Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday.

The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas ranked water stress, drought risk and riverine flood risk using a peer-reviewed methodology.

"Agriculture, industry, and municipalities are drinking up 80 per cent of available surface and groundwater in an average year" in the 17 worst affected countries, WRI said.

"When demand rivals supply, even small dry shocks – which are set to increase due to climate change – can produce dire consequences" such as the recent crises in Cape Town, Sao Paulo and Chennai.&nbsp;

Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, UAE, San Marino, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Botswana made up the top 17.

"Water stress is the biggest crisis no one is talking about. Its consequences are in plain sight in the form of food insecurity, conflict and migration, and financial instability," said Andrew Steer, CEO of WRI.

Another 27 countries comprised the "high baseline water stress" list.

The Middle East and North Africa are home to 12 of the most stressed countries, while India, which is ranked 13, has more than three times the population of the other 16 in its category combined.

"The recent water crisis in Chennai gained global attention, but various areas in India are experiencing chronic water stress as well," said Shashi Shekhar, India's former water secretary, adding that the tool could help authorities identify and prioritize risks.

Even countries with low average water stress can have dire hotspots, the report found. While the US ranks a comfortable 71 on the list, the state of New Mexico faces water stress on par with the UAE. 
&nbsp;

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday.

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday. The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas ranked water stress, drought risk and riverine flood risk using a peer-reviewed methodology. "Agriculture, industry, and municipalities are drinking up 80 per cent of available surface and groundwater in an average year" in the 17 worst affected countries, WRI said. "When demand rivals supply, even small dry shocks – which are set to increase due to climate change – can produce dire consequences" such as the recent crises in Cape Town, Sao Paulo and Chennai. Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, UAE, San Marino, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Botswana made up the top 17. "Water stress is the biggest crisis no one is talking about. Its consequences are in plain sight in the form of food insecurity, conflict and migration, and financial instability," said Andrew Steer, CEO of WRI. Another 27 countries comprised the "high baseline water stress" list. The Middle East and North Africa are home to 12 of the most stressed countries, while India, which is ranked 13, has more than three times the population of the other 16 in its category combined. "The recent water crisis in Chennai gained global attention, but various areas in India are experiencing chronic water stress as well," said Shashi Shekhar, India's former water secretary, adding that the tool could help authorities identify and prioritize risks. Even countries with low average water stress can have dire hotspots, the report found. While the US ranks a comfortable 71 on the list, the state of New Mexico faces water stress on par with the UAE.

Quarter of world's population facing extreme water stress

By Akash Rai

French mountaineer Bryan Mestre recently discovered the alarming site of&nbsp;melting of glaciers at the height of 11,100 ft on the Mont Blanc mountain range, the highest mountain in the Alps.

Mestre was shocked to discover the lake&nbsp;at such a high altitude&nbsp;measuring around 100 feet-wide,&nbsp;in a place where temperatures are normally too cold to support liquid water.&nbsp;

It is to believe that a direct impact of the recent heatwave in Europe resulting in&nbsp;such a large meltdown of the glacious above, forming this lake.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION, Bryam shared his experience and raised some serious concern regarding climate change.

Here are the excerpts from his conversation with WION.

WION:&nbsp;Tell us what did you saw when you reached the height of 11,000 ft on Mont Blanc mountain range?

Bryan Mestre:&nbsp;I was going past Col de Rochefort, at the foot Dent du Géant, a deep blue lake, made from the melting of the glacier and the intense heat that struck the continent at the end of June 2019.

WION: Was&nbsp;this your first experience to capture such a huge lake at the height of 11,000 ft?

Bryan Mestre:&nbsp;Yes it was, I have been to this very place six times before.

WION:&nbsp;How&nbsp;worrying sign it is?

Bryan Mestre:&nbsp;It very worrying, it shouldn't be happening not at this altitude. I know that for some people, 3400 metres is low, in the Himalayas there are towns and plantations at this altitude, but every massif is different and has it's own climate and ecosystem, usually, the freezing altitude in the Alps in summer is around 2900-3000 metres.

WION:&nbsp;As a mountaineer what impact have you noticed in the mountain range due to climate change/global warming?

Bryan Mestre:&nbsp;Massive changes, all the routes have changed, some have disappeared, crumbling down in massive rockfalls, or just have ice. An article came out recently, about Rébuffat's (famous French alpinist) the Alps 100's finest climbs, today, less than 10 of the 100 are still doable.

WION:&nbsp;We are noticing glaciers all over the world are melting at an exponential speed, what is your stand on this, and how we can overcome this?

Bryan Mestre:&nbsp;I am afraid, we as single individuals cannot do much, unless we drastically change our habits like stopping our fuel consumption, stop consuming too much electricity and water. States can do a lot more, like stop coal power plants, develop hydrogen, nuclear and green energy, ban tourism cruise ship (a dozen of these ships burn more fuel than all of the world's cars in a year).

WION:&nbsp;Do you believe that people are not realising their responsibility towards the climate and environment?

Bryan Mestre:&nbsp;I believe that slowly people are realizing it, but there isn't much they can do, and since governments are not helping at all, the little they do is shadowed and becomes insignificant.

WION: Do you think the time has come to&nbsp;sound an alarm about global warming?

Brayan Mestre:&nbsp;I think the alarm has been raised long ago, AlGore, Dicaprio, the United Nations, everybody keeps talking about it, people in the mountains, forests, and coasts that are directly affected keep trying to manage something, but governing powers just don't care. It doesn't generate enough profit for them to step in. They don't care what they will leave behind when they will be gone.

By Akash Rai French mountaineer Bryan Mestre recently discovered the alarming site of melting of glaciers at the height of 11,100 ft on the Mont Blanc mountain range, the highest mountain in the Alps.

By Akash Rai French mountaineer Bryan Mestre recently discovered the alarming site of melting of glaciers at the height of 11,100 ft on the Mont Blanc mountain range, the highest mountain in the Alps. Mestre was shocked to discover the lake at such a high altitude measuring around 100 feet-wide, in a place where temperatures are normally too cold to support liquid water. It is to believe that a direct impact of the recent heatwave in Europe resulting in such a large meltdown of the glacious above, forming this lake. Speaking exclusively to WION, Bryam shared his experience and raised some serious concern regarding climate change. Here are the excerpts from his conversation with WION. WION: Tell us what did you saw when you reached the height of 11,000 ft on Mont Blanc mountain range? Bryan Mestre: I was going past Col de Rochefort, at the foot Dent du Géant, a deep blue lake, made from the melting of the glacier and the intense heat that struck the continent at the end of June 2019. WION: Was this your first experience to capture such a huge lake at the height of 11,000 ft? Bryan Mestre: Yes it was, I have been to this very place six times before. WION: How worrying sign it is? Bryan Mestre: It very worrying, it shouldn't be happening not at this altitude. I know that for some people, 3400 metres is low, in the Himalayas there are towns and plantations at this altitude, but every massif is different and has it's own climate and ecosystem, usually, the freezing altitude in the Alps in summer is around 2900-3000 metres. WION: As a mountaineer what impact have you noticed in the mountain range due to climate change/global warming? Bryan Mestre: Massive changes, all the routes have changed, some have disappeared, crumbling down in massive rockfalls, or just have ice. An article came out recently, about Rébuffat's (famous French alpinist) the Alps 100's finest climbs, today, less than 10 of the 100 are still doable. WION: We are noticing glaciers all over the world are melting at an exponential speed, what is your stand on this, and how we can overcome this? Bryan Mestre: I am afraid, we as single individuals cannot do much, unless we drastically change our habits like stopping our fuel consumption, stop consuming too much electricity and water. States can do a lot more, like stop coal power plants, develop hydrogen, nuclear and green energy, ban tourism cruise ship (a dozen of these ships burn more fuel than all of the world's cars in a year). WION: Do you believe that people are not realising their responsibility towards the climate and environment? Bryan Mestre: I believe that slowly people are realizing it, but there isn't much they can do, and since governments are not helping at all, the little they do is shadowed and becomes insignificant. WION: Do you think the time has come to sound an alarm about global warming? Brayan Mestre: I think the alarm has been raised long ago, AlGore, Dicaprio, the United Nations, everybody keeps talking about it, people in the mountains, forests, and coasts that are directly affected keep trying to manage something, but governing powers just don't care. It doesn't generate enough profit for them to step in. They don't care what they will leave behind when they will be gone.

Glaciers melting at height of 11,000 ft on Mont Blanc mountain range: French mountaineer Bryan Mestre to WION

The record-shattering heatwave that baked much of northern Europe last month was likely between 1.5 to 3.0 degrees Celsius hotter due to manmade climate change, an international team of scientists said Friday.

The three-day peak saw Temperature records tumble in Belgium, the Netherlands and Britain while the city of Paris experienced its hottest day ever with the mercury topping out at 42.6C (108.7 Fahrenheit) on July 25.

The ferocious heat came off the back of similar soaring temperatures in June, helping that month to be the hottest June since records began.&nbsp;

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team combined climate modelling with historical heatwave trends and compared it with monitoring data across the continent.&nbsp;

They concluded that the temperatures produced by the climate models were as much as 3C (5.5 degrees Farenheit) lower than those actually observed during the heatwave in Europe.

"In all locations, an event like the observed would have been 1.5 to 3C cooler in an unchanged climate," the WWA said, adding that the difference was "consistent with increased instances of morbidity and mortality."

Global warming also made the July heatwave in some countries between 10-100 times more likely to occur, compared with computer simulations.

Such temperature extremes in northern Europe, without the additional 1C centigrade humans, have added to the atmosphere since the industrial era, would be expected on average once every 1,000 years.

Michael Byrne, lecturer in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews, said the analysis had "found the fingerprints of climate change all over (last month's) extreme temperatures."

"We know without a doubt that climate change will bring increasingly severe heatwaves, but also heavier downpours and more flooding," added Byrne, who was not involved in the research.

The July heatwave caused widespread disruption, prompting train cancellations and emergency measures in many cities. Several heat-related deaths were reported, although a precise toll is likely to take weeks to materialise.

The June heatwave itself was likely made at least five times more likely by climate change and was around 4C hotter than an equivalent heatwave a century ago.

 
&nbsp;'Not science fiction'&nbsp;

Europe has experienced exceptionally intense heatwaves in 2003, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018 and two this year, peaks consistent with the general warming trend: the four hottest years on record globally were the last four years.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Friday said that preliminary data showed July may have been the hottest month ever recorded.

Temperature readings and data provided by the European Union's Copernicus monitoring service showed that the first 29 days of July 2019 were equal to or possibly warmer than the hottest month ever, currently July 2016.

While the data needs confirming, the WMO said the figures were "particularly significant" as July 2016 occurred during a strong El Nino warming event, absent in 2019.

"July has re-written climate history, with dozens of new temperature records at local, national and global level," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.&nbsp;

July also saw unprecedented melting of the Greenland ice sheet, with 12 billion tonnes of ice flowing into the sea, and wildfires in the Artic spewing out thousands of tonnes of planet-warming CO2.

"This is not science fiction. It is the reality of climate change. It is happening now and it will worsen in the future without urgent climate action," said Taalas.

The record-shattering heatwave that baked much of northern Europe last month was likely between 1.5 to 3.0 degrees Celsius hotter due to manmade climate change, an international team of scientists said Friday.

The record-shattering heatwave that baked much of northern Europe last month was likely between 1.5 to 3.0 degrees Celsius hotter due to manmade climate change, an international team of scientists said Friday. The three-day peak saw Temperature records tumble in Belgium, the Netherlands and Britain while the city of Paris experienced its hottest day ever with the mercury topping out at 42.6C (108.7 Fahrenheit) on July 25. The ferocious heat came off the back of similar soaring temperatures in June, helping that month to be the hottest June since records began. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) team combined climate modelling with historical heatwave trends and compared it with monitoring data across the continent. They concluded that the temperatures produced by the climate models were as much as 3C (5.5 degrees Farenheit) lower than those actually observed during the heatwave in Europe. "In all locations, an event like the observed would have been 1.5 to 3C cooler in an unchanged climate," the WWA said, adding that the difference was "consistent with increased instances of morbidity and mortality." Global warming also made the July heatwave in some countries between 10-100 times more likely to occur, compared with computer simulations. Such temperature extremes in northern Europe, without the additional 1C centigrade humans, have added to the atmosphere since the industrial era, would be expected on average once every 1,000 years. Michael Byrne, lecturer in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews, said the analysis had "found the fingerprints of climate change all over (last month's) extreme temperatures." "We know without a doubt that climate change will bring increasingly severe heatwaves, but also heavier downpours and more flooding," added Byrne, who was not involved in the research. The July heatwave caused widespread disruption, prompting train cancellations and emergency measures in many cities. Several heat-related deaths were reported, although a precise toll is likely to take weeks to materialise. The June heatwave itself was likely made at least five times more likely by climate change and was around 4C hotter than an equivalent heatwave a century ago. 'Not science fiction' Europe has experienced exceptionally intense heatwaves in 2003, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018 and two this year, peaks consistent with the general warming trend: the four hottest years on record globally were the last four years. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Friday said that preliminary data showed July may have been the hottest month ever recorded. Temperature readings and data provided by the European Union's Copernicus monitoring service showed that the first 29 days of July 2019 were equal to or possibly warmer than the hottest month ever, currently July 2016. While the data needs confirming, the WMO said the figures were "particularly significant" as July 2016 occurred during a strong El Nino warming event, absent in 2019. "July has re-written climate history, with dozens of new temperature records at local, national and global level," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. July also saw unprecedented melting of the Greenland ice sheet, with 12 billion tonnes of ice flowing into the sea, and wildfires in the Artic spewing out thousands of tonnes of planet-warming CO2. "This is not science fiction. It is the reality of climate change. It is happening now and it will worsen in the future without urgent climate action," said Taalas.

