A UN food agency official said on Friday that about 25 million tonnes of grains are stuck in Ukraine and unable to leave owing to infrastructure problems and blocked Black Sea ports, including Mariupol.

According to the FAO, the obstructions are a role in rising food prices, which reached a record high in March following Russia’s “special military operation” before easing marginally in April.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-destroyed-400-hospitals-leaving-patients-in-extreme-difficulties-zelensky-476697">Russia destroyed 400 hospitals, leaving patients in extreme difficulties: Zelensky</a>

Reuters reports that according to figures from the International Grains Council, Ukraine was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of maize (corn) and the sixth-largest exporter of wheat in the 2020/2021 season.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine tensions: Third round of evacuation ops underway; UN, Red Cross renew efforts

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FAO Deputy Director, Markets and Trade Division, Josef Schmidhuber in a Geneva press conference via Zoom said, “It's an almost grotesque situation we see at the moment in Ukraine with nearly 25 million&nbsp;tonnes of grain that could be exported but that cannot leave the country simply because of lack of infrastructure, the blockade of the ports."

He further said that the full silos may cause storage problems for the upcoming harvest in the month of July and August. Another matter of concern, he continued, is indications that some grain storage facilities in Ukraine have been destroyed because of the war.&nbsp;

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Ukraine has been obliged to export grain via&nbsp;train over its western border or from its minor Danube River ports since Moscow initiated the war in late February.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-helping-ukraine-target-russian-generals-pentagon-476727">Not helping Ukraine 'target' Russian generals: Pentagon</a>

The head of the World Trade Organisation in conversation with Reuters said that she is “extremely concerned” about rising food prices and is working with other partners to find answers for the same.&nbsp;

"It would really help the world if we could evacuate this grain (from Ukraine)," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said. "There's a serious risk of food prices going up and spiraling out of affordability that could lead to more hunger."

(With inputs from agencies)

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp;

A UN food agency official said on Friday that about 25 million tonnes of grains are stuck in Ukraine and unable to leave owing to infrastructure problems and blocked Black Sea ports, including Mariupol.

A UN food agency official said on Friday that about 25 million tonnes of grains are stuck in Ukraine and unable to leave owing to infrastructure problems and blocked Black Sea ports, including Mariupol. According to the FAO, the obstructions are a role in rising food prices, which reached a record high in March following Russia’s “special military operation” before easing marginally in April. Also read | Russia destroyed 400 hospitals, leaving patients in extreme difficulties: Zelensky Reuters reports that according to figures from the International Grains Council, Ukraine was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of maize (corn) and the sixth-largest exporter of wheat in the 2020/2021 season. Watch | Russia-Ukraine tensions: Third round of evacuation ops underway; UN, Red Cross renew efforts FAO Deputy Director, Markets and Trade Division, Josef Schmidhuber in a Geneva press conference via Zoom said, “It's an almost grotesque situation we see at the moment in Ukraine with nearly 25 million tonnes of grain that could be exported but that cannot leave the country simply because of lack of infrastructure, the blockade of the ports." He further said that the full silos may cause storage problems for the upcoming harvest in the month of July and August. Another matter of concern, he continued, is indications that some grain storage facilities in Ukraine have been destroyed because of the war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: Ukraine has been obliged to export grain via train over its western border or from its minor Danube River ports since Moscow initiated the war in late February. Also read | Not helping Ukraine 'target' Russian generals: Pentagon The head of the World Trade Organisation in conversation with Reuters said that she is “extremely concerned” about rising food prices and is working with other partners to find answers for the same. "It would really help the world if we could evacuate this grain (from Ukraine)," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said. "There's a serious risk of food prices going up and spiraling out of affordability that could lead to more hunger." (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Nearly 25 million tonnes of grain stuck in Ukraine: UN food agency

Almost 500 civilians have been evacuated from the devastated city of Mariupol and its besieged Azovstal steel plant in a UN-led rescue operation. UN and Red Cross-led evacuations began last weekend.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: UN evacuates almost 500 civilians from Mariupol

UN's food and agriculture organization said on Wednesday that the number of people facing hunger rose to 193 million in 2021 as conflict, climate change and economic crises destroyed people's livelihoods.

UN: 139 million people were food insecure in India

Hollywood acclaimed actress Angelina Jolie, who is a special envoy for the UN refugee agency visited Ukraine's Lviv and met children & displaced families. She hurriedly left a railway station amidst air-raid sirens.

Ukraine-Russia war: Angelina Jolie visits Ukraine's Lviv, meets children & displaced families

Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century.

The strikes took place in western part of the city wounding at least three people. The strikes were first in the capital in nearly two weeks. They were carried out after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs in which Russia faces allegations to have committed war crimes.

Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating 10 Russian soldiers for suspected atrocities in Bucha, where dozens of bodies in civilian clothes were found after Moscow's retreat, and had identified more than 8,000 alleged war crimes cases.

Prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova has told a German TV channel that these cases include "killing civilians, bombing of civilian infrastructure, torture" and "sexual crimes".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-21st-century-war-is-an-absurdity-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visits-destroyed-ukrainian-towns-474656">'In 21st century, war is an absurdity': UN chief Antonio Guterres visits destroyed Ukrainian towns</a>

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has urged lawmakers in the US to approve the huge aid package worth USD 33 billion for Ukraine.

"The cost of this fight is not cheap. But caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen," Biden said.&nbsp;

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Biden's proposal as an "important step" and "necessary."

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century.

Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century. The strikes took place in western part of the city wounding at least three people. The strikes were first in the capital in nearly two weeks. They were carried out after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs in which Russia faces allegations to have committed war crimes. Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating 10 Russian soldiers for suspected atrocities in Bucha, where dozens of bodies in civilian clothes were found after Moscow's retreat, and had identified more than 8,000 alleged war crimes cases. Prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova has told a German TV channel that these cases include "killing civilians, bombing of civilian infrastructure, torture" and "sexual crimes". Also Read | 'In 21st century, war is an absurdity': UN chief Antonio Guterres visits destroyed Ukrainian towns Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has urged lawmakers in the US to approve the huge aid package worth USD 33 billion for Ukraine. "The cost of this fight is not cheap. But caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen," Biden said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Biden's proposal as an "important step" and "necessary." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit

More than 3,000 people died or went missing in the Mediterranean and Atlantic while trying to reach Europe last year — double the toll from 2020, the United Nations said Friday.

