Tag: Climate Change

Climate change inaction costing a life a minute from excessive heat globally

Stuart Mitchell

The annual number of preventable heat-related deaths globally has soared to more than half a million, a UCL-led report says. The ninth annual Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report reveals that the continued overreliance on fossil fuels and failure to adapt to climate change is being paid in people’s lives, health and livelihoods. It reveals that heat-related mortality per 100,000 has risen 23 per cent since the 1990s, with total heat-related deaths reaching an average of 546,000 annually between 2012 and 2021.  The scientists are calling for governments…

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UK’s iconic landmarks at risk from climate change by 2050, according to new report

Stuart Mitchell

Some of the UK’s most well-known landmarks could be at risk from the impacts of extreme weather in future unless action is taken, according to a new report by leading insurer, Aviva. Aviva’s third Building Future Communities report brings together the latest data to outline the risks that homes could face from multiple climate threats by 2050 and beyond, including flooding, subsidence and extreme heat. The report also highlights the importance of preventative measures to help protect homes, businesses and communities across the UK. According to the report, some of…

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Persistent social protection gaps in Europe and Central Asia worsened by climate change impact

Stuart Mitchell

Despite relatively high levels of social protection coverage in the region, significant gaps in adequacy and coverage remain at a time when stronger, more sustainable systems are urgently needed to address the growing impacts of climate change, according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report. The most recent data show that while 85.2 per cent of the population in the region are covered by at least one social protection benefit, 14.8 per cent are still entirely unprotected. Strengthening these social protection systems is essential not only to address immediate…

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Kingfisher accelerates action to tackle climate change

Stuart Mitchell

Kingfisher plc, the international home improvement retailer and owner of Screwfix and B&Q, has announced today it is committing to a new 2040 net zero target and an increased 60% Sustainable Home Products sales 2025 target. Kingfisher published today its annual Responsible Business Report, which shows that the business has made significant progress with its responsible business priorities during the financial year. Key 2021/22 achievements   24.5% reduction in carbon emissions across Kingfisher’s operations (scope 1 and 2) Over £5.8 billion (44.1%) in annual sales came from products that help…

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Amnesty calls for more cuts and loss and damage fund for people whose rights are hit by climate crisis

Stuart Mitchell

Ahead of COP27, as the world hurtles towards global warming levels of at least 2.5°C, Amnesty International is urging all governments party to the UN Framework on Climate Change to update their 2030 emissions targets to ensure they are aligned with keeping the average global temperature increase below 1.5°C, commit to rapidly phasing out the use and production of fossil fuels without relying on harmful and unproven ‘shortcuts’ like carbon removal mechanisms and wealthy countries must establish a loss and damage fund for those whose rights have been violated by…

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