A more troubling picture of sea level rise is coming into view
New research reveals that global sea levels are significantly higher than previously estimated, posing a more urgent threat to coastal populations worldwide. Two major studies highlight that standard flood-risk models have underestimated current sea levels by nearly one foot on average, with some locations off by three feet or more. This discrepancy arises because traditional models often neglect critical factors such as ocean currents and wind effects. Additionally, coastal land subsidence—where land sinks faster than sea levels rise—is occurring at rates much higher than anticipated, further exacerbating vulnerability in many regions. One of the studies, conducted by geographers at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, analyzed real-world sea level measurements across 385 locations. Their findings suggest that approximately 80 million people currently live on land below sea level, nearly double previous estimates. This means that many low-lying coastal areas are at risk of flooding much sooner than expected, intensifying the need for immediate and enhanced coastal protection measures. The research challenges the reliability of existing global models, which assume calmer sea conditions and overlook localized environmental dynamics. The second study focused on river deltas, which are critical hubs for human settlement and agriculture but are increasingly sinking due to groundwater extraction and other human activities. This subsidence compounds the risks posed by rising seas, especially in densely populated megacities in the Global South. Experts emphasize that these combined factors—higher baseline sea levels and faster land subsidence—paint a far more alarming picture of coastal vulnerability than previously understood. These findings have significant implications for climate adaptation and urban planning, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions. They underscore the urgency of revising flood-risk assessments and accelerating investments in resilient infrastructure. As sea level rise accelerates with ongoing climate change, the window for effective mitigation and protection is narrowing, making it critical for policymakers and communities to act swiftly to safeguard millions of people worldwide.
Who’d have thought a fossil-fuel shill like Trump would be the one to spark a green revolution? | George Monbiot
The US attack on Iran has made the need for renewable energy inarguable. Environmentalists are now being seen for the pragmatists that they areDonald Trump has done more to accelerate the energy transition than anyone else alive. Fossil fuel companies bankrolled his presidential campaign to stop the transition in its tracks. But when you back a volatile narcissist, unable to concentrate for more than a few minutes at a time, you shouldn’t expect to control the outcome.It’s not that the fossils are suffering yet. As prices have soared since Trump and Netanyahu attacked Iran, oil executives have been selling shares at gobsmacking prices: the CEO of Chevron, for example, has cashed $104m so far this year. Vladimir Putin has also received a massive boost to his Ukraine invasion budget. As promised, Trump has gutted clean energy rules and programmes, green alternatives and environmental science. A fortnight ago, he stated, with the usual quantum of evidence (zero): “The environmentalists, I mean, they are terrorists … I call them environmental terrorists.”George Monbiot is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
Campaigners hope to save rare rainforest habitat
Volunteers from the Friends of the Lake District are working to restore a rare temperate rainforest habitat in the Rusland Valley, Cumbria, which has significantly declined across the UK. The group manages two neighbouring woods exhibiting rainforest characteristics and aims to improve the habitat through glade creation and controlling invasive species. During Earth Week, donations to their cause will be doubled via the Big Give's Earth Raise campaign, providing a crucial opportunity to secure funding for ongoing restoration efforts. Temperate rainforests once covered about 20% of the UK but now occupy less than 1%, making the remaining fragments in Cumbria vital refuges for unique mosses, lichens, fungi, and ferns. These microclimates support species rarely found elsewhere in the country. Volunteers like Marion Brown emphasize the ecological richness of the area, noting that the woods are like "mini cities" of biodiversity. However, the habitat faces threats from non-native species, diseases, and climate change, which jeopardize its survival. The Friends of the Lake District have been actively involved in restoration work for the past two years and are about to expand their stewardship by taking responsibility for an additional adjoining woodland, increasing their managed area to 72 acres. Their efforts are part of a broader initiative to protect and revive ancient landscapes, ensuring the survival of rare wildlife and plant species unique to these temperate rainforests. This project highlights the importance of community engagement and targeted conservation to preserve fragile ecosystems under threat.
Stranded and dying, the German whale is a parable of our troubled relationship with these sea giants
A humpback whale has been stranded for weeks on a sandbank off the island of Poel on Germany’s Baltic coast, prompting a final rescue attempt as the animal has grown severely weakened. The whale, entangled in ropes, wandered into shallow waters where it was unable to feed and became dehydrated, ultimately stranding itself in a desperate bid for survival. Despite efforts to save it, the whale’s condition has deteriorated, highlighting the slow and painful nature of beached whale deaths, which often result from crushing under their own weight. The plight of this German humpback serves as a stark symbol of humanity’s troubled relationship with marine giants. While whales evoke empathy for their intelligence and majesty, human activities have drastically reduced their habitats and survival chances. Oceans have been transformed by economic exploitation, leaving whales with shrinking feeding grounds due to warming, acidification, and pollution. Chemical contaminants impair their fertility and immune systems, while noise pollution disrupts their communication and cultural behaviors. This particular whale was first spotted about a month ago, repeatedly stranding and freeing itself before becoming trapped again. Its suffering underscores the unintended consequences of human intervention, as well as the broader, often unseen toll on whale populations worldwide. Thousands of whales die annually from entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and starvation, many of these deaths occurring unnoticed beyond media attention. The situation reflects a broader environmental crisis where the ocean, once vast and wild, is increasingly dominated by human presence and activity. The whale’s struggle is a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the cumulative impacts of pollution, climate change, and industrialization on marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
DeBriefed 17 April 2026: Fossil-fuel power slumps | ‘Super’ El Niño warning | Afghanistan’s climate struggle
France has announced a significant increase in state support for electrification efforts aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu pledged to double existing funding through 2030, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change impacts, which he linked to loss of life and agricultural damage. Lecornu highlighted the interconnected nature of global climate decisions and questioned France’s current role in international climate processes. This commitment comes amid broader global shifts in energy production, with fossil-fuel power generation experiencing a notable decline in several regions. The move aligns with efforts to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. France’s increased investment in electrification is expected to support the expansion of clean energy infrastructure, including electric vehicles and renewable power generation, contributing to the country’s climate goals. In parallel, climate scientists have issued warnings about a potential “super” El Niño event, which could exacerbate extreme weather patterns worldwide. Such phenomena typically lead to severe droughts, floods, and temperature spikes, complicating efforts to manage climate risks. Regions like Afghanistan are already grappling with climate-induced challenges, including water scarcity and agricultural stress, underscoring the urgency of coordinated global climate action. These developments reflect the complex and interconnected nature of climate change mitigation and adaptation. France’s policy shift and the looming El Niño threat highlight the critical need for enhanced international cooperation and robust climate strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
Q&A: What Magyar’s defeat of Orbán in Hungary means for climate and energy
Hungary’s ruling right-wing populist government, led by Viktor Orbán, has been decisively defeated in a recent election, marking a significant political shift in the country. The opposition coalition, known as Magyar, secured a landslide victory, ending Orbán’s long-standing dominance. This change in leadership is expected to have substantial implications for Hungary’s climate and energy policies, potentially altering the country’s approach to environmental issues and its alignment with European Union climate goals. Orbán’s government was known for its skepticism toward aggressive climate action and for maintaining close ties with fossil fuel interests, particularly Russia’s energy sector. The new administration has signaled intentions to pivot towards more sustainable energy policies, which could accelerate Hungary’s transition to renewable energy sources and enhance its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. This shift aligns with broader European efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels amid geopolitical tensions. The election outcome also resonates beyond Hungary, as the country’s energy strategy has been a critical factor in regional energy security and climate cooperation within the EU. A move away from Orbán’s policies could strengthen EU cohesion on climate initiatives and support the bloc’s ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050. Analysts suggest that Hungary’s new government may prioritize investments in wind, solar, and other clean energy technologies, potentially attracting international funding and fostering innovation in the sector. Overall, Magyar’s victory represents a potential turning point for Hungary’s environmental future, signaling a departure from populist resistance to climate action toward a more progressive and collaborative stance. This development could influence regional dynamics in Central Europe and contribute to the global momentum for a sustainable energy transition.
Q&A: Look beyond Trump for the full story on US climate action, says university dean
Despite the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the UN climate regime and its vocal support for fossil fuels, significant climate action continues across the United States at state, city, community, business, and academic levels. Lou Leonard, dean of the School of Climate, Environment, and Society at Clark University, emphasized that efforts to reduce emissions, expand clean energy, and adapt to climate impacts persist robustly outside the federal government. Leonard highlighted that coalitions like America Is All In are driving progress toward the country’s 2035 emissions reduction targets, demonstrating that the broader US climate movement remains active despite federal setbacks. Leonard, an environmental lawyer with extensive experience including a decade at the World Wildlife Fund, noted that the Paris Agreement has endured over the past decade even with hostile federal leadership. He explained that while the US played a crucial role in the agreement’s formation, its ongoing survival and effectiveness do not depend solely on federal participation. Instead, the collective ambition of participating countries sustains the international framework, meaning that the US’s current stance weakens but does not dismantle global climate cooperation. At the recent International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent questioned the scientific consensus on climate change and urged these institutions to limit their focus on climate issues. This reflects the federal government’s broader skepticism and opposition to climate initiatives. However, Leonard’s perspective underscores the importance of looking beyond Washington to understand the full scope of US climate action, which includes substantial contributions from subnational actors and private sectors. The ongoing efforts at multiple levels of American society suggest that the US can still make meaningful strides toward its climate goals despite federal resistance. Leonard’s insights highlight the resilience of climate governance frameworks and the critical role of diverse stakeholders in advancing environmental progress amid political challenges.
Deep-diving robots help crack the mystery of Antarctica’s vanishing sea ice
Scientists have uncovered the cause behind the sudden and sustained decline of Antarctic sea ice since 2016, using data collected by deep-diving robotic instruments known as Argo floats. After decades of gradual expansion despite global warming, the sea ice around Antarctica abruptly contracted and has not recovered. Researchers found that changes in ocean salinity, wind patterns, and water circulation played a critical role in this shift, revealing how the ocean’s complex dynamics influence sea ice variability over years and decades. The Argo floats, which drift through the Southern Ocean collecting temperature and salinity data at various depths, helped scientists observe how warmer waters trapped beneath the surface were suddenly released. Unlike most oceans where surface waters are warmer, the Antarctic surface is cooled by the atmosphere, while relatively warmer water lies below. Over time, increased precipitation made surface waters fresher and less dense, creating a stratified layer that trapped heat in the deeper ocean. This heat buildup was stable until intensified and shifting winds pushed surface waters away from Antarctica, causing a violent upwelling of the warmer deep water. This process led to the rapid melting of sea ice observed since 2016. The findings highlight the significant influence of atmospheric changes on ocean circulation around Antarctica. As global temperatures rise, altered temperature gradients in the atmosphere strengthen and shift wind patterns, which in turn affect ocean currents and heat distribution. This dynamic interaction between the atmosphere and ocean is crucial for understanding the future of Antarctic sea ice and its broader implications. The loss of sea ice has profound consequences beyond the immediate environment. Antarctica’s vast ice sheet, if destabilized, could contribute to a global sea level rise of up to 190 feet. Understanding the mechanisms behind sea ice fluctuations is therefore essential for predicting the continent’s response to ongoing climate change and for global coastal communities preparing for potential impacts.
Rare butterflies spotted after 430 trees planted
A conservation effort in the Quantocks has led to the sighting of rare white-letter hairstreak butterflies following the planting of over 430 elm trees. The Friends of the Quantocks group, supported by funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme, planted the disease-resistant elms across 38 plots to restore the butterfly’s natural habitat. This species, which has declined by 80% since 1973, had not been seen in the area since 2008 and was recorded only five times in 75 years prior to this initiative. The white-letter hairstreak butterfly relies on tall elm trees that flower, but Dutch elm disease has devastated these trees, preventing them from reaching maturity and contributing to the butterfly’s decline. Robin Stamp, chairman of the Friends of the Quantocks, highlighted that many people have forgotten what elm trees look like due to their scarcity. The group discovered around 100 existing elms in the area and has since planted hundreds more to encourage the return of the butterfly and other species. Since the planting began, volunteers have spotted 11 hairstreak butterflies and three caterpillars, signaling a positive start to the habitat restoration project. The group aims to continue planting more elm trees in the coming winter and hopes to find additional rare butterfly species that have not been seen in the region for years. This project underscores the importance of habitat restoration in reversing the decline of vulnerable species and highlights community-led conservation as a vital tool in biodiversity preservation.
US pressure puts World Bank’s climate plan at risk
The World Bank’s climate agenda faces significant uncertainty as closed-door negotiations over its successor to the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) have stalled amid pressure from the United States. The US, the bank’s largest shareholder, is advocating for the removal of green targets and increased support for fossil fuel infrastructure in developing countries. This shift threatens to reverse progress made under the CCAP, which has driven a near doubling of the World Bank’s climate funding from $21 billion in 2021 to $39 billion in 2025 and embedded climate considerations across its lending practices. The CCAP, introduced in 2021, committed the World Bank to allocate 45% of its annual budget to projects with climate benefits, supporting emission reduction efforts and vulnerable communities impacted by climate change. However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the plan as “distortionary” and claimed it hinders poverty reduction and economic growth, calling for the bank to abandon its climate finance targets. Bessent’s remarks also challenged the scientific consensus on human-driven global warming, signaling a broader push to shift the bank’s focus away from climate priorities. The negotiations have exposed divisions among the World Bank’s shareholders. European countries and other climate-conscious nations are pushing to extend a version of the climate plan, while fossil fuel-dependent countries such as Russia and Gulf States have aligned with the US position. The final decision rests with the bank’s management, but shareholder governments wield significant influence over the outcome. Experts warn that diluting the World Bank’s climate commitments could undermine global efforts to address climate change, particularly in developing countries that rely heavily on the bank’s financial support for sustainable development. This impasse comes at a critical moment as the World Bank is the largest international financier of climate action in developing nations. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the institution’s role in global climate finance and its ability to support the transition to low-carbon economies, with far-reaching implications for international climate goals and sustainable development efforts worldwide.