A new report from the UN refugee agency demanded urgent action to combat surging deaths among refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants trying to reach Europe.

The report showed a total of 3,077 people were lost while trying to cross the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes to the continent last year, up from 1,544 in 2020.

"Alarmingly, since the beginning of the year, an additional 478 people have died or gone missing at sea," UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva.

The report showed that in 2021, 1,924 people were reported dead or missing on the Central and Western Mediterranean routes, while another 1,153 perished on the North African maritime route to the Canary Islands.

"Most of the sea crossings took place in packed, unseaworthy, inflatable boats, many of which capsized or were deflated leading to the loss of life," Mantoo said.

The sea journey from countries on the West African coast such as Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands was particularly perilous, she said, pointing out that the crossing could take up to 10 days.

"Many boats drifted off course or otherwise went missing without trace in these waters," she said.

The UNHCR report cautioned that land routes were also "highly dangerous".

Watch | Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants

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"Even greater numbers may have died on journeys through the Sahara Desert and remote border areas, in detention centres, or while in the captivity of smugglers or traffickers," Mantoo said.

UNHCR warned that the Covid-19 pandemic and related border closures had complicated movement further and had forced many desperate refugees and migrants to turn to smugglers to make their perilous journeys.

The UN agency also cautioned that political instability and conflicts, as well as climate change could increase such dangerous displacement going forward.

"UNHCR is appealing for support to help provide meaningful alternatives to these dangerous journeys and prevent people from becoming victims of traffickers," Mantoo said.

More than 3,000 people died or went missing in the Mediterranean and Atlantic while trying to reach Europe last year — double the toll from 2020, the United Nations said Friday.

More than 3,000 people died or went missing in the Mediterranean and Atlantic while trying to reach Europe last year — double the toll from 2020, the United Nations said Friday. A new report from the UN refugee agency demanded urgent action to combat surging deaths among refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants trying to reach Europe. The report showed a total of 3,077 people were lost while trying to cross the Mediterranean and Atlantic routes to the continent last year, up from 1,544 in 2020. "Alarmingly, since the beginning of the year, an additional 478 people have died or gone missing at sea," UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva. The report showed that in 2021, 1,924 people were reported dead or missing on the Central and Western Mediterranean routes, while another 1,153 perished on the North African maritime route to the Canary Islands. "Most of the sea crossings took place in packed, unseaworthy, inflatable boats, many of which capsized or were deflated leading to the loss of life," Mantoo said. The sea journey from countries on the West African coast such as Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands was particularly perilous, she said, pointing out that the crossing could take up to 10 days. "Many boats drifted off course or otherwise went missing without trace in these waters," she said. The UNHCR report cautioned that land routes were also "highly dangerous". Watch | Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants "Even greater numbers may have died on journeys through the Sahara Desert and remote border areas, in detention centres, or while in the captivity of smugglers or traffickers," Mantoo said. UNHCR warned that the Covid-19 pandemic and related border closures had complicated movement further and had forced many desperate refugees and migrants to turn to smugglers to make their perilous journeys. The UN agency also cautioned that political instability and conflicts, as well as climate change could increase such dangerous displacement going forward. "UNHCR is appealing for support to help provide meaningful alternatives to these dangerous journeys and prevent people from becoming victims of traffickers," Mantoo said.

Over 3,000 migrants lost at sea trying to reach Europe in 2021: UN

Measles infections have increased by about 80% worldwide this year as a result of the disruption created by COVID-19, according to the UN, which warned that the growth of the "canary in the coalmine" ailment meant that epidemics of other diseases were likely to follow.

According to the UN's children's organization, Unicef, and the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted vaccination campaigns for non-Covid diseases around the world, producing a "perfect storm" that might endanger the lives of millions of children.

Measles is a virus-borne illness that primarily affects youngsters. Blindness, brain enlargement, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory infections are among the most significant consequences.

The best approach to preventing HIV from spreading is to have at least 95 percent of people vaccinated, though many nations fall far short of that goal; Somalia, for example, has only 46 percent, according to UN data.

According to fresh data from UN agencies, over 17,300 measles cases were reported globally in January and February, compared to around 9,600 in the same months last year.

According to the data, there were 21 big and disruptive measles outbreaks in the 12 months leading up to April, the majority of which occurred in Africa and the eastern Mediterranean.

After rising incidences in west Africa, he predicted that yellow fever would be one of the next diseases to spread.

According to UN data, Somalia had by far the highest number of measles infections in the past year, with over 9,000 cases, followed by Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia — all of which are in some type of conflict.

There are also concerns that the conflict in Ukraine would start a revival in the country, which had the highest rate of measles in Europe between 2017 and 2019.

Measles infections have increased by about 80% worldwide this year as a result of the disruption created by COVID-19, according to the UN, which warned that the growth of the "canary in the coalmine" ailment meant that epidemics of other diseases were likely to follow.

Measles infections have increased by about 80% worldwide this year as a result of the disruption created by COVID-19, according to the UN, which warned that the growth of the "canary in the coalmine" ailment meant that epidemics of other diseases were likely to follow. According to the UN's children's organization, Unicef, and the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted vaccination campaigns for non-Covid diseases around the world, producing a "perfect storm" that might endanger the lives of millions of children. Measles is a virus-borne illness that primarily affects youngsters. Blindness, brain enlargement, diarrhoea, and severe respiratory infections are among the most significant consequences. The best approach to preventing HIV from spreading is to have at least 95 percent of people vaccinated, though many nations fall far short of that goal; Somalia, for example, has only 46 percent, according to UN data. According to fresh data from UN agencies, over 17,300 measles cases were reported globally in January and February, compared to around 9,600 in the same months last year. According to the data, there were 21 big and disruptive measles outbreaks in the 12 months leading up to April, the majority of which occurred in Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. After rising incidences in west Africa, he predicted that yellow fever would be one of the next diseases to spread. According to UN data, Somalia had by far the highest number of measles infections in the past year, with over 9,000 cases, followed by Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Ethiopia — all of which are in some type of conflict. There are also concerns that the conflict in Ukraine would start a revival in the country, which had the highest rate of measles in Europe between 2017 and 2019.