July heatwave up to 3C hotter due to climate change

UK's 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2002, in a sign of the effects of climate change, a report by the UK Met Office published on Wednesday shows.

On Monday, the UK's national weather service confirmed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-record-high-temperature-of-387c-reached-on-july-25-weather-service-239392">Britain's highest ever temperature of 38.7 Celsius </a>(101.7 Fahrenheit) in Cambridge on July 25 during a heatwave which gripped Europe.

Climate scientists have said such heatwaves are becoming more frequent as a result of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions.

In a report published in the International Journal of Climatology, the Met Office extended its temperature records for Britain by 26 years back to 1884.

Analysing that data, it found that the warmest year on record in Britain was 2014; followed by 2006, 2011, 2007, 2017, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2002, and 2005.

"Looking back further into the UK's weather reveals a very interesting timeline with the top ten warmest years at the most recent end, since 2002," said Mark McCarthy, the head of the Met Office's National Climate Information Centre.

"Notably, 1892 is the coldest year in the series, when the average temperature was just over seven degrees. By contrast 2014, which was the warmest year in the series, saw an average temperature approaching 10 degrees Celsius," he added.

The top 10 coldest years in order were 1892, 1888, 1885, 1963, 1919, 1886, 1917, 1909, 1887, and 1962.

The report also said that although last year was the most significant snowfall since 2010, snow events have generally declined since the 1960s.

Over the past decade, summers have been 13% wetter and winters have been 12% wetter than in the period 1961-1990.

The average sea level around Britain was also the highest on record in 2015 and 2018 since records from 1901.

Commenting on the Met Office report, scientists said it was a sign of the "new normal".

"With global emissions of greenhouse gases on the rise, the UK will continue to get warmer and wetter as global warming accelerates. The science of climate change is now clear," said Michael Byrne, lecturer in Earth &amp; Environmental Sciences, University of St Andrews.

Worldwide, average temperatures have risen 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels since the mid-1800s.

Governments have agreed to limit temperature rises to within 2C this century but current emissions cut pledges are not enough and put the world on course for a 3-5C rise.

UK's 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2002, in a sign of the effects of climate change, a report by the UK Met Office published on Wednesday shows.

UK's 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2002, in a sign of the effects of climate change, a report by the UK Met Office published on Wednesday shows. On Monday, the UK's national weather service confirmed that Britain's highest ever temperature of 38.7 Celsius (101.7 Fahrenheit) in Cambridge on July 25 during a heatwave which gripped Europe. Climate scientists have said such heatwaves are becoming more frequent as a result of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions. In a report published in the International Journal of Climatology, the Met Office extended its temperature records for Britain by 26 years back to 1884. Analysing that data, it found that the warmest year on record in Britain was 2014; followed by 2006, 2011, 2007, 2017, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2002, and 2005. "Looking back further into the UK's weather reveals a very interesting timeline with the top ten warmest years at the most recent end, since 2002," said Mark McCarthy, the head of the Met Office's National Climate Information Centre. "Notably, 1892 is the coldest year in the series, when the average temperature was just over seven degrees. By contrast 2014, which was the warmest year in the series, saw an average temperature approaching 10 degrees Celsius," he added. The top 10 coldest years in order were 1892, 1888, 1885, 1963, 1919, 1886, 1917, 1909, 1887, and 1962. The report also said that although last year was the most significant snowfall since 2010, snow events have generally declined since the 1960s. Over the past decade, summers have been 13% wetter and winters have been 12% wetter than in the period 1961-1990. The average sea level around Britain was also the highest on record in 2015 and 2018 since records from 1901. Commenting on the Met Office report, scientists said it was a sign of the "new normal". "With global emissions of greenhouse gases on the rise, the UK will continue to get warmer and wetter as global warming accelerates. The science of climate change is now clear," said Michael Byrne, lecturer in Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of St Andrews. Worldwide, average temperatures have risen 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels since the mid-1800s. Governments have agreed to limit temperature rises to within 2C this century but current emissions cut pledges are not enough and put the world on course for a 3-5C rise.

UK's 10 hottest years all occurred since 2002: Met Office

Mankind will have used up its allowance of natural resources such as water, soil and clean air for all of 2019 by Monday, a report said.

The so-called Earth Overshoot Day has moved up by two months over the past 20 years and this year's date is the earliest ever, the study by the Global Footprint Network said.

The equivalent of 1.75 planets would be required to produce enough to meet humanity's needs at current consumption rates.

"Earth Overshoot Day falling&nbsp;on July 29 means that humanity is currently using nature 1.75 times faster than our planet’s ecosystems can regenerate. This is akin to using 1.75 Earths," the environmental group, which is headquartered in Oakland, California, said in a statement.

"The costs of this global ecological overspending are becoming increasingly evident in the form of deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, or the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The latter leads to climate change and more frequent extreme weather events," it added.

Calculated since 1986, the grim milestone has arrived earlier each year.

In 1993, it fell on October 21, in 2003 on September 22, and in 2017 on August 2.

"We have only got one Earth -- this is the ultimate defining context for human existence. We can't use 1.75 (earths) without destructive consequences," said Mathis Wackernagel, founder of Global Footprint Network.

Maria Carolina Schmidt Zaldivar, Chile's environment minister and chair of the Climate COP25 scheduled this December in Santiago, said a major cause of the date falling earlier and earlier was growing amounts of CO2 emissions.

"The importance of decisive action is becoming ever more evident," she said.

Mankind will have used up its allowance of natural resources such as water, soil and clean air for all of 2019 by Monday, a report said. The so-called Earth Overshoot Day has moved up by two months over the past 20 years and this year's date is the earliest ever, the study by the Global Footprint Network said.

Mankind will have used up its allowance of natural resources such as water, soil and clean air for all of 2019 by Monday, a report said. The so-called Earth Overshoot Day has moved up by two months over the past 20 years and this year's date is the earliest ever, the study by the Global Footprint Network said. The equivalent of 1.75 planets would be required to produce enough to meet humanity's needs at current consumption rates. "Earth Overshoot Day falling on July 29 means that humanity is currently using nature 1.75 times faster than our planet’s ecosystems can regenerate. This is akin to using 1.75 Earths," the environmental group, which is headquartered in Oakland, California, said in a statement. "The costs of this global ecological overspending are becoming increasingly evident in the form of deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, or the buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The latter leads to climate change and more frequent extreme weather events," it added. Calculated since 1986, the grim milestone has arrived earlier each year. In 1993, it fell on October 21, in 2003 on September 22, and in 2017 on August 2. "We have only got one Earth -- this is the ultimate defining context for human existence. We can't use 1.75 (earths) without destructive consequences," said Mathis Wackernagel, founder of Global Footprint Network. Maria Carolina Schmidt Zaldivar, Chile's environment minister and chair of the Climate COP25 scheduled this December in Santiago, said a major cause of the date falling earlier and earlier was growing amounts of CO2 emissions. "The importance of decisive action is becoming ever more evident," she said.

Earth's 2019 resources 'budget' spent by July 29: Report

High up in the natural wonder of the French Alps, the climbers who spend their days among the rockfaces and glaciers have come to a grim conclusion: the mountains are falling down around them. In the valley of Chamonix, in the shadow of the Mont-Blanc, global warming is on everyone's minds as many popular routes up or through the peaks have become too dangerous to take because of the risk of falling debris.

Global warming looms large over Mont Blanc

According to a recent study, the 'Most Dangerous' glacier is melting. Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier is approaching a tipping point that would kick off unstoppable flow of ice into the ocean. Watch this video to know more on the story.

Study: The 'Most Dangerous' glacier is melting

Will Plantation Of More Trees Save The Planet From Global Warming? A Recent Research Predicts So As the world reels from the effects of climate change, here's a silver lining in sight. A recent study says that signficant amount of greenhouse gas emissions can be absorbed by increasing the forest cover. Will plantation of more trees save the planet from a climate disaster? Here's a report

Gravitas: Study: Reforestation can help halt climate change

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-time-hottest-temperature-in-france-recorded-at-443c-weather-service-231244">temperature in France</a> on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

The record was set in the village of Villevieille in the southern department of Gard, which registered a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius. The previous record stood at 44.1 degrees Celsius in the same area during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP.

This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

It is too soon to definitely attribute&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-june-temperature-records-europe-swelters-in-heatwave-230846">Europe</a>'s current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said.

The temperature in France on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

The temperature in France on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said. The record was set in the village of Villevieille in the southern department of Gard, which registered a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius. The previous record stood at 44.1 degrees Celsius in the same area during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP. This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday. It is too soon to definitely attribute Europe's current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said.

Heat tops 45C in France for first time: Weather service

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-consistent-with-climate-change-more-to-come-un-231226">early summer heatwave</a>, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

The temperature was recorded in the southeastern town of Carpentras and beat the previous record for France of 44.1 degrees Celsius recorded in Saint-Christol-les-Ales and Conqueyrac during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP.

Meteo-France forecaster Etienne Kapikian said it was "very probable" that the record would be beaten again Friday as it was still relatively early in the day.

"(The temperature) will continue to climb and, in some places, we could pass 44 degrees Celsius," he said.

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said. The temperature was recorded in the southeastern town of Carpentras and beat the previous record for France of 44.1 degrees Celsius recorded in Saint-Christol-les-Ales and Conqueyrac during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP. Meteo-France forecaster Etienne Kapikian said it was "very probable" that the record would be beaten again Friday as it was still relatively early in the day. "(The temperature) will continue to climb and, in some places, we could pass 44 degrees Celsius," he said.

All-time hottest temperature in France recorded at 44.3C: Weather service

Investors Managing $34 Trillion In Assets Demand Action Against Climate Change The clock is ticking really fast. And more and more people are demanding action against climate change. Earlier, only activists raised their concerns against global warming. Now an investors group managing $34 Trillion in assets have stepped up demands to address the issue. Here's a report

Gravitas: A group of 477 investors demands action against climate change

Britain on Thursday became the world's first major economy to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-sets-deadline-for-carbon-neutrality-by-2050-226488"> adopt the tough new target</a> of lowering fossil fuel emissions to a level of net zero by 2050.

Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore signed the order paper enacting the legislation after it passed both houses of parliament without a vote earlier this week.

"The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions," Skidmore said in a statement.

"Today we're leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy."

The deadline is more ambitious than Britain's previous policy of cutting emissions by 80 per cent over the same period.

Finance minister Philip Hammond has reportedly warned it could <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-biggest-firms-foresee-1-trillion-climate-cost-hit-224236">cost more than £1.0 trillion</a> ($1.3 trillion, 1.1 trillion euros) to cut the 2050 target to net zero.

Britain's top advisory body on climate change this year said the net zero target could be achieved within a budget of 1.0-2.0 per cent of gross domestic product by 2050.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) added the deadline would require the rapid rollout of new policies such as making all new cars and vans electric by 2035 and quadrupling low-carbon electricity production.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/climate-apartheid-between-rich-and-poor-looms-united-nation-expert-warns-230621">'Climate apartheid' between rich and poor looms, United Nation expert warns</a>

The CCC said there would be a greater than 50 per cent chance of limiting the average global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius -- the "safe" limit identified by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change -- if Britain's move was replicated across the world.

"We're pioneering the way for other countries to follow in our footsteps driving prosperity by seizing the economic opportunities of becoming a greener economy," Skidmore said.

The government definition of "net zero" means that emissions are balanced by schemes to offset them.

These include planting trees or using technology to capture and store carbon emitted from burning coal and oil.&nbsp;

Natural gas is a less-polluting fossil fuel that some economists see as a temporary option industries could adopt towards the net zero target.

Britain is also part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme -- a so-called "cap and trade" mechanism that has come under heavy criticism from environmental campaigners.

It tries to lower emissions by setting a price for carbon. Nations that exceed their emissions "cap" can purchase the non-used portions allocated to low-emitting nations.

Environmental campaigners say pollution has no national borders and that emissions trading does nothing to lower the global amount of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere.

Britain on Thursday became the world's first major economy to adopt the tough new target of lowering fossil fuel emissions to a level of net zero by 2050. Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore signed the order paper enacting the legislation after it passed both houses of parliament without a vote earlier this week.

