Climate Crisis

Climate change is the defining issue of our time. Many have identified the consequences of global warming as the gravest threat that countries, the international community and planet Earth face over the course of this century. Global warming, i.e. the rise in global average temperatures, is caused by greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere – such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) – produced by a number of human activities: deforestation, the burning of fossil fuels like oil and coal, and intensive farming. The consequences of this process are known as climate change. Due to the ongoing climate crisis we’re witnessing the melting of ice sheets and glaciers, sea levels rising, desertification and biodiversity loss. In order to face all these challenges, over 170 countries adopted the Paris Agreement at the COP21 climate change conference held in the French capital in 2015. Follow the latest updates, information and news about international efforts to slow down global warming and its devastating effects.

Southern Chile has been hit by devastating wildfires

Southern Chile has been hit by devastating wildfires

Wildfires in central and southern Chile, caused by extreme temperatures and drought, have already burned over 270,000 hectares of land.

Ocean heat reached another record high in 2022

Ocean heat reached another record high in 2022

Ocean heat content in the upper layers of our seas reached another record high in 2022, according to an international study published in January.

How will sea level rise change the UK coastline?

How will sea level rise change the UK coastline?

Increasing global average temperatures cause sea levels to rise and threaten the homes and livelihoods of many coastal communities in northern Europe.

What we have learned in the aftermath of the Ischia landslide

What we have learned in the aftermath of the Ischia landslide

After a landslide led to twelve deaths on the island of Ischia, questions have been raised about the impacts of illegal building, tourism, and climate change.

Drought and overexploitation dried up a lake in Spain’s Doñana National Park

Drought and overexploitation dried up a lake in Spain’s Doñana National Park

Santa Olalla, the last permanent lagoon in the park, has disappeared under the pressure of drought, overexploitation, and illegal wells.

Some fossil fuel advertising is now banned in France

Some fossil fuel advertising is now banned in France

France has banned some fossil fuel ads, but the ban’s limitations – including allowances for natural gas and financial advertising – have led to criticism.

Africa’s Great Green Wall: a bursting dream?

Africa’s Great Green Wall: a bursting dream?

A giant vegetation barrier to stop desertification: The Great Green Wall is the world’s most ambitious project to fight the impact of climate change. Why it is struggling to reach its potential.

What is carbon neutrality and how can we achieve net zero emissions

What is carbon neutrality and how can we achieve net zero emissions

The Paris Climate Agreement requires us to move towards carbon neutrality, but what does reducing net greenhouse gas emissions to zero actually mean?

United States, Biden suspends oil drilling in parts of Alaska

United States, Biden suspends oil drilling in parts of Alaska

The ban on drilling for oil has been welcomed by activists, but comes after a series of controversial decisions in Alaska and beyond.

A Dutch court has ordered Shell to reduce its emissions

A Dutch court has ordered Shell to reduce its emissions

A Dutch court has handed down a historic ruling: oil giant Shell will have to cut its emissions to comply with the Paris Agreement.