Climate change is particularly intense in the Arctic. To assess its consequences and determine what role this region plays in global warming, two teams of scientists from EPFL visited the area. One to better understand the composition of the air in the region, the other to quantify greenhouse gases sequestered in Greenlandic fjords originating from glacial water. In the Arctic - an area where temperatures are rising three to four times faster than anywhere else on Earth. At the same time, the amount of "life" in the Arctic Ocean is increasing, which affects the production of biological aerosols and affects the formation of clouds. (Sandrine Perroud, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, more at phys.org)

The Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica has been nicknamed the "End of the World Glacier" for its potential to flood coastlines around the world if it were to collapse. It already contributes about 4 % to annual sea level rise as it loses ice, and one theory suggests that the glacier could soon begin collapsing into the ocean like a line of dominoes. But is such a rapid collapse really as likely as feared? A new study on Thwaites Glacier's susceptibility to what's known as sea ice reef instability offers some hope. But the findings don't mean Thwaites is stable. (Mathieu Morlighem, The Conversation, more at phys.org )

Regulation (EU) 2024/1991, known as the "Nature Restoration Law" (hereafter "NRL"), the "Nature Restoration Law" is a major EU initiative aimed at reversing the degradation of ecosystems. The NRL requires member states to restore degraded ecosystems and enhance biodiversity and resilience in terrestrial and marine areas. Effective August 18, 2024, the NRL sets binding targets for ecosystem restoration that present both opportunities and challenges. This article analyzes the potential impacts of the NRL on the private sector, highlighting significant concerns and legal issues. (Sarah Wolf, Isabel Bruckmoser, more at lexology.com)

Climate change is one of the most discussed topics in the world today. Even so, it's easy to misunderstand what it actually is, what causes it, and how it relates to financial institutions. (more…)

Greenhouse gas emissions are at the forefront of climate research, and we have now deployed the first advanced satellite to monitor them from space. This mission is key to understanding and mitigating the impact of these gases on our planet's climate. On August 16, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying a state-of-the-art greenhouse gas monitoring instrument. (Eric Ralls, more at earth.com)

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the current generation. Extreme weather events, temperature fluctuations and ecosystem changes are a reality we have to deal with. While not all factors are within our control, there are steps we can take at the personal and community level to better prepare for the impacts of climate change.

1. Monitor local climate trends

Learn about how climate change is affecting your area. This may include monitoring weather forecasts, changing temperatures, lack of rainfall or rising water levels in local waterways. Information about these aspects will allow you to better understand the risks you face.

2. Increase your insurance coverage

If you plan to stay in your current location, it is wise to consider increasing your insurance coverage. Get flood insurance even if you are outside the flood zone.

3. Secure your home

Invest in measures to protect your home from the elements. Elevate electrical appliances, install backflow preventers, and secure your roof and windows to withstand high winds and hail. Also consider creating a natural barrier using plants and landscaping.

4. Prepare an emergency plan

Create an emergency plan that includes contact with family and friends, a meeting place, and survival supplies. This can include food, water, medicine and basic equipment such as flashlights and first aid.

5. Stock up

Gather basic supplies such as non-perishable food and drinking water. Frontline crises can prevent access to trade, so it's important to have enough supplies to last you a few days or weeks.

6. Invest in renewable energy sources

Consider installing solar panels or other renewable energy sources. In this way, you will reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources, which can be threatened during extreme weather events.

7. Support and engage in the community

Get involved in local initiatives that focus on sustainability and environmental protection. This may include reforestation events, educational programs or support for local climate policies that can contribute to reducing the impact of climate change.

8. Be informed and educate others

Raise awareness in your neighborhood about climate change and its impacts. Share information, organize discussions and help others understand the importance of taking action to protect the environment.

9. Consider your financial investments

Reevaluate your investments and consider options that are environmentally sustainable. Investing in companies and projects that focus on renewable resources can have a long-term positive impact on your financial situation while supporting a green economy.

Preparedness for the challenges posed by climate change is a collaborative process that requires efforts at the personal, community and global levels. By applying these steps, you can not only secure yourself and your loved ones, but also contribute to creating a more resilient community. Each of us can do something to face the upcoming challenges with courage and responsibility. (Co2AI)

As the climate crisis intensifies, the world is witnessing an unprecedented wave of human displacement. Climate migration caused by rising sea levels, extreme weather events and environmental degradation poses significant challenges for international relations and global governance. Solving this problem requires comprehensive strategies that prioritize human rights, sustainability and international cooperation.

