CLIMATE CHANGE
Could climate change unleash chaos in Bengaluru? Narayana Murthy¡¯s warning raises eyebrows
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has raised alarms about the potential impacts of climate change in India, specifically warning that rising temperatures could make rural areas uninhabitable, leading to mass migration to cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. Speaking at an event in Pune, Murthy called for urgent collaboration between the corporate sector, politicians, and bureaucrats to address these challenges and prevent urban areas from becoming overburdened. He also stressed the need for greater environmental responsibility, particularly among India¡¯s youth.
2024: The year that brought natural disasters and turbulent politics to Latin America
Latin America in 2024 experienced a year of extremes, from record snowfall in Santiago to severe drought in the Amazon. Hurricanes battered the Caribbean and the US Gulf Coast, while wildfires raged across several South American nations. Political shifts saw new leadership in Mexico and continued challenges in Venezuela, Argentina, and Ecuador.
US commits to 61% greenhouse gas emissions cut by 2035
The United States pledged to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035, becoming the first nation to submit its 2035 climate plan to the UN. Despite potential challenges from a future Trump administration, sub-national governments and the private sector are expected to play a key role in achieving the target.
Eco-Anxiety: How Climate Change is Shaping the Future of Entomology
Eco-anxiety, the chronic fear of environmental disaster, is becoming a serious concern, especially for entomologists who see the direct effects of climate change on insects and ecosystems.
Shrinking wings, bigger beaks: Birds are reshaping themselves in warming world
Australian birds are changing shape due to rising temperatures. Over 100 species show smaller bodies and larger beaks, aiding heat dissipation. Long-term warming increases beak size, but short-term heatwaves cause both body and beak shrinkage, possibly due to food scarcity. While adaptation is evident, its impact on survival remains uncertain, raising concerns about species unable to adapt.
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IIT Guwahati, IIT Mandi, and CSTEP Bengaluru release district-level climate risk assessment report for India
A new report reveals 51 Indian districts face "Very High" flood risk and 91 face "Very High" drought risk. Alarmingly, 11 districts are highly vulnerable to both. The report, a collaboration between IITs and CSTEP, urges targeted adaptation strategies and capacity building for a climate-resilient India.
Possible cooling La Nina will be 'weak', 'short-lived': UN
The UN forecasts a 55% chance of a weak and short-lived La Ni?a developing by early 2025. While La Ni?a typically cools the Pacific, it won't offset the record-breaking heat from greenhouse gases, making 2024 likely the hottest year yet.
Regions worldwide could see warming of 3 degrees Celsius by 2060, study estimates
A new study reveals that most of the world could experience regional warming of 3 degrees Celsius by 2060, sooner than previously projected. Researchers analyzed IPCC climate models and found that several regions, including South Asia and the Mediterranean, are on track to exceed this threshold, posing significant risks to vulnerable ecosystems and communities.
2024 will be the hottest year on record, EU scientists say
Earth's temperature hit a record high in 2024. Scientists predict hot weather will continue into 2025. The planet is 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial times. Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves occurred globally. These events are linked to human-caused climate change. CO2 emissions are still rising despite pledges to cut them.
Goldman Sachs quits global climate coalition for banks
Goldman Sachs withdrew from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) amid political pressure and antitrust concerns. The bank emphasized its commitment to achieving its own net-zero goals and supporting clients' sustainability objectives, while adhering to evolving regulatory requirements.
These two countries among 36 will be the hardest hit by climate change, says one of the world's largest insurance companies; do you reside in one of these nations?
Climate change is not just an environmental crisis; it's an economic challenge too. A new report by the Swiss Re Institute reveals that the Philippines and the United States are the most vulnerable among 36 nations to escalating economic losses caused by severe weather events like floods and tropical cyclones.
China reports warmest autumn since records began
China recorded its warmest autumn since 1961, with average temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal. This follows the country's hottest August on record, part of a year of extreme weather globally. Many regions in China experienced temperatures 2-4 degrees higher than average, breaking numerous local records. 2024 is on track to be the hottest year ever recorded, exceeding 1.
Joe Biden pushes out over $100 billion in clean energy grants as term winds down
U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has awarded over $100 billion in climate law grants from the Inflation Reduction Act. These grants will support the deployment of clean energy even after President-elect Donald Trump, who aims to rescind all unspent IRA funds, takes office. The administration is set to exceed its funding goals before Biden's term ends.
China expands presence in Antarctica with its first atmospheric monitoring station
China has opened its first overseas atmospheric monitoring station in Antarctica. The station will help study concentration changes in the atmospheric components and support global climate change responses. This is part of China's expanding efforts in polar resource exploration. The new station offers unique geographical and scientific advantages for studying the impact of human activities on the environment.
Unsustainable farming, forest loss driving Earth to 'precipice': UN
Unsustainable farming and deforestation are endangering the planet's ability to support human life. This issue is causing severe feedback loops and contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. Nearly 200 nations will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss restoring degraded land and tackling these problems for a more sustainable future.
ET at COP29: After 9 years of debate, global carbon trading deal finalised
A resolution emerged following nine years of negotiations, after talks broke down in Dubai last year. International carbon trading-which refers to clauses in the Paris Agreement that provide for country-to-country trading, UN-monitored international carbon market and non-market mechanisms-had got an early boost in Baku with countries adopting standards on Day One. Carbon trading is referred to in UN climate talks as "Article 6".
As Arctic climate warms, even Santa runs short of snow
Santa Claus is preparing for Christmas in Rovaniemi, but a lack of snow due to climate change is causing concern. The warmer Arctic weather is affecting reindeer, who struggle to find food. Despite this, tourists still flock to Rovaniemi, hoping for a snowy Christmas experience. Santa's Post Office receives thousands of letters daily, with many wishing for peace this year.
COP29: Climate finance goal topped priority list at Baku
The COP29 climate summit concluded with a new climate finance target of at least $300 billion by 2035 to aid developing nations in transitioning from fossil fuels. The agreement, reached after intense negotiations, will see contributions from various sources, including multilateral development banks.
World reaches $300 bn climate finance deal at COP29
Developing nations have criticized a climate deal that pledges $300 billion annually from wealthy countries as insufficient to address the escalating climate crisis. The agreement, reached after intense negotiations in Azerbaijan, aims to support developing nations in transitioning their economies and adapting to climate change impacts.
Tension boils over at COP29; two blocs of vulnerable nations leave negotiations meeting room mid-way
Negotiations at the UN climate conference in Baku hit a roadblock as vulnerable nations, including LDCs and AOSIS, walked out over disagreements on climate finance. They criticized the draft agreement for inadequate financial commitments from developed nations, demanding a significantly larger package to address the climate crisis.
Wealthy countries' $300 billion offer seeks to end COP29 stalemate
Wealthy nations at COP29 have increased their climate finance offer to developing countries to $300 billion annually by 2035. This follows criticism of an initial $250 billion proposal as insufficient. Developing nations, however, are pushing for $390 billion by 2035, highlighting the ongoing struggle to reach a consensus on climate funding.
Baku climate talks: The 'X' factor that could determine future of Global South
Developing nations are expressing disappointment at the lack of a concrete financial commitment from developed countries at the UN climate conference in Baku. The conference, tasked with setting a new climate finance goal, has instead left a placeholder where a dollar amount is desperately needed to combat the escalating climate crisis.
G20 reaffirms faith in multilateralism, falls short on climate finance details: Experts
G20 leaders expressed support for a new climate finance package at the UN climate talks but avoided specifics. While reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism and the UNFCCC, they faced criticism for not detailing how trillions in climate finance will be mobilized or explicitly committing to transition away from fossil fuels.
Biden announces major climate initiatives, promises additional USD 50 million to Amazon Fund
During his visit to the Amazon rainforest, US President Joe Biden announced key climate initiatives, including additional funding for the Amazon Fund and partnerships to combat deforestation. Biden emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change for future generations, highlighting these efforts as a lasting legacy of his administration.
US says its climate financing reached $11 bn this year
President Joe Biden visited the Amazon to highlight increased US climate financing. He met with Brazilian Indigenous leaders and signed a declaration for International Conservation Day. The US pledged $11 billion, making it the largest bilateral provider of climate finance. The European Union remains the biggest global contributor.
COP29: Activists urge West to deliver trillions in climate finance
Climate activists demand trillions in climate finance for developing countries. Negotiators at COP29 work to set a new climate finance goal. Disagreements arise regarding the amount, contributors, and time span of the funding. Developing countries seek 1.3 trillion dollars annually in public funds from developed nations. The G20 summit may offer solutions to the impasse.
As mediators struggle to find common ground, experts say UN Climate Summit needs reform
An open letter signed by prominent figures, including former UN officials and climate scientists, criticizes the UN climate process as ineffective. They call for a shift from negotiations to concrete actions, suggesting smaller, solution-oriented meetings focused on progress and accountability.
COP29 climate talks grapple with trillion-dollar task
At the UN climate talks in Baku, economists urged developing nations need at least $1 trillion annually by 2030 to combat climate change. The conference, already fraught with diplomatic tensions, aims to establish a new financing target for wealthier nations to support developing countries' green transition. However, early negotiations have been hampered by disagreements and a lack of initial progress.
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