Britain on Thursday became the world's first major economy to adopt the tough new target of lowering fossil fuel emissions to a level of net zero by 2050. Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore signed the order paper enacting the legislation after it passed both houses of parliament without a vote earlier this week. "The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions," Skidmore said in a statement. "Today we're leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy." The deadline is more ambitious than Britain's previous policy of cutting emissions by 80 per cent over the same period. Finance minister Philip Hammond has reportedly warned it could cost more than £1.0 trillion ($1.3 trillion, 1.1 trillion euros) to cut the 2050 target to net zero. Britain's top advisory body on climate change this year said the net zero target could be achieved within a budget of 1.0-2.0 per cent of gross domestic product by 2050. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) added the deadline would require the rapid rollout of new policies such as making all new cars and vans electric by 2035 and quadrupling low-carbon electricity production. Also read: 'Climate apartheid' between rich and poor looms, United Nation expert warns The CCC said there would be a greater than 50 per cent chance of limiting the average global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius -- the "safe" limit identified by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change -- if Britain's move was replicated across the world. "We're pioneering the way for other countries to follow in our footsteps driving prosperity by seizing the economic opportunities of becoming a greener economy," Skidmore said. The government definition of "net zero" means that emissions are balanced by schemes to offset them. These include planting trees or using technology to capture and store carbon emitted from burning coal and oil. Natural gas is a less-polluting fossil fuel that some economists see as a temporary option industries could adopt towards the net zero target. Britain is also part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme -- a so-called "cap and trade" mechanism that has come under heavy criticism from environmental campaigners. It tries to lower emissions by setting a price for carbon. Nations that exceed their emissions "cap" can purchase the non-used portions allocated to low-emitting nations. Environmental campaigners say pollution has no national borders and that emissions trading does nothing to lower the global amount of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere.

Britain adopts 2050 net zero emissions target

Melting of Himalayan glaciers has doubled since the start of the 21st century due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/limiting-global-warming-to-15-will-require-a-social-transformation-170375">rising temperatures</a>, losing over a vertical foot and half of ice each year and potentially threatening water supply for hundreds of millions of people in countries including India, a study has found.

The analysis, spanning 40 years of satellite observations across India, China, Nepal and Bhutan, is the latest and perhaps most convincing indication that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-why-its-so-hard-to-detect-the-fingerprints-of-global-warming-on-monsoon-rains-161838">climate change </a>is eating the Himalayas' glaciers, researchers said.

It indicates that glaciers have been losing the equivalent of more than a vertical foot and half of ice each year since 2000 -- double the amount of melting that took place from 1975 to 2000.&nbsp;

"This is the clearest picture yet of how fast Himalayan glaciers are melting over this time interval, and why," said Joshua Maurer, a PhD candidate at Columbia University in the US.

While not specifically calculated in the study, the glaciers may have lost as much as a quarter of their enormous mass over the last four decades, said Maurer, lead author of the study published in the journal Science Advances.

Currently harbouring some 600 billion tonnes of ice, the Himalayas are sometimes called the earth's "Third Pole."&nbsp;

The study synthesises data from across the region, stretching from early satellite observations to the present. The synthesis indicates that the melting is consistent in time and space, and that rising temperatures are to blame.

Temperatures vary from place to place, but from 2000 to 2016 they have averaged one degree Celsius higher than those from 1975 to 2000.

Researchers analysed repeat satellite images of some 650 glaciers spanning 2,000 kilometers from west to east. Many of the 20th-century observations came from recently declassified photographic images taken by US spy satellites.&nbsp;

They created an automated system to turn these into 3D models that could show the changing elevations of glaciers over time. They then compared these images with post-2000 optical data from more sophisticated satellites, which more directly convey elevation changes.

They found that from 1975 to 2000, glaciers across the region lost an average of about 0.25 metres of ice each year in the face of slight warming. 
Following a more pronounced warming trend starting in the 1990s, starting in 2000 the loss accelerated to about half a metre annually.&nbsp;

Recent yearly losses have averaged about 8 billion tonnes of water, or the equivalent 3.2 million Olympic-size swimming pools, said Maurer.&nbsp;

Asian nations are burning ever-greater loads of fossil fuels and biomass, sending soot into the sky, researchers said. Much of it eventually lands on snowy glacier surfaces, where it absorbs solar energy and hastens melting.

Researchers compiled temperature data during the study period from ground stations and then calculated the amount of melting that observed temperature increases would be expected to produce.&nbsp;

They then compared those figures with what actually happened. They matched.&nbsp;

"It looks just like what we would expect if warming were the dominant driver of ice loss," Maurer said.

The Himalayas are generally not melting as fast as the Alps, but the general progression is similar, say the researchers.&nbsp;

The study does not include the huge adjoining ranges of high-mountain Asia such as the Pamir, Hindu Kush or Tian Shan, but other studies suggest similar melting is underway there as well.

Some 800 million people depend in part on seasonal runoff from Himalayan glaciers for irrigation, hydropower and drinking water.&nbsp;

The accelerated melting appears so far to be swelling runoff during warm seasons, but scientists project that this will taper off within decades as the glaciers lose mass. This will eventually lead to water shortages.&nbsp;

Even on Mount Everest, long-lost corpses of climbers who failed to return are emerging from melting ice and snow along trails.

The study shows that "even glaciers in the highest mountains of the world are responding to global air temperature increases driven by the combustion of fossil fuels," said Joseph Shea, a glacial geographer at the University of Northern British Columbia in Canadia who was not involved in the study.

"In the long term, this will lead to changes in the timing and magnitude of streamflow in a heavily populated region," said Shea.

Melting of Himalayan glaciers has doubled since the start of the 21st century due to rising temperatures, losing over a vertical foot and half of ice each year and potentially threatening water supply for hundreds of millions of people in countries including India, a study has found.

Melting of Himalayan glaciers has doubled since the start of the 21st century due to rising temperatures, losing over a vertical foot and half of ice each year and potentially threatening water supply for hundreds of millions of people in countries including India, a study has found. The analysis, spanning 40 years of satellite observations across India, China, Nepal and Bhutan, is the latest and perhaps most convincing indication that climate change is eating the Himalayas' glaciers, researchers said. It indicates that glaciers have been losing the equivalent of more than a vertical foot and half of ice each year since 2000 -- double the amount of melting that took place from 1975 to 2000. "This is the clearest picture yet of how fast Himalayan glaciers are melting over this time interval, and why," said Joshua Maurer, a PhD candidate at Columbia University in the US. While not specifically calculated in the study, the glaciers may have lost as much as a quarter of their enormous mass over the last four decades, said Maurer, lead author of the study published in the journal Science Advances. Currently harbouring some 600 billion tonnes of ice, the Himalayas are sometimes called the earth's "Third Pole." The study synthesises data from across the region, stretching from early satellite observations to the present. The synthesis indicates that the melting is consistent in time and space, and that rising temperatures are to blame. Temperatures vary from place to place, but from 2000 to 2016 they have averaged one degree Celsius higher than those from 1975 to 2000. Researchers analysed repeat satellite images of some 650 glaciers spanning 2,000 kilometers from west to east. Many of the 20th-century observations came from recently declassified photographic images taken by US spy satellites. They created an automated system to turn these into 3D models that could show the changing elevations of glaciers over time. They then compared these images with post-2000 optical data from more sophisticated satellites, which more directly convey elevation changes. They found that from 1975 to 2000, glaciers across the region lost an average of about 0.25 metres of ice each year in the face of slight warming. Following a more pronounced warming trend starting in the 1990s, starting in 2000 the loss accelerated to about half a metre annually. Recent yearly losses have averaged about 8 billion tonnes of water, or the equivalent 3.2 million Olympic-size swimming pools, said Maurer. Asian nations are burning ever-greater loads of fossil fuels and biomass, sending soot into the sky, researchers said. Much of it eventually lands on snowy glacier surfaces, where it absorbs solar energy and hastens melting. Researchers compiled temperature data during the study period from ground stations and then calculated the amount of melting that observed temperature increases would be expected to produce. They then compared those figures with what actually happened. They matched. "It looks just like what we would expect if warming were the dominant driver of ice loss," Maurer said. The Himalayas are generally not melting as fast as the Alps, but the general progression is similar, say the researchers. The study does not include the huge adjoining ranges of high-mountain Asia such as the Pamir, Hindu Kush or Tian Shan, but other studies suggest similar melting is underway there as well. Some 800 million people depend in part on seasonal runoff from Himalayan glaciers for irrigation, hydropower and drinking water. The accelerated melting appears so far to be swelling runoff during warm seasons, but scientists project that this will taper off within decades as the glaciers lose mass. This will eventually lead to water shortages. Even on Mount Everest, long-lost corpses of climbers who failed to return are emerging from melting ice and snow along trails. The study shows that "even glaciers in the highest mountains of the world are responding to global air temperature increases driven by the combustion of fossil fuels," said Joseph Shea, a glacial geographer at the University of Northern British Columbia in Canadia who was not involved in the study. "In the long term, this will lead to changes in the timing and magnitude of streamflow in a heavily populated region," said Shea.

Himalayan glaciers melting doubled since 2000: Study

Stark Warning From Australia's Climate Experts On The World Environment Day It's the World Environment Day. But stark climate warning continues to threaten the future of humankind in the planet. A group of Australia's climate experts say that humans will perish in 31 years due to climate change. Palki breaks down the report

Gravitas: Key points to ponder upon on World Environment Day

Scientists in the United States have detected the highest levels of planet-warming carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere since records began, sounding new alarm over the relentless rise of man-made greenhouse gas emissions. The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, which has tracked atmospheric CO2 levels since the late 1950s, on Saturday morning detected 415.26 parts per million (ppm). It was also the first time on record that the observatory measured a daily baseline above 415 ppm.

Atmospheric CO2 levels just hit a scary new milestone

In the heart of Iceland's volcano country, 21st-century alchemists are transforming carbon dioxide into rock for eternity, cleaning the air of harmful emissions that cause global warming.

Iceland turns carbon dioxide to rock to clean the air

Gravitas: Why good climate policy does not mean good politics

England could run <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-water-day-heartbreaking-facts-about-water-scarcity-36654">short of water</a> in 25 years, the country's Environment Agency was quoted as saying in news reports Tuesday.&nbsp;

Sir James Bevan blamed the cause on global warming and the country's rising population, adding that England was facing the "jaws of death".&nbsp;

“Around 25 years from now, where those (demand and supply) lines cross is known by some as the ‘jaws of death’ — the point at which we will not have enough water to supply our needs, unless we take action to change things,” Bevan was quoted as telling the Guardian, before a speech at the Waterwise conference in London.&nbsp;

“Water companies all identify the same thing as their biggest operating risk: climate change,” he added.&nbsp;

Bevan told the Guardian that by 2040 most summers would be hotter than the 2003 heatwave. That he said would lead to more water shortages and, potentially, 50-80% less water in some rivers in the summer.&nbsp;

But, added Bevan, it was still possible to bring things under control.&nbsp;

That he said could be done by cutting people’s water use by a third and leakage from water company pipes by 50%, along with big new reservoirs, more desalination plants and transfers of water across the country.

Bevan said England had, over the last two years, been able to "change people's behaviour"&nbsp;when it came to plastic; they now needed to do the same thing with their usage of water.&nbsp;

“We need water wastage to be as socially unacceptable as blowing smoke in the face of a baby or throwing your plastic bags into the sea,” he told the Guardian.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The UK's population is currently 67 million. It is expected to rise to 75 million by 2050.

The BBC reported Bevan as being expected to say at the Waterwise conference that: "So: climate change plus growth equals an existential threat... to our economy, environment, security, happiness, way of life. We can choose to ignore this problem. Or we can choose to tackle it."

The BBC added that people&nbsp;currently use, on average, 140 litres of water a day. And that Bevan will calling on people to cut that down to 100 litres.

Bevan was expected to hand out tips to help people pare their water use.

They are expected to include: getting a low-flush toilet; taking short showers,&nbsp;turn the tap off when brushing your teeth&nbsp;and, the BBC added,&nbsp;not to water your lawn as "it will survive without you".&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

England could run short of water in 25 years, the country's Environment Agency was quoted as saying in news reports Tuesday. Sir James Bevan blamed the cause on global warming and the country's rising population, adding that England was facing the "jaws of death".

England could run short of water in 25 years, the country's Environment Agency was quoted as saying in news reports Tuesday. Sir James Bevan blamed the cause on global warming and the country's rising population, adding that England was facing the "jaws of death". “Around 25 years from now, where those (demand and supply) lines cross is known by some as the ‘jaws of death’ — the point at which we will not have enough water to supply our needs, unless we take action to change things,” Bevan was quoted as telling the Guardian, before a speech at the Waterwise conference in London. “Water companies all identify the same thing as their biggest operating risk: climate change,” he added. Bevan told the Guardian that by 2040 most summers would be hotter than the 2003 heatwave. That he said would lead to more water shortages and, potentially, 50-80% less water in some rivers in the summer. But, added Bevan, it was still possible to bring things under control. That he said could be done by cutting people’s water use by a third and leakage from water company pipes by 50%, along with big new reservoirs, more desalination plants and transfers of water across the country. Bevan said England had, over the last two years, been able to "change people's behaviour" when it came to plastic; they now needed to do the same thing with their usage of water. “We need water wastage to be as socially unacceptable as blowing smoke in the face of a baby or throwing your plastic bags into the sea,” he told the Guardian. The UK's population is currently 67 million. It is expected to rise to 75 million by 2050. The BBC reported Bevan as being expected to say at the Waterwise conference that: "So: climate change plus growth equals an existential threat... to our economy, environment, security, happiness, way of life. We can choose to ignore this problem. Or we can choose to tackle it." The BBC added that people currently use, on average, 140 litres of water a day. And that Bevan will calling on people to cut that down to 100 litres. Bevan was expected to hand out tips to help people pare their water use. They are expected to include: getting a low-flush toilet; taking short showers, turn the tap off when brushing your teeth and, the BBC added, not to water your lawn as "it will survive without you".