Climate change is forcing people to leave their homes on an unimaginable scale. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, an estimated 30.7 million people were displaced by natural disasters in 2020 alone. This number is expected to rise as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of such events. Low-lying coastal areas, small island states and regions prone to drought and desertification are particularly vulnerable, with millions facing the prospect of permanent displacement. (Amna Hashmi, more at geopoliticalmonitor.com)

Record production of fossil fuels, constantly high emissions of greenhouse gases and extreme temperatures. Like the proverbial frog in a pan of water, we refuse to respond to the climate and ecological crisis with any urgency. Under such circumstances, the claims of some that global warming can still be limited to a maximum of 1.5°C take on a surreal quality.

For example, at the start of the international climate talks in Dubai in 2023, the president of the conference, Sultan Al Jaber, boldly declared that his goal was 1.5°C and that his presidency would be driven by a "deep sense of urgency" to limit global temperatures to 1.5°C . He made such lofty promises while planning a massive increase in oil and gas production as CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. (James Dyke , University of Exeter , Robert Watson , University of East Anglia , Wolfgang Knorr , Lund University, more at theconversation.com)

In order to improve public health, the post-election European Union (EU) should, in consultation with the general public, prioritize long-term challenges such as climate change and population ageing, as well as factors that affect our health. The findings, drawn from a seven-month public debate led by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, highlight a common call for the EU to play a more prominent role in health. (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)

Despite significant progress in clean energy, global CO2 emissions continue to rise. This highlights the need for a more integrated approach that combines technological progress with strong institutional capacities to formulate effective policies to achieve global climate goals. Researchers from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) have contributed to a new international study which highlights that this key integration is essential to meet the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement. (Andrei Ionescu, more at earth.com)

A recent study by an international team of scientists looked at the increase in wildfires between March 2023 and February 2024. Their analysis shows that these devastating events have contributed to the release of more than 8.6 billion tons of CO2 worldwide and continue to damage our planet. due to global warming.

According to the observatory, in 70 % cases, fires are caused by activities related to economic activity, such as construction work, agricultural activity and electrical networks, or by everyday activities such as smoking, bonfires, fires caused by vehicles or waste. However, climate change also plays a significant role. Global warming leads to an extreme increase in temperatures and water scarcity, which accelerates soil drought and increases the likelihood of fires. A recently published study in the journal Earth System Science points to exactly this connection between climate change and the intensification of fires on a global scale.

Burnt areas and emissions

The analysis suggests that human-caused global warming, such as deforestation, has increased the likelihood of favorable fire conditions in the western Amazon by 20 to 28.5 times. Between 2023 and 2024, nearly 3.9 million square kilometers were smoky worldwide, including significant areas in the Amazon, such as Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Venezuela. "These fires are becoming more frequent and more intense as a result of climate warming, with both society and the environment suffering,"

The report also notes the increase in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of these fires. The total volume of carbon released from the fires reached 2.4 petagrams, which represents an increase of 16 % compared to the average of previous years. This increase is primarily due to massive fires in Canada, where more than 6,000 fires were recorded in 2023. CO2 emissions from these disasters were nine times higher than the average values of the last two decades.

Experts warn that if humanity does not start seriously dealing with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, these phenomena are likely to multiply in the future. Another study published in the scientific journal Nature confirms that the number of fires increased by 2.2 between 2003 and 2023, with the last seven years being among the most intense. According to experts, this increase is directly caused by global warming. So it is necessary to act. (CO2AI)

There are several reasons why there is insufficient information about climate change in Slovakia, and these factors can influence public awareness and response to this important topic:

1. Lack of information in the media: Although many media outlets deal with issues of environmental sustainability, climate change can only be a marginal topic without deeper and more systematic coverage. Focusing on other current events can lead to climate change issues not taking center stage.

2. Complexity of the topic: Climate change is a very complex issue that involves science, politics, economics and social issues. For many people, it can be difficult to understand the connections between these aspects, leading to a feeling of bewilderment or apathy.

