This weekly round-up brings you key climate news from the past seven days, including an important step for the European Union and the release of two reports painting a grim picture of the state of the climate in Asia and Europe.

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1. EU Votes to Leave Controversial Energy Treaty, Approves Watered Down Agricultural Policies

With 560 votes in favour and 43 against, MEPs on Wednesday overwhelmingly consented to the EU exiting the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), a multilateral agreement established in 1994 to facilitate trade and investment in the energy sector. Largely unchanged since its adoption, the treaty is now viewed by many as outdated and as favouring investments in fossil fuels that are no longer compatible with the EU’s climate targets under the European Green Deal and the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Speaking in November 2023, Belgian energy minister Tinne van der Straeten said, “We need treaties that serve our people and climate, not the fossil fuel industry.”

The Parliament also approved a series of weakened environmental requirements linked to the disbursement of tens of billions of euros in subsidies for European farmers.

In February, the European Commission announced it would delay a key agricultural policy originally intended to require all farmers to set aside 4% of their land to support biodiversity and promote healthy soil. Aside from exempting all farmers from the requirement, the Commission also said that farmers growing certain environmentally friendly crops on at least 7% of their arable land will be regarded as fulfilling the requirement. These include crops that contribute to nitrogen fixation – such as lentils, peas, and favas – as well as catch crops – quick-growing crops planted between the main crops that maximise land use while preventing soil erosion.

Read more here.

2. Heat-Related Mortality in Europe Up 30% in Past 20 Years, Report Reveals

The latest European State of the Climate report, compiled by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), paints a stark picture of the effects of global warming on the continent. 

According to the joint report, 2023 was Europe’s joint warmest or second-warmest year on record, depending on the dataset. The world’s fastest-warming continent saw above-average temperatures for 11 months last year and 7% more precipitation than average. September went down in history as the warmest on record, with temperatures 2.51C higher than the 1991-2020 average and 1.1C higher than the previous warmest September recorded in 2020.

The continent experienced a record number of “extreme heat stress” days in 2023. C3S and WMO data also suggests that heat-related mortality in the continent, which is warming twice as fast as any other continent, has increased by around 30% in the past two decades, while heat-related deaths are estimated to have increased in 94% of the European regions monitored.

Snow was scarce in much of Europe in winter and spring, owing to a milder-than-average winter. The Alps experienced “exceptional” glacier ice loss, losing 10% of their remaining volume between 2022 and 2023.

Read more here.

3. ‘Sobering’ WMO Report Shows Asia Hit Hardest By Climate Change in 2023

According to the report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), temperatures in Asia were 0.91C above the 1991-2020 reference period last year, the second-highest on record. 2023 was also Japan and Kazakhstan’s warmest year. A marine heatwave also pushed sea surface temperatures in the Arctic Ocean to a record high. According to the report, regions such as the Arabian Sea, the southern Kara Sea, and the southeastern Laptev Sea are witnessing sea surface warming at a rate more than three times faster than the global average.

The report found that nearly half of all 984,263 climate and natural disaster-related deaths over the past five decades occurred in Asia, with tropical cyclones claiming the highest number of lives. In 2023 alone, Asia saw a total of 79 water hazard-related disasters, which resulted in more than 2,000 fatalities and directly affected 9 million people.

Read more here.

4. Letter to G20 Leaders Urges Financial Support to World Bank Fund to Achieve Global Sustainable Development

G20 leaders were urged to reform the global financial system and step up efforts to achieve global sustainable development and fight the climate crisis in an open letter published ahead of last week’s Spring meetings of international financial institutions.

In the letter, the 135 signatories, which include actor Stephen Fry, film producer Richard Curtis, and singer Annie Lennox, appealed to the world’s largest economies to “triple their investments in multilateral development banks, end crippling debt for low-income countries, and make polluters pay.

“Global financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF [International Monetary Fund] can help mobilise the funding needed to tackle the polycrisis and achieve the Global Goals, but they need a reboot. And their shareholders – the G20 leaders – are the ones that can make that happen,” the letter, coordinated by Project Everyone, read.

Read more here.

5. Extreme Heat, Heavy Rain Kill Hundreds in Thailand, East Africa

Thailand has been battling with extreme heat for days. The country’s northern and northeastern regions are expected to be the warmest until the end of the month, with the mercury hitting 44C in some areas, the Thai Meteorological Department said. Hail and thunderstorms may strike the two regions in the coming days, it added.

The number of heat-related casualties nationwide has reached 30 so far this year, compared to the 37 heat-related deaths recorded in the country in 2023, according to data by the Thai Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, East Africa has been battling heavy rains for the past month. In hard-hit Kenya, floods have killed 10 people this week, bringing the total death toll since last month to 45. In neighboring Tanzania, the death toll from heavy rains has reached 155, with 236 more injured, according to Kaasim Majaliwa, the country’s prime minister.

Read more here.

The post Week in Review: Top Climate News for April 22-26, 2024 appeared first on Earth.Org.

Earth is home to more than 8 billion people, 300,000 plant species, over 600,000 species of fungi, and about 10 million animal species. Ecosystems around the world provide precious services and resources to sustain all life on Earth, yet humanity continues to take them for granted. Anthropogenic climate change is threatening the planet, and we need to do everything we can to conserve and protect our home. Earth Day reminds us of the biggest environmental issues and their drivers. Here are 5 interesting Earth Day facts and how we can all do our part to help and support the environment.  

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Earth Day Facts to Know About

1. Earth Day Was First Celebrated in 1970

Prior to the first Earth Day, Americans were guzzling up vast amounts of leaded petrol – the global use of which has since been eradicated – and deadly smog and polluting smoke were accepted daily occurrences. But following a series of oil spills and emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, people are keen to take action to stop the environmental degradation. Inspired by the energetic anti-Vietnam war protest movement by students, a US Senator named Gaylord Nelson introduced a teach-in on college campuses on environmental awareness, which eventually snowballed into the global movement it is today. 