England could run short of water in 25 years: Environment Agency chief

Hundreds of youngsters skipped school to rally in Washington on Friday as part of what organisers called an international youth climate strike to seek action on climate change.

Chanting "climate action now!", some 1,500 students joined the event in front of the Capitol Building, where Congress sits, while similar rallies were held in 46 states.

The demonstrations, which demanded politicians take action to combat climate change, backed measures including the Green New Deal, an ambitious Democratic environmental proposal that has become a lightning rod for Republican criticism.

"This is the only Earth that we have. There is no Planet B. There is no other place we can go so we need to save it," said Elise Haverland, a 16-year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland.

Protesters carried colourful homemade placards bearing slogans such as "Our planet, our future," "Let us Live," and "Don`t frack up our Earth."

The students also held an 11-minute silence, one for each of the years that a United Nations report said the world has remaining to get climate change under control.

School children across the world held demonstrations to demand action on climate change on Friday.

The protests are the offspring of youth strikes in Europe that were inspired by Greta Thunberg, a lone 15-year-old picketer at the Swedish Parliament.

Organisers said they hope staging the event during the school day will signal the importance that students attach to fighting climate change.

"Adults come fight with us!" 12-year-old Haven Coleman of Denver, one of three youth organisers of the protest in the United States, said from the stage. 
The two other leaders of the US movement are Isra Hirsi, the 16-year-old daughter of newly-elected Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar, of Minneapolis, and Alexandria Villasenor, 13, of New York.&nbsp;

The group is calling for a "national emergency" on climate change and for the United States to stop all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The scientific community broadly agrees that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net-zero by 2050 to halt the catastrophic effects of climate change.&nbsp;

Most of the declared Democratic candidates for the White House have already voiced support for the Green New Deal, a measure proposed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - a sweeping 10-year blueprint for combating climate change that involves reducing carbon emissions and retrofitting infrastructure.

Republicans have dismissed the proposals as unreasonably expensive and disruptive to the US economy. They have tried to use some of the measures to sow discord within the Democratic party, painting their political rivals as shifting to the left and embracing extreme policies.

Hundreds of youngsters skipped school to rally in Washington on Friday as part of what organisers called an international youth climate strike to seek action on climate change.

Hundreds of youngsters skipped school to rally in Washington on Friday as part of what organisers called an international youth climate strike to seek action on climate change. Chanting "climate action now!", some 1,500 students joined the event in front of the Capitol Building, where Congress sits, while similar rallies were held in 46 states. The demonstrations, which demanded politicians take action to combat climate change, backed measures including the Green New Deal, an ambitious Democratic environmental proposal that has become a lightning rod for Republican criticism. "This is the only Earth that we have. There is no Planet B. There is no other place we can go so we need to save it," said Elise Haverland, a 16-year-old from Silver Spring, Maryland. Protesters carried colourful homemade placards bearing slogans such as "Our planet, our future," "Let us Live," and "Don`t frack up our Earth." The students also held an 11-minute silence, one for each of the years that a United Nations report said the world has remaining to get climate change under control. School children across the world held demonstrations to demand action on climate change on Friday. The protests are the offspring of youth strikes in Europe that were inspired by Greta Thunberg, a lone 15-year-old picketer at the Swedish Parliament. Organisers said they hope staging the event during the school day will signal the importance that students attach to fighting climate change. "Adults come fight with us!" 12-year-old Haven Coleman of Denver, one of three youth organisers of the protest in the United States, said from the stage. The two other leaders of the US movement are Isra Hirsi, the 16-year-old daughter of newly-elected Democratic US Representative Ilhan Omar, of Minneapolis, and Alexandria Villasenor, 13, of New York. The group is calling for a "national emergency" on climate change and for the United States to stop all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The scientific community broadly agrees that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net-zero by 2050 to halt the catastrophic effects of climate change. Most of the declared Democratic candidates for the White House have already voiced support for the Green New Deal, a measure proposed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - a sweeping 10-year blueprint for combating climate change that involves reducing carbon emissions and retrofitting infrastructure. Republicans have dismissed the proposals as unreasonably expensive and disruptive to the US economy. They have tried to use some of the measures to sow discord within the Democratic party, painting their political rivals as shifting to the left and embracing extreme policies.

US youth rally in Washington protests climate inaction

Invisible to people but deadly to marine life, ocean heatwaves have damaged ecosystems across the globe and are poised to become even more destructive, according to the first study to measure worldwide impacts with a single yardstick.

The number of marine heatwave days has increased by more than 50 per cent since the mid-20th century, researchers reported in the journal Nature Climate Change.

"Globally, marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent and prolonged, and record-breaking events have been observed in most ocean basins in the past decade," said lead author Dan Smale, a researcher at the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, Britain.

Above the ocean watermark, on Earth's surface, 18 of the last 19 years have been the warmest on record, leading to more severe storms, droughts, heatwaves and flooding.&nbsp;

"Just as atmospheric heatwaves can destroy crops, forests and animal populations, marine heatwaves can devastate ocean ecosystems," Smale told AFP.

Compared to hot spells over land, which have claimed tens of thousands of lives since the start of the century, ocean heatwaves have received scant scientific attention.

But sustained spikes in sea-surface temperatures can also have devastating consequences.

A 10-week marine heatwave near western Australia in 2011, for example, shattered an entire ecosystem and permanently pushed commercial fish species into colder waters.

Corals have been the marquee victims of shallow-water heatwaves, and face a bleak future. Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- up to 90 per cent of corals are likely to die, the UN's top climate science body said in October.

But other bedrock species have suffered too: the 2011 surge of heat killed off large swathes of seagrass meadows and kelp forests, along with the finfish and abalone that depend on them.

Heat sponge

Another ocean hot spell off the coast of California warmed waters by 6 C (10.8 F) and lasted for more than a year.&nbsp;

Known as "The Blob", it generated toxic algae blooms, caused the closure of crab fisheries, and led to the death of sea lions, whales and sea birds.

More frequent and intense ocean heatwaves also have a direct impact on people by reducing fisheries harvests and adding to global warming, the researchers noted.

"Species of fish and crustaceans targeted for human consumption may be locally wiped out," Smale said.

"And carbon stored by seagrasses and mangroves may be released if they are hit by extreme temperatures."

To determine the full extent of marine heatwave impacts across different oceans, Smale and an international team from 19 research centres crunched data from more than 1,000 field studies that reported on how organisms and ecosystem responded. &nbsp;

By definition, marine heatwaves last at least five days. Seawater temperatures for a given location are "extremely high" -- the top 5-to-10 per cent on record for that time and place. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Marine heatwaves can penetrate to hundreds of metres, though for our analysis we used data which only captures warming at the surface," Smale said.

As manmade global warming heats the planet, oceans have absorbed some 90 per cent of the extra heat generated.&nbsp;

Without that heat sponge, air temperatures would be intolerably higher.

Even if humanity does manage to cap global warming at "well below" 2C (3.6 F), as called for in the Paris climate treaty, marine heatwaves will sharply increase in frequency, intensity and duration, earlier research has shown.

Invisible to people but deadly to marine life, ocean heatwaves have damaged ecosystems across the globe and are poised to become even more destructive, according to the first study to measure worldwide impacts with a single yardstick.

Invisible to people but deadly to marine life, ocean heatwaves have damaged ecosystems across the globe and are poised to become even more destructive, according to the first study to measure worldwide impacts with a single yardstick. The number of marine heatwave days has increased by more than 50 per cent since the mid-20th century, researchers reported in the journal Nature Climate Change. "Globally, marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent and prolonged, and record-breaking events have been observed in most ocean basins in the past decade," said lead author Dan Smale, a researcher at the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, Britain. Above the ocean watermark, on Earth's surface, 18 of the last 19 years have been the warmest on record, leading to more severe storms, droughts, heatwaves and flooding. "Just as atmospheric heatwaves can destroy crops, forests and animal populations, marine heatwaves can devastate ocean ecosystems," Smale told AFP. Compared to hot spells over land, which have claimed tens of thousands of lives since the start of the century, ocean heatwaves have received scant scientific attention. But sustained spikes in sea-surface temperatures can also have devastating consequences. A 10-week marine heatwave near western Australia in 2011, for example, shattered an entire ecosystem and permanently pushed commercial fish species into colder waters. Corals have been the marquee victims of shallow-water heatwaves, and face a bleak future. Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- up to 90 per cent of corals are likely to die, the UN's top climate science body said in October. But other bedrock species have suffered too: the 2011 surge of heat killed off large swathes of seagrass meadows and kelp forests, along with the finfish and abalone that depend on them. Heat sponge Another ocean hot spell off the coast of California warmed waters by 6 C (10.8 F) and lasted for more than a year. Known as "The Blob", it generated toxic algae blooms, caused the closure of crab fisheries, and led to the death of sea lions, whales and sea birds. More frequent and intense ocean heatwaves also have a direct impact on people by reducing fisheries harvests and adding to global warming, the researchers noted. "Species of fish and crustaceans targeted for human consumption may be locally wiped out," Smale said. "And carbon stored by seagrasses and mangroves may be released if they are hit by extreme temperatures." To determine the full extent of marine heatwave impacts across different oceans, Smale and an international team from 19 research centres crunched data from more than 1,000 field studies that reported on how organisms and ecosystem responded. By definition, marine heatwaves last at least five days. Seawater temperatures for a given location are "extremely high" -- the top 5-to-10 per cent on record for that time and place. "Marine heatwaves can penetrate to hundreds of metres, though for our analysis we used data which only captures warming at the surface," Smale said. As manmade global warming heats the planet, oceans have absorbed some 90 per cent of the extra heat generated. Without that heat sponge, air temperatures would be intolerably higher. Even if humanity does manage to cap global warming at "well below" 2C (3.6 F), as called for in the Paris climate treaty, marine heatwaves will sharply increase in frequency, intensity and duration, earlier research has shown.

Ocean heatwaves devastate wildlife, worse to come

Union Minister, Piyush Goyal, in the Interim Budget made a slew of promises and announcements for the environmental sector.&nbsp;

However, most environmental issues — pollution-free nation, cleaning rivers, protecting the coastline, self-sufficiency in food and good health infrastructure — found only a mention in the ‘Vision For The Next Decade’ section of his speech.&nbsp;

The only silver lining in the Interim Budget was an increased outlay for the National Commission for Green India from Rs 240 crore, and a thumping pat on his own back when Goyal said “India provided leadership to the global climate change effort. Our commitment to promote renewable energy is reflected in our initiative to set up the International Solar Alliance”.&nbsp;

None of these had any tangible targets or a perceptible action plan, especially when one talks about a young India with a population with an average age of less than 25.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, at Rs 100 crore, the 2019-20 allocation remained the same as last year for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the central pollution watchdog, while the Centre decreased the allocation for pollution abatement by 50 per cent from Rs 20 crore last year to Rs 10 crore for 2019-20.&nbsp;

In this context, it would be apt to understand the challenges and opportunities of the air pollution crisis for a new generation born into smoking ‘cigarettes’ from their very first breath. They are being subjected to inhale polluted air, a disturbing legacy of urban growth passed on to them. Not a great life to long for.&nbsp;

Children constitute over one-third of the population. The way they handle toxins places them at far greater risk than the adult population and sadly, the younger they are, the greater the risk. They are also closer to the ground, so at greater risk to suspended low-hanging pollutants.&nbsp;

In fact, this risk begins even before birth with studies demonstrating how air pollution exposure to the mother results in numerous adverse outcomes for the unborn child, including low birth weight and in acute cases, even still-births.&nbsp;

While the number of years each child is losing due to air pollution is still being debated, it would be highly unlikely and unrealistic to expect that our smog-filled environs is actually extending lives.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report on the impact of air pollution on child health, following a global warning by UNICEF a few months earlier. In terms of health effects, a number of different conditions were highlighted besides asthma and pneumonia, but including autism, childhood cancer and obesity.

While respiratory related conditions have been fairly well researched in the Indian context, there is a paucity of evidence for other outcomes.&nbsp;

However, the absence of evidence does not in any way amount to the evidence of absence. As research for these conditions takes place in the Indian context, we will certainly see similar results, although the relative risk may differ.

