupting reliance on fossil energy and reinforcing alternative paths. Getting unstuck also requires thinking beyond single policies. A successful EV policy like Norway’s pays attention to the entire personal transport sector (taxes and subsidies, infrastructure, etc.). It has even catalyzed change in the broader transportation sector, including electric ferries and aviation. Moreover, the politics of getting started are different than the politics of maintaining and extending climate action. One way to create broader coalitions of support is to build justice and equity into every climate action. Overly technocratic climate initiatives, such as smart cities, can get stuck and fail to catalyze broad decarbonization in part because they fail to generate broad and diverse coalitions to build on initial successes. Building a better society is not possible without addressing climate change. Addressing climate change is not politically feasible without pursuing a more just and equitable society to ensure broad support. (Matthew Hoffmann is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto; Steven Bernstein is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment.

The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week. The authorities claim that the facility will ''reduce emissions'' as it&nbsp;operates solely on renewable energy.

"Johan Sverdrup is now open. That's good news for our investors, for Norway,&nbsp;and for emissions," announced Equinor, the state company with jurisdiction over the field.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-caused-15-disasters-costing-over-1-billion-this-year-sources-270576">Climate change caused 15 disasters costing over $1 billion this year</a>

Many critics, however, perceive the third-largest oil field in Norway as a signifier of the country's hypocrisy when it comes to climate change.&nbsp;

The expansive field is situated 140 kilometres away from the coast and was named after the country's first prime minister.

The fields boasts 2.7 billion barrels of oil, which could last for over half a century, and could bring more than $100m into the country.

CNN reported that the operation runs on hydroelectric power, generated from the ocean. This is a first, for most oil fields employ diesel generators to fulfill their needs.&nbsp;

Norway has been at the helm of positive climate change. It was not only the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement, but has continuously reinstated its faith in achieving the climate-neutral status by 2030.

<h6><img alt="iiii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01f0fec4-f6b5-4457-99b9-5a45ce19043e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_56.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;A worker at an&nbsp;oil&nbsp;field owned by Bashneft, Bashkortostan, Russia, January 28, 2015 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

The country also offers electric cars at a subsidised rate, with a fully enforced ban on deforestation.&nbsp;

"Norway has a schizophrenic relationship with climate and oil and gas," Lars-Henrik Paarup Michelsen, CEO of the Norwegian Climate Foundation think tank, told CNN.

Besides all this action to battle and limit climate change, Norway continues to be a major fossil fuel producer. Pumping out over two million barrels of oil a day, Norway is Europes's second-biggest producer after Russia, as per the figures provided by the International Energy Agency.

&nbsp;Norway's natural gas production is also way more than any other European country.

"We are great at adopting ambitious emission targets, but at the same time we plan for oil and gas production for decades to come", Michelsen added in conversation with CNN.

Over the last few decades, Norway has invested heavily in renewable energy, especially hydropower. Much of its clean energy is used to sustain the country, while pollution-causing oil and gas are sold to foreign players.

The parent company of the field is hell-bent on asserting the efficiency of the field. "Average CO2 emissions from international fields are 25 times higher, (with) 18 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced versus 0.67 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced from Sverdrup," Equinor spokesperson Morten Eek told CNN.

<h6><img alt="iii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bef3dfc-a3ac-4fcd-aec3-afa1156efb25" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_49.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Climate change activists take part in a demonstration of the Fridays for Future movement in Lausanne, Switzerland January 17, 2020 | Reuters&nbsp; 
&nbsp;</h6>

However, Michelsen told CNN that this is barely sufficient in the longer run. He said that emissions from production account for only five per cent of global oil emissions.&nbsp;

"The big problem is the combustion, in sectors like transport and industry," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/denmark-sweden-norway-are-worlds-best-countries-to-raise-children-india-bags-59th-spot-275134">Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot</a>

For a better understanding, emissions within Norway accounted for 53 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 2017, while emissions caused by Norwegian oil and gas exports caused 470 million tonnes of emissions, as per data in the United Nations' Emission Gap Report.

Besides planning to become climate neutral by 2030, Norway also intends to become a low-emission society by 2050. Almost 30 per cent reduction in emissions can be expected by 2020, and over 40 per cent by 2030.

Norway currently operates 87 fields, with production planned until at least 2070. The country's production is slated to hit a record high in 2023.

