Latest news with #PlanetEarth
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Science
- The Citizen
WMO's new climate forecast warns the earth is getting hotter
Earth is on track to remain hot, or get hotter, over the next five years. Planet Earth – ecology concept, global warming concept, the effect of environment climate change. Elements of this image furnished by Nasa. Picture: https: The latest global climate forecast suggests that the average global temperature is likely to continue reaching record or near-record levels over the next five years. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the global climate predictions are expected to increase climate risks and impacts on societies, economies and sustainable development. Earth getting hotter The world is on track to remain hot, or get hotter, over the next five years, according to the report released last week by the WMO. The WMO report forecasts that the annually averaged global mean near-surface temperature for each year between 2025 and 2029 is predicted to be between 1.2°C and 1.9°C higher than the average over the years 1850-1900. It shows there is an 80% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will be warmer than the warmest year on record (currently 2024). And there is an 86% chance that at least one year will be more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level. The report did not give global predictions for individual years. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa finds pen and signs Climate Change Bill into law Warnings Every additional fraction of a degree of warming drives more harmful heatwaves, extreme rainfall events, intense droughts, melting of ice sheets, sea ice, and glaciers, heating of the ocean, and rising sea levels. The WMO's report – Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update for 2025-2029 – draws on forecasts from 15 international climate institutions, including the UK's Met Office, as the WMO Lead Centre for Annual to Decadal Climate Prediction. Global temperatures It provides some of the clearest near-term predictions of our warming world, and warns that global temperatures are set to remain at or near record highs for at least the next five years. 'We have just experienced the ten warmest years on record. Unfortunately, this WMO report provides no sign of respite over the coming years, and this means that there will be a growing negative impact on our economies, our daily lives, our ecosystems and our planet,' said WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett. 'Continued climate monitoring and prediction is essential to provide decision-makers with science-based tools and information to help us adapt.' ALSO READ: Embracing the power of drones to revolutionise farming practices 2024 WMO's State of the Global Climate 2024 report released in March confirmed that 2024 was likely the first calendar year to be more than 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average, with a global mean near-surface temperature of 1.55 ± 0.13 °C above the 1850-1900 average. It was the warmest year in the 175-year observational record. In 2022, Professor Coleen Vogel, a climatologist with Wits University's Global Change Unit, warned about the rising temperatures. 'This is likely the warmest Earth has been in 125,000 years. It is possible that during the Last Interglacial, about 125,000 years ago, Earth has been warmer,' adding that such past periods of higher temperatures were caused by slow changes in the orbital characteristics of Earth, occurring over tens of thousands of years. Cop 30 This year's UN climate change conference, COP30, will consider updated climate action plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions which are crucial for achieving the Paris Agreement goals. Under the Paris Agreement, countries agreed to hold the increase in long-term global average surface temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The scientific community has repeatedly warned that warming of more than 1.5°C risks unleashing far more severe climate change impacts and extreme weather and every fraction of a degree of warming matters. ALSO READ: Natural disasters set to increase by 37% globally by 2025 – Report
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Sir David Attenborough's Scots cameraman backs groundbreaking 'ecocide' law
SUNDAY MAIL EXCLUSIVE: Celebrated BBC wildlife photographer Doug Allan has hailed MSP Monica Lennon's 'powerful' proposals to tackle eco criminals. Sir David Attenborough's award-winning cameraman has backed groundbreaking legislation being published at Holyrood this week which would outlaw 'ecocide' in Scotland. Doug Allan – world-renowned for his work on BBC shows including Life, Planet Earth and The Blue Planet – hailed MSP Monica Lennon's 'powerful' plan to hold polluters to account through a Scottish Ecocide Bill. Under the Labour politician's proposals, company bosses who cause severe or widespread damage to ecosystems could be prosecuted and face up to 20-year prison terms. After years of planning and consultation, Lennon is set to publish her draft Ecocide (Prevention) Bill at Holyrood on May 29. If passed it would be the first law of its kind in the UK. Bafta and Emmy award-winning Allan, born in Fife, said it can't come soon enough. The Sunday Mail previously teamed up with the celebrated wildlife photographer and cameraman in our successful campaign to ban polluting plastic wet wipes. Allan, also a marine biologist, said: 'I've always believed that there's a sort of Scottish psyche which is more aware of the natural environment. "Having travelled the world, I can tell you Scotland is one of the loveliest countries out there in terms of the wildernesses that you can find and the freedom to roam about them. "There's so much that Scotland's got going for it and an ecocide law has the potential to be powerful. 'I just hope it gets passed and then starts to have an effect as soon as possible.' The proposals were first championed by the Sunday Mail in 2021 as Glasgow was preparing to host COP26. Experts say ecocide laws could capture large-scale acts of eco destruction like river pollution, deforestation and oil spills. They could also target energy giants behind new fossil fuel schemes which pump even more carbon into the atmosphere – as the world hurtles towards catastrophic climate change. Allan warned political turmoil and events like the war in Ukraine had seen action on the climate and environment stall with concerns rising over the cost of net zero. But he said: "What's good about this Bill is it actually goes after the people who are causing the damage, so it shouldn't cost the government much to put it into force - and we should be extracting something from the people who cause the damage. 