The impact of air pollution for children goes beyond health. With mounting global evidence indicating that air pollution has deleterious effects on the brain, including cognition and learning, the impact on education in India hasn’t even been considered so far. &nbsp;

A US study, for example, has shown that when students taking standardised tests are separated into two groups, one where air quality is better and one where it is worse, the ones where air quality is better are significantly in an advantageous position. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Already, with the sort of air pollution levels seen in India, especially in cities like Delhi, and the other growing so-called ‘smart-cities’ marked by WHO for their pathetic pollution levels, many schools have stopped outdoor physical activity for children, a component, which is important for the growth of any child. In addition, there is always the ‘sword of Damocles’ hanging over school authorities to shut down schools.

However, in this gloom, today’s youngsters will certainly make the lotus bloom. They are now at the forefront of innovation, which was unthinkable ten years ago. Amply demonstrated by creating a sensor for traffic congestion or an app for personal monitoring of pollution, they are now becoming effective champions of change through innovation, apart from propagating the conventional ideas of using public transport or car pools, planting trees or simply by wearing a mask when they step outside in the very poor air quality.&nbsp;

Children can be harbingers of change, but ultimately at a societal level, adults have to take responsibility and ensure radical changes in emission reduction. After all, children are the most innocent victims of a world they did not create. Let’s give them a long life along with a world that is worth longing for.&nbsp;

To sum up, one does hope that the new government, after the general polls this year, does not create a situation where the environment is defeated by development.

Or else, we will have to take the words of a famous environmentalist seriously: “The cost of our society’s success is energy crises, climate change, pollution, and the destruction of our habitat. If we continue in the same direction, there will be nothing left for our children.”

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-environment-gets-short-shrift-2719261">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Union Minister, Piyush Goyal, in the Interim Budget made a slew of promises and announcements for the environmental sector. However, most environmental issues — pollution-free nation, cleaning rivers, protecting the coastline, self-sufficiency in food and good health infrastructure — found only a mention in the ‘Vision For The Next Decade’ section of his speech.

Union Minister, Piyush Goyal, in the Interim Budget made a slew of promises and announcements for the environmental sector. However, most environmental issues — pollution-free nation, cleaning rivers, protecting the coastline, self-sufficiency in food and good health infrastructure — found only a mention in the ‘Vision For The Next Decade’ section of his speech. The only silver lining in the Interim Budget was an increased outlay for the National Commission for Green India from Rs 240 crore, and a thumping pat on his own back when Goyal said “India provided leadership to the global climate change effort. Our commitment to promote renewable energy is reflected in our initiative to set up the International Solar Alliance”. None of these had any tangible targets or a perceptible action plan, especially when one talks about a young India with a population with an average age of less than 25. Unfortunately, at Rs 100 crore, the 2019-20 allocation remained the same as last year for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the central pollution watchdog, while the Centre decreased the allocation for pollution abatement by 50 per cent from Rs 20 crore last year to Rs 10 crore for 2019-20. In this context, it would be apt to understand the challenges and opportunities of the air pollution crisis for a new generation born into smoking ‘cigarettes’ from their very first breath. They are being subjected to inhale polluted air, a disturbing legacy of urban growth passed on to them. Not a great life to long for. Children constitute over one-third of the population. The way they handle toxins places them at far greater risk than the adult population and sadly, the younger they are, the greater the risk. They are also closer to the ground, so at greater risk to suspended low-hanging pollutants. In fact, this risk begins even before birth with studies demonstrating how air pollution exposure to the mother results in numerous adverse outcomes for the unborn child, including low birth weight and in acute cases, even still-births. While the number of years each child is losing due to air pollution is still being debated, it would be highly unlikely and unrealistic to expect that our smog-filled environs is actually extending lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report on the impact of air pollution on child health, following a global warning by UNICEF a few months earlier. In terms of health effects, a number of different conditions were highlighted besides asthma and pneumonia, but including autism, childhood cancer and obesity. While respiratory related conditions have been fairly well researched in the Indian context, there is a paucity of evidence for other outcomes. However, the absence of evidence does not in any way amount to the evidence of absence. As research for these conditions takes place in the Indian context, we will certainly see similar results, although the relative risk may differ. The impact of air pollution for children goes beyond health. With mounting global evidence indicating that air pollution has deleterious effects on the brain, including cognition and learning, the impact on education in India hasn’t even been considered so far. A US study, for example, has shown that when students taking standardised tests are separated into two groups, one where air quality is better and one where it is worse, the ones where air quality is better are significantly in an advantageous position. Already, with the sort of air pollution levels seen in India, especially in cities like Delhi, and the other growing so-called ‘smart-cities’ marked by WHO for their pathetic pollution levels, many schools have stopped outdoor physical activity for children, a component, which is important for the growth of any child. In addition, there is always the ‘sword of Damocles’ hanging over school authorities to shut down schools. However, in this gloom, today’s youngsters will certainly make the lotus bloom. They are now at the forefront of innovation, which was unthinkable ten years ago. Amply demonstrated by creating a sensor for traffic congestion or an app for personal monitoring of pollution, they are now becoming effective champions of change through innovation, apart from propagating the conventional ideas of using public transport or car pools, planting trees or simply by wearing a mask when they step outside in the very poor air quality. Children can be harbingers of change, but ultimately at a societal level, adults have to take responsibility and ensure radical changes in emission reduction. After all, children are the most innocent victims of a world they did not create. Let’s give them a long life along with a world that is worth longing for. To sum up, one does hope that the new government, after the general polls this year, does not create a situation where the environment is defeated by development. Or else, we will have to take the words of a famous environmentalist seriously: “The cost of our society’s success is energy crises, climate change, pollution, and the destruction of our habitat. If we continue in the same direction, there will be nothing left for our children.” (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Environment gets short shrift

NASA in a report has said that its high-resolution satellites have shown that the world "is literally a greener place than it was 20 years ago" due to two emerging countries with the world’s biggest populations - China and India- leading in "greening on land".

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/2018-was-fourth-warmest-year-since-1880-nasa-195681">space agency made the discovery</a> with the help of two powerful&nbsp;satellites known as Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, or MODIS which revealed an increase in "leaf area on plants and trees equivalent to the area covered by all the Amazon rainforests."

"There are now more than two million square miles of extra green leaf area per year, compared to the early 2000s – a&nbsp; 5 per cent increase," the report asserted.

<img alt="NASA image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="52ce1efe-820e-4d9b-9108-07e73f6c9729" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/NAASA.jpg" />

The author of the study, Chi Chen of the Department of Earth and Environment at Boston University, in Massachusetts, said: "China and India account for one-third of the greening, but contain only 9 per cent of the planet’s land area covered in vegetation – a surprising finding, considering the general notion of land degradation in populous countries from overexploitation."

The report pointed out that although the land area used to grow crops hadn't changed since 2000's in China and India which was "more than 770,000 square miles" but the regions had increased both its "annual total green leaf area" and food production.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-space-probe-phones-home-in-landmark-mission-to-solar-systems-edge-187869"> international space agency</a> said the 'greening trend'&nbsp;India was caused due to several factors namely food production grew&nbsp;due to increased groundwater irrigation.

"If the groundwater is depleted, this trend may change," the report cautioned.

The space body said China’s "outsized contribution" to the global greening trend at 42 per cent comes in large part from programs to "conserve and expand forests".

"82 per cent of greening seen in India comes from intensive cultivation of food crops," the report claimed.

The report credited increased greening in India and China to "multiple cropping practices" when a field is "replanted" to produce harvest several times in a year.

"Production of grains, vegetables, fruits and more have increased by about 35-40 per cent since 2000 to feed their large populations," NASA noted.

NASA in a report has said that its high-resolution satellites have shown that the world "is literally a greener place than it was 20 years ago" due to two emerging countries with the world’s biggest populations - China and India- leading in "greening on land".

NASA in a report has said that its high-resolution satellites have shown that the world "is literally a greener place than it was 20 years ago" due to two emerging countries with the world’s biggest populations - China and India- leading in "greening on land". The space agency made the discovery with the help of two powerful satellites known as Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, or MODIS which revealed an increase in "leaf area on plants and trees equivalent to the area covered by all the Amazon rainforests." "There are now more than two million square miles of extra green leaf area per year, compared to the early 2000s – a 5 per cent increase," the report asserted. The author of the study, Chi Chen of the Department of Earth and Environment at Boston University, in Massachusetts, said: "China and India account for one-third of the greening, but contain only 9 per cent of the planet’s land area covered in vegetation – a surprising finding, considering the general notion of land degradation in populous countries from overexploitation." The report pointed out that although the land area used to grow crops hadn't changed since 2000's in China and India which was "more than 770,000 square miles" but the regions had increased both its "annual total green leaf area" and food production. The international space agency said the 'greening trend' India was caused due to several factors namely food production grew due to increased groundwater irrigation. "If the groundwater is depleted, this trend may change," the report cautioned. The space body said China’s "outsized contribution" to the global greening trend at 42 per cent comes in large part from programs to "conserve and expand forests". "82 per cent of greening seen in India comes from intensive cultivation of food crops," the report claimed. The report credited increased greening in India and China to "multiple cropping practices" when a field is "replanted" to produce harvest several times in a year. "Production of grains, vegetables, fruits and more have increased by about 35-40 per cent since 2000 to feed their large populations," NASA noted.

China, India have helped in greening of Earth: NASA report

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings.

Russia's northeastern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, which has a population of around 3,000 people, has appealed for help to tackle "a mass invasion of polar bears into inhabited areas," regional authorities said in a statement.

Russian authorities have so far refused permission to shoot the bears but are sending a commission to investigate the situation and have not ruled out a cull.

Polar bears are affected by global warming with melting Arctic ice forcing them to spend more time on land where they compete for food.&nbsp;

They are recognised as an endangered species in Russia and hunting them is banned.

Russia has an air force and air defence troops based on Novaya Zemlya.

Since December, 52 polar bears have regularly visited the archipelago's main settlement, Belushya Guba, with some displaying "aggressive behaviour," local official Alexander Minayev said in a report to regional authorities.

This included "attacks on people and entering residential homes and public buildings," said Minayev, the deputy chief of the local administration.

"There are constantly 6 to 10 bears inside the settlement," he said.

"People are scared, they are afraid to leave their homes... parents are frightened to let their children go to schools and kindergartens."

The head of the local administration Zhigansha Musin said that the numbers of polar bears were unprecedented.

"I've been on Novaya Zemlya since 1983 and there's never been such a mass invasion of polar bears," he told regional officials. &nbsp;

Bears are constantly inside a military garrison and "literally chase people" he said as well as going into the entrances of blocks of flats.

Local officials complained that measures to scare off polar bears such as vehicle and dog patrols have not been effective as polar bears feel secure and no longer react.

The federal environmental resources agency has refused to issue licences to shoot the most aggressive bears.

A working group of regional and federal officials is set to visit the archipelago to assess the situation and the measures taken so far.

The Arkhangelsk regional authorities, which oversee Novaya Zemlya, said that if all else failed "shooting the animals could be the only possible forced measure."

In January, a defence ministry official said that hundreds of disused military buildings had been demolished on Novaya Zemlya because polar bears were settling inside them.

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings.

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings. Russia's northeastern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, which has a population of around 3,000 people, has appealed for help to tackle "a mass invasion of polar bears into inhabited areas," regional authorities said in a statement. Russian authorities have so far refused permission to shoot the bears but are sending a commission to investigate the situation and have not ruled out a cull. Polar bears are affected by global warming with melting Arctic ice forcing them to spend more time on land where they compete for food. They are recognised as an endangered species in Russia and hunting them is banned. Russia has an air force and air defence troops based on Novaya Zemlya. Since December, 52 polar bears have regularly visited the archipelago's main settlement, Belushya Guba, with some displaying "aggressive behaviour," local official Alexander Minayev said in a report to regional authorities. This included "attacks on people and entering residential homes and public buildings," said Minayev, the deputy chief of the local administration. "There are constantly 6 to 10 bears inside the settlement," he said. "People are scared, they are afraid to leave their homes... parents are frightened to let their children go to schools and kindergartens." The head of the local administration Zhigansha Musin said that the numbers of polar bears were unprecedented. "I've been on Novaya Zemlya since 1983 and there's never been such a mass invasion of polar bears," he told regional officials. Bears are constantly inside a military garrison and "literally chase people" he said as well as going into the entrances of blocks of flats. Local officials complained that measures to scare off polar bears such as vehicle and dog patrols have not been effective as polar bears feel secure and no longer react. The federal environmental resources agency has refused to issue licences to shoot the most aggressive bears. A working group of regional and federal officials is set to visit the archipelago to assess the situation and the measures taken so far. The Arkhangelsk regional authorities, which oversee Novaya Zemlya, said that if all else failed "shooting the animals could be the only possible forced measure." In January, a defence ministry official said that hundreds of disused military buildings had been demolished on Novaya Zemlya because polar bears were settling inside them.

Russian Arctic archipelago sounds alarm over aggressive polar bears

Kashmir covered in blanket of snow, flights suspended, main highway shut

The past five years were the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/our-battle-cry-is-against-climate-change-seychelles-president-danny-faure-tells-wion-on-world-environment-day--142217">warmest ever on record</a>, a NASA official said on Wednesday in New York.

"It's been hot," said Gavin Schmidt, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). "The last five years have been the record warmest years that we've seen in a record that goes back to the 19th century and possibly even hundreds of years before that."

2018 marks the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japan-heatwave-as-heatwave-intensifies-65-people-dead-22600-admitted-to-hospital--154020"> fourth warmest year since 1880</a> and ranks behind 2016, 2017 and 2015, according to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Temperatures in both 2016 and 2015 were lifted by an El Niño, a natural event which can disrupt weather patterns worldwide every few years and releases heat from the tropical Pacific Ocean into the atmosphere.

"The key issues in reducing emissions are moving towards renewable fuels for electricity, moving away from internal combustion engines for transport, sequestering carbon more efficiently in agriculture, making better decisions about how we organise our world so that we don't need so much energy," Schmidt said.

"But most of all, reducing the amount of coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels, and deforestation," he added.

Weather extremes in 2018 included wildfires in California and Greece, drought in South Africa and floods in Kerala, India. Record levels of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels, trap ever more heat.

The outlook is for more sizzling heat approaching levels that most governments view as dangerous for the Earth.

"What kind of planet is a planet that's four or five degrees warmer than it is now? Well, we haven't seen that on Earth since about 3 million years ago in the Pliocene. At that point, we had forests all the way up to the Arctic Circle, there wasn't any ice," Schmidt informed.

"There was no Greenland and sea level was about 25 meters higher. That was a very different planet, and that's kind of where we're headed unless we do something about emissions."

The past five years were the warmest ever on record, a NASA official said on Wednesday in New York. "It's been hot," said Gavin Schmidt, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS).

The past five years were the warmest ever on record, a NASA official said on Wednesday in New York. "It's been hot," said Gavin Schmidt, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). "The last five years have been the record warmest years that we've seen in a record that goes back to the 19th century and possibly even hundreds of years before that." 2018 marks the fourth warmest year since 1880 and ranks behind 2016, 2017 and 2015, according to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Temperatures in both 2016 and 2015 were lifted by an El Niño, a natural event which can disrupt weather patterns worldwide every few years and releases heat from the tropical Pacific Ocean into the atmosphere. "The key issues in reducing emissions are moving towards renewable fuels for electricity, moving away from internal combustion engines for transport, sequestering carbon more efficiently in agriculture, making better decisions about how we organise our world so that we don't need so much energy," Schmidt said. "But most of all, reducing the amount of coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels, and deforestation," he added. Weather extremes in 2018 included wildfires in California and Greece, drought in South Africa and floods in Kerala, India. Record levels of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels, trap ever more heat. The outlook is for more sizzling heat approaching levels that most governments view as dangerous for the Earth. "What kind of planet is a planet that's four or five degrees warmer than it is now? Well, we haven't seen that on Earth since about 3 million years ago in the Pliocene. At that point, we had forests all the way up to the Arctic Circle, there wasn't any ice," Schmidt informed. "There was no Greenland and sea level was about 25 meters higher. That was a very different planet, and that's kind of where we're headed unless we do something about emissions."

2018 was fourth warmest year since 1880: NASA

The Netherlands' international representative for climate affairs on Tuesday told EFE in an interview that everyone should join forces in the fight against global warming.

Marcel Beukeboom, who was appointed Climate Envoy of the Dutch ministry of economic affairs and climate policy in October 2017, stressed that it was crucial to act as soon as possible and without looking for culprits when it came to countering climate change, instead working with the worst global emitters of greenhouse gases to find ways of reducing their emissions.

"You can't just say: 'okay, this is what we agreed in the Paris Agreements, so now we know what to do, we have ambition and we implement ambitious policies,'" Beukeboom said.

"We also know we can only get there if we do it together, especially with the biggest emitters globally, and those are the ones, as you know, that is not always the most ambitious when it comes to the implementation of policies," he added. "It's not an easy job."

Beukeboom said he believed the current disagreements over how to reduce the future increase in global temperatures to just two degrees Celsius gave forth a very complicated image, "but we have to deal with it, because we cannot consider that having clear objectives is enough, we have to work together."

One of the Dutch expert's main goals when it comes to the European Union is to convince member states to adopt a higher target regarding the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

"It always starts with the Paris Agreement," he said. "That is what is an overarching goal. We know what science tells us and we have to strive towards limiting global warming to 2 or 1.5 degrees, and from that, we derive policies."&nbsp;

"The Paris Agreement is what we call a hybrid agreement, it has an overarching goal, the 2 or 1.5 degrees. All the countries had submitted their own plans that have to be updated every five years," he added. "Next year, all members of the United Nations have to do that, including the EU and its member states. I think that is a big priority."&nbsp;

Beukeboom frequently travels to Asia, a region in which he has several counterparts and the part of the planet that has suffered some of the worst visible effects of climate change in recent years.

He said that China was one of the most important players to be counted on in the fight against global warming due to its size, while another Asian giant, India, was starting to lead the way, especially when it came to solar energy and other related issues such as poverty, security and intelligent agriculture.

Beukeboom acknowledged that often, progress was hindered by the positions of some African countries which are the main victims of the effects of climate change such as long droughts but are the least responsible for global warming as they have historically had lower emissions due to a comparatively reduced industrialization process.

He said that in those instances, he tries not to use the word "guilt," but rather "responsibility" and "aid."&nbsp;

"We need to find how to solve the situation together. It doesn't help to look for culprits and make accusations, we need to move forward," he added.

"The moment you make it more concrete, it becomes more tangible for ordinary people as well," Beukeboom explained. "And then we talk about a whole range: energy use, transportation, what can you do? Do you have to change to an electric vehicle, for example? Do we have to change our diet and consume less meat?"

The Netherlands' international representative for climate affairs on Tuesday told EFE in an interview that everyone should join forces in the fight against global warming.

The Netherlands' international representative for climate affairs on Tuesday told EFE in an interview that everyone should join forces in the fight against global warming. Marcel Beukeboom, who was appointed Climate Envoy of the Dutch ministry of economic affairs and climate policy in October 2017, stressed that it was crucial to act as soon as possible and without looking for culprits when it came to countering climate change, instead working with the worst global emitters of greenhouse gases to find ways of reducing their emissions. "You can't just say: 'okay, this is what we agreed in the Paris Agreements, so now we know what to do, we have ambition and we implement ambitious policies,'" Beukeboom said. "We also know we can only get there if we do it together, especially with the biggest emitters globally, and those are the ones, as you know, that is not always the most ambitious when it comes to the implementation of policies," he added. "It's not an easy job." Beukeboom said he believed the current disagreements over how to reduce the future increase in global temperatures to just two degrees Celsius gave forth a very complicated image, "but we have to deal with it, because we cannot consider that having clear objectives is enough, we have to work together." One of the Dutch expert's main goals when it comes to the European Union is to convince member states to adopt a higher target regarding the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. "It always starts with the Paris Agreement," he said. "That is what is an overarching goal. We know what science tells us and we have to strive towards limiting global warming to 2 or 1.5 degrees, and from that, we derive policies." "The Paris Agreement is what we call a hybrid agreement, it has an overarching goal, the 2 or 1.5 degrees. All the countries had submitted their own plans that have to be updated every five years," he added. "Next year, all members of the United Nations have to do that, including the EU and its member states. I think that is a big priority." Beukeboom frequently travels to Asia, a region in which he has several counterparts and the part of the planet that has suffered some of the worst visible effects of climate change in recent years. He said that China was one of the most important players to be counted on in the fight against global warming due to its size, while another Asian giant, India, was starting to lead the way, especially when it came to solar energy and other related issues such as poverty, security and intelligent agriculture. Beukeboom acknowledged that often, progress was hindered by the positions of some African countries which are the main victims of the effects of climate change such as long droughts but are the least responsible for global warming as they have historically had lower emissions due to a comparatively reduced industrialization process. He said that in those instances, he tries not to use the word "guilt," but rather "responsibility" and "aid." "We need to find how to solve the situation together. It doesn't help to look for culprits and make accusations, we need to move forward," he added. "The moment you make it more concrete, it becomes more tangible for ordinary people as well," Beukeboom explained. "And then we talk about a whole range: energy use, transportation, what can you do? Do you have to change to an electric vehicle, for example? Do we have to change our diet and consume less meat?"

We need to join forces to fight against global warming: Dutch climate envoy

My host organisation, Udyogini, hopes to develop such a programme in rural Khandar. But to do so, it is important to understand the negative impacts that unplanned mass tourism can have. India’s Golden Triangle, connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, is the most touristed route in the country.&nbsp;

The area’s amazing cultural heritage and the ease of travel between its three corners make it easy to understand why. But while it has benefited economically from the tourism industry, the Golden Triangle also illustrates some of these negative impacts.&nbsp;

The increasingly large tourism industry in the area has a blind spot for ethical concerns, and sometimes bypasses authenticity for marketability.&nbsp;

For example, slum tourism, increasingly popular in Delhi, raises questions of who benefits from the transformation of impoverished communities into spectacles for wealthy international tourists to view. While certain tour operators make an effort to  give back to the slums they walk through, not all of them do, and almost none are owned and operated by slum residents themselves.&nbsp;

Chokhi Dhani, a popular village themed resort in Jaipur, packages rural India for tourist’s consumption, but in a fully artificial environment that does not actually interact with real rural communities.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the ubiquity of tourism in these cities has arguably cheapened visitors’ experience of the places as well. Instead of the massive, diverse, and living capital of the world’s largest democracy, New Delhi is marketed for a few key sites – Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate – often completely stripped of their contextual importance and experienced purely aesthetically as a stop on a bus tour. The same can be said of Agra and Jaipur. Clearly, the Golden Triangle tourism industry has not been a purely positive phenomenon for the people who live there, or the tourists themselves.&nbsp;

Learning from the Golden Triangle is especially important for my project because increasingly, tourists are adding a fourth stop to their Golden Triangle itinerary, my placement site, Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, which is home to Ranthambore National Park.

Aided by its excellent rail connectivity to all three cities in the Golden Triangle – it sits two hours from Jaipur, four from Agra, and six from Delhi – hundreds of hotels have opened up on the main road from the city to the park entrance. Sawai Madhopur is routinely included on guided tour operators’ Golden Triangle tours and features prominently in the various routes of the super-luxury Maharaja Express tourist train.&nbsp;

Golden Triangle style mass-market tourism has firmly established itself as the main pillar of Sawai Madhopur’s economy. But the area’s small population, poor economy, and ecological sensitivity only magnify the tourism industry’s effects on the district. Exclusive hotels charge Rs 60,000 per night for rooms in the peak season despite sitting in a district that has been ranked one of the 126 most “backward” in India.

While certain lucky residents win low-level jobs in the hotels, the industry’s profits flow to outsiders who by-and-large own the properties.

Ranthambore National Park is home to the highest density of tigers in its history, making it one of the best places to see the animals in the wild. This has brought tourists who are single-minded in their reason for visiting the area. The majority of visitors spend only one or two nights in Sawai Madhopur, shuttling between their hotel and the National Park in pre-booked safaris. During popular times of the year, guests&nbsp;who have not pre-booked sometimes arrive in the area only to find that safaris during their stay are already full, and have to spend their time idly, with a few other sites to see in the area.&nbsp;

Furthermore, tourism is endangering the very natural environment that supports the industry. Hotels have taken up more and more land directly outside of the buffer zone of the park, threatening to cut it off from other natural lands. Water tables have fallen dramatically in recent years, and while this is partially attributable to agriculture, the tourism industry uses an outsized share of the area’s groundwater. 
 
Far from being a natural respite from the problems of tourism in the Golden Triangle, my placement site sees, in many ways, an intensification of the same issues.&nbsp;

While addressing the negative aspects of tourism can seem daunting, there are multiple examples, both throughout the world and within India, of tourist facilities conducting themselves in a respectful and sustainable manner that elevates local communities and enriches tourists’ experiences. 
 
(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)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

My host organisation, Udyogini, hopes to develop such a programme in rural Khandar. But to do so, it is important to understand the negative impacts that unplanned mass tourism can have.

