John Kerry’s promise of $861m by 2020 marks final push by the US to reach a global climate dealThe US has promised to double to $861m aid to countries on the frontline of climate change in the final push to reach an agreement to avoid dangerous global warming at crucial UN talks in Paris.As the negotiations moved into their critical final phase, the White House said the US would deepen its commitment to help low-lying and poor countries that are already threatened by rising seas and powerful storms. Continue reading...

Public accounts committee to question officials over ‘persistent rows’ between civil servants that damaged delivery of £1.8bn EU subsidiesA government programme to deliver £1.8bn of EU payments to farmers has been undermined by rifts between senior civil servants, MPs will hear on Wednesday.The public accounts committee will question officials over “persistent rows” between staff from the Rural Payments Agency and the Government Digital Service at a hearing. Continue reading...

Footage recorded by Kinder mountain rescue on Sunday shows how the team carefully makes its way around residential streets in Carlisle that have been flooded as a result of Storm Desmond. They carry out house-to-house checks and come across several residents trapped by water that was still rising as this was filmed

Devastation wrought at Brunton Park stadium has ruined weddings as well as the team’s preparations, but a spirit of solidarity prevailsBride-to-be Sophie Watters was inconsolable when she saw pictures of Carlisle United’s submerged stadium on television – and not only because she’s a huge fan of the club.Watters, 28, and her fiancé Richard Cakans, 38, were due to have their wedding reception at Brunton Park this Saturday. But those plans now lie in ruins thanks to Storm Desmond.

Insurance firm Aviva and major funds in the UK, Norway and France join forces to put pressure on big corporations to clean up their electricity sourcesA new £352bn coalition of investors including large insurer Aviva and major public and private funds in the UK, Norway and France has been launched to put pressure on some of the world’s biggest corporations to clean up their electricity sources.Aviva Investors – the £267bn arm of one of the UK’s biggest insurers – is one of 20 founding members of the initiative, which launches on Wednesday in Paris as negotiators at UN climate talks work against the clock to thrash out a new deal on limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Continue reading...

Beijing’s authorities have issued an air pollution red alert. People have complained of dry throats, bleeding noses and respiratory problems. Almost half of the Chinese city’s 5m cars have been banned from the roads, schools and nurseries have been shut and construction sites closed down. But many Beijing residents doubt the alert will help combat the blanket of smog Continue reading...

Chancellor says homes and businesses affected by torrential rains and waterlogged streets will receive support via cash given to local authoritiesGeorge Osborne has announced a £50m repair and renew scheme for Cumbria and Lancashire in the wake of the floods, promising businesses and homeowners they will quickly receive the help that they need.The chancellor made the announcement at prime minister’s questions, where he was standing in for David Cameron who is travelling to Poland to continue his talks on European Union reform. Continue reading...

German carmaker boosted by news carbon dioxide rigging claims apply to just 36,000 cars, instead of 800,000 figure it warned ofVolkswagen has said the number of cars with irregular carbon dioxide levels is far lower than originally feared, providing some much-needed respite for the beleaguered German carmarker.The company warned last month that CO2 emissions levels and fuel consumption figures may have been rigged in 800,000 cars. However, VW now believes that only about 36,000 vehicles are affected. Continue reading...

The Holy See is lending itself to environmentalism with a special public art installation timed to coincide with the final stretch of climate negotiations in Paris. The facade of St Peter’s Basilica was turned into a massive backdrop for a photo light show by Obscura Digital about nature organised by humanitarian organisations titled Fiat Lux: Illuminating our Common Home Continue reading...

Families and business owners begin the huge task of cleaning up after floods caused by Storm Desmond. For some whose houses have been severely damaged, this is not their first experience of such flooding. Sixteen flood alerts remain in place across Cumbria and Lancashire. Further heavy rain is forecast for Cumbria on Wednesday Continue reading...

Photographs from the Eyewitness series Continue reading...

Rural residents are stockpiling supplies after poor harvest leads to fears for shortages during cold season Continue reading...

Warming has been the ultimate ‘threat multiplier’ in fragile countries, fuelling conflict and extremism. We must build resilience, and with it a climate of peaceIn Paris this week, world leaders are working to agree a robust climate deal to curb greenhouse gas emissions. They are also grappling with how to tackle the pervasive threat of terror. The aim in both cases is to safeguard the right of current and future generations to live safe, secure and fulfilled lives. The fact that the climate conference is taking place in Paris grimly underscores this duality. But it isn’t simply that tackling climate change and insecurity are parallel challenges. They are linked risks that need to be met with linked responses.Even if we get the best possible global agreement to cut emissions in Paris, the effects of warming already in the system will play out for at least the next two decades, with an impact on conflict, security and fragility. Climate change plays a role in the ongoing political conflicts in Darfur and Mali, and in food insecurity across the Sahel. Climate change has also complicated conflicts linked to the Arab spring, most notably in Syria. Continue reading...

