UN warns of impending famine crisis

UN human rights chief speaks to climate-induced hunger crisis
The United Nations’ human rights chief has issued a dire warning that up to 80 million people could face hunger by the middle of this century if climate change targets are not met. Volker Turk, speaking at a debate held by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighted the significant impact that extreme weather events are having on crops, herds, and ecosystems, leading to concerns surrounding global food availability.

Tasmania expands deforestation area
As Victoria and Western Australia prepare to end native forest logging, Tasmania has expanded the area available for immediate harvesting — with the logging of 1,000 hectares of native forest backed by the state government and timber industry. While some forests have been spared, environmental groups say Tasmania's public forestry company is adding more forests out of the public eye in remote areas.

Israel attacks Jenin in biggest West Bank incursion in 20 years
Israel has launched a major aerial and ground offensive into the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, its biggest military operation in the Palestinian territory in years, in what it described as an “extensive counter-terrorism effort”. At least eight Palestinians were killed and 50 injured, in the attack that began at about 1am on Monday, and the death toll is likely to rise, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Scientists use AI to track chimps heart rates
Australian scientists are using technology to remotely measure the heart rates of chimpanzees on the other side of the world — using a digital camera and artificial intelligence. It is hoped the non-contact health check will help detect cardiac disease in the species residing near the Wolfgang Koehler Primate Research Centre in Germany.

Peru declares emergency status as volcano erupts
Peru will declare emergency status in the area around the Ubinas volcano in the southern region of Moquegua, the prime minister said on Monday, as the country's most active volcano has been spewing ash for several days.

American songbirds struggling to keep up with weather changes
A new study of North American songbirds finds that birds can't keep up with the earlier arrival of spring caused by climate change. As a result, they're raising fewer young. By the end of the 21st century, climate change will cause springlike weather to begin 25 days earlier, but birds will only breed about seven days earlier. This change could lead to an average reduction of 12% in breeding productivity for songbird species.