Massive floods in southern Russia, exacerbated by rapid snowmelt, have exposed the country's lack of preparedness for climate change. Critics, including Yulia Navalnya and environmental campaigners, argue that the Russian government has failed to implement effective adaptation measures. The floods have led to significant damage and displacement, prompting rare protests and calls for better disaster management. Experts highlight that while Russia has focused on adaptation in policy, concrete measures are lacking, and the government's priorities remain skewed towards fossil fuel exports and geopolitical influence.

Germany, Spain, and France propose a global billionaire tax to address the climate crisis, supported by finance ministers from Brazil and South Africa. The tax aims to levy a minimum 2% on the wealth of the world's 3,000 billionaires, potentially generating $250 billion annually for global public goods and climate protection. The proposal faces challenges, including potential resistance from the super-rich and the need for international cooperation. While the US has not backed the tax, there is significant public support in Europe. The initiative is seen as a step towards more equitable tax policies and climate action.

One third of European rivers breached high flood thresholds in 2023, with 16% surpassing severe levels. Major river basins like the Rhine and Danube reached record levels, driven by climate change. The State of the Climate report from Copernicus and the WMO highlights significant flooding events in Italy, Slovenia, Greece, and other regions, causing substantial economic losses and fatalities. Efforts to adapt to these changes include infrastructure improvements and increased hydropower generation. The year also saw a record proportion of electricity generation from renewables in Europe.

The World Meteorological Organisation's latest report reveals that 2023 was the hottest year on record, with significant increases in ocean heat, sea level rise, and glacier loss. The report highlights the severe impacts of climate change, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and tropical cyclones. Greenhouse gas concentrations reached record levels, exacerbating global warming. The report calls for urgent action to reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase climate finance investments to mitigate future damage. Despite the grim findings, there is hope in the rapid growth of renewable energy capacity.

A new report highlights the significant climate impact of winter sports sponsors like Audi and Equinor, who are estimated to melt nearly 2,000 square kilometers of snow annually due to their carbon emissions. Activists from the New Weather Institute have developed a pioneering formula to measure this impact, emphasizing the irony that winter sports are threatened by their own sponsors. The report calls for winter sports organizations to sever ties with high-carbon sponsors to ensure the future of these sports. The article also discusses the broader implications of climate change on European ski resorts and the growing pressure on sports organizations to end partnerships with polluting companies.

A new report by the New Weather Institute highlights the irony that winter sports are endangered by their biggest sponsors, including Audi and Equinor, whose carbon emissions are melting significant snow cover. The report calculates the climate impact of sponsorship deals with polluting industries, estimating that these sponsors cause the melting of nearly 2,000 square kilometers of spring snow annually. Record temperatures across Europe have led to the cancellation of ski races and the closure of ski resorts. The report, along with the Badvertising campaign, calls for winter sports organizations and athletes to reject polluting sponsors and for increased transparency in sponsorship deals. Successful climate campaigns in tennis and rugby have led to the termination of contracts with polluting companies, and the report urges a complete withdrawal of major climate change drivers from the sports field.

A report by the New Weather Institute claims that winter sports sponsors like Audi and Equinor are responsible for melting nearly 2,000 square kilometers of snow annually due to their carbon emissions. The 'Dirty Snow' report introduces a formula to measure the climate impact of sponsorship deals with high-carbon industries. The report's release coincides with the FIS Ski World Cup in Austria, sponsored by Audi. The study highlights the irony of winter sports being endangered by their major sponsors and calls for a break from polluting companies to ensure the future of winter sports. Climate change has already led to the cancellation of ski races and the increased use of artificial snow in European ski resorts. Athletes and campaigners are urging winter sports to reject polluting sponsors and are advocating for transparency in sponsorship deals.

An industrial-scale sand battery in Pornainen, Finland, is set to become the world's largest, storing 100 MWh of solar and wind energy to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 70%. Developed by Polar Night Energy, the battery will replace oil in the local heating network, significantly cutting emissions. The project follows a smaller prototype in Kankaanpää and aligns with Finland's shift towards renewable energy, especially after Russia cut gas supplies. The sand battery, using crushed soapstone from Tulikivi, will be integrated into Loviisan Lämpö's heating network, supporting Pornainen's carbon neutrality goals.

Saint-Joachim, a French city, is installing a solar panel canopy over its cemetery to distribute energy to local residents. The project, initiated to address flooding issues, will also reuse rainwater for local green spaces. The solar panels will generate 1.3 MW of electricity, distributed equitably among residents. The initiative, supported by 97% of locals, aims to save households €150-€250 annually. The municipality funds the €3.35 million project, set to provide clean energy by summer 2025.

A new report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) reveals that climate denial content on YouTube is evolving, influencing nearly a third of UK teenagers to believe that climate change is exaggerated. The report criticizes YouTube and its parent company Google for monetizing such content despite policies against it. Researchers note a shift from outright denial of climate change to undermining confidence in climate solutions and science. The report calls for stricter actions from digital platforms to combat misinformation, highlighting the significant impact on young people.