My host organisation, Udyogini, hopes to develop such a programme in rural Khandar. But to do so, it is important to understand the negative impacts that unplanned mass tourism can have. India’s Golden Triangle, connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, is the most touristed route in the country. The area’s amazing cultural heritage and the ease of travel between its three corners make it easy to understand why. But while it has benefited economically from the tourism industry, the Golden Triangle also illustrates some of these negative impacts. The increasingly large tourism industry in the area has a blind spot for ethical concerns, and sometimes bypasses authenticity for marketability. For example, slum tourism, increasingly popular in Delhi, raises questions of who benefits from the transformation of impoverished communities into spectacles for wealthy international tourists to view. While certain tour operators make an effort to  give back to the slums they walk through, not all of them do, and almost none are owned and operated by slum residents themselves. Chokhi Dhani, a popular village themed resort in Jaipur, packages rural India for tourist’s consumption, but in a fully artificial environment that does not actually interact with real rural communities. Furthermore, the ubiquity of tourism in these cities has arguably cheapened visitors’ experience of the places as well. Instead of the massive, diverse, and living capital of the world’s largest democracy, New Delhi is marketed for a few key sites – Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate – often completely stripped of their contextual importance and experienced purely aesthetically as a stop on a bus tour. The same can be said of Agra and Jaipur. Clearly, the Golden Triangle tourism industry has not been a purely positive phenomenon for the people who live there, or the tourists themselves. Learning from the Golden Triangle is especially important for my project because increasingly, tourists are adding a fourth stop to their Golden Triangle itinerary, my placement site, Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, which is home to Ranthambore National Park. Aided by its excellent rail connectivity to all three cities in the Golden Triangle – it sits two hours from Jaipur, four from Agra, and six from Delhi – hundreds of hotels have opened up on the main road from the city to the park entrance. Sawai Madhopur is routinely included on guided tour operators’ Golden Triangle tours and features prominently in the various routes of the super-luxury Maharaja Express tourist train. Golden Triangle style mass-market tourism has firmly established itself as the main pillar of Sawai Madhopur’s economy. But the area’s small population, poor economy, and ecological sensitivity only magnify the tourism industry’s effects on the district. Exclusive hotels charge Rs 60,000 per night for rooms in the peak season despite sitting in a district that has been ranked one of the 126 most “backward” in India. While certain lucky residents win low-level jobs in the hotels, the industry’s profits flow to outsiders who by-and-large own the properties. Ranthambore National Park is home to the highest density of tigers in its history, making it one of the best places to see the animals in the wild. This has brought tourists who are single-minded in their reason for visiting the area. The majority of visitors spend only one or two nights in Sawai Madhopur, shuttling between their hotel and the National Park in pre-booked safaris. During popular times of the year, guests who have not pre-booked sometimes arrive in the area only to find that safaris during their stay are already full, and have to spend their time idly, with a few other sites to see in the area. Furthermore, tourism is endangering the very natural environment that supports the industry. Hotels have taken up more and more land directly outside of the buffer zone of the park, threatening to cut it off from other natural lands. Water tables have fallen dramatically in recent years, and while this is partially attributable to agriculture, the tourism industry uses an outsized share of the area’s groundwater. Far from being a natural respite from the problems of tourism in the Golden Triangle, my placement site sees, in many ways, an intensification of the same issues. While addressing the negative aspects of tourism can seem daunting, there are multiple examples, both throughout the world and within India, of tourist facilities conducting themselves in a respectful and sustainable manner that elevates local communities and enriches tourists’ experiences. (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: Rethinking tourism

The message emerging out of last year is loud and clear. Extreme weather events are on a rise in the country and we must plan and prepare for erratic weather patterns that are the new ‘normal’.&nbsp;

Almost every month of the last year had one or the other “unprecedented” weather events. We had hailstorms, unseasonal rainfall, strong thunderstorms and lightning, floods and droughts, long dry spells, cyclones, and both our monsoons — southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon — were below normal. Also, average temperature over the country was “significantly above normal”, making 2018 the sixth warmest year on record since 1901.

Early last year, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh were hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorms that damaged standing rabi (winter) crops in over 4.76 lakh hectares. Maharashtra is prone to hailstorms, as documented in a countrywide analysis of hailstorms between 1985 and 2015 by the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Pune office.&nbsp;

But, as scientists at the Met department point out, “From 2013, there is prolonged persistence of hailstorms in the state, causing extensive damage.” Hailstorms now affect a larger area in the state over several days. There are concerns over the increasing size of hail too.

After hailstorms, large parts of the country faced a series of extremely strong thunderstorms and dust storms. Down To Earth, a fortnightly documented how 44 intense thunderstorms struck over 16 states killing 423 people, which was “unprecedented”. Thunderstorms were accompanied by lightning strikes that destroyed properties and killed people. Data of the National Crime Records Bureau shows the average number of people dying of lightning strikes every year between 2006 and 2015 was about 50 per cent higher than the decade before. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune have examined satellite data between 1990 and 2013 and found a two to three per cent increase in lightning strikes in the country.

Last year witnessed another set of extremities — floods and droughts. Flood and heavy rain-related incidents killed over 800 people during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. In its long-range forecast of the southwest monsoon (June to September) and northeast monsoon (October to December), the Met department had predicted normal monsoon rainfall. However, a ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall, along with erratic rains induced floods and droughts in several states. For instance, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, etc., suffered floods during the southwest monsoon season. But, these states are now staring at an acute drought. Several other states — Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc — have officially declared a drought too. Also, the last northeast monsoon rainfall has been “substantially below normal” and sixth lowest since 1901.

M Rajeevan, secretary, Union ministry of earth sciences, rightly points out that 2018 has been a year of many disasters. And as global warming continues, there should be an increase in the frequency of these disasters because of larger variability on both the sides. Therefore, we should expect more floods as well as more deficient rains (droughts), and need to prepare for such a state of the climate.

&nbsp;Interestingly, in spite of both monsoons being deficient, 15 depressions and four cyclones hit the Indian coast last year. There are several research studies that link changing the climate to an increasing frequency of intense tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean. Data of 122 years of tropical cyclone frequency over the north Indian Ocean from 1877 to 1998 shows “there is indeed a trend in the enhanced cyclogenesis during November and May”. There has been a two-fold increase in the tropical cyclone frequency over the Bay of Bengal, a 17 per cent increase in the intensification rate of cyclonic disturbances to the cyclone stage, and a 25 per cent increase to severe cyclone stage over the north Indian Ocean during November in the past 122 years, the study noted.

Analysis by Down To Earth suggests that extreme weather events have increased from just one during 1900-1910 to 61 during 1971-80. And that number almost tripled to 162 during 2001-2010.

Whereas no single extreme weather event can be attributed to climate change, it is also true that the increased frequency and intensity of these extreme events are due to human-induced climate change. Extreme rainfall, extreme heat, extreme thunderstorms, extreme cold waves, extreme tropical storms are the new “normal”. And we need adaptation strategies and disaster response plans to face exigencies arising out of this new ‘normal’.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-extreme-weather-events-have-become-the-new-normal-2713527">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The message emerging out of last year is loud and clear. Extreme weather events are on a rise in the country and we must plan and prepare for erratic weather patterns that are the new ‘normal’.

The message emerging out of last year is loud and clear. Extreme weather events are on a rise in the country and we must plan and prepare for erratic weather patterns that are the new ‘normal’. Almost every month of the last year had one or the other “unprecedented” weather events. We had hailstorms, unseasonal rainfall, strong thunderstorms and lightning, floods and droughts, long dry spells, cyclones, and both our monsoons — southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon — were below normal. Also, average temperature over the country was “significantly above normal”, making 2018 the sixth warmest year on record since 1901. Early last year, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh were hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorms that damaged standing rabi (winter) crops in over 4.76 lakh hectares. Maharashtra is prone to hailstorms, as documented in a countrywide analysis of hailstorms between 1985 and 2015 by the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Pune office. But, as scientists at the Met department point out, “From 2013, there is prolonged persistence of hailstorms in the state, causing extensive damage.” Hailstorms now affect a larger area in the state over several days. There are concerns over the increasing size of hail too. After hailstorms, large parts of the country faced a series of extremely strong thunderstorms and dust storms. Down To Earth, a fortnightly documented how 44 intense thunderstorms struck over 16 states killing 423 people, which was “unprecedented”. Thunderstorms were accompanied by lightning strikes that destroyed properties and killed people. Data of the National Crime Records Bureau shows the average number of people dying of lightning strikes every year between 2006 and 2015 was about 50 per cent higher than the decade before. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune have examined satellite data between 1990 and 2013 and found a two to three per cent increase in lightning strikes in the country. Last year witnessed another set of extremities — floods and droughts. Flood and heavy rain-related incidents killed over 800 people during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. In its long-range forecast of the southwest monsoon (June to September) and northeast monsoon (October to December), the Met department had predicted normal monsoon rainfall. However, a ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall, along with erratic rains induced floods and droughts in several states. For instance, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, etc., suffered floods during the southwest monsoon season. But, these states are now staring at an acute drought. Several other states — Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc — have officially declared a drought too. Also, the last northeast monsoon rainfall has been “substantially below normal” and sixth lowest since 1901. M Rajeevan, secretary, Union ministry of earth sciences, rightly points out that 2018 has been a year of many disasters. And as global warming continues, there should be an increase in the frequency of these disasters because of larger variability on both the sides. Therefore, we should expect more floods as well as more deficient rains (droughts), and need to prepare for such a state of the climate. Interestingly, in spite of both monsoons being deficient, 15 depressions and four cyclones hit the Indian coast last year. There are several research studies that link changing the climate to an increasing frequency of intense tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean. Data of 122 years of tropical cyclone frequency over the north Indian Ocean from 1877 to 1998 shows “there is indeed a trend in the enhanced cyclogenesis during November and May”. There has been a two-fold increase in the tropical cyclone frequency over the Bay of Bengal, a 17 per cent increase in the intensification rate of cyclonic disturbances to the cyclone stage, and a 25 per cent increase to severe cyclone stage over the north Indian Ocean during November in the past 122 years, the study noted. Analysis by Down To Earth suggests that extreme weather events have increased from just one during 1900-1910 to 61 during 1971-80. And that number almost tripled to 162 during 2001-2010. Whereas no single extreme weather event can be attributed to climate change, it is also true that the increased frequency and intensity of these extreme events are due to human-induced climate change. Extreme rainfall, extreme heat, extreme thunderstorms, extreme cold waves, extreme tropical storms are the new “normal”. And we need adaptation strategies and disaster response plans to face exigencies arising out of this new ‘normal’. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Extreme weather events have become the new ‘normal’

The world's oceans are heating up at an accelerating pace as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/2018-was-the-fourth-warmest-year-ever-european-unions-climate-change-service-188839">global warming</a> threatens a diverse range of marine life and a major food supply for the planet, researchers said Thursday.

The findings in the US journal Science, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, debunk previous reports that suggested a so-called pause in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/drought-hit-australia-recorded-third-warmest-year-last-year-189344">global warming in recent years</a>.

The latest technology shows no such hiatus ever existed, raising new concerns about the pace of climate change and its effect on the planet's main buffer -- the oceans.

"Ocean heating is a very important indicator of climate change, and we have robust evidence that it is warming more rapidly than we thought," said co-author Zeke Hausfather, a graduate student in the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California, Berkeley.

About 93 per cent of excess heat -- trapped around the Earth by greenhouse gases that come from the burning of fossil fuels -- accumulates in the world's oceans.&nbsp;

The latest report relied on four studies, published between 2014 and 2017, that gave more precise estimates of past trends in ocean heat, allowing scientists to update past research and hone predictions for the future.

A key factor in the more accurate numbers is an ocean monitoring fleet called Argo, which includes nearly 4,000 floating robots that "drift throughout the world's oceans, every few days diving to a depth of 2,000 meters (yards) and measuring the ocean's temperature, pH, salinity and other bits of information as they rise back up," said the report.

Argo "has provided consistent and widespread data on ocean heat content since the mid-2000s," it said.

The new analysis shows warming in the oceans is on pace with measurements of rising air temperature.

And if nothing is done to reduce greenhouse gases, "models predict that the temperature of the top 2,000 meters of the world's oceans will rise 0.78 degrees Celsius by the end of the century," it said.&nbsp;

The thermal expansion -- water swelling as it warms -- would raise sea level 12 inches (30 centimetres), above any sea level rise from melting glaciers and ice sheets.

"While 2018 will be the fourth warmest year on record on the surface, it will most certainly be the warmest year on record in the oceans, as was 2017 and 2016 before that," Hausfather said.&nbsp;

"The global warming signal is a lot easier to detect if it is changing in the oceans than on the surface."

The world's oceans are heating up at an accelerating pace as global warming threatens a diverse range of marine life and a major food supply for the planet, researchers said Thursday.

The world's oceans are heating up at an accelerating pace as global warming threatens a diverse range of marine life and a major food supply for the planet, researchers said Thursday. The findings in the US journal Science, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, debunk previous reports that suggested a so-called pause in global warming in recent years. The latest technology shows no such hiatus ever existed, raising new concerns about the pace of climate change and its effect on the planet's main buffer -- the oceans. "Ocean heating is a very important indicator of climate change, and we have robust evidence that it is warming more rapidly than we thought," said co-author Zeke Hausfather, a graduate student in the Energy and Resources Group at the University of California, Berkeley. About 93 per cent of excess heat -- trapped around the Earth by greenhouse gases that come from the burning of fossil fuels -- accumulates in the world's oceans. The latest report relied on four studies, published between 2014 and 2017, that gave more precise estimates of past trends in ocean heat, allowing scientists to update past research and hone predictions for the future. A key factor in the more accurate numbers is an ocean monitoring fleet called Argo, which includes nearly 4,000 floating robots that "drift throughout the world's oceans, every few days diving to a depth of 2,000 meters (yards) and measuring the ocean's temperature, pH, salinity and other bits of information as they rise back up," said the report. Argo "has provided consistent and widespread data on ocean heat content since the mid-2000s," it said. The new analysis shows warming in the oceans is on pace with measurements of rising air temperature. And if nothing is done to reduce greenhouse gases, "models predict that the temperature of the top 2,000 meters of the world's oceans will rise 0.78 degrees Celsius by the end of the century," it said. The thermal expansion -- water swelling as it warms -- would raise sea level 12 inches (30 centimetres), above any sea level rise from melting glaciers and ice sheets. "While 2018 will be the fourth warmest year on record on the surface, it will most certainly be the warmest year on record in the oceans, as was 2017 and 2016 before that," Hausfather said. "The global warming signal is a lot easier to detect if it is changing in the oceans than on the surface."

