Nearly 200 nations near historic deal to slow global warming
France crafted an unprecedented deal to slow global warming by cutting and then eliminating greenhouse gas pollution, urging climate negotiators from nearly 200 nations to adopt it Saturday.
UN climate-saving deal ‘sure’, but pitfalls ahead
The 195-nation conference in Paris had been scheduled to wrap up on Friday, but was extended another day after ministers failed to bridge deep divides during a second consecutive all-night round of negotiations.
Paris COP21: An Unexpected Move Toward Global Target of 1.5 Degrees
It is the big surprise of the Paris talks: the growing acceptance of a call from small nations most vulnerable to climate change for the conference to declare warming should be halted at 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Paris COP21: Amid Optimism, Key Issues Remain on Negotiating Table
The centerpieces of a deal are the 180 national emissions pledges for the period up to 2030, which were submitted ahead of the conference. What is at issue now are the rules for their implementation, and whether a procedure can be agreed upon for upgrading them later to give the world a chance of meeting its two-degree target.
Bangladesh’s Kutubdia island losing battle to stem climate tide
Although around 100,000 people still reside on Kutubdia, few have any illusions they are living on borrowed time, with Coast – a Bangladeshi NGO – warning the whole island could disappear underwater within 50 years. Tens of thousands have already left for good, mainly heading to the teeming capital Dhaka.
Climate talks enter next phase, toughest decisions ahead
Global climate change talks in Paris moved into a new, tougher phase on Saturday as negotiators agreed on a draft accord, albeit one that still leaves hundreds of points of dispute for ministers to resolve next week.
Ciguatera fish poisoning predicted to increase with rising ocean temperatures
A new NOAA study forecasts an increase in ciguatera fish poisoning in the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. Southeast Atlantic coast with predicted rising global ocean temperatures due to climate change.
Sea grass a potential solution in climate fight
While mangrove and salt bushes can play key roles in protecting fragile coastlines from wave damage and promote biodiversity, it’s the humble sea grass that provides the largest potential to store more carbon from the atmosphere.
USGS Projects Large Loss of Alaska Permafrost by 2100
Northern latitude tundra and boreal forests are experiencing an accelerated warming trend that is greater than in other parts of the world. This warming trend degrades permafrost, defined as ground that stays below freezing for at least two consecutive years.