Global wildlife populations have fallen over the past five decades, with human activity pushing the world towards a series of dangerous tipping points, which could see the Amazon rainforest decline until “we’re just left with scrub”, conservationists have warned. The latest edition of WWF’s Living Planet Index, compiled by the Zoological Society of London, warns that monitored global […]
A looming 198-country climate change summit in Azerbaijan must “provide the means” to put the green ideals agreed in Dubai last year into practice, the UAE’s Cop28 President said on Thursday. Dr Sultan Al Jaber said crunch talks on finance must “meet the size of the challenge” as vulnerable countries pin their hopes on a generous funding deal […]
The world is on the brink of experiencing an “irreversible climate disaster”, with 25 out of 35 “planetary vital signs” sitting at record extremes, scientists have warned. The worsening indicators – including record temperatures and fossil fuel emissions, combined with all-time high and rising human and livestock populations – suggest a “critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate […]
The Plant the Emirates campaign announced on Sunday is the latest step by the UAE authorities to develop the country’s agricultural sector and promote food security. It involves setting up a national centre to promote domestic farming with the aim of increasing agricultural production by one fifth over the next five years. Traditionally heavily reliant on food imports, the […]
Scientists have built a solar-powered desalination system without the need for expensive batteries that could secure vast amounts of low-cost drinking water for millions around the world. The innovative plant, which was designed by MIT researchers, responds quickly to subtle changes to the level of sunlight – such as a passing cloud – to better utilise the […]
Rich countries cannot dictate that poorer ones should use fewer cars in the name of tackling climate change, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said. Mr Scholz told a sustainability summit on Monday not to set itself “against growth” but seek “prosperity for all” in the battle to save the planet. He said Germany was inviting about $20 billion of […]
A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held to account for safeguarding marine ecosystems and empower local and Indigenous communities to demand sustainable solutions and climate justice, a new study suggests. An estimated one billion people rely on healthy coral reefs globally for food security, coastal protection and income from […]
A new survey of climate experts reveals that a majority believes the Earth to be headed for a rise in global temperatures far higher than the 2015 Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 to well-below 2°C. The study was published in the Nature journal Communications Earth & Environment. It also shows that two-thirds of respondents — all […]
A new study documents how Southern Californians are chronically being exposed to toxic airborne chemicals called plasticizers, including one that’s been banned from children’s items and beauty products. Plasticizers are chemical compounds that make materials more flexible. They are used in a wide variety of products ranging from lunchboxes and shower curtains to garden hoses […]
More than 2.7 billion people globally live in areas vulnerable to coastal or inland flooding, research by risk analysis group Moody’s has found. The proportion of people exposed to flood risk has also steadily increased since 1975, driven in part by climate change and urbanisation, the research said. The Middle East and South Asia, researched together […]