'I've started talking about climate breakdown rather than climate change, because climate change is much too gentle a word. 'If you've got something that breaks down, you've got to fix it – and that's what we've done. We have broken down the climate. 'People wouldn't damage the environment if there wasn't some profit motive sitting away at the back of it somewhere. "And this Bill gets to grips with the economic system which is causing that damage in the first place.' Lennon said: 'This robust plan to criminalise severe environmental crimes has been a long time in the making, with the help of world-leading experts and community voices across the country. 'It's brilliant to have the backing of legendary wildlife cameraman and photographer Doug Allan, whose work underwater and in the polar regions has brought the undeniable case for ecocide law to our screens.' It comes as the latest documentary by Sir David, 99, has sparked huge public debate over destructive industrial fishing activities, some of which experts say could meet the bar for ecocide. As well as exploring the world's incredible marine wildlife, 'Ocean With David Attenborough ' exposes the grim trail of destruction left by bottom-trawling and dredging vessels which rip up the seabed, featuring unprecedented underwater footage. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In Scotland, more than 90 per cent of our Marine Protected Areas still allow trawlers to operate. The Blue Marine Foundation, which will screen the film for free for hundreds of UK schools, is also backing Lennon's Bill. Jonny Hughes from the conservation charity said: 'If allowing our supposedly protected areas to be trashed by the most destructive fishing gears isn't ecocide, it's hard to imagine what would be. 'David Attenborough's latest film shows a stark but accurate picture of what's going on in our waters, including where there is 'protection' – at least on paper. 'Ministers cannot criticise deforestation or other ecologically damaging policies in place around the world while allowing this to happen in our own seas.' Ocean with David Attenborough is in cinemas now with a wider release on Disney+ on June 8.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
William: Attenborough was 'inspiration' for new show
The Prince of Wales has described Sir David Attenborough as a "big inspiration" to him growing up, and the motivation behind his new wildlife documentary highlighting the work of rangers. In an unexpected appearance at a screening earlier this week, Prince William credited the veteran nature presenter with "being able to present wonderful parts of the world to many of us most of us will never get a chance to visit". He said he hoped his new six-part series, called Guardians, "does the same kind of thing". The prince and Sir David share a passion for conserving the natural world, and have supported each other's projects in the field. The heir to the throne has attended screenings of the broadcaster's documentaries privately, while Sir David has been a champion of Prince William's environmentally focused Earthshot Prize since its inception. Now taking a lead from the 99-year-old host of Ocean and Planet Earth, the prince said his new series "reminds people that there are still wonderful parts of the world and there is still hope, and there's still amazing work being done". He surprised those attending the screening of the series when he walked into a central London hotel and sat with journalists to watch the first three episodes. Guardians will focus on how the work of rangers - who protect endangered animals - has become significantly more risky. Around 1,400 rangers have died in the past decade. "This is now one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet," the prince told reporters. "It shouldn't be. Protecting the natural world shouldn't be that dangerous. "Being a soldier, a police officer, the emergency services - these jobs are dangerous, people put their lives on the line. "I don't think people realise it's the same for these guys and girls around the world." He attributed the increased threat to "community conflicts or civil wars, or illegal fishing, or poaching - whatever it might be is just spreading further and further across the globe". A friend said the prince turned up to emphasise the importance of the series to him on a personal level. "The project was driven by him," the friend told the BBC. "He wanted to show the incredible work rangers do for people around the world." Each episode will feature an on-screen introduction by Prince William, who also appears in a trailer for the project. The prince also spoke about the challenge of recruiting the next generation of rangers. He said: "They ask, why would I do that? Why would I go and risk my life to do that? No one seems to notice and no one seems to care. I'm not necessarily paid enough, I'm not valued enough by society." Prince William stressed that rangers "do so much more than just protecting wildlife". "It's about the community initiatives they do, it's the education, it's the teaching, the scientific research," he said. "And if we are to reach our goals, and we do generally as a world care about the natural environment, then we need more of these guys and girls." Rangers are tasked with overseeing natural areas and the wildlife within them, but increasingly have to fend off poachers, who seek to traffic or kill animals - such as elephants, tigers and rhinos - that have body parts prized by some. Poachers can be armed and encounters with rangers can prove fatal. In the year to May 2024, 38 out of 140 deaths were homicides, according to the International Ranger Federation (IRF). In November, the prince announced a new life insurance scheme to cover 10,000 rangers who safeguard Africa's wildlife. The screening was also attended by Rohit Singh, vice-president of the IRF, who described rangers as "essential planetary health workers" and echoed the Prince's concerns. He said: "One statistic that always comes to my mind is that 82% of rangers say they don't want their kids to become rangers - so if we don't change this, how are we going to get more rangers? "There are more hairdressers in the UK than there are rangers in the world's protected areas." The first episode of the series, launched by the Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife and co-produced by Zandland, is available from Friday on BBC Earth's YouTube and social channels, with a new episode released every Friday. William takes on illegal wildlife trade in Cape Town speech Steve Irwin's son joins Prince William in South Africa Letter from Africa: Game rangers in danger
Observer
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
New Attenborough film showcases both destruction and hope in planet's oceans
British naturalist David Attenborough says there is hope for the future of the planet's oceans in a new film premiering later on Tuesday that sets out both the scale of damage caused by human activities and the oceans' capacity for recovery. In his latest work "Ocean", Attenborough, one of the world's best-known nature broadcasters and filmmakers whose work spans seven decades, charts the challenges faced by the seas over his lifetime, from destructive industrial fishing practices to mass coral reef bleaching. "After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,' he says in a trailer of the movie. Its full release in cinemas on Thursday coincides with Attenborough's 99th birthday. Tuesday's premiere in London will see both a glitzy event with celebrities and dignitaries walking a blue - not red - carpet in the evening, and a daytime screening for students and teachers. Despite depicting the bleak current state of the health of the ocean, discoveries made during filming offer hope, Attenborough said. "The ocean can recover faster than we had ever imagined, it can bounce back to life," he said. "If we save the sea we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet I'm sure nothing is more important." The film's release comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean conference in Nice, France, in June where it is hoped more countries will ratify a 2023 agreement to protect ocean biodiversity. So far only 21 countries have officially signed, falling well short of the 60 countries needed for the agreement to come into force. Renowned broadcaster Sir David Attenborough is celebrated worldwide for revolutionising nature documentaries and raising awareness about environmental issues. Over his decades-long career, he has produced iconic series such as Planet Earth, Blue Planet, and Life on Earth, setting new standards in wildlife filmmaking. Attenborough's compelling narration and innovative filming techniques have captivated global audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. His work has highlighted urgent ecological challenges, including habitat loss and climate change, inspiring conservation efforts across the globe. Recognised with numerous awards such as BAFTA, Emmy, and a knighthood, he continues to influence public policy and environmental campaigning. Attenborough's unwavering dedication to educating the public about our planet's wonders and vulnerabilities has cemented his legacy as a leading figure in science communication and conservation.—Reuters
Rhyl Journal
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
William praises Attenborough's dedication as he wishes him happy 99th birthday
William met Sir David on Tuesday before attending a private screening of the broadcaster's new film, Ocean With David Attenborough, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The prince, in a message released on social media, wrote: 'As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats – this time those beneath the ocean. 'He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet. As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats – this time those beneath the ocean. He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet. However hard… — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 8, 2025 'However hard-hitting his message is, Sir David always leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism that all is not lost and this film is no different. 'We must act together, with urgency, to restore our oceans. Happy Birthday, David. W' The naturalist has been on our TV screens for more than seven decades presenting programmes such as Planet Earth and The Blue Planet. Mike Gunton, creative director at BBC Studios Natural History Unit, told the PA news agency that Sir David must have 'one of the greatest legacies of any human being ever.' Mr Gunton, who has worked with Sir David on documentaries including Attenborough And The Giant Dinosaur and Bafta-winning Planet Earth II, said: 'Each generation has its own kind of personal legacy from him, and I think that's remarkable'. 'But also, there's a broader, I suppose, global legacy, which I think is that he has shown us wonders, he's helped us understand wonders, and he's encouraged us to protect these wonders. 'If you could do that in a lifetime, and speak to hundreds upon hundreds of millions of people and inspire them to do all that, that's got to be one of the greatest legacies of any human being ever. 'And I think he's aware of that, and the responsibility of that, and he often talks about the privilege of being able to do that, and it's a privilege for those of us who have worked with him to have.' Mr Gunton began working with the broadcaster aged 29 and said it has been 'a life-defining experience' for him. He told PA: 'Every programme I have made with him has been a remarkable experience which the audience have always found completely memorable and worthwhile and that's a joy for anybody, to make things that are remembered, you know, they're historic, they're part of human history.' Sir David was born David Frederick Attenborough on May 8 1926, in London, the son of an academic and principal of University College Leicester. Before joining the BBC in 1952, he studied geology at the University of Cambridge and served two years in the Royal Navy. He made his reputation with the ground-breaking Zoo Quest series, which he hosted for 10 years on the BBC. In 1965 he became controller of BBC2, overseeing the advent of colour TV, and he later became BBC director of programming. Ultimately, however, life as a broadcast executive did not appeal and he returned with relief to his early passions, programme-making and filming wildlife. His famous whispering voice captured the imaginations of the nation in 1979 when he was seen mingling and bonding with a family of gorillas in Life On Earth and its sequel, The Living Planet, in 1984. The following year, he was knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II before being awarded a Knight Grand Cross honour in 2022. The TV presenter has two children, Susan and Robert, with his late wife Jane, whom he married in 1950. In recent years, Sir David, who resides in Richmond, London, has presented shows including Dynasties, Prehistoric Planet and Planet Earth III. In celebration of his 99th birthday, his new documentary about the health of the ocean airs in cinemas from Thursday. Also to mark his birthday, John Murray Press is giving at least 1,000 copies of his new book, Ocean: Earth's Last Wilderness, to schools and libraries across the UK.