Environment Agency says up to 58mm of rain could fall overnight, potentially hampering recovery of areas worst-hit by flooding at the weekendHeavy rain is forecast to return to Cumbria with up to 12 hours of rainfall and further flooding possible, residents in the county have been warned.

Lauren St John on why losing Africa’s unicorn because of human greed and wickedness would be to lose something irreplaceable Continue reading...

Oslo is the latest city to announce plans which shift the focus away from cars – by banning all private vehicles from the centre by 2019. Car-free days have slashed pollution in Paris while new eco-cities are aiming to design out the need for vehicles – but will cars in cities ever be consigned to history?When Oslo revealed plans to ban all private vehicles from the centre by 2019, it joined a lengthening list of cities seeking to shift the focus away from cars and towards greener, citizen-focused mobility solutions.Around 7 million people globally are estimated to die from air pollution every year, not to mention the millions more killed in accidents involving motor vehicles. Continue reading...

Jonathan Scott: The poisoning of members of the Marsh Pride, the world’s best known lions, highlights the need for a lasting solution to human–wildlife conflict in AfricaOn Sunday morning (6 December 2015) news broke of the poisoning of members of the Marsh Pride. These are the lions that Angela and I have followed since 1977 and were the stars of our “Big Cat” TV series, that documented the fascinating and often tumultuous life of the pride over a period of more than 12 years.The Marsh Pride occupies a territory on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, one of Africa’s foremost protected areas. All members of the “big five” (lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo, and black rhinoceros) are found on the vast plains of the Mara, plus a wealth of other wildlife. Continue reading...

Calls for Italy to ban palm oil on health and environmental grounds are challenged by those who believe boycotts are not the best way forwardMozzarella, ciabatta, Parma ham … when considering Italy’s culinary landscape, palm oil is unlikely to feature high on the list – if at all. Yet the Mediterranean country is the EU’s second largest (pdf) importer of the oil, which some estimate is found in 90% of biscuits and baked goods in Italian supermarkets. Continue reading...

Two charges of wilfully contravening a condition of environmental authority are referred to a higher court after a three-day committal hearingClive Palmer’s embattled Queensland Nickel company has been ordered to stand trial over alleged environmental breaches at its refinery near Townsville.Related: Clive Palmer makes hasty exit after meeting with Queensland treasurer Continue reading...

Two men – including one who works for the Gabon’s forest department – arrested after huge haul of ivory seized by authorities fighting poachingThe central African state of Gabon, home to half of Africa’s endangered forest elephants, has impounded more than 200kg (440lb) of ivory in what may be its largest seizure ever.Gabon is seeking to promote ecotourism and has poured money into protecting its 50,000 forest elephants, prized by ivory poachers for their particularly hard, straight tusks. Continue reading...

Beneath thick hazardous smog Beijing restricted the use of cars, shut schools and halted outdoor construction after issuing its highest-ever red pollution alert, which came into effect early on Tuesday Continue reading...

In the second of a series of films for Guardian Australia, two health workers who live in the Torres Strait Islands explain the impact of climate change on the local people and the trauma and uncertainty of king tides and annual flooding. But relocation would bring its own challenges for a hopeful community with such close ties to their environment Continue reading...

Lib Dems and Labour round on government over postponed scheme to protect Cumbrian town of KendalThe government’s spending on flood defences has come under criticism after it emerged that a prevention scheme for the Cumbrian town of Kendal, which was submerged by up to 5ft (1.5 metres) of water after the weekend’s storm, was repeatedly postponed.

US secretary of state expects a slog in the next 72 hours as governments seek to reach an agreement, but he voices optimism: ‘Consensus is slowly being built’John Kerry, the US secretary of state, has said governments trying to reach a climate agreement in Paris face a tough fight in the 72 hours remaining to reach a deal.The talks move into the endgame on Wednesday, when the French hosts produce a new draft text for review by the 195 assembled countries. Continue reading...

Alliance representing more than 100 countries, including US, shows developed and developing world can work together, says EU climate chiefA coalition representing more than 100 countries, formed in secrecy six months ago, has emerged at key UN talks in Paris to push for a legally binding global and ambitious deal on climate change.The “high ambition coalition” speaks for the majority of the 195 countries at the crunch conference and consists of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, the US and all of EU member states. But notable exceptions include major developing countries such as China and India. Continue reading...

The clock is ticking in Paris as the hosts encourage negotiating blocs to trade demands for more ambition on emissions pledges and financial help to fulfil themFrench diplomacy is fighting 23 years of entrenched positions in international climate talks as backroom negotiations continue with the aim of pushing through a draft agreement by Wednesday.