3. Insufficient education: Education systems may not sufficiently emphasize climate change issues. If the topic is not taught in schools or if public awareness programs are not available, many people may not have enough knowledge about the issue.

4. Political factors: In some cases, there may be political reluctance to openly address climate change issues. They can only address the topic in certain contexts, while interests that are perceived as anti-natural may prevail.

5. Economic interests: Industry and economic interests can influence how information about climate change is disseminated. Some industries may resist change because they fear that restrictions and regulations could affect their profits.

6. Low level of engagement: Many people may feel that climate change is a problem that does not directly affect them, or that they cannot change anything through their activities. This passive approach can reduce interest in topics related to climate change.

7. Social media and misinformation: The amount of misinformation and conspiracy theories spread on social media can distort the public's view of climate change. As a result, some people may refuse to accept scientific findings.

For effective information on climate change in Slovakia, more complex and targeted communication is needed. The information website co2news.sk can play a key role in this area. This portal focuses on providing up-to-date information and news regarding climate change and its impacts, thereby contributing to raising awareness of this issue. By participating in such initiatives as co2news.sk, individuals and organizations can strengthen their efforts in the fight against climate change, thereby improving awareness and promoting a collective approach to solving this urgent issue. (Co2AI)

Over the past nine months, average land and sea surface temperatures have exceeded previous records by up to 0.2°C each month – a huge difference on a planetary scale. A general warming trend is expected due to rising greenhouse gas emissions, but this sudden increase in heat far exceeds the predictions of statistical climate models, which rely on past observations. Many reasons have been proposed for this discrepancy, but so far none have been able to reconcile our theories with what happened. (Gavin Schmidt, more at nature.com)

Earlier this summer, the UN called for action against extreme heat in response to the deadly heatwaves that have caused an estimated 489,000 heat-related deaths worldwide each year in recent decades. According to the WHO, the WHO European Region accounts for an average of 36 % of these heat-related deaths, or more than 175,000 deaths per year, making heat stress the leading cause of climate-related deaths. (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)

Recent studies show that every additional fraction of a degree could trigger irreversible changes in the global climate system. As our planet continues to inevitably warm, the scientific community is sounding the alarm: we are dangerously close to critical tipping points beyond which Earth's climate could experience changes as radical as definitive.

The work carried out by Tessa Möller and Annika Ernest Högner, climatologists at the University of Potsdam, highlights four of these points of no return, which, if crossed, could not only worsen global warming, but destroy any hope of return. As global temperatures edge dangerously close to the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement, the risk of exceeding these critical thresholds has never been higher. (More on presse-citron.net)

Climate change may grab a lot of headlines these days, but changing global temperatures and weather is nothing new. In fact, people have been dealing with it for millennia. But our recent first-hand understanding has prompted researchers to take another look at some vanished civilizations to see what led to their downfall. Here are five that have been destroyed—or their decline drastically accelerated—by climate change. (Jackie Mead , more at mentalfloss.com)

Climate change communication is about educating and mobilizing audiences to take action to address the climate crisis. Everyone can play a role by raising their voice, sharing solutions and advocating for change – shaped by different experiences, cultural contexts and core values.

If you're creating a communication product—such as a video, podcast, written article, or graphic about climate change—keep the following tips in mind to make it valuable, effective, and reliable content. (More on un.org)

The window remains open for a few more days for governments around the world to make their words count. They have the opportunity to consider the proceedings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is formulating a landmark judicial opinion on the responsibility of states for mitigating climate change.

Last year, the UN asked the ICJ – the UN's main judicial body in The Hague, Netherlands – for an advisory opinion on two issues. What are the obligations of states under international law to protect the climate system and the environment from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions? And what are the legal consequences for states that, by their actions or omissions, damage the climate system and the environment?

As an environmental policy expert and president of the global conservation NGO WWF, I call on scientists and citizens around the world to support the court. They must urge their governments to provide the ICJ with the evidence and arguments it needs to speak boldly about nature and climate protection. (Adil Najam, more at nature.com)

How does climate change affect extreme heat and lead to its more frequent occurrence? Record temperatures have been recorded every month since June 2023, and the speed at which these heat waves are being recorded is unprecedented. (more…)