2. Earth Day Is the Largest Secular Observance in the World

Despite being celebrated almost exclusively in the US for almost 20 years, Earth Day has now become an internationally recognised day and is celebrated across more than 192 countries. Every year, 1 billion individuals across the globe are united and mobilised for the same cause – greater environmental awareness and climate action.

3. Earth Day Always Takes Place on April 22 

Senator Nelson originally picked out April 22 for the first Earth Day as it fell right between Spring Break and final exams, maximising the greatest student participation and turnout for the event. It’s been kept on the same day to encourage even more college students to join in celebrations and protests, and every year, thousands of rallies, concerts, and outdoor activities are organised worldwide.

4. Earth Day Cemented Many Major Environmental Policies

The first edition of Earth Day kicked off the national conversation on the lack of environmental laws in the country, which led to the adoption of some of the most important and comprehensive federal laws on environmental protection. This included the Clean Air Act (1970), the Clean Water Act amendment (1972), and the 1973 Endangered Species Act. In 2016, the United Nations also chose Earth Day to sign the Paris Agreement, the world’s most important and comprehensive climate agreement for limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century.

5. Earth Day Wants Us to Fight Plastic Pollution This Year

Each edition of Earth Day has a different theme. The 2024, theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” brings attention to the serious issue of plastic pollution and how it harms nature, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. “Our theme, Planet vs. Plastics, calls to advocate for widespread awareness on the health risk of plastics, rapidly phase out all single use plastics, urgently push for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and demand an end to fast fashion,” reads the official website. “Join us as we build a plastic-free planet for generations to come!” 

You might also like: 15 Biggest Environmental Problems of 2024

How You Can Get Involved

Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest environmental issue we face today, and we are running out of time to combat it. The latest reports published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warn that global temperatures will very likely rise 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2040, and it’s “now or never” to limit global warming. Despite the progress on climate pledges, it is clearly not enough. But we have all the tools and options to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

1. Civil Action

Public pressure and civil society mobilisation are the greatest tool in global shed to drive institutional and systemic changes. Hold politicians, governments and companies across sectors accountable for their actions – target organisations and businesses that are linked to fossil fuel industries, deforestation, and harmful activities to the environment that could lead to the loss of habitats and biodiversity. Whether it is the fast fashion industry that is generating millions tonnes of textile waste and wastewater, or the companies that neglect plastic pollution, you can use your voice and make a difference. From local petitions and advocacy to large-scale boycotts and protests, there’s no action too small. 

2. Individual Action

We can achieve a sustainable future for us with our combined efforts, if every individual in the world make changes to their lifestyles. You can make it a habit to join in community reforestation efforts or beach cleanups. On the individual level, simple switches to plant-based diets (or at least reduce meat consumption) can alleviate significant stress on deforestation and emissions in the agricultural sector; eliminating single-use plastics and replace them with reusable and recyclable materials; giving up fast fashion in support of sustainable fashion; opting for public transportation and low-emission means of transport such as biking and electric cars can all go a long way. Don’t forget, daily acts of composting and recycling are not to be underestimated in reducing your carbon footprint.

Check out our new ‘What Can I Do’ portal to find out how you can play a part in the fight against climate change. Act now!

The post Earth Day 2024: 5 Earth Day Facts to Know About and How To Get Involved appeared first on Earth.Org.

This weekly round-up brings you key climate news from the past seven days, including reports indicating the world is undergoing its fourth mass coral bleaching event and Scotland’s U-turn on its ‘world-leading’ climate target.

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1. Scientists Confirm Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event Across 53 Countries

At least 53 countries have been experiencing mass bleaching of coral reefs since early 2023 in response to rising ocean temperatures, scientists have confirmed. 

In a joint press release on Monday, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) – a partnership of 101 international nations and countries to perverse reefs around the world – confirmed that the world is undergoing its fourth global coral bleaching event, the second in the past ten years.

The event is directly related to rising sea surface temperatures, which last month reached a new record high of 21.07C, the highest monthly value since records began.

Read more here.

2. Drought-Stricken UAE Sees Heaviest Rainfall in 75 Years as Experts Rule Out Potential Role of Cloud Seeding

At least 20 people have died in Oman and one in the United Arab Emirates following a powerful storm that brought torrential rain, the heaviest in at least 75 years, to the drought-stricken region.

The storm initially hit Oman on Sunday before moving to the UAE on Tuesday, knocking out power lines, flooding roads and houses, and disrupting air traffic. 

Early media reports on Tuesday suggested this week’s downpour may have been worsened by cloud seeding. However, in a statement to multiple outlets, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), which oversees cloud-seeding missions in the country, said that no seeding operation had been conducted before or during the storm. Meanwhile, other experts have also debunked the theory, saying it was misleading to attribute heavy rain to cloud seeding and instead blaming warmer weather, which can hold more moisture in the atmosphere, leading to sometimes severe downpours.

Read more here.

3. ‘Worst Environmental Decision in History’: Scotland Scraps ‘Out of Reach’ 2030 Climate Target 

Scotland has scrapped a climate target its former first minister branded as “ambitious” and “world-leading”, a move that environmental activists described as “humiliating” and “reprehensible.”

Scottish net zero and energy minister Màiri McAllan, who announced the decision on Thursday, said the move was heavily influenced by the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC), which last month said the 2030 target was “no longer credible.” According to the UK CCC, Scotland missed eight of the past 12 annual targets for cutting planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and lacked a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy.

Speaking to MSPs on Thursday, McAllan said the government would introduce a new legislative package of climate action measures in line with its net-zero by 2045 target, including quadrupling electric vehicles charging points by 2030 and introducing an integrated ticketing system for public transport in line with the goal to cut car use by 20% by decade’s end from a 2019 baseline. 

Read more here.

4. All-Time Record Removal of River Barriers in 2023 Marks Step Forward in European Ecosystems Restoration: Report

According to data collected by Dam Removal Europe (DRE), at least 487 barriers were removed in 15 European countries, with France leading the way, followed by Spain, Sweden, and Denmark. The interventions led to the reconnection of more than 4,300 kilometres of rivers.

“It is amazing to witness another record-breaking year for dam removals in European rivers. Almost 500 barriers – a 50% increase from the report published last year. It shows the movement is growing fast and brings new hope for the thriving of free-flowing rivers and people”, said Herman Wanningen, founder of the World Fish Migration Foundation and c-founder of DRE.

River barriers – including weirs, culverts, dams, ramps, and ford – are linked to habitat degradation and biodiversity loss, and they alter the natural nutrient flow, changing the movement of sediment and nutrients and water levels, and leading to pollution. Exposure to extreme weather can also affect the structure, rendering them obsolete and heightening the risk of structural damage and failure.

Read more here.

The post Week in Review: Top Climate News for April 15-19, 2024 appeared first on Earth.Org.

This weekly round-up brings you key climate news from the past seven days, including a landmark win for climate justice and human rights and new, worrisome data on the world’s temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations.

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1. Swiss Government’s Climate Change Inaction Violates Human Rights, European Court Rules 

Europe’s top human rights court on Tuesday ruled in favour of a group of elderly Swiss women, who accused their government of violating fundamental rights by failing to adequately tackle the climate crisis, a win hailed as “historic” and a “huge success.”

KlimaSeniorinnen (Senior Women for Climate Protection) – a group of more than 2,000 women aged 64 and over – argued before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) that their government’s failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions had violated their human rights. The women contend that more frequent and intense heatwaves – a result of climate change – are infringing on their rights to life and health. 

“Today’s ruling… leaves no doubt: the climate crisis is a human rights crisis, and States have human rights obligations to act urgently and effectively and in line with the best available science to prevent further devastation and harm to people and the environment,” Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) senior attorney Joie Chowdhury said in a statement.

Read more here.

2. World Sees 10th Consecutive Hottest Month on Record as March Temperatures Soar to Unseen Levels

In a press release on Tuesday, the EU Earth observation agency Copernicus said the global average temperature for the past twelve months is the highest on record, 1.58C above pre-industrial levels and 0.7C above the 1991-2020 average. The average global surface temperature last month was 14.14C, 0.10C higher than 2016, the previous hottest March on record.

Despite the gradual weakening of El Niño, a weather pattern associated with the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean that last year brought unprecedented heat across the world, marine air temperatures remained “at an unusually high level,” the agency said. The average global sea surface temperature was 21.07C, the highest monthly value since records began.

Read more here.

3. No Sign of Greenhouse Gases Rise Slowing as Scientists Confirm Record Highs in 2023

According to US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) latest data, levels of all three main planet-warming, human-caused greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide – reached record highs in 2023, albeit growing at a slower pace than previous years.

Global concentrations of CO2, Earth’s most important heat-trapping gas generated from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels and by far the most important contributor to climate change, reached a significant milestone, averaging at 419.3 parts per million (ppm) throughout 2023. This represented a 2.8 ppm increase from the year prior – the third-largest in the past decade. Notably, atmospheric CO2 now exceeds pre-industrial levels by over 50%.

Read more here.

4. UN Climate Chief Calls on People to ‘Raise their Voices’ Ahead of Election, As Next Two Years Will Determine Future of Our Planet

In a pivotal year for democracy, where roughly half of the human population is called to the polls, the United Nations climate chief called on citizens to “raise their voices” to demand bolder climate action.

With the relentless rise in air and sea temperatures globally, time is running out to avert the worst consequences of climate change. 

Speaking at London’s Chatham House on Wednesday, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell laid out key interventions needed ahead of the next COP summit and their long-term significance.

“The next two years are essential to save the planet,” Stiell said, stressing that cutting fossil fuel pollution and investing in climate mitigation and adaptation will determine which countries will “rise up the ladder [of living standards] or fall.”

Read more here.

5. Controversial EU Anti-Deforestation Law to Go Ahead as Scheduled, Environment Chief Says

The controversial European Union’s anti-deforestation law will come into force at the end of 2024 as initially planned, its environment commissioner said during a visit to a cocoa-producing cooperative in Ivory Coast on Sunday.

Last month, an Austria-led coalition of 20 of the 27 EU member states called for a revision of the law proposed by the European Commission in 2021 and formally adopted last year, which aims to crack down on commodities linked to deforestation and forest degradation for agricultural expansion, targeting beef, soy, coffee, cocoa, rubber and other agricultural products sold within the EU. They argued that the legislation – the first of its kind in the world – would hurt European farmers, who are also subject to the new rules.

Read more here.

The post Week in Review: Top Climate News for April 8-12, 2024 appeared first on Earth.Org.

Talks about climate change can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, so addressing the issue in movies can help reach a broader public and raise awareness among people that might otherwise not be interested in learning about such a crucial topic. From older documentaries to the latest blockbusters, here is a list of our favourite climate change movies to watch this year.

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10 Climate Change Movies To Watch This Year

1. Don’t Look Up (2021)

First on our list of the best climate change movies is Don’t Look Up starring Leonardo DiCarpio. The record-breaking Netflix film tells the story of a science professor and his younger student discovering a fast-approaching comet that is set to reach the Earth and will likely destroy it. Together, they need to convince the government as well as the public of the existential threat and the catastrophic consequences it may have on humanity. However, the task is more difficult than they think when no one takes them seriously. The team struggles to break through the craziness of social networks, political inaction, and lack of media attention. Indeed, the comet approaching the planet is an ambivalent metaphor for climate change and its disastrous effects. The film also serves as a reminder that politicians are clearly not doing enough and if they do not act quickly, it will be too late to save our planet. 

2. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Despite being released 25 years ago, the Japanese movie Princess Mononoke remains one of the most beloved and relevant movies about climate change. On a journey to find the cure for a demonic curse, the protagonist Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony. The hard-hitting political anime depicts the consequences of destroying nature and humanity’s inability to live in harmony, sending a strong message that, sadly, is still very much relevant today. 

3. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

Next on our list is a remake of the 1951 classic science fiction film about a human-like alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who land on Earth. The alien identifies himself as Klaatu and says he has come to save the planet. Despite seeing him as a threat, Dr. Helen Benson, who was summoned to a US military facility, decides to facilitate his escape. However, once she learns that he intends to eradicate humans from Earth. Why? Because of human activities and climate change. In the 21st-century version, humans are destroying the Earth’s environment, and the aliens have come to save the planet and its species, with the exception of humankind. The movie does a great job at shedding light on the damage humanity has done and continues to do while delivering an urgent warning of what the future holds for us.

4. Before the Flood (2016)

One of the best climate change movies is Before the Flood, a collaboration between actor and Earth Alliance co-founder Leonardo DiCaprio and National Geographic. Taking viewers around the world, the documentary features poignant accounts of how different stakeholders are affected by climate change through deforestation, rising sea levels, and other human activities. The documentary calls for world leaders to fight for a more sustainable future and arms viewers with solutions they can implement into their lives, from reducing meat consumption to voting for leaders who will initiate positive environmental change.

5. Eating Our Way to Extinction (2021)

Next up is a documentary narrated and executive produced by Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet. This enlightening movie explores how the global food industry is hastening climate change through a host of unsustainable practices. Through undercover footage and the testimony of Indigenous peoples, Eating Our Way to Extinction will undoubtedly change your perception of food and help you understand how the modern industry is compromising food security.

6. 2040 (2019)

If you are looking for something less grim and more optimistic, 2040 is a refreshingly optimistic pick. Rather than focusing on the urgency of problems, the solution-oriented documentary depicts the story of an Australian dad who imagines what life could be like for his four-year-old daughter in the future. Much of the feature is dedicated to highlighting the technological breakthroughs, and creative alternatives to tackle the challenges of climate change – from renewable energy like rooftop solar to regenerative agricultural practices and the versatile use of seaweed to fight the looming issue of food insecurity. 

If you like our guide, you may want to check this out next: 20 Best Books on Climate Change and Sustainability

7. Burning (2021)

Academy-Award winning Australian filmmaker Eva Orner takes a look at the unprecedented, catastrophic and deadly Australian bushfires of 2019-2020 known as ‘Black Summer’. Narrating the story from the perspective of those directly involved and affected by the fires as well as activists and scientists, the documentary exposes the Australian government’s inaction and the irreversible damage that these catastrophic events left behind, shining a light on the global issue of climate change.

8. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

This 2004 masterpiece by Roland Emmerich tells the story of climatologist Jack Hall, whose research pointed out the possibility of a superstorm developing and setting off catastrophic natural disasters across the world. Similar to what DiCaprio goes through in his Don’t Look Up, Hall is faced with judgment as UN officials and world leaders ignore his warnings of a looming tragedy. The Day After Tomorrow depicts a catastrophic climate event that is not as far from reality as we might think. In the movie, the Atlantic Ocean grinds to a halt, throwing the Earth into an ice age. As evidence of the ocean’s water-circulation system weakening increases, we cannot exclude that something similar might actually happen in the future.

9. An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

​​An Inconvenient Truth is one of the seminal and best environmental films ever made. The concert film recounts former US Vice President Al Gore’s campaign in 2000 to educate people about global warming, making the documentary stand out in its experimental narration. This lecture-like presentation on climate change, Gore claims, has been delivered to worldwide audiences more than 1,000 times. Apart from detailed graphs, flow charts and visuals, the slide show also collates personal anecdotes such as Gore’s college education with an early climate expert. The film concludes with Gore stressing how “each one of us is a cause of global warming, but [….] the solutions are in our hands.” 

10. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)

In what David Attenborough calls his “witness statement” for the environment, A Life on Our Planet guides viewers through his 60-year career and demonstrates the devastating changes our planet has experienced in his lifetime. Originally released on Netflix in 2020, the 85-minute documentary presents some pretty grim predictions for the future should humanity continue on its current path, including a sixth mass extinction and a 4C global temperature rise that will render large parts of the Earth uninhabitable. Atypical of his usual nature documentaries, Attenborough takes a more critical tone in Our Planet, condemning humans’ treatment of the natural world, which makes his message of hope all the more effective as he talks about the solutions in combating the climate crisis at the conclusion of the film.

You might also like: 10 Must-See Environmental Films on Netflix

The post 10 Climate Change Movies To Watch in 2024 appeared first on Earth.Org.

Climate change is the biggest existential threat we face today and a burden that future generations will have to carry. As younger generations are already experiencing increasingly worsening effects of global warming, with some reports projecting that children will experience three times as many climate disaster than their grandparents, it is key that we educate them about the causes and solutions as well as ways in which we can help change and protect the planet. Whether they will be inspired to become climate activists or simply become more climate and environmentally conscious, these are our selection of great climate change books for kids. 