The devastating floods in parts of northern England have resulted in a massive collaborative effort to save the lives and property of those affected (‘We never thought that this could happen again’, 7 December). But amid the understandable concern for these human victims, we must also remember the hundreds – possibly thousands – of animals that will perish, largely unremarked upon.As in the spring of 2013, when heavy snow and freezing weather led to the traumatic deaths of more than 100,000 animals – mostly sheep – the latest flood victims have received virtually no mention in any of the national media. And even in the online farming press, there are just sketchy accounts that are devoid of any mention of welfare impacts. They amount to a brief audit of losses. Continue reading...

Fan’s first thoughts were with her beloved team – and players from the Cumbrian club helped Storm Desmond victims near their flooded groundSome flood victims rescued family photographs. Others saved their pets. But when Angela Watson saw the flood water outside her house rising rapidly, there was one item particularly worth salvaging for her – her precious Carlisle United season tickets.

Climate change and habitat loss pushing species to the brink, with pollinators and natural pest controllers most at risk, analysis of 39 years of records showsA decline in wildlife is threatening core functions of the ecosystem that are vital for human wellbeing, researchers behind an unprecedented study of biodiversity in the UK have warned.Climate change and habitat loss are leading to a reduction in biodiversity, with species that act as pollinators and natural pest controls most at risk, the study in the journal Nature Communications shows. Continue reading...

Cost of floods double that of 2009 storms, according to PricewaterhouseCoopersStorm Desmond has caused an estimated £500m of damage across Cumbria – almost double the cost of the floods that hit parts of the county six years ago.Experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which made the calculation, also warned that the bill could rise further if the rain keeps falling. Continue reading...

David Cameron’s call for action at the Paris summit rings hollow when every step he’s taken on low-carbon energy has been backwardsRule one of diplomacy is, walk your talk: otherwise people stop listening. In Paris last week David Cameron called for “action today”, not excuses tomorrow, on climate change. Back home, his ministers are already making excuses for what looks increasingly like a systematic repudiation of 10 years of successful action to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in Britain. Continue reading...

Guardian learns £4m proposal to bolster barriers in Cumbria town was repeatedly postponed after funding cuts by Tory-led governmentA major flood defence scheme for the Cumbrian town of Kendal, which was submerged in up to 5ft (1.5m) of water by Storm Desmond, was repeatedly postponed, the Guardian can reveal.

Leaked letter points to plan to remove park’s grizzly bear population from endangered species list, where it was placed in 1975State and federal wildlife officials are set to strip grizzly bears of their protection from hunting around Yellowstone national park, with a plan that would remove one of the species’ last populations from the endangered species list.

China, Brazi and South Africa join India in refusing key report that state rich countries have already mobilised two-thirds of $100bn pledged for climate aidChina, Brazil and South Africa have joined India in rejecting a key OECD study stating that rich countries have already mobilised nearly two-thirds of the $100bn (£67bn) pledged to secure a new climate deal.The refusal by the world’s four most powerful developing countries to accept the methodology used by western economists, to calculate the money raised for poor countries to adapt to climate change, suggests that finance will be the major hurdle at the end of the talks on Friday. Continue reading...

Paris climate summit’s gender imbalance is detrimental to taking action on saving people from global warming, says Mary RobinsonThe climate change talks going on in Paris are too dominated by men, to the detriment of effective action on saving people from the ravages of global warming, the UN’s special envoy on climate change has said.

Glenridding was cut off during Storm Desmond, but Cumbria’s irrepressible community spirit ensured all 400 residents and guests stayed safeSam and Samantha Thompson have more reason than most couples to remember the day they got married.

Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks at the United Nations climate change conference in Paris on Tuesday, saying much can be achieved in the green transition by local governments who need to march on ‘like a Terminator’. The reference to the action film franchise that made his name prompts laughter from the audience at an event dedicated to the power of cities and regions Continue reading...

One of the world’s largest oil producers is getting in the way of a deal and making implausible objections, say delegates and campaignersSaudi Arabia stood accused on Tuesday of trying to wreck the Paris climate summit in order to protect its future as one of the world’s largest oil producers.

Making countries vulnerable to climate change a priority; Africa’s initiative to cut reliance on coal; honouring the principles of the Geneva conventionsIf you are viewing this on the web and would prefer to get it in your inbox every two weeks, register for the email editionAs the Paris talks enter their final week, there is increased focus on the impact of climate change in the world’s poorest nations. Representing least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states, Gyan Chandra Acharya calls on leaders to make the most vulnerable countries the top priority. “It is a sad reality that while the world’s most vulnerable countries have contributed the least to climate change, they are most at risk from its negative effects and the least equipped to withstand and adapt to it,” Acharya writes.You can stay updated with the Guardian’s coverage of the latest news from COP 21, including Africa’s ambitious renewable energy drive backed by the continent’s leaders, the latest push from religