US comes out against plastic production limits in UN treaty at deadlocked talks
US officials outlined their new position at a meeting in Nairobi, where key divisions persisted ahead of August talks to agree a global plastics pact
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Brazilian activists vow to fight Amazon oil auction in court, hail ‘partial victory’ over unsold blocks
Brazil has faced criticism over last week’s auction of exploration blocks just months before it hosts COP30 talks focused on shifting away from fossil fuels
Pacific islands push back against growing climate threats
Islanders can become more resilient to rising seas and extreme weather by protecting marine habitats and adapting farming methods
Deep-sea geoengineering set for scrutiny, as ocean treaty approval nears
The High Seas Treaty could require environmental impact assessments and consultation for marine carbon dioxide removal projects
Treaty to protect seas short on support ahead of UN ocean summit
Once the High Seas Treaty enters into force, experts say it will boost the health of oceans and their role in tackling climate change
Brazil’s new funding initiative can help bring rainforests back from the brink – if done right
With the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, Global South countries are showing a path for a livable – and financially sustainable – future
Cobalt and nickel-free electric car batteries boom in “good news” for rainforests
Lithium iron phosphate batteries do not contain cobalt and nickel, which are mostly found in rainforest nations like the DR Congo and Indonesia
Coral reefs could recover, but action is needed, say experts
Coral reefs could recover from the effects of climate change and over exploitation, but with over a billion people relying on the reefs for their livelihoods, locally sensitive action is required.
RTCC Q&A: Climate Change and the Oceans
RTCC takes you through the science of climate change and the oceans.
Picture Gallery: Coral Reefs – the oceans’ treasure troves
Containing 25% of marine species, coral reefs are considered to be the treasure troves of the oceans.
NASA: Latest pictures from satellite monitoring climate
NASA’s most recently launched Earth-observing satellite, Suomi NPP, has captured this spine-tingling picture from outer space.
Tracking climate change impacts with the Big Garden Birdwatch
This weekend is RSPB’s annual birdwatch, but what can trends tell us about birds’ ability to adapt to climate change?
Blue Marine Foundation: protecting the oceans from degradation
Described as the ‘blue heart’ the planet, Marina Vaughan of the Blue Marine Foundation asks how much of it would you protect?
Micro-plastic ‘soup’: the oceans’ hidden threat
A vast amount of the plastic thrown away ends up in the oceans having a long term impact on marine life.
RTCC photo of the week #2
This week’s Rio Conventions Calendar photo features a silverback Muninya peering out from the jungle.
Mark Lynas: Oceans are approaching dangerous acidification
Mark Lynas, envrionmentalist and author of ‘The God Species’ spoke to RTCC about ocean acidificiation and its links to climate change.
Letter from Antarctica: Hunting ocean acidification at the South Pole
Dr Donna Roberts writes for RTCC from the Mawson Centenary Cruise to Commonwealth Bay in Antarctica.
Expert Q&A: How the Southern Ocean helps us plan for climate change
Antarctic expert tells RTCC the Southern Ocean is a barometer for climate changes across the planet.
Frosty sun won’t affect earth’s temperature
UK Met Office research suggests that decreased output from the sun until 2100 will not negate rising temperatures caused by carbon emissions.
UNESCO: Vital fate of oceans on Rio+20 agenda
Wendy Watson-Wright, head of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission has called for acidification to be considered at this years RIO+20 Earth Summit conference.
Scientists make underwater biofuel breakthrough
New discovery means ethanol can be produced from seaweed, sparing food crops.
RTCC photo of the week #1
This week’s Rio Conventions Calendar photo features Antarctica’s Emperor Penguins
New Keystone XL route planned following Obama rejection
TransCanada says it remains committed to Keystone XL as Republicans round on President over jobs.
Climate Change: What is it and why does it matter?
Can’t access Wikipedia? Need to know all there is to know about climate change? Not a problem. Here’s our definitive guide.
Change your font size and save a forest
The Minus One project aims to encourage people to print less and save paper by reducing their font size by one.
Sceptics queue up for UN climate film
A climate sceptic website has offered $500 to anyone who can ‘debunk’ a UN film on glacier melt in the Himalayas, as US State Department holds special viewing.
UK launches Arctic environment inquiry
British government to investigate consequences of Arctic commercialisation on same day Norwegian firm Statoil announces major oil discovery in Barents Sea.
Maldives President: Australia should prepare for climate refugees
The President of the Maldives has urged the Australian government to brace itself for a wave of climate refugees as his country’s residents look for a new home.
Stephen Hawking: climate disaster within 1000 years
Climate change is one of a greatest threats posed to the future of human-kind and the world, according to Cambridge cosmologist Stephen Hawking.
2011 disasters make it costliest year on record
2011 was one of the costliest years on record in terms of natural catastrophe, 90% of which were weather related.
Comment: Time to get sceptical about climate change message?
Darren Hughes, head of public affairs at the Rothamsted Research Institute, explores how smarter communications could prompt more effective climate action.