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Climate Change Books for Kids

1. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (1971)

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” The classic Dr. Seuss story a fantastic introduction for children to learn about sustainability and environmental protection. The beloved yet important book talks about taking the Earth and its natural resources for granted through the eyes of Once-ler and the Lorax. The Lorax is a small creature who speaks on behalf of the trees and warns Once-ler not to make ‘thneeds’, a knitted object that resembles a sweater, with the Truffula trees. Throughout this story, readers explore the concepts of greed, deforestation and other unsustainable practices that are currently driving rapid climate change. The Lorax teaches kids to treat our planet with kindness and to stand up and speak up for others through climate advocacy. The books is also printed on recycled paper, offering parents a bonus opportunity to introduce the topic of recycling.

2. The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge by Joanna Cole (2010)

Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus is well-loved and celebrated book series that have taken generations of children on exciting and educational trips to outer space, under the sea,  different time periods and even inside the human body. On this particular adventure, Ms Frizzle’s class travels all around the world to witness the greatest impacts of climate change – the melting ice glaciers in the Arctic to rising sea levels over the ocean. This comic-style book explains the concepts of global warming , greenhouse gases and effect (which at one point, the students in the book transformed into UV rays) in simply yet effective illustration and description. The story then moves on towards renewable energies and other green solutions to climate change, encouraging young readers to take climate action. 

3. Our House is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet by Jeannette Winter (2019)

The title of this picture book is inspired by young Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg’s iconic speech at the World Economic Forum in 2019, who was calling for on all global leader to act urgently in response to the climate crisis. Through simple yet moving illustrations by Jeanette Winter, explore how Greta learned about the climate change crisis, what she has done to take action and how she tells the world that children, like her, can help change the world. 

4. What is Climate Change? by Gail Herman (2018)

What is Climate Change? Is an informative and easy-to-understand book by Gail Herman. The author looks at this topic not just as an environmental issue, but also from a social and political perspective. Herman breaks down what climate change is and shows both sides of the debate, whether it is actually caused by humans or just the Earth’s natural process, so young readers can form a well-rounded idea of the issue. Learn about the different roles that humans and the environment play in the climate crisis and what the future could look like if we were all more conscious of our actions.

5. A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids: Understanding Climate Change and What You Can Do About It by Julie Hall (2007)

This book is an empowering and inspirational message to kids around the world as it shares an important message about how they can get involved in the fight against global warming. A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids contains fascinating scientific facts, hands-on activities and guides for young readers, families and schools to get involved in the green or sustainable initiatives within their communities. Author Julie Hall firmly believes in raising awareness of global warming among young people, instead of protecting or hiding them from the truth, to ensure that they have the opportunity to make appropriate lifestyle changes. 

6. Under the Weather by Tony Bradman (2012)

One of the top climate change books for kids is Under the Weather, a collection of short stories aimed at older children and pre-teens that showcase the various effects of climate change, from rising sea levels to changes in animal behaviour and habits. These stories act both as a warning and inspiration in regards to show how climate change has affected people around the world and our collective response to it. Covering wide ranging cities and countries, the book illustrations the impacts spanning from Siberia and Canada, to Australia and UK, to Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Though there are no illustrations, the book is packed with British humour that help make discussions on climate change digestible.

7. A Planet Full of Plastic by Neal Layton (2019)

In this storybook about plastic pollution, Neal Layton creatively explains where plastic comes from and why it can be dangerous for animals and humans. This guide shows how dependent humans are on plastic but at the same time it shares inspiring ways to recycle and replace plastic with better materials. A Planet Full of Plastic reminds us that our world is drowning in plastic but it also offers us hope by teaching us many ways in which we can make a change. 

8. What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French (2019)

This lively educational book for young audiences explores everything to do with waste, from trash and leftover food to factory gases and old electronics. Readers can learn about how our actions affect the planet and become more conscious about waste management. The best part is that the book teaches kids what people around the world are doing to keep our beautiful planet clean and it also gives ideas as to how to get involved with recycling.

9. The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish, written and illustrated by Chloe Savage (2023)

This glorious picture book is a nautical trip to the Arctic. It follows Dr Morley and her crew as they navigate remote and icy waters, on the hunt for the giant Arctic jellyfish. We see life under and above deck, and are introduced to some incredible creatures along the way, but will the giant jellyfish remain elusive? This reminds readers that, sometimes, the most wonderful things are the hardest to pin down, and that’s just as it should be. 

You might also like: 10 Inspiring and Educational Environmental Books for Kids

10. Rewild the World at Bedtime by Emily Hawkins, illustrated by Ella Beech (2024)

A treasury of good news stories about the natural world. This is an antidote to reports of climate and biodiversity collapse, which can be so hard for young children to manage. Every story has rewilding principles at its heart, from the return of the wolves to Yellowstone Park, to the amazing restoration of the forests of Costa Rica. Incredible and heartwarming artwork throughout. 

11. The Girl who Lost a Leopard by Nizrana Farook (2023)

The fourth and final adventure in this collection of stories set in the kingdom (or queendom!) of Serendib, or fictional Sri Lanka. As fresh, page-turning and exciting as the preceding stories, but this one comes closest to touching on the fragility of this incredible landscape and its wildlife. It will only survive if we speak up for it. Selvi forms a special bond with a rare and wild leopard, and she’ll do anything it takes to keep Lokka safe from poachers. 

12. The Last Bear by Hannah Gold (2022)

The tale of a young girl’s friendship with a polar bear. An other-worldly landscape and one of the wildest creatures of all, brought up close and personal, in this thrilling, kind story, with more than a touch of magic. Will have readers roaring for action for the plight of the polar bears, and considering what changes they can make in their own lives, to make a difference. The sequel Finding Bear is available for anyone wishing to continue with April and Bear’s adventures.

13. Savi and the Memory Keeper by Bijal Vahharajani (2023)

An emotional, funny, charming novel about grief and climate change. This is magical realism at its sharpest and brightest. Young teen Savi is having a hard time adjusting to life in Shajarpur. It might be cleaner and greener than Delhi, but she misses her old home terribly, and she misses her dad. There are so many new things to get used to, not least the plants in her apartment and the ginormous fig tree in her school grounds – it can’t be their thoughts she’s hearing, can it? Amazingly, this is inspired by real plant science. 

14. Drawn to Change the World graphic novel collection, edited by Emma Reynolds (2023)

An incredible curation of hope and activism. This collection of short stories in graphic novel form shines the spotlight on sixteen young climate activists from around the world. Greta Thunberg is here of course, but also lesser-known figures such as Autumn Peltier, from Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Canada, who speaks up for Indigenous Rights; and Edgar Tarimo, from Tanzania, who launched a recycling company at 15 that turns plastic waste into building materials. What makes this book extra special is that each piece is illustrated by a different artist. There’s definitely something for everyone here!

15. Where the World Turns Wild by Nicola Penfold (2020)

Thirteen-year-old Juniper is forced to escape a brutal, nature-deprived city, after her blood is shown to be the key to treating the disease that has kept nature separate all this time. She leads her little brother Bear out into the Wild, but will they ever be safe from the ruthless grip of the city’s authorities? A tense and gripping journey ensues. This novel for 9+ explores our connections with the natural world. What becomes of a society when it loses its natural resources? And what would a landscape really look like, if we could remove humans and the damage they cause? The sequel When the Wild Calls is also available.

This article was written in collaboration with Nicola Penfold.

The post 15 Great Climate Change Books for Kids appeared first on Earth.Org.

The survey is part of our commitment to transparency, integrity, and delivering unbiased journalism, and we appreciate your time and commitment to staying informed about the climate crisis. Spare 5 minutes to share your feedback and ideas with Earth.Org. 

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The post Reader Survey 2024: Help Us Shape the Future of Earth.Org appeared first on Earth.Org.

This weekly round-up brings you key climate news from the past seven days, including the latest data on air quality around the world and a groundbreaking greenwashing lawsuit involving a Dutch airline.

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1. Only Seven Countries Met WHO Air Quality Standards in 2023, Report Finds

Only seven countries in the world – less than 4% – had air quality levels at or below the healthy annual average recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, a new report has found.

Exceptions made for Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius, and New Zealand, all countries exceeded the annual level last year, Swiss air quality organization IQAir said in its annual report published on Wednesday, with several regions recording highly dangerous pollution levels.

These include Bangladesh, historically among the most polluted countries in the world and the worst in 2023, with PM2.5 levels more than 15 times higher than WHO standards, Pakistan (more than 14 times higher), and India (more than 10 times higher). Tajikistan and Burkina Faso followed closely.

Read more here.

2. Experts Slam FAO for ‘Dismissing’ Meat Reduction Plan and Alt-Protein From Climate Roadmap 

In a commentary published Wednesday in the scientific journal Nature Food, a group of experts from academic institutions in the US, the Netherlands, and Brazil said the UN agency had “missed opportunities for greenhouse gas emissions reduction.”

Published during the UN climate summit COP28 in December last year, the first of three instalments of the FAO roadmap outlines several interrelated food security and climate objectives, introduces milestones for ten pivotal domains, and puts forward a total of 120 recommended actions.

Despite introducing a “range of quantified goals and milestones,” the experts argued that it remained unclear “how the roadmap’s 120 proposed interventions were chosen – and how they will put the world on a path to limiting warming to 1.5°C.”

Read more here.

3. US Sees Warmest Winter on Record With Temperatures 5.4F Above Average, National Weather Agency Says

The average temperature in December, January, and February was 37.6F (3.1C), 5.4F above average. Eight states – Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin – had their warmest winter on record, while winter temperatures were among the top-10 highest ever recorded across 26 additional states, according to the national weather agency.

The announcement came after February was confirmed the third-warmest in the US since records began 130 years ago, with an average temperature of 41.1F (5.05C). Last month was also the hottest February worldwide and the ninth month consecutively that recorded temperatures for a particular month have reached unprecedented levels.

Read more here.

4. E-Waste Recycling Rates Remain Dangerously Low as Demand for Electronic Devices Booms, UN Report Reveals

In 2022, the world generated a record 62 billion kilograms of electronic waste, or e-waste – equivalent to an average of 7.8 kg per capita per year and up 82% from 2010, according to the latest Global E-Waste Monitor by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). 

Unfortunately, recycling rates remain dangerously low worldwide, making e-waste a huge global crisis that requires “urgent attention,” as put by UNITAR’s executive director Nikhil Seth. 

As highlighted in the report, only 22.3% of the total electronic waste generated in 2022 was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. In other words, e-waste generation is outpacing the rise in formal recycling by a factor of almost 5. 

Globally, only 42% of countries have adopted some kind of e-waste policy, regulation, or legislation, though enforcement remains “a genuine challenge globally,” mainly owing to a lack of collection and recycling targets, low awareness, and few appropriate disposal options, according to the report.

Read more here.

5. Greenwashing: Dutch Airline KLM’s Ads ‘Misleading’, Court Rules

The “Fly Responsibly” campaign, launched in 2019 to celebrate KLM’s 100th anniversary, called on stakeholders in aviation  – including airlines, partners, customers, and employees – to “join forces in the development of sustainable solutions for the industry,” which is responsible for about 2% of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. 

In July 2022, Dutch environmental group Fossil Free filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against KLM, the first-ever legal claim challenging airline industry greenwashing, challenging KLM’s advertising as “misleading.” According to the group, the campaign gave the impression that the airline was actively tackling climate change, while, in fact, its plans for air traffic growth would only exacerbate the crisis. The lawsuit also addressed the airline’s carbon offsetting strategy, which, the group argued, misled customers into thinking that they could offset their flight’s emissions by supporting reforestation projects or the airline’s costs of purchasing small quantities of biofuels.

Read more here.

The post Week in Review: Top Climate News for March 18-22, 2024 appeared first on Earth.Org.

This weekly round-up brings you key climate news from the past seven days, including new, watered-down EU rules for livestock pollution and a mass bleaching event affecting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world.

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1. Australia Confirms ‘Widespread’ Bleaching Event Across Great Barrier Reef, Blames Rising Ocean Temperatures

In an update on the reef’s health issued on Friday, the authority said that aerial surveys on over 300 inshore, midshelf, and offshore reefs confirmed that “widespread, often called mass, coral bleaching event is unfolding across the Great Barrier Reef,” which covers an area of about 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 square miles) – larger than the UK and Ireland combined – off the coast of Queensland.  

The reef has already undergone six mass bleaching events, four of which happened in the past eight years. The events in 2016 and 2017 were so severe that they cost the death of 50% of Australia’s iconic reef, the world’s largest and longest system, home to 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 types of mollusk.

Read more here.

2. EU Member States Unprepared for Rapidly Growing Climate Risks Despite ‘Considerable’ Progress, Report Warns

The European Union has notoriously been at the forefront of the global fight against climate change, making significant progress in understanding, preparing for, and adapting to a multitude of imminent and already unfolding climate risks. Nevertheless, its member c

ountries are still highly unprepared for the worst consequences of a rapidly changing climate and only decisive action and rapid policy implementation at national and international level will help avoid a society-wide catastrophe by the end of the century.

“This should be the final wake-up call,” said Leena Ylä-Mononen, executive director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), which painted this grim picture in its first climate risk assessment. Published Monday, the analysis evaluates the severity of 36 climate risks threatening the continent and identifies priorities for EU-wide policy action. It predicts that without decisive action, hundreds of thousands of people could die from heatwaves and yearly economic losses from coastal floods alone could exceed €1 trillion (US$1.093 trillion).

Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, having warmed at a rate that is twice as much as any other continent in the world since the 1980s.

Read more here.

3. Emission-Intensive Cattle Farming Excluded From New EU Rules for Livestock Pollution 

The European Parliament approved new watered-down rules to cut pollution from livestock farms and factories on Tuesday, following months-long protests by farmers who have raised concerns about their livelihoods and the future of their practice in the region.

The new industrial emission directive, approved with 393 votes in favour, 173 against, and 49 abstentions, targets pig and poultry farmers with more than 350 and 280 livestock units, respectively, tightening limits on waste disposal, water consumption, raw material use, and polluting gases such as methane and ammonia.

What raised concerns among environmentalists is the notable absence of cattle farming, which was also part of the original proposal, after a push from Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Poland and other European countries to include fewer farms in the directive. The Commission is expected to assess the need to add cattle farming to the legislation by the end of 2026.

Read more here.

4. UK Climate Adaptation Plan ‘Lacks Pace and Ambition’, Independent Assessment Reveals

The third and latest National Adaptation Plan (NAP3), published in July 2023, “lacks sufficient scale and ambition” and “offers little in terms of significant new commitments” to support the much-needed delivery of large-scale adaptation action across the nation, the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) said on Wednesday. 

Under the 2008 Climate Change Act, the UK is required to produce a NAP every five years, the progress of which is assessed by the CCC every two years.

Despite being the “most developed and comprehensive” of the three NAPs, the current plan is still severely underfunded, poorly coordinated across different governmental departments, and it lacks monitoring and evaluation – all key factors to drive adequate delivery of adaptation strategies, according to the CCC. The assessment also found that most of NAP3 is based on existing policies and mechanisms, which do not reflect the urgent climate challenges and risks the country is facing.

Read more here.

5. EU Takes Greece to European Court For Failing to Comply With Bloc’s Floods Directive

In a press release published on Wednesday, the Commission said that the country, a member of the European Union (EU) since 1981, failed to finalise the revision of its river basin and flood risk management plans, which all EU member states are required to review, and if necessary update, every six years.

Under the Floods Directive, implemented in 2007, member states are required to undertake preliminary flood risk assessments for each river basin district, including mapping the district, identifying the causes of past flooding in the area, and evaluating the potential consequences of future floods on human health, the environment, cultural heritage, and economic activity.

Read more here.

The post Week in Review: Top Climate News for March 11-15, 2024 appeared first on Earth.Org.

Canadians call for immediate action on the climate crisis but are drawn back due to the country’s cost-of-living crisis. According to the Canadian Climate Institute, these crises are not mutually exclusive and a proactive adaptation strategy is necessary to address both. 

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Canada’s Rapidly Unfolding Climate Crisis

Extreme weather, wildfires, and floods are becoming more frequent on an international level as the climate crisis continues to intensify. Canada is no exception. 

The country has been seeing significant shifts in temperature and a rise in extreme weather events. Compared to the global average, Canada’s temperature has increased at more than twice the speed, with significant repercussions on the country’s economy and security, and the health of its residents.

Weather conditions have become less predictable, water temperatures are increasing, winters are becoming warmer, and ice caps in the Canadian Arctic are shrinking, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Library of Parliament of Canada. 

The nation has also seen an increase in wildfires. Canada is home to 28% of the world’s boreal forests. With global warming bringing hotter and drier weather, these forests are becoming increasingly vulnerable to wildfires. According to the National Forestry Database, over 8,000 fires occur in Canada each year, and burn an average of over 2.1 million hectares. 

Moreover, a decrease in surface water and other natural resources has put a disproportionate strain on Indigenous communities. This is because many traditional activities, such as fishing and hunting, have been disrupted as animal populations and other wildlife are being impacted by rising temperatures, habitat loss, and an increase in animal mortality rates.