Cases of measles have increased by 80%, and other diseases may follow: UN

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres is on his first visit to Ukraine since the invasion. He sees the scenes of destruction in Ukraine and calls for a thorough investigation of war crimes.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: United Nations chief Antonio Guterres visits Ukraine

UN Secretary-General Guterres is in Moscow to find a common ground to help civilians amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russia agrees to cooperate with the United Nations in helping civilians evacuate

UN Secretary-General Guterres is in Moscow to find a common ground to help civilians amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Now, he met with Russian President Putin.

UN Secretary General Guterres meets Putin during his visit to Moscow amid Ukraine war

The United Nations has warned of a looming sand crisis. The impact of its exploitation has been felt worldwide. Watch this report to know more.

UN warns of looming sand crisis: Impact of exploitation felt worldwide

A total of 193 members of the United nations General Assembly (UNGA) will vote today on a resolution that require the five permanent members of the body’s Security Council – the United States, United Kingdom, France, China and Russia to justify invoking their veto powers.

193 members to vote today, will UN witness a Veto reform?

A report by the United Nations suggest that 560 annual disasters are to be expected by 2030. Watch this report to know more.

UN: Humanity fueling climate disasters

UN Secretary-General Guterres, Russian FM Lavrov hold press brief after meeting

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov welcomes UN Secretary-General Guterres in Moscow

North Korea’s founding anniversary parade displays ICBM and vows to expand its nuclear arsenal

It is worrying. Humanity’s future is threatened more than ever.

A newly released report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, or UNDRR has found that in the last two decades, every year around 350 to 500 medium-to-large scale disasters took place around the globe.

What causes concern is that this is five times more than the average over the previous three decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tragic-three-critically-endangered-sumatran-tigers-killed-in-indonesia-473787" hreflang="en">Tragic! Three critically endangered Sumatran tigers killed in Indonesia</a>

The UN cautioned that humanity is suffering from a "broken perception of risk," which is driving us to engage in activities and behaviours that contribute to climate change and an increase in natural disasters around the world.

It doesn’t end there. As climate changes, disasters caused by drought, severe temperatures, and devastating flooding are projected to become more common in the future.

According to the report, by 2030, the world will experience 560 disasters every year, or 1.5 disasters per day on average.

Watch |&nbsp;It's not just the cars, many factors contribute to air pollution

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The reason behind this drastic rise, according to UNDRR can be attributed to a "broken perception of risk based on optimism, underestimation and invincibility".

Humanity, however, continues to ignore the towering risks, “setting humanity on a spiral of self-destruction," warned UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

This indifference comes at a heavy cost. Over the last decade, disasters have cost around $170 billion per year around the world, according to the report; borne primarily by low-income countries.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-needs-to-recyclye-more-to-fulfil-its-aim-of-becoming-carbon-neutral-by-2050-study-473741" hreflang="en">European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050: Study</a>

Each year, disasters cost them one per cent of their national GDP, compared to 0.1 to 0.2 per cent in wealthy countries.

And if the number of disasters rises, so will the costs.

The report estimates that, by 2030, 37.6 million more people will be living in severe poverty as a result of climate change and natural catastrophes.

Watch WION, Live:

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(With inputs from agencies)

It is worrying. Humanity’s future is threatened more than ever. A newly released report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, or UNDRR has found that in the last two decades, every year around 350 to 500 medium-to-large scale disasters took place around the globe.

It is worrying. Humanity’s future is threatened more than ever. A newly released report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, or UNDRR has found that in the last two decades, every year around 350 to 500 medium-to-large scale disasters took place around the globe. What causes concern is that this is five times more than the average over the previous three decades. Also read | Tragic! Three critically endangered Sumatran tigers killed in Indonesia The UN cautioned that humanity is suffering from a "broken perception of risk," which is driving us to engage in activities and behaviours that contribute to climate change and an increase in natural disasters around the world. It doesn’t end there. As climate changes, disasters caused by drought, severe temperatures, and devastating flooding are projected to become more common in the future. According to the report, by 2030, the world will experience 560 disasters every year, or 1.5 disasters per day on average. Watch | It's not just the cars, many factors contribute to air pollution The reason behind this drastic rise, according to UNDRR can be attributed to a "broken perception of risk based on optimism, underestimation and invincibility". Humanity, however, continues to ignore the towering risks, “setting humanity on a spiral of self-destruction," warned UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. This indifference comes at a heavy cost. Over the last decade, disasters have cost around $170 billion per year around the world, according to the report; borne primarily by low-income countries. Also read | European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050: Study Each year, disasters cost them one per cent of their national GDP, compared to 0.1 to 0.2 per cent in wealthy countries. And if the number of disasters rises, so will the costs. The report estimates that, by 2030, 37.6 million more people will be living in severe poverty as a result of climate change and natural catastrophes. Watch WION, Live: (With inputs from agencies)

By 2030, Humanity’s ‘spiral of self-destruction’ will cause 1.5 disasters every day: UN

On Saturday, the United Nations said it was aware of 169 unusual occurrences of acute hepatitis, a liver infection which is mostly infecting young children from the age group of one month old to 16 years old.

According to the World Health Organisation, at least one child has died from a mysterious strain of acute hepatitis that has now been recorded in 12 nations.

The majority of this infections have been reported in the UK with 114 cases, followed by Spain with 13 cases and the Israel with 12 cases. In addition to this the pandemic has expanded to United States, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, France, Norway, Romania and Belgium.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-is-here-to-stay-and-it-affects-women-worse-than-men-says-study-473318">Covid is here to stay and it affects women worse than men, says study</a>

These cases are are even more unusual because they aren't linked to any of the virus's five common strains: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

Some of the hepatitis symptoms include dark urine, yellowing of skin and eyes, sickness, fatigue, fever, nausea, joint pains and loss of appetite.

