After three days of intense negotiations in Rome, countries reached an agreement on funding to protect wildlife in some of the world's poorest nations. The decision was adopted at the extended UN Biodiversity Conference. It aims to deliver $200 billion annually by 2030 to biodiversity initiatives.
Related news
Saving the world's shrinking glaciers is a "survival strategy" for the planet, the UN said on Tuesday, a day after President Donald Trump announced the US would withdraw from the Paris climate accord. Tuesday's launch came after Trump announced he was withdrawing the United States -- the world's second-largest emitter after China -- from the Paris Agreement.
The past decade has been the hottest on record, with 2023 marking the warmest year ever, according to a UN report. Rising carbon dioxide levels, record ocean temperatures, and extreme weather events signal a worsening climate crisis. The report attributes global heating mainly to human activities and warns of severe consequences. Amidst policy rollbacks by the Trump administration, experts and activists urge immediate action to curb emissions and transition to clean energy.
IAS officer Ms. Supriya Sahu shared a rare and stunning video of two snow leopards playing in the snow in Ladakh's Zanskar region. Captured by Tashi Tsewang, the 28-second clip highlights the majestic and elusive nature of these animals. Snow leopards, or 'ghosts of the mountains,' are rarely seen, making this footage a remarkable find.
Japan's new energy policy aims to increase renewables to up to 50% of electricity needs by 2040 while maximizing nuclear power use, reversing post-Fukushima phaseout. The strategy includes next-gen reactors, solar batteries, and will face extensive anti-nuclear sentiment and safety challenges in achieving these goals.
On a barge off Tunisia's Kerkennah Islands, students watch as Besma, a recovering loggerhead sea turtle, returns to the sea. This unique floating rehabilitation center, crucial for their natural recovery, also serves an educational purpose. It highlights the threat to sea turtles from fishing nets and guides scientific monitoring and awareness efforts.
One week after the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, is still reeling. The worst cyclone the archipelago has seen in nearly a century has left the region in a state of disaster, with hospitals overwhelmed, essential services disrupted, and thousands of people suffering in the aftermath. Despite efforts to provide aid, the situation remains dire.
France on Thursday urged the United Nations top court to "clarify" international law relating to the fight against climate change, saying judges had a "unique opportunity" to provide a clear legal framework. "France is convinced that these advisory proceedings provide a unique opportunity for the court to contribute to identifying and clarifying international law in regard to the fight against climate change," said Diego Colas, the country's representative.
Climate change is accelerating the melting of the world's mountain glaciers, causing ice loss to double since the early 2000s. A study revealed glaciers are losing up to 604 billion tons annually. Glaciers in Alaska are melting the fastest, and Central Europe has lost the most in percentage. This rapid loss contributes significantly to sea-level rise.
Planetary Technologies in Nova Scotia uses magnesium oxide to reduce carbon dioxide via the ocean, backed by $1 million from Elon Musk's foundation, despite debate over potential ecological impacts. Ocean-based carbon removal strategies show promise but face challenges, including scaling efforts to influence global warming and ensuring environmental safety.
India's peak power demand surged by 41 per cent during the summer months of 2023, driven by rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves, a new report by Climate Trends has found.