Andrey Melnichenko, a Russian billionaire, presents an unconventional solution to address methane emissions from thawing Siberian permafrost at COP28. His plan involves recreating a prehistoric ecosystem, complete with woolly mammoths, to slow the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The Andrey Melnichenko Foundation sponsors a pavilion showcasing the project, reflecting the evolving nature of COPs as platforms encompassing diverse climate initiatives. Melnichenko, facing EU sanctions post-Ukraine invasion, aims to address climate challenges, proposing a unique approach that merges ecological restoration with technology. The billionaire is set to lead a COP28 event on sustainability and climate change.              

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for multiple districts in Tamil Nadu as Cyclone 'Michaung' intensifies over the Bay of Bengal and the South Andaman Sea. Expected to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam with winds reaching up to 100 kmph on Tuesday morning, the cyclone is set to become a cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours and set to make landfall. Precautionary measures are underway, with the Puducherry government declaring a holiday for colleges and state response teams on standby. The Southern Railway has canceled 118 trains in Tamil Nadu, anticipating the cyclone's impact from December 3-6.

As the UK goes through a severe burst of cold and snow, agencies across Cumbria are racing to clear roads as heavy snowfall leaves vehicles trapped, forcing police to declare a “major incident”. Amber warning in place, officers urged only essential travel as more difficult conditions loom with possible -12C Scottish lows overnight. Superintendent Andy Wilkinson stated: “We are working at pace, to help clear roads so those currently affected can get moving.” He added, “I would urge anybody considering traveling in Cumbria tonight, only to do so if necessary." Fresh Met Office warnings were issued as brutally icy weather buries parts of Britain, shutting motorists in Cumbria amid scenes of bitterly cold chaos.

Coastal regions of northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh are on high alert as Cyclone Michaung gains strength over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of heavy rain and predicts the cyclone to intensify into a storm within 24 hours. The projected path indicates a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5, with maximum sustained winds of 80-90 kmph. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized 18 teams, and schools in Chennai and neighboring districts remain closed on Monday. In response to the impending cyclone, The Southern Railway has cancelled 118 trains in Tamil Nadu, including long-distance trains in other states between December 3-6.

A new yellow weather warning for snow and ice covers the Midlands, Yorkshire, and north and central Wales, foretelling travel woes on roads and railways. Glasgow Airport grinds to a halt due to unexpected heavy snow, causing diversions for flights bound to Prestwick and Edinburgh airports. As temperatures plummet across the UK, Manchester records -5°C, Edinburgh -5°C, south-west London and Birmingham -3°C. Sporting events, including 11 SPFL football matches and the Newcastle racing fixture, succumb to cancellations. Manchester United's flight to Newcastle is axed, forcing a coach journey. The Met Office's yellow warning persists into Sunday, aligning with an amber cold-health alert for five English regions, warning of service strain until December 5.              

Cyclone Michaung poses a looming peril for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department's alert indicates the system's trajectory towards a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5, with expected wind speeds of 80-90 kmph. The government of Puducherry has declared a holiday for all colleges in the Union Territory next week on December 4 due to Cyclone Michaung.Tamil Nadu's CM, MK Stalin, has initiated precautionary measures, foreseeing heavy rainfall. The National Crisis Management Committee is actively reviewing preparedness. A comprehensive rainfall warning spans southern and eastern India, urging residents to brace for escalating rain intensity from December 3 onwards, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness in vulnerable regions. 

A mild tremor measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale was felt in India's Ladakh region on Friday morning. The earthquake occurred at 8:25am at a depth of 10km, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). No casualties or damage have been reported. In neighboring Bangladesh, a stronger 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 10km, says the German Research Center for Geosciences. Both Ladakh and Bangladesh fall in earthquake-prone zones, making them vulnerable to frequent seismic activity originating from the active tectonic movements in the Himalayan belt. While the Ladakh quake was minor, the one in Bangladesh triggered panic among residents.

The South East of England braces for snowfall tonight, marking the official start of winter after Britain's coldest night in nine months, with temperatures plummeting to nearly -10C. Met Office issues yellow warnings for snow and ice, affecting coastal and inland areas. Up to 2 inches of snow expected over higher ground, prompting amber cold-health alerts. Commuters face disruptions in Kent due to icy conditions. London Mayor Sadiq Khan activates severe weather emergency protocol, providing shelter for rough sleepers. Nationwide surge in heating product sales reported amid the Arctic snap. UK anticipates another freezing night with temperatures potentially dropping to -12C. Meanwhile Contrary to rival forecasts of a colossal 600-mile "wall of snow" hitting the UK in mid-December, the Met Office remains uncertain. While addressing the ongoing cold snap, the agency suggests milder and unsettled conditions. Additionally, reports indicate that certain areas may experience 600 meters of snowfall, challenging the extreme predictions. The public awaits further updates to discern the potential impact and scale of wintry conditions across the country.

Delhi's air quality has slipped back into the 'severe' category on Friday after briefly improving earlier this week. Thick smog enveloped the city as the 24-hour average AQI rose to 412 in multiple areas. This marks the tenth 'severe' air day this November for the capital. Morning walkers claimed breathing difficulties due to the pollution which intensifies in winter. Authorities have reimplemented lower GRAP stages after withdrawing the highest stages few days back when air quality had relatively improved. However, forecasts predict no significant meteorological changes in the coming days to disperse smog. Despite recent intermittent fluctuations, Delhi's average November AQI this year matched previous years signaling sustained pollution crisis.

A recent study published in The BMJ discloses a startling impact of outdoor air pollution in India, attributing 2.18 million deaths annually to various sources. Fossil fuel-related emissions, including those from industry and transportation, contribute significantly. Globally, 5.1 million deaths annually are linked to such air pollution. The study suggests that phasing out fossil fuels could prevent a substantial number of these deaths, surpassing previous estimates. The health implications are profound, with common conditions like heart disease and stroke accounting for a majority of deaths. As COP28 climate change negotiations unfold, the study emphasizes the critical need for urgent policy actions prioritizing clean energy and public health.