According to WHO, the vast majority of children who were not vaccinated, therefore any link to Covid-19 vaccinations has been ruled out.

Watch |&nbsp;Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life?

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Parents are being advised to be on the lookout for these signs and seek medical help if necessary. The British Health Agency has recommended Handwashing and “thorough respiratory hygiene” like covering mouth while sneezing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/invasive-descendants-of-callery-pears-found-in-over-30-states-in-us-473211">Invasive descendants of Callery pears found in over 30 states in US</a>

Scientists suspect that an adenovirus, a common type of virus that causes cold, is to be blamed for the recent surge in acute hepatitis cases. Adenovirus infection has been detected in at least 74 of the children afflicted. However, while adenovirus 41 has been related to hepatitis in immunocompromised children, it has never been connected to the disease in otherwise healthy children.&nbsp;

According to some scientists’ weak immunity as a result if reduced social mixing during the epidemic.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the United Nations said it was aware of 169 unusual occurrences of acute hepatitis, a liver infection which is mostly infecting young children from the age group of one month old to 16 years old.

On Saturday, the United Nations said it was aware of 169 unusual occurrences of acute hepatitis, a liver infection which is mostly infecting young children from the age group of one month old to 16 years old. According to the World Health Organisation, at least one child has died from a mysterious strain of acute hepatitis that has now been recorded in 12 nations. The majority of this infections have been reported in the UK with 114 cases, followed by Spain with 13 cases and the Israel with 12 cases. In addition to this the pandemic has expanded to United States, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, France, Norway, Romania and Belgium. Also read | Covid is here to stay and it affects women worse than men, says study These cases are are even more unusual because they aren't linked to any of the virus's five common strains: hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Some of the hepatitis symptoms include dark urine, yellowing of skin and eyes, sickness, fatigue, fever, nausea, joint pains and loss of appetite. According to WHO, the vast majority of children who were not vaccinated, therefore any link to Covid-19 vaccinations has been ruled out. Watch | Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life? Parents are being advised to be on the lookout for these signs and seek medical help if necessary. The British Health Agency has recommended Handwashing and “thorough respiratory hygiene” like covering mouth while sneezing. Also read | Invasive descendants of Callery pears found in over 30 states in US Scientists suspect that an adenovirus, a common type of virus that causes cold, is to be blamed for the recent surge in acute hepatitis cases. Adenovirus infection has been detected in at least 74 of the children afflicted. However, while adenovirus 41 has been related to hepatitis in immunocompromised children, it has never been connected to the disease in otherwise healthy children. According to some scientists’ weak immunity as a result if reduced social mixing during the epidemic.

WHO confirms death of at least one child from mysterious acute hepatitis

Twenty million people are at risk of starvation this year as delayed rains worsen an already brutal drought in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, the UN warned Tuesday.&nbsp;

An extreme months-long drought has left the Horn of Africa on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe, destroying crops and livestock and forcing huge numbers of people to leave their homes in search of food and water.

As long-awaited rains fail to materialise nearly a month into the current rainy season, "the number of hungry people due to drought could spiral from the currently estimated 14 million to 20 million through 2022," the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/record-breaking-drought-enters-its-13th-year-chile-announces-revolutionary-water-rationing-plan-470431">As record-breaking drought enters its 13th year, Chile announces revolutionary water rationing plan</a>

Six million Somalis or 40 per cent of the population were facing extreme levels of food insecurity and there was "a very real risk of famine in the coming months" if current conditions prevailed, WFP said.&nbsp;

In Kenya, half a million people were on the brink of a hunger crisis, with communities in the north of the country especially at risk due to their reliance on livestock.&nbsp;

The number of Kenyans in need of assistance has risen more than fourfold in less than two years, the agency said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile malnutrition rates in drought-hit southern and southeastern Ethiopia have surged above emergency thresholds, while the north of the country has been in the grip of a 17-month war between government forces and Tigrayan rebels.

Watch |&nbsp;Drought threatens hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam in Southwestern US

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The dire conditions have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, which has contributed to soaring food and fuel costs and disrupted global supply chains, WFP said.

The agency warned that a lack of funding could trigger a catastrophe, calling for $473 million (438 million euros) over the next six months.&nbsp;

A previous appeal in February raised less than four percent of the cash needed, it said.

"We know from past experience that acting early to avert a humanitarian catastrophe is vital, yet our ability to launch the response has been limited due to a lack of funding to date," said Michael Dunford, WFP's regional director for East Africa.

East Africa endured a harrowing drought in 2017 but early humanitarian action averted a famine in Somalia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-africa-faces-historic-food-crisis-driven-by-conflict-price-surge-468566">West Africa faces historic food crisis driven by conflict, price surge</a>

In contrast, 260,000 people -- half of them children under the age of six -- died of hunger or hunger-related disorders when a famine struck the country in 2011.

Experts say extreme weather events are happening with increased frequency and intensity due to climate change.

Twenty million people are at risk of starvation this year as delayed rains worsen an already brutal drought in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, the UN warned Tuesday.

Twenty million people are at risk of starvation this year as delayed rains worsen an already brutal drought in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, the UN warned Tuesday. An extreme months-long drought has left the Horn of Africa on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe, destroying crops and livestock and forcing huge numbers of people to leave their homes in search of food and water. As long-awaited rains fail to materialise nearly a month into the current rainy season, "the number of hungry people due to drought could spiral from the currently estimated 14 million to 20 million through 2022," the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said. Also read | As record-breaking drought enters its 13th year, Chile announces revolutionary water rationing plan Six million Somalis or 40 per cent of the population were facing extreme levels of food insecurity and there was "a very real risk of famine in the coming months" if current conditions prevailed, WFP said. In Kenya, half a million people were on the brink of a hunger crisis, with communities in the north of the country especially at risk due to their reliance on livestock. The number of Kenyans in need of assistance has risen more than fourfold in less than two years, the agency said. Meanwhile malnutrition rates in drought-hit southern and southeastern Ethiopia have surged above emergency thresholds, while the north of the country has been in the grip of a 17-month war between government forces and Tigrayan rebels. Watch | Drought threatens hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam in Southwestern US The dire conditions have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, which has contributed to soaring food and fuel costs and disrupted global supply chains, WFP said. The agency warned that a lack of funding could trigger a catastrophe, calling for $473 million (438 million euros) over the next six months. A previous appeal in February raised less than four percent of the cash needed, it said. "We know from past experience that acting early to avert a humanitarian catastrophe is vital, yet our ability to launch the response has been limited due to a lack of funding to date," said Michael Dunford, WFP's regional director for East Africa. East Africa endured a harrowing drought in 2017 but early humanitarian action averted a famine in Somalia. Also read | West Africa faces historic food crisis driven by conflict, price surge In contrast, 260,000 people -- half of them children under the age of six -- died of hunger or hunger-related disorders when a famine struck the country in 2011. Experts say extreme weather events are happening with increased frequency and intensity due to climate change.

20 million risk starvation as Horn of Africa drought worsens: UN

More&nbsp;than&nbsp;4.9&nbsp;million&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;have fled their country following the Russian invasion, the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said Monday as it warned of the risks of women and child refugees being exploited.

UNHCR, the United Nations' refugee agency, said 4,934,415&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;had left the country since Russia invaded on February 24 -- a figure up 65,396 on Sunday's total.

The&nbsp;UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) says nearly 215,000 third-country nationals -- largely students and migrant workers -- have also escaped to neighbouring countries, meaning&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;five&nbsp;million&nbsp;people in all have fled Ukraine since the&nbsp;war&nbsp;began.

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It is one of the fastest-growing displacement and humanitarian crises ever.

Women and children account for 90 percent of those who escaped, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave.

Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been forced from their homes, including those still inside the country.

"Refugees from Ukraine, the vast majority women and children, face increased risks of sexual exploitation, abuse and human trafficking," UNHCR said.&nbsp;

"We're on the ground at the border points and beyond, taking preventive measures."

More&nbsp;than&nbsp;2.75&nbsp;million&nbsp;Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland. Nearly 740,000 reached Romania.

UNHCR figures show nearly 645,000&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;fled in February, with nearly 3.4&nbsp;million&nbsp;doing so in March and nearly 900,000 leaving so far this month.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine ignores Russia's surrender call for Mariupol

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Beyond the refugees, the IOM estimates 7.1&nbsp;million&nbsp;people have left their homes but are still in Ukraine.

"In this season of renewal, our thoughts are with all those who have been forced to&nbsp;flee&nbsp;their homes and have had to rebuild the life they left behind," the UNHCR said.

Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37&nbsp;million&nbsp;in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist-controlled regions in the east.

Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR:

Poland&nbsp;

Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,780,913 so far -- have crossed into Poland.

Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone.

Romania

A total of 743,880&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;

Another 522,404 refugees have sought shelter in Russia.

In addition, 105,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 18 and 23.

Hungary

A total of 461,539&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;have entered Hungary.

Moldova&nbsp;

The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa.&nbsp;A total of 423,852&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe.

Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;people have moved on but an estimated 100,000 remain, including 50,000 children -- of whom only 1,800 are enrolled in schools.

Slovakia&nbsp;

A total of 337,311 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia.

Belarus

Another 23,469 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

More than 4.9 million Ukrainians have fled their country following the Russian invasion, the UN said Monday as it warned of the risks of women and child refugees being exploited.

More than 4.9 million Ukrainians have fled their country following the Russian invasion, the UN said Monday as it warned of the risks of women and child refugees being exploited. UNHCR, the United Nations' refugee agency, said 4,934,415 Ukrainians had left the country since Russia invaded on February 24 -- a figure up 65,396 on Sunday's total. The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) says nearly 215,000 third-country nationals -- largely students and migrant workers -- have also escaped to neighbouring countries, meaning more than five million people in all have fled Ukraine since the war began. Also read | Syrian fighters who fought against Islamic State sign up to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine: Report It is one of the fastest-growing displacement and humanitarian crises ever. Women and children account for 90 percent of those who escaped, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave. Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been forced from their homes, including those still inside the country. "Refugees from Ukraine, the vast majority women and children, face increased risks of sexual exploitation, abuse and human trafficking," UNHCR said. "We're on the ground at the border points and beyond, taking preventive measures." More than 2.75 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland. Nearly 740,000 reached Romania. UNHCR figures show nearly 645,000 Ukrainians fled in February, with nearly 3.4 million doing so in March and nearly 900,000 leaving so far this month. Watch | Ukraine ignores Russia's surrender call for Mariupol Beyond the refugees, the IOM estimates 7.1 million people have left their homes but are still in Ukraine. "In this season of renewal, our thoughts are with all those who have been forced to flee their homes and have had to rebuild the life they left behind," the UNHCR said. Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist-controlled regions in the east. Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR: Poland Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,780,913 so far -- have crossed into Poland. Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone. Romania A total of 743,880 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine. The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries. Also read | Zelensky calls for 'anti-radiation medicine' amid Russian nuclear threat Russia Another 522,404 refugees have sought shelter in Russia. In addition, 105,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 18 and 23. Hungary A total of 461,539 Ukrainians have entered Hungary. Moldova The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa. A total of 423,852 Ukrainians have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6 million people have moved on but an estimated 100,000 remain, including 50,000 children -- of whom only 1,800 are enrolled in schools. Slovakia A total of 337,311 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia. Belarus Another 23,469 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

Ukraine war: More than 4.9 million Ukrainians flee war, says UN

More than 4.7 million Ukrainians have fled their country in the 50 days since Russia invaded, the United Nations said Thursday, in Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;refugee agency UNHCR said 4,736,471 Ukrainians had fled since Russia's assault began on February 24 -- a figure up 79,962 on Wednesday's update.

Women and children account for 90 per cent of those who have left Ukraine, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave.

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Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been forced from their homes, including those still inside the country.

Beyond the refugees, the&nbsp;UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates 7.1 million people have fled their homes but are still in Ukraine.

"The humanitarian needs of people internally displaced in Ukraine continue to grow," the IOM said.

The agency says in addition to Ukrainian refugees, nearly 215,000 non-Ukrainians living, studying or working in the country have also left.