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment. The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week.

In an unexpected turn of events, Norway has recently claimed that its new huge oil facility is good for the environment. The Johan Sverdrup field was opened by the Norwegian prime minister last week. The authorities claim that the facility will ''reduce emissions'' as it operates solely on renewable energy. "Johan Sverdrup is now open. That's good news for our investors, for Norway, and for emissions," announced Equinor, the state company with jurisdiction over the field. Also read: Climate change caused 15 disasters costing over $1 billion this year Many critics, however, perceive the third-largest oil field in Norway as a signifier of the country's hypocrisy when it comes to climate change. The expansive field is situated 140 kilometres away from the coast and was named after the country's first prime minister. The fields boasts 2.7 billion barrels of oil, which could last for over half a century, and could bring more than $100m into the country. CNN reported that the operation runs on hydroelectric power, generated from the ocean. This is a first, for most oil fields employ diesel generators to fulfill their needs. Norway has been at the helm of positive climate change. It was not only the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement, but has continuously reinstated its faith in achieving the climate-neutral status by 2030. Image: A worker at an oil field owned by Bashneft, Bashkortostan, Russia, January 28, 2015 | Reuters The country also offers electric cars at a subsidised rate, with a fully enforced ban on deforestation. "Norway has a schizophrenic relationship with climate and oil and gas," Lars-Henrik Paarup Michelsen, CEO of the Norwegian Climate Foundation think tank, told CNN. Besides all this action to battle and limit climate change, Norway continues to be a major fossil fuel producer. Pumping out over two million barrels of oil a day, Norway is Europes's second-biggest producer after Russia, as per the figures provided by the International Energy Agency. Norway's natural gas production is also way more than any other European country. "We are great at adopting ambitious emission targets, but at the same time we plan for oil and gas production for decades to come", Michelsen added in conversation with CNN. Over the last few decades, Norway has invested heavily in renewable energy, especially hydropower. Much of its clean energy is used to sustain the country, while pollution-causing oil and gas are sold to foreign players. The parent company of the field is hell-bent on asserting the efficiency of the field. "Average CO2 emissions from international fields are 25 times higher, (with) 18 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced versus 0.67 kg CO2 emitted per barrel produced from Sverdrup," Equinor spokesperson Morten Eek told CNN. Image: Climate change activists take part in a demonstration of the Fridays for Future movement in Lausanne, Switzerland January 17, 2020 | Reuters However, Michelsen told CNN that this is barely sufficient in the longer run. He said that emissions from production account for only five per cent of global oil emissions. "The big problem is the combustion, in sectors like transport and industry," he said. Also read: Denmark, Sweden, Norway are world's best countries to raise children; India bags 59th spot For a better understanding, emissions within Norway accounted for 53 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 2017, while emissions caused by Norwegian oil and gas exports caused 470 million tonnes of emissions, as per data in the United Nations' Emission Gap Report. Besides planning to become climate neutral by 2030, Norway also intends to become a low-emission society by 2050. Almost 30 per cent reduction in emissions can be expected by 2020, and over 40 per cent by 2030. Norway currently operates 87 fields, with production planned until at least 2070. The country's production is slated to hit a record high in 2023.

New oil facility will 'reduce emissions', says Norway; gets labelled hypocrite

The past decade has been the hottest on record, the UN said Wednesday, warning that the higher temperatures were expected to fuel numerous extreme <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-corrupt-pillars-of-climate-change-denial-265220">weather events in 2020 </a>and beyond.

The World Meteorological Organisation, which based its findings on analysis of leading international datasets, said it also confirmed data released by the European Union's climate monitor last week showing that last year was the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/polar-bear-invasion-how-climate-change-is-forcing-them-to-change-their-hunting-habits-197555">second hottest on record</a>, after 2016.

"The year 2020 has started out where 2019 left off -- with high-impact weather and climate-related events," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement, pointing in particular to the devastating bushfires in Australia.

"Unfortunately, we expect to see much extreme weather throughout 2020 and the coming decades, fuelled by record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," he said.

Watch | &nbsp;2019: 15 disasters - the soaring costs of climate change

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The UN agency said that average global temperatures during both the past five-year (2015-2019) and 10-year (2010-2019) periods were the highest ever recorded.

"Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one," the UN agency said in a statement, warning that "this trend is expected to continue".

The United Nations said last year that man-made greenhouse gas emissions needed to tumble 7.6 per cent each year to 2030 in order to limit temperature rises to 1.5C -- the more ambitious cap nations signed up to in the landmark Paris climate deal.

Current pledges to cut emissions put Earth on a path of several degrees warming by the end of the century.

Significant warming

Taalas on Wednesday said that since modern records began in 1850, the average global temperature had risen by around 1.1 degrees Celsius, and warned of significant warming in the future.

"On the current path of carbon dioxide emissions, we are heading towards a temperature increase of three to five degrees Celsius by the end of the century," he warned.&nbsp;

WMO also pointed to a new study published this week in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences with data showing that ocean heat content was at a record high in 2019.

The past five years, and past decade were also the warmest on record in terms of ocean heat content, that study showed.

Since more than 90 percent of excess heat is stored within the world's oceans, their heat content is a good way to quantify the rate of global warming, WMO said.

Scientists stressed the urgent need to do more to counter the warming trend.

"If we look at all the impacts around the world that are now occurring as a result of this warming, it is obvious that we are not succeeding in preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system," said Bob Ward of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The past decade has been the hottest on record, the UN said Wednesday, warning that the higher temperatures were expected to fuel numerous extreme weather events in 2020 and beyond.

The past decade has been the hottest on record, the UN said Wednesday, warning that the higher temperatures were expected to fuel numerous extreme weather events in 2020 and beyond. The World Meteorological Organisation, which based its findings on analysis of leading international datasets, said it also confirmed data released by the European Union's climate monitor last week showing that last year was the second hottest on record, after 2016. "The year 2020 has started out where 2019 left off -- with high-impact weather and climate-related events," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement, pointing in particular to the devastating bushfires in Australia. "Unfortunately, we expect to see much extreme weather throughout 2020 and the coming decades, fuelled by record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," he said. Watch | 2019: 15 disasters - the soaring costs of climate change × The UN agency said that average global temperatures during both the past five-year (2015-2019) and 10-year (2010-2019) periods were the highest ever recorded. "Since the 1980s each decade has been warmer than the previous one," the UN agency said in a statement, warning that "this trend is expected to continue". The United Nations said last year that man-made greenhouse gas emissions needed to tumble 7.6 per cent each year to 2030 in order to limit temperature rises to 1.5C -- the more ambitious cap nations signed up to in the landmark Paris climate deal. Current pledges to cut emissions put Earth on a path of several degrees warming by the end of the century. Significant warming Taalas on Wednesday said that since modern records began in 1850, the average global temperature had risen by around 1.1 degrees Celsius, and warned of significant warming in the future. "On the current path of carbon dioxide emissions, we are heading towards a temperature increase of three to five degrees Celsius by the end of the century," he warned. WMO also pointed to a new study published this week in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences with data showing that ocean heat content was at a record high in 2019. The past five years, and past decade were also the warmest on record in terms of ocean heat content, that study showed. Since more than 90 percent of excess heat is stored within the world's oceans, their heat content is a good way to quantify the rate of global warming, WMO said. Scientists stressed the urgent need to do more to counter the warming trend. "If we look at all the impacts around the world that are now occurring as a result of this warming, it is obvious that we are not succeeding in preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system," said Bob Ward of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

UN warns of 'much extreme weather' after hottest decade on record

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit.&nbsp;

When nations struck the 2015 Paris agreement, which aims to limit temperature rises under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), they agreed on five-year periods in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anger-erupts-at-un-climate-summit-as-major-economies-resist-bold-action-268332">climate action</a> could be implemented, assessed and boosted.&nbsp;

2020 is the year the landmark deal goes into effect, yet almost three decades of diplomatic wrangling has fallen far short of what science says is needed to avert disastrous climate change.

A crucial UN summit at which leaders will finalise their action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to open in Glasgow on November 9&nbsp;just six days after a US general election that could see President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texass-greg-abbott-becomes-first-to-refuse-refugees-order-given-by-president-donald-trump-273510">Donald Trump</a> win a second term.

Trump shocked the world in 2017 when he said the United States,&nbsp;history's largest emitter&nbsp;was withdrawing from the Paris agreement.&nbsp;It is due to leave the deal on November 4.