You might also like: Indigenous Wisdom: Leading the Path to Sustainable Practices in Canada

With a rise in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, which not only destroy houses and businesses but can even render certain regions completely inhospitable, temporary or permanent displacement have become more common. Additionally, the increasing frequency of extreme heat threatens the health and wellbeing of Canadians. The Canadian Climate Institute defines extreme heat and heatwaves as situations in which temperatures are abnormally high. An elevated threat to human life exists during such occurrences, as seen in the 2021 heatwave in British Columbia, which claimed over 600 lives. 

In 2022, the Government of Canada committed to a plan to reduce emissions significantly by 2030, and to eventually reach net zero emissions by 2050. According to the Climate Action Tracker, the emissions generated by Canada are beginning to decline as a result, though stronger action has been deemed necessary to meet targets. A National Adaptation Strategy was also published by Canada, including plans for the future and ways to reduce risks caused by changes in the climate to citizens’ safety, health, and livelihoods. 

According to a 2023 survey conducted by Ipsos, about 65% of Canadians are calling on the government to act on climate change and curb its effects on their safety and health. 

You might also like: 5 Pressing Environmental Issues in Canada in 2023

Canada’s Cost-of-Living Crisis

While fighting climate change is a top priority for many Canadians, some find that the cost-of-living crisis is a more imminent issue, according to a 2023 survey of 2,000 Canadian adults by Abacus Data. When asked to identify the top three most significant issues confronting Canada today, 73% cited the growing expense of living, a significantly lower portion – 29% – cited climate change, an indication that the former is viewed as a significantly more pressing concern. 

The growing sentiment among Canadians that the cost-of-living crisis is becoming an increasingly critical issue is rooted in the outpacing of expenses, such as housing, rent, food, utilities, and transportation, in comparison to income growth. According to Statistics Canada, rising prices are not coinciding with salary or wage increases, diminishing Canadians’ ability to meet everyday expenses. 

The housing affordability crisis and continuous rent increases across Canada are worsening financial insecurity for many Canadians, and rent regulation policies only exist in six provinces and they vary greatly, according to the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights. 

Addressing Both Issues

Notwithstanding these economic difficulties, the need to solve the climate crisis urgently persists. Like many other nations, Canada is facing the impending issue of climate change, which puts human well-being at serious risk from extreme weather events and environmental damage. There is no denying the necessity of making the switch to a sustainable economy, and the majority of Canadians concur. 

While it is acknowledged that measures targeted at lowering emissions are crucial going forward, these regulations cannot be implemented at the risk of worsening the living situation of Canadians, such as by increasing taxes or other costs. Environmental and economic issues must be addressed through a balanced and proactive approach. 

According to the Canadian Climate Institute, these two crises are interlinked, with climate change expected to continue costing the government and Canadian households billions of dollars every year. In a 2021 report, the institute found that within this century, heat-related deaths and ozone exposure-related deaths will cost Canada’s healthcare system and economy $8.5 billion and $246 billion, respectively, unless an effective strategy to mitigate emissions is adopted. 

The combined costs of weather-related disasters in Canada increased by 1250% over the past five decades, from an average of $8.3 million per event in the 1970s to an average of $112 million between 2010-2019. 

Climate change is also impacting economic growth. The rise in extreme weather, natural disasters, and other effects of climate change will drive down incomes, raise unemployment and taxes, and increase the cost of goods as supply chains are disrupted, making daily living in Canada even more unaffordable. By 2025, the climate crisis is expected to slow Canada’s economy by $25 billion annually. 

Implementing proactive adaptation measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have been recognized as an effective approach to reduce costs preemptively for Canadians and to support the economy, according to the institute. Such an approach has the potential to reduce Canada’s GDP losses by 75%. 

This highlights the importance of implementing proactive mitigation and adaptation strategies to cut emissions and reduce climate-related costs. According to Ipson, these measures have the potential to reduce Canada’s GDP losses by 75%. 

“Our analysis shows that… For every $1 spent on adaptation measures today, $13-$15 will be returned in years ahead in direct and indirect benefits,” a 2022 analysis read.

Climate change has proven costly for the government and for individual Canadians, and effectively combating the climate crisis is thus necessary to address the cost-of-living and other crises the nation is battling with. Individuals can also play their part by opting for a more sustainable lifestyle, though attaining more environmentally friendly options has often proven difficult for many Canadians.

According to EY, 68% of Canadian consumers are making trade-offs when purchasing products as sustainable and energy efficient goods are found to be too costly. Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are worsening financial constraints and driving consumers to select less environmentally friendly and cheaper products more frequently, despite a desire for sustainable living. This directly affects the environment, as unsustainable production and consumption only further contributes to the climate crisis. On a governmental level, ensuring the affordability of sustainable options, such as for food, housing, and public transportation, can ease the cost-of-living crisis by improving the accessibility of necessities. This can also help alleviate the financial constraints that currently hinder many Canadians from making environmentally friendly choices. 

You might also like: Analysing the Effectiveness of a Carbon Tax in British Columbia

Moving Forward

Economic losses resulting from the climate crisis affecting Canada disproportionately affect low-income households, and the affordability crisis continues to become aggravated as a result of issues caused by climate change. The Canadian Climate Institute shines a light on the importance of approaching both the cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis simultaneously rather than individually as these issues directly affect one another. By doing so, both crises can be effectively combatted without neglecting or compromising on one issue. 

The adoption of a proactive adaptation strategy, alongside Canada’s plan to reduce emissions and some adaptation strategies that are already in place, will improve the future of the country by ensuring economic prosperity, affordability, the health and safety of Canadians, and the protection of the environment.

The post The Interplay of the Climate and Cost-of-Living Crises in Canada appeared first on Earth.Org.