Climate science
Rwandan farmers lead tree-planting effort to meet rising wood demand
The authorities are partnering with communities to halt the decline of forest cover and produce wood, charcoal and fruit in a sustainable way
As climate fight enters new phase, local responses are starved of funding
Global, one-size-fits-all solutions work for cutting emissions, but adapting to warming requires an altogether different approach
Rwandan landslide casts a long shadow over survivors
While some families have moved to safer ground, young people feel left behind in areas increasingly prone to deadly landslides
Climate finance misses its mark in Ugandan landslide zones
On the slopes of Mount Elgon, residents live in fear of the next deadly landslide, as tree-planting solutions fail to take root
Extreme weather impacted 62 million people last year, says WMO
As the impacts of Cyclone Idai continue to grow in south-eastern Africa, the global agency says extreme weather is worsening hunger and conflict
Life adapts to Louisiana’s disappearing coast
South Louisiana is experiencing the effects of coastal erosion faster than almost anywhere in the world, but life adapts through the buildings and architecture
Weeds flourish and fish decline in Lake Victoria’s ‘deadest’ corner
As invasive water hyacinth chokes fishing communities, the World Bank launches a third phase of investment to try and restore the degraded lake
Stop asking climate scientists how we feel
A recent focus on scientists’ emotional responses to global warming is misplaced; the important question is how society will manage climate risk
MPs call to expand post-Brexit green programme across whole government
Indications that Britain’s new environmental watchdog will be government-funded raise questions about its independence, the National Audit Office said
Saudi version of climate justice rejected by developing countries
Oil-rich country’s resistance to welcoming findings of science report on 1.5C warming has marked it out from poorer countries
Climate science on 1.5C erased at UN talks as US and Saudis step in
In a moment of drama in Poland, countries closed ranks against a push by oil producers to water down recognition of the UN’s report on the impacts of 1.5C warming
French senate ‘failed to heed’ UN science warning before protests
A major climate report in October found shifting to a green economy risked social disruption, but French senators told a scientist they were ‘powerless’ to respond
Polish trade union Solidarity rejects climate science consensus
In a joint statement with US denialist think-tank the Heartland Institute, Solidarity expressed scepticism of UN conclusions on the dangers of global warming
Nile countries prepare water monitoring system to fill data gaps
Officials hope the hydromet system will help neighbours along the world’s longest river to manage the pressures of population growth, infrastructure and climate change
Valley dams offer half a hope to drought-hit Ugandan herders
As temperatures rise, pastoralists in Karamoja travel further to find pasture, while the government’s preferred remedy fails under extreme drought
Heavy rains and blocked drains: Nairobi’s recipe for floods
The authorities have bulldozed 2,000 buildings in a bid to prevent flooding, but garbage-choked rivers still overflow each rainy season, putting citizens at risk
France aims to ban deforestation imports by 2030
New French strategy puts pressure on Brussels to set an EU-wide action plan to stop agricultural trade destroying forests
Swiss researchers set out how to decarbonise cement
Cutting the carbon footprint of this common building material is tricky but achievable with existing technology, report finds
Islands need support to face shocking impacts of 1.5C global warming
Last month’s landmark UN science report underlines why vulnerable countries must demand funding to cover their climate-induced losses
Why UN climate science reports have Africa-shaped gaps
African experts explain the barriers they face to taking part in influential climate science assessments like this month’s blockbuster on 1.5C global warming