"Another four years of Trump in the White House would mean that the world's key country in terms of providing global leadership will be sitting the problem out," Michael Oppenheimer, professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, told reporters.&nbsp;

"So that's four years of having a millstone around the neck of the world's efforts to deal with climate change."

After a year of climate-related disasters, from cyclones and flooding in Africa and Southeast Asia to devastating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-few-hours-could-be-very-challenging-australia-urges-people-to-flee-as-bushfires-rage-273400">wildfires</a> in Australia and California, nations in December failed to make progress during the annual UN Climate Change Conference COP 25.&nbsp;

More than 100 countries have pledged to redouble their efforts to reduce domestic emissions, but the biggest polluters, China, India, the US and the European Union have yet to unveil new plans.

The Paris deal was dragged partly over the line thanks to more than a year of shuttle diplomacy by host France.&nbsp;

Climate negotiations are multilateral and emissions cuts voluntary, so much depends on the skill and tactics of the country in charge of annual COP negotiating sessions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-uks-boris-johnson-pm-modi-resolves-to-work-closely-together-269028">COP26</a> president Claire O'Neill told reporters last month that climate would be the British government's "number one global priority" this year leading up to the Glasgow summit.

But there are fears that Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels, which will last until around the same time as COP26, will drain much-needed diplomatic bandwidth.&nbsp;

"There is a Brexit scenario in which the UK is distracted at the highest level and the relationship with the EU has soured," said Nick Mabey, CEO of the green thinktank E3G.

"It's a risk. Brexit is the government's number one defensive diplomatic priority and I would say COP needs to be its number one offensive diplomatic priority.&nbsp;

"COP&nbsp;requires huge, proactive campaigning, full-functioning diplomatic machine," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Mabey said Britain already had more than 100 diplomats focusing solely on climate ahead of Glasgow.

But perhaps the biggest moment for the climate in 2020 will come before both the US election or the COP.&nbsp;

In September, the EU-China summit in Leipzig is likely to see the world's largest single market push the world's biggest carbon polluter for greater emissions-cutting commitments.

Li Shuo, the senior global policy advisor for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/children-ready-to-lead-fight-against-pollution-as-climate-crisis-claims-over-9-lakh-lives-since-2016-262150">Greenpeace East Asia</a>, said this year presented a massive opportunity for China to show global leadership over climate.

"The US, China, EU climate tricycle has had a wheel pulled off by Trump," said Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia.&nbsp;

"Going into 2020 it is critical for the two remaining wheels to roll in sync.

"The decision was taken by Chinese leaders over the next year,&nbsp;matters to how the world views China under increasingly turbulent geopolitics," Shuo said.

China and fellow emitter India was accused of stymying greater ambition at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-russia-unveils-new-climate-plan-272712">COP25</a> in Madrid by insisting they had already done their fair share in cutting carbon pollution.&nbsp;

Even if nations can agree in Glasgow to boost action during the next five years, their voluntary pledges are likely to be worlds apart from the drastic emissions cuts that Earth needs.

"Something called success is probably off the table for the moment," said Mabey.

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit.

2020 is the most crucial year yet for humanity's plan to dodge the bullet of catastrophic global warming, experts said Saturday, warning that the narrow path to safety was riddled with pitfalls, from the US election to Brexit. When nations struck the 2015 Paris agreement, which aims to limit temperature rises under 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), they agreed on five-year periods in which climate action could be implemented, assessed and boosted. 2020 is the year the landmark deal goes into effect, yet almost three decades of diplomatic wrangling has fallen far short of what science says is needed to avert disastrous climate change. A crucial UN summit at which leaders will finalise their action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is set to open in Glasgow on November 9 just six days after a US general election that could see President Donald Trump win a second term. Trump shocked the world in 2017 when he said the United States, history's largest emitter was withdrawing from the Paris agreement. It is due to leave the deal on November 4. "Another four years of Trump in the White House would mean that the world's key country in terms of providing global leadership will be sitting the problem out," Michael Oppenheimer, professor of Geosciences and International Affairs at Princeton University, told reporters. "So that's four years of having a millstone around the neck of the world's efforts to deal with climate change." After a year of climate-related disasters, from cyclones and flooding in Africa and Southeast Asia to devastating wildfires in Australia and California, nations in December failed to make progress during the annual UN Climate Change Conference COP 25. More than 100 countries have pledged to redouble their efforts to reduce domestic emissions, but the biggest polluters, China, India, the US and the European Union have yet to unveil new plans. The Paris deal was dragged partly over the line thanks to more than a year of shuttle diplomacy by host France. Climate negotiations are multilateral and emissions cuts voluntary, so much depends on the skill and tactics of the country in charge of annual COP negotiating sessions. COP26 president Claire O'Neill told reporters last month that climate would be the British government's "number one global priority" this year leading up to the Glasgow summit. But there are fears that Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels, which will last until around the same time as COP26, will drain much-needed diplomatic bandwidth. "There is a Brexit scenario in which the UK is distracted at the highest level and the relationship with the EU has soured," said Nick Mabey, CEO of the green thinktank E3G. "It's a risk. Brexit is the government's number one defensive diplomatic priority and I would say COP needs to be its number one offensive diplomatic priority. "COP requires huge, proactive campaigning, full-functioning diplomatic machine," he told reporters. Mabey said Britain already had more than 100 diplomats focusing solely on climate ahead of Glasgow. But perhaps the biggest moment for the climate in 2020 will come before both the US election or the COP. In September, the EU-China summit in Leipzig is likely to see the world's largest single market push the world's biggest carbon polluter for greater emissions-cutting commitments. Li Shuo, the senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia, said this year presented a massive opportunity for China to show global leadership over climate. "The US, China, EU climate tricycle has had a wheel pulled off by Trump," said Li Shuo, senior global policy advisor for Greenpeace East Asia. "Going into 2020 it is critical for the two remaining wheels to roll in sync. "The decision was taken by Chinese leaders over the next year, matters to how the world views China under increasingly turbulent geopolitics," Shuo said. China and fellow emitter India was accused of stymying greater ambition at COP25 in Madrid by insisting they had already done their fair share in cutting carbon pollution. Even if nations can agree in Glasgow to boost action during the next five years, their voluntary pledges are likely to be worlds apart from the drastic emissions cuts that Earth needs. "Something called success is probably off the table for the moment," said Mabey.

Climate at mercy of politics in 2020, experts warn

Areas around the Himalayan and Mount Everest region are getting greener with the growing of shrubs and grasses, claimed scientists in a new research.&nbsp;

This development raises new concerns of climate change as the Hindu Kush Himalayan region&nbsp;is known for its snow cover.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-proposed-changes-to-climbing-permits-for-mount-everest-268824">Nepal proposes climbing permit changes for Mount Everest</a>

A team of researchers from UK’s University of Exeter used data from 1993 to 2018 to measure the extent of subnival vegetation, plants growing between the treeline and snowline.

Researchers said that the ecosystem that consist grass and shrubs, now cover between five to 15 times the area of what were entirely glaciers and snow.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mount-everest-the-worlds-highest-rubbish-dump-145064">Mount Everest: The World's Highest rubbish dump</a>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/10/grass-growing-around-mount-everest-as-global-heating-intensifies">findings </a>did not give a reason for the increase in the green cover, however, it backs previous claims that predict a decline in glacier in the Himalayan region due to global warming.&nbsp;

The researchers also found significant increase in the vegetaion at the height of 4,150-6,000 metres above sea level. Generally, at a height over 6,000 metres above sea level is not considered suitable for the growing of plants.&nbsp;

The research noted that the vegetation most grew at the height of 5,000-5,500 metres.&nbsp;

Since the turn of this century, ice melting in Himalayas has doubled. In the last 40 years, more than 25 per cent of all ice has been lost. The study has also showed that its ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate-induced change in vegetation.

Karen Anderson from the University of Exeter said that a lot of studies has been done on ice melting in the Himalayan region, including a research that showed how the rate of ice loss doubled between 2000 and 2016, reported Guardian.

However, he added that more vegetation may not actually increase the likeliness of warming and flood risks as the only study in the region, in Tibet, found that the water in the plants that is evaporated through their leaf surface actually made a cooling impact.&nbsp;

Areas around the Himalayan and Mount Everest region are getting greener with the growing of shrubs and grasses, claimed scientists in a new research. This development raises new concerns of climate change as the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is known for its snow cover.

Areas around the Himalayan and Mount Everest region are getting greener with the growing of shrubs and grasses, claimed scientists in a new research. This development raises new concerns of climate change as the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is known for its snow cover. Also read: Nepal proposes climbing permit changes for Mount Everest A team of researchers from UK’s University of Exeter used data from 1993 to 2018 to measure the extent of subnival vegetation, plants growing between the treeline and snowline. Researchers said that the ecosystem that consist grass and shrubs, now cover between five to 15 times the area of what were entirely glaciers and snow. Also read: Mount Everest: The World's Highest rubbish dump The findings did not give a reason for the increase in the green cover, however, it backs previous claims that predict a decline in glacier in the Himalayan region due to global warming. The researchers also found significant increase in the vegetaion at the height of 4,150-6,000 metres above sea level. Generally, at a height over 6,000 metres above sea level is not considered suitable for the growing of plants. The research noted that the vegetation most grew at the height of 5,000-5,500 metres. Since the turn of this century, ice melting in Himalayas has doubled. In the last 40 years, more than 25 per cent of all ice has been lost. The study has also showed that its ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate-induced change in vegetation. Karen Anderson from the University of Exeter said that a lot of studies has been done on ice melting in the Himalayan region, including a research that showed how the rate of ice loss doubled between 2000 and 2016, reported Guardian. However, he added that more vegetation may not actually increase the likeliness of warming and flood risks as the only study in the region, in Tibet, found that the water in the plants that is evaporated through their leaf surface actually made a cooling impact.

Satellite images find grass, shrubs in Mount Everest

The year 2019 was a terrible year for climate-related disasters but also the year where people took to the streets to demand action against climate change. The climate crisis has to lead to billions of dollars worth of damage and destruction. Watch report: #ClimateChange #WION #Climate #GlobalWarming

Climate change caused 15 disasters, $1 billion loss

Swedish Climate activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-mocks-greta-on-twitter-michelle-obama-tells-thunberg-to-ignore-the-doubters-268320">Greta Thunberg</a> on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention.

During an interview with British media, Thunberg was asked what she would have said to Trump during the U.N. summit; to which she responded saying, "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously, he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?"

"So I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she added.

Talking about the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teenager-working-on-anger-management-greta-thunbergs-twitter-bio-after-trump-mocks-her-267956"> jibes Trump often takes on Thunberg on social media</a>, she said that they are "funny" because they "don't mean anything". While she also added that they (Trump and Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro) are "terrified of young people bringing change".

"Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don't mean anything," she said.

&nbsp;"I guess of course it means something - they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don't want - but that is just proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat."

Greta Thunberg came to world attention when she began a grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament.&nbsp;

The protests have inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change.

Earlier this month Trump mocked Thunberg as he said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie".

"So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!"

Soon after Trump's tweet, Thunberg responded by changing her bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem."

"Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Brazillian President had called Thunberg "brat" after she condemned violence against indigenous people who were killed in the Amazon.

Swedish Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention.

Swedish Climate activist Greta Thunberg on Monday said that talking to US President Donald Trump during the United Nations summit on global warming would have been a waste of time as he would not have paid any attention. During an interview with British media, Thunberg was asked what she would have said to Trump during the U.N. summit; to which she responded saying, "Honestly, I don't think I would have said anything because obviously, he's not listening to scientists and experts, so why would he listen to me?" "So I probably wouldn't have said anything, I wouldn't have wasted my time," she added. Talking about the jibes Trump often takes on Thunberg on social media, she said that they are "funny" because they "don't mean anything". While she also added that they (Trump and Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro) are "terrified of young people bringing change". "Those attacks are just funny because they obviously don't mean anything," she said. "I guess of course it means something - they are terrified of young people bringing change which they don't want - but that is just proof that we are actually doing something and that they see us as some kind of threat." Greta Thunberg came to world attention when she began a grassroots campaign aged 15 by skipping school every Friday to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament. The protests have inspired millions of young people to take action against climate change. Earlier this month Trump mocked Thunberg as he said, "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem" and advised her to go to a "good old-fashioned movie". "So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!" Soon after Trump's tweet, Thunberg responded by changing her bio to "A teenager working on her anger management problem." "Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend," her bio also read. Meanwhile, Brazillian President had called Thunberg "brat" after she condemned violence against indigenous people who were killed in the Amazon.

I wouldn't have wasted my time talking to Trump at UN summit: Greta Thunberg

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