World's oceans heating up at a quickening pace: Study

Australia had its third warmest year on record in 2018, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-and-his-wife-meghan-visit-drought-stricken-town-of-austrailia-171865">a year marked by severe drought in parts</a> of the country and a prolonged bushfire season, the Bureau of Meteorology said, with the dry conditions expected to persist in coming months.

Maximum temperatures across <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/despair-as-crippling-drought-hammers-australian-farmers-157962">Australia were the second-warmest</a> on record at 1.55 degrees C (2.8 degrees F) above average, just behind the hottest year in 2013.

The average temperature across Australia in 2018 was 1.14 degrees C above the average for 1961 to 1990, making nine of the past 10 years hotter than average, the bureau said in its annual climate statement.

Annual rainfall was the seventh lowest on record over the southeastern quarter of the country.

"It was a tough year for people dealing with the drought," Bureau senior climatologist Lynette Bettio said in a statement.

The bureau sees little change in the near term.

"The next three months look like a continuation of the warm and dry conditions that we've seen actually over the last 24 months or so," Karl Braganza, the bureau's head of climate monitoring told reporters.

El Nino-like weather conditions that have prevailed in the Pacific Ocean could also suppress rainfall this year, although it was unclear yet how that would develop.

El Nino is usually associated with lower than usual rainfall in eastern Australia.

For 2018, Australia's rainfall was 11 per cent below the average for 1961 to 1990 at 413 millimetres (16.3 inches), which the bureau said was due to natural variability as well as climate change.

The warmer temperatures and a windy winter also meant more evaporation, which led to rapid and intense drying of the landscape, the bureau said.

Global warming is largely to blame for Australia's bushfire season tending to start earlier in spring and extending into autumn, as opposed to just being during the hottest months in summer, Braganza said.

"The shift in the seasonalities and the severity of the fire weather is largely driven by increases in surface temperature, and that, in turn, is related to global warming," he said.

Australia had its third warmest year on record in 2018, a year marked by severe drought in parts of the country and a prolonged bushfire season, the Bureau of Meteorology said, with the dry conditions expected to persist in coming months.

Australia had its third warmest year on record in 2018, a year marked by severe drought in parts of the country and a prolonged bushfire season, the Bureau of Meteorology said, with the dry conditions expected to persist in coming months. Maximum temperatures across Australia were the second-warmest on record at 1.55 degrees C (2.8 degrees F) above average, just behind the hottest year in 2013. The average temperature across Australia in 2018 was 1.14 degrees C above the average for 1961 to 1990, making nine of the past 10 years hotter than average, the bureau said in its annual climate statement. Annual rainfall was the seventh lowest on record over the southeastern quarter of the country. "It was a tough year for people dealing with the drought," Bureau senior climatologist Lynette Bettio said in a statement. The bureau sees little change in the near term. "The next three months look like a continuation of the warm and dry conditions that we've seen actually over the last 24 months or so," Karl Braganza, the bureau's head of climate monitoring told reporters. El Nino-like weather conditions that have prevailed in the Pacific Ocean could also suppress rainfall this year, although it was unclear yet how that would develop. El Nino is usually associated with lower than usual rainfall in eastern Australia. For 2018, Australia's rainfall was 11 per cent below the average for 1961 to 1990 at 413 millimetres (16.3 inches), which the bureau said was due to natural variability as well as climate change. The warmer temperatures and a windy winter also meant more evaporation, which led to rapid and intense drying of the landscape, the bureau said. Global warming is largely to blame for Australia's bushfire season tending to start earlier in spring and extending into autumn, as opposed to just being during the hottest months in summer, Braganza said. "The shift in the seasonalities and the severity of the fire weather is largely driven by increases in surface temperature, and that, in turn, is related to global warming," he said.

Drought-hit Australia recorded third-warmest year in 2018: Bureau of Meteorology

By Richard Zuber

Even though the outcomes of the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, are to be celebrated as a step in the right direction despite all odds, a somewhat bitter aftertaste remains. In the wake of news that our species has merely 12 years to pull the ship around by making swift changes to global energy infrastructure, it was clear that something had to be done. This year’s COP24 talks resulted in huge fossil fuel divestments, yet the uncomfortable truth is that fighting climate change can only progress with them. It is impossible to abandon fossil fuels overnight, so a more realistic and humane approach to reducing carbon emissions has to be found.

It was a difficult task from the outset. The reporting of the international and domestic media on the horrors of climate change and the use of coal has effectively stifled debate and the ability to formulate clear thinking on the subject. The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement in its current form has become untouchable, notwithstanding that its goals were highly Western-centric and near impossible to implement on a global scale. Pundits now cheer that COP24 represents a common move of institutions to cut ties to fossil fuel producers — “this most destructive of industries.” But things never are that simple.

In order for the Paris goals to be met, global emissions from power plants, factories, transport and deforestation would have to be eliminated entirely in short order. Ironically, not only is this ignorant of the realities on the ground, but, more damningly, it completely misses the point: Developing countries rely on coal and other cheap resources for economic growth, electricity and poverty alleviation. Still, activists and the media chose to focus on the political game rather than the actual situation, thereby exposing their immaturity when it comes to dealing with pressing issues like climate change.

A case in point is the vicious reaction to US President Donald Trump’s announcement to pull out of the agreement and his ongoing support for the continued use of coal through the promotion of high efficiency, low emissions (HELE) solutions. Even if it is hard to accept, the weight of evidence in concerned countries suggests that favouring technology conducive to reducing the carbon-intensity of fossil fuels is a viable compromise. Which is why the push for HELE is so important. The US hosted a forum at COP24 to advocate the use of this tech and to promote the Clean and Advanced Fossil Fuel Alliance. Originally presented after last year’s climate conference in Bonn, Germany, the alliance is exploring the benefits of more efficient fossil fuel technologies, as well as those — such as carbon capture and storage (CCS)— that have a part to play in reducing emissions in the long term.

Unlike the conventional approach that seeks to cut out all fossil fuels no matter the cost, this initiative sticks out because it takes into account the needs of developing countries. One billion people, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, live without electricity. It’s a problem that adversely impacts development indicators such as health, education, food security and poverty reduction. Furthermore, electrifying the poorest countries and thus improving living conditions is, notably, the primary objective of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7).

It’s a cruel irony then that the same people who agreed on the SDG7 are also those who now undermine their own good intentions by denying developing countries access to the one energy resource that can bring about these changes. In a move dripping with hypocrisy, global institutions like the World Bank have stopped coal financing, thereby denying access to affordable electricity for millions — a dynamic this COP has only reinforced.

The accusation of hypocrisy weighs even heavier considering that African leaders directly confronted World Bank President Jim Yong-kim in October, lamenting how the West is outraged about climate change but strangles African countries out of using fossil fuels. Their outrage is even more understandable since very little has actually been achieved by those who demand radical action and brand themselves as climate saviours. Far from raising the billions promised to help poor nations fight climate change, rich countries have continually failed to mobilize the $100 billion a year promised by 2020 to developing states for climate finance. Instead of the money, developing countries only get self-righteous finger-wagging and preachy talks for insisting on using cheap energy sources. But rich countries are willfully ignoring that without funds to finance emission-mitigating technologies like HELE, developing nation’s CO2 emissions will only keep rising.

While it may be hard for us to understand in the plentiful West, in countries like Indonesia, energy production — not climate change — is the most pressing concern. The government seeks to build more than 100 coal-fired power plants, and projections suggest that within 10 years, energy will be the largest contributor to Indonesian emissions. And it’s not an isolated case: Across Asia, hundreds of gigawatts of new coal-fired power generation is under construction, showing that the growing appetite for coal is unlikely to diminish any time soon.

Developing nations are rightly indignant that Western powers who are responsible for most of the carbon emissions to date — and who are failing on their own climate pledges — are lecturing them on cutting fossil fuel use. Instead of berating the lack of progress in fighting climate change, it would be best to accept that impact could be mitigated without compromising on economic prosperity. More efficient HELE and CSS technologies are the way to go. If COP24 and its successors want to create a lasting impact, rational thought and realistic appraisals of global conditions must prevail over myopic ideological fervour.

(Richard Zuber is a New York-based policy adviser who specialises in US foreign policy)

(This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/more/environment/cop24-katowice-poland-climate-change-technology-solutions-news-81762/">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 Richard Zuber Even though the outcomes of the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, are to be celebrated as a step in the right direction despite all odds, a somewhat bitter aftertaste remains.

By Richard Zuber Even though the outcomes of the UN Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland, are to be celebrated as a step in the right direction despite all odds, a somewhat bitter aftertaste remains. In the wake of news that our species has merely 12 years to pull the ship around by making swift changes to global energy infrastructure, it was clear that something had to be done. This year’s COP24 talks resulted in huge fossil fuel divestments, yet the uncomfortable truth is that fighting climate change can only progress with them. It is impossible to abandon fossil fuels overnight, so a more realistic and humane approach to reducing carbon emissions has to be found. It was a difficult task from the outset. The reporting of the international and domestic media on the horrors of climate change and the use of coal has effectively stifled debate and the ability to formulate clear thinking on the subject. The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement in its current form has become untouchable, notwithstanding that its goals were highly Western-centric and near impossible to implement on a global scale. Pundits now cheer that COP24 represents a common move of institutions to cut ties to fossil fuel producers — “this most destructive of industries.” But things never are that simple. In order for the Paris goals to be met, global emissions from power plants, factories, transport and deforestation would have to be eliminated entirely in short order. Ironically, not only is this ignorant of the realities on the ground, but, more damningly, it completely misses the point: Developing countries rely on coal and other cheap resources for economic growth, electricity and poverty alleviation. Still, activists and the media chose to focus on the political game rather than the actual situation, thereby exposing their immaturity when it comes to dealing with pressing issues like climate change. A case in point is the vicious reaction to US President Donald Trump’s announcement to pull out of the agreement and his ongoing support for the continued use of coal through the promotion of high efficiency, low emissions (HELE) solutions. Even if it is hard to accept, the weight of evidence in concerned countries suggests that favouring technology conducive to reducing the carbon-intensity of fossil fuels is a viable compromise. Which is why the push for HELE is so important. The US hosted a forum at COP24 to advocate the use of this tech and to promote the Clean and Advanced Fossil Fuel Alliance. Originally presented after last year’s climate conference in Bonn, Germany, the alliance is exploring the benefits of more efficient fossil fuel technologies, as well as those — such as carbon capture and storage (CCS)— that have a part to play in reducing emissions in the long term. Unlike the conventional approach that seeks to cut out all fossil fuels no matter the cost, this initiative sticks out because it takes into account the needs of developing countries. One billion people, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, live without electricity. It’s a problem that adversely impacts development indicators such as health, education, food security and poverty reduction. Furthermore, electrifying the poorest countries and thus improving living conditions is, notably, the primary objective of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7). It’s a cruel irony then that the same people who agreed on the SDG7 are also those who now undermine their own good intentions by denying developing countries access to the one energy resource that can bring about these changes. In a move dripping with hypocrisy, global institutions like the World Bank have stopped coal financing, thereby denying access to affordable electricity for millions — a dynamic this COP has only reinforced. The accusation of hypocrisy weighs even heavier considering that African leaders directly confronted World Bank President Jim Yong-kim in October, lamenting how the West is outraged about climate change but strangles African countries out of using fossil fuels. Their outrage is even more understandable since very little has actually been achieved by those who demand radical action and brand themselves as climate saviours. Far from raising the billions promised to help poor nations fight climate change, rich countries have continually failed to mobilize the $100 billion a year promised by 2020 to developing states for climate finance. Instead of the money, developing countries only get self-righteous finger-wagging and preachy talks for insisting on using cheap energy sources. But rich countries are willfully ignoring that without funds to finance emission-mitigating technologies like HELE, developing nation’s CO2 emissions will only keep rising. While it may be hard for us to understand in the plentiful West, in countries like Indonesia, energy production — not climate change — is the most pressing concern. The government seeks to build more than 100 coal-fired power plants, and projections suggest that within 10 years, energy will be the largest contributor to Indonesian emissions. And it’s not an isolated case: Across Asia, hundreds of gigawatts of new coal-fired power generation is under construction, showing that the growing appetite for coal is unlikely to diminish any time soon. Developing nations are rightly indignant that Western powers who are responsible for most of the carbon emissions to date — and who are failing on their own climate pledges — are lecturing them on cutting fossil fuel use. Instead of berating the lack of progress in fighting climate change, it would be best to accept that impact could be mitigated without compromising on economic prosperity. More efficient HELE and CSS technologies are the way to go. If COP24 and its successors want to create a lasting impact, rational thought and realistic appraisals of global conditions must prevail over myopic ideological fervour. (Richard Zuber is a New York-based policy adviser who specialises in US foreign policy) (This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It’s time for a new climate compromise

global-warming

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