In total, more than a quarter of the population have been forced to flee their homes.

Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in the east.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia

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Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR:

Poland

Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,694,090 so far -- have crossed into Poland, according to the&nbsp;UN.

Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone.

Romania

A total of 716,797 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries.&nbsp;

Russia

Another 471,014 refugees have sought shelter in Russia.

In addition, 113,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 21 and 23.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-russias-tit-for-tat-move-slaps-sanctions-on-us-canada-470856">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move;&nbsp;slaps sanctions on US, Canada</a>

Hungary

A total of 440,387 Ukrainians have entered Hungary.

Moldova

The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa.&nbsp;A total of 417,650 Ukrainians have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe.

Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6 million people have moved on.

Slovakia

A total of 326,244 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia.

Belarus

Another 22,428 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

More than 4.7 million Ukrainians have fled their country in the 50 days since Russia invaded, the United Nations said Thursday, in Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II.

More than 4.7 million Ukrainians have fled their country in the 50 days since Russia invaded, the United Nations said Thursday, in Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II. The UN refugee agency UNHCR said 4,736,471 Ukrainians had fled since Russia's assault began on February 24 -- a figure up 79,962 on Wednesday's update. Women and children account for 90 per cent of those who have left Ukraine, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave. Also read | 'I hope the world comes back to its senses': World treats 'black and white lives' unequally, says WHO chief Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been forced from their homes, including those still inside the country. Beyond the refugees, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates 7.1 million people have fled their homes but are still in Ukraine. "The humanitarian needs of people internally displaced in Ukraine continue to grow," the IOM said. The agency says in addition to Ukrainian refugees, nearly 215,000 non-Ukrainians living, studying or working in the country have also left. In total, more than a quarter of the population have been forced to flee their homes. Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in the east. Watch | Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR: Poland Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,694,090 so far -- have crossed into Poland, according to the UN. Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone. Romania A total of 716,797 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine. The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries. Russia Another 471,014 refugees have sought shelter in Russia. In addition, 113,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 21 and 23. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move; slaps sanctions on US, Canada Hungary A total of 440,387 Ukrainians have entered Hungary. Moldova The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa. A total of 417,650 Ukrainians have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6 million people have moved on. Slovakia A total of 326,244 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia. Belarus Another 22,428 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

Russia-Ukraine war: More than 4.7 million Ukrainians flee in 50 days, says UN

The United Nations has warned of the ongoing humanitarian crisis as Millions of people face food insecurity in Somalia.

UN warns against the humanitarian crisis as Millions of people face food insecurity in Somalia

The United Nations General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution on whether to suspend Russia from the UNHRC over atrocities in Ukraine or not. The move was first initiated by the US in response to the Bucha killings.

UN to vote on suspending Russia from United Nations Human Rights Council

World&nbsp;food&nbsp;prices&nbsp;jumped nearly 13 per cent&nbsp;in March to a new record high as the war in Ukraine caused turmoil in markets for staple grains and edible oils, the UN&nbsp;food&nbsp;agency said on Friday.

The&nbsp;Food&nbsp;and Agriculture Organization's (FAO)&nbsp;food&nbsp;price index, which tracks the most globally traded&nbsp;food&nbsp;commodities, averaged 159.3 points last month versus an upwardly revised 141.4 for February.

The February figure was previously put at 140.7, which was a record at the time.

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Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of wheat, corn, barley and sunflower oil via the Black Sea, and Moscow's six-week-old invasion of its neighbour has stalled Ukrainian exports.

The FAO last month said&nbsp;food&nbsp;and feed&nbsp;prices&nbsp;could rise by up to 20 per cent&nbsp;as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, raising the risk of increased malnutrition.

The agency's cereal price index climbed 17 per cent&nbsp;in March to a record level while its vegetable oil index surged 23 per cent , also registering its highest reading yet, FAO said.

Disruption to supplies of crops from the Black Sea region has exacerbated price rises in&nbsp;food&nbsp;commodities, which were already running at 10-year highs in the FAO's index before the war in Ukraine due to global harvest issues.

Watch |&nbsp;Transforming food and forestry to curb global warming important: UN

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Sugar and dairy&nbsp;prices&nbsp;also rose sharply last month, the FAO said.

In separate cereal supply and demand estimates on Friday, the FAO cut its projection of world wheat production in 2022 to 784 million tonnes, from 790 million last month, as it factored in the possibility that at least 20% of Ukraine's winter crop area would not be harvested.

The revised global wheat output estimate was nonetheless 1 per cent above the previous year's level, it said.

The agency lowered its projection of global cereals trade in the 2021/22 marketing year as increased exports from Argentina, India, the European Union and the United States were expected to only offset some of the disruption to Black Sea exports.

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Total cereal trade in 2021/22 was revised down by 14.6 million tonnes from the previous monthly outlook to 469 million tonnes, now 2 per cent&nbsp;below the 2020/21 level.

Projected world cereal stocks at the end of 2021/22 were revised up by 15 million tonnes to nearly 851 million tonnes, mainly because of expectations that export disruption will lead to bigger stockpiles in Ukraine and Russia, the FAO added.

World food prices jumped nearly 13 per cent in March to a new record high as the war in Ukraine caused turmoil in markets for staple grains and edible oils, the UN food agency said on Friday.

World food prices jumped nearly 13 per cent in March to a new record high as the war in Ukraine caused turmoil in markets for staple grains and edible oils, the UN food agency said on Friday. The Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) food price index, which tracks the most globally traded food commodities, averaged 159.3 points last month versus an upwardly revised 141.4 for February. The February figure was previously put at 140.7, which was a record at the time. Also read | Explained: UN to vote on expelling Russia from Human Rights Council Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of wheat, corn, barley and sunflower oil via the Black Sea, and Moscow's six-week-old invasion of its neighbour has stalled Ukrainian exports. The FAO last month said food and feed prices could rise by up to 20 per cent as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, raising the risk of increased malnutrition. The agency's cereal price index climbed 17 per cent in March to a record level while its vegetable oil index surged 23 per cent , also registering its highest reading yet, FAO said. Disruption to supplies of crops from the Black Sea region has exacerbated price rises in food commodities, which were already running at 10-year highs in the FAO's index before the war in Ukraine due to global harvest issues. Watch | Transforming food and forestry to curb global warming important: UN Sugar and dairy prices also rose sharply last month, the FAO said. In separate cereal supply and demand estimates on Friday, the FAO cut its projection of world wheat production in 2022 to 784 million tonnes, from 790 million last month, as it factored in the possibility that at least 20% of Ukraine's winter crop area would not be harvested. The revised global wheat output estimate was nonetheless 1 per cent above the previous year's level, it said. The agency lowered its projection of global cereals trade in the 2021/22 marketing year as increased exports from Argentina, India, the European Union and the United States were expected to only offset some of the disruption to Black Sea exports. Also read | Why did India abstain from voting against Russia in UNGA? Total cereal trade in 2021/22 was revised down by 14.6 million tonnes from the previous monthly outlook to 469 million tonnes, now 2 per cent below the 2020/21 level. Projected world cereal stocks at the end of 2021/22 were revised up by 15 million tonnes to nearly 851 million tonnes, mainly because of expectations that export disruption will lead to bigger stockpiles in Ukraine and Russia, the FAO added.

Food prices hit record high in March, UN agency says

The United Nations General Assembly has voted to suspend Russia from the human rights body. 93 countries voted in favor, while 24 countries voted no and 58 countries abstained.

United Nations suspends Russia from Human Rights Council

Landmark UN report says that removing carbon dioxide from the air and oceans to avoid climate catastrophes is no longer optional, it is important to fight Global Warming

UN report says carbon removal important to fight Global Warming

According to a UN report, transforming food and forestry could be crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could help avoid the worst impacts of climate change but the changes are not likely to happen unless governments act on them

Transforming food and forestry to curb global warming important: UN

The clock is ticking to save the planet and the United Nations has come out with a new report that hints at Global warming could cause profound human misery.

UN report: Global warming could cause profound human misery

UN climate report: The World needs to cut down on emissions

UN&nbsp;climate&nbsp;experts are set to&nbsp;release&nbsp;what is expected to be the definitive guide to halting global warming on Monday, in a report that lays out how societies and economies must transform to ensure a "liveable" future.

With war in Ukraine spurring an urgent energy rethink in the West, analysts say the latest report from the&nbsp;UN's Intergovernmental Panel on&nbsp;Climate&nbsp;Change&nbsp;will also be an important resource for nations seeking a rapid transition away from Russian oil and gas.

In recent months the IPCC has published the first two instalments in a trilogy of mammoth scientific assessments covering how greenhouse gas pollution is heating the planet and what that means for life on Earth.

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This third report will outline what to do about it.

But that answer has sweeping political ramifications as&nbsp;climate&nbsp;solutions&nbsp;touch on virtually all aspects of modern life -- and require significant investment.&nbsp;

Two weeks of gruelling negotiations have seen nearly 200 nations struggling to thrash out line-by-line a high-level "summary for policymakers" that distils the hundreds of pages of underlying assessment.&nbsp;

That meeting was supposed to wrap up on Friday, but dragged on through the weekend.&nbsp;The IPCC assessment was originally due to be published publicly on Monday at 0900 GMT, but will now be released at 1500GMT.&nbsp;

"Everybody has something to lose and everybody has something to gain," said one person close to the process.

Easy answers are unlikely, with the IPCC expected to detail the need for transformational changes to energy generation and industry, as well as to cities, transportation and food systems.&nbsp;

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

To save the world from the worst ravages of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, the report is also expected to warn that slashing carbon dioxide pollution is no longer enough.&nbsp;

And technologies that are not yet operating to scale will need to be ramped up enormously to suck CO2 out of the atmosphere.

A 1.5C cap on global warming -- the aspirational goal of the 2015 Paris&nbsp;climate&nbsp;accord -- has been embraced as a target by most of the world's nations.

Barely 1.1C of warming so far has ushered in a devastating surge of deadly extreme weather across the globe.

Fossil fuels

UN&nbsp;chief Antonio Guterres warned last month that major economies are allowing carbon pollution to increase when drastic cuts are needed.

"We are sleepwalking to&nbsp;climate&nbsp;catastrophe," he said.

In February, the IPCC report on past, present and future&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change&nbsp;impacts and vulnerabilities detailed what Guterres called an "atlas of human suffering".&nbsp;

The report concluded that further delays in cutting carbon pollution and preparing for impacts already in the pipeline "will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all".

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Current national carbon-cutting commitments still put the world on a catastrophic path toward 2.7C of warming by 2100.

"How much more destruction must we witness, and how many more scientific reports will it take, before governments finally acknowledge fossil fuels as the real culprits behind the human suffering being felt across the globe?", said Namrata Chowdhary of 350.org.&nbsp;

The main focus of the report is on weaning the global economy off fossil fuels and moving to low- or zero-carbon sources of energy, from solar and wind to nuclear, hydro and hydrogen.

Helping that transition is the fact that renewable energy is now cheaper than energy generated by fossil fuels in most markets.

The IPCC also details ways to reduce demand for oil, gas and coal, whether by making buildings more energy-efficient or encouraging shifts in lifestyle, such as eating less beef and not flying half-way around the world for a holiday or business meeting.

With intense political wrangling over the high-level policy summary, some fear the message will have been watered down.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"The&nbsp;climate&nbsp;crisis is accelerating and fossil fuels are the overwhelming cause. Any report on mitigation that fails to emphasise that fact is denying the very science to which the IPCC is committed," said Nikki Reisch of the Center for International Environmental Law.&nbsp;

The report's finding will feed into&nbsp;UN&nbsp;political negotiations, which resume in November in Egypt at COP 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

UN climate experts are set to release what is expected to be the definitive guide to halting global warming on Monday, in a report that lays out how societies and economies must transform to ensure a "liveable" future.

UN climate experts are set to release what is expected to be the definitive guide to halting global warming on Monday, in a report that lays out how societies and economies must transform to ensure a "liveable" future. With war in Ukraine spurring an urgent energy rethink in the West, analysts say the latest report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will also be an important resource for nations seeking a rapid transition away from Russian oil and gas. In recent months the IPCC has published the first two instalments in a trilogy of mammoth scientific assessments covering how greenhouse gas pollution is heating the planet and what that means for life on Earth. Also read | Scientists warn that many of New Zealand’s glaciers might vanish within a decade This third report will outline what to do about it. But that answer has sweeping political ramifications as climate solutions touch on virtually all aspects of modern life -- and require significant investment. Two weeks of gruelling negotiations have seen nearly 200 nations struggling to thrash out line-by-line a high-level "summary for policymakers" that distils the hundreds of pages of underlying assessment. That meeting was supposed to wrap up on Friday, but dragged on through the weekend. The IPCC assessment was originally due to be published publicly on Monday at 0900 GMT, but will now be released at 1500GMT. "Everybody has something to lose and everybody has something to gain," said one person close to the process. Easy answers are unlikely, with the IPCC expected to detail the need for transformational changes to energy generation and industry, as well as to cities, transportation and food systems. Watch | India, a voice for developing nations on climate change To save the world from the worst ravages of climate change, the report is also expected to warn that slashing carbon dioxide pollution is no longer enough. And technologies that are not yet operating to scale will need to be ramped up enormously to suck CO2 out of the atmosphere. A 1.5C cap on global warming -- the aspirational goal of the 2015 Paris climate accord -- has been embraced as a target by most of the world's nations. Barely 1.1C of warming so far has ushered in a devastating surge of deadly extreme weather across the globe. Fossil fuels UN chief Antonio Guterres warned last month that major economies are allowing carbon pollution to increase when drastic cuts are needed. "We are sleepwalking to climate catastrophe," he said. In February, the IPCC report on past, present and future climate change impacts and vulnerabilities detailed what Guterres called an "atlas of human suffering". The report concluded that further delays in cutting carbon pollution and preparing for impacts already in the pipeline "will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all". Also read | Covid vaccine Covaxin supply through UN procurement agencies suspended by WHO Current national carbon-cutting commitments still put the world on a catastrophic path toward 2.7C of warming by 2100. "How much more destruction must we witness, and how many more scientific reports will it take, before governments finally acknowledge fossil fuels as the real culprits behind the human suffering being felt across the globe?", said Namrata Chowdhary of 350.org. The main focus of the report is on weaning the global economy off fossil fuels and moving to low- or zero-carbon sources of energy, from solar and wind to nuclear, hydro and hydrogen. Helping that transition is the fact that renewable energy is now cheaper than energy generated by fossil fuels in most markets. The IPCC also details ways to reduce demand for oil, gas and coal, whether by making buildings more energy-efficient or encouraging shifts in lifestyle, such as eating less beef and not flying half-way around the world for a holiday or business meeting. With intense political wrangling over the high-level policy summary, some fear the message will have been watered down. Also read | UN peacekeepers deployed to northeastern Mali amid spate of killings "The climate crisis is accelerating and fossil fuels are the overwhelming cause. Any report on mitigation that fails to emphasise that fact is denying the very science to which the IPCC is committed," said Nikki Reisch of the Center for International Environmental Law. The report's finding will feed into UN political negotiations, which resume in November in Egypt at COP 27.

UN to release handbook of climate change solutions

In an unprecedented move, the supply of Covaxin through UN procurement agencies has been suspended by the World Health Organization (WHO). &nbsp;

It has also recommended countries, which had received the vaccine to take appropriate action, a PTI report said. &nbsp;

The news of the move was confirmed by the organisation. The Covid vaccine is produced by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stealth-omicron-ba2-is-now-globally-dominant-covid-variant-466579" hreflang="en">'Stealth Omicron': BA.2 is now globally dominant Covid variant</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement issued by the organisation on Saturday, the suspension has been carried out in response to the outcomes of its post EUL (emergency use authorisation) inspection, which was held between March 14 and 22, 2022 and the need to conduct process and facility upgrade to address recently identified GMP (good manufacturing practice) deficiencies. &nbsp;

Due to suspension of production for export, there will be interruption in supply of Covaxin, WHO said. &nbsp;

The risk assessment to date does not show change in the risk-benefit ratio. The data, which is available to WHO, shows the vaccine is still effective and there is no safety concern, WHO said. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;How exactly does Covid affect body? World's first 'human challenge study' offers clues

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On April 1, Bharat Biotech had announced the temporary slowing down of production of Covaxin across its manufacturing facilities. It had completed its supply obligations to procurement agencies and had foreseen a decline in demand. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bharat Biotech seems to have agreed with the WHO’s team during inspection over the scope of the planned improvement activities. The firm had also indicated that it would be executed as soon as possible. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an unprecedented move, the supply of Covaxin through UN procurement agencies has been suspended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It has also recommended countries, which had received the vaccine to take appropriate action, a PTI report said.

In an unprecedented move, the supply of Covaxin through UN procurement agencies has been suspended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It has also recommended countries, which had received the vaccine to take appropriate action, a PTI report said. The news of the move was confirmed by the organisation. The Covid vaccine is produced by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech. Also Read | 'Stealth Omicron': BA.2 is now globally dominant Covid variant In a statement issued by the organisation on Saturday, the suspension has been carried out in response to the outcomes of its post EUL (emergency use authorisation) inspection, which was held between March 14 and 22, 2022 and the need to conduct process and facility upgrade to address recently identified GMP (good manufacturing practice) deficiencies. Due to suspension of production for export, there will be interruption in supply of Covaxin, WHO said. The risk assessment to date does not show change in the risk-benefit ratio. The data, which is available to WHO, shows the vaccine is still effective and there is no safety concern, WHO said. Watch: How exactly does Covid affect body? World's first 'human challenge study' offers clues × On April 1, Bharat Biotech had announced the temporary slowing down of production of Covaxin across its manufacturing facilities. It had completed its supply obligations to procurement agencies and had foreseen a decline in demand. Bharat Biotech seems to have agreed with the WHO’s team during inspection over the scope of the planned improvement activities. The firm had also indicated that it would be executed as soon as possible. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccine Covaxin supply through UN procurement agencies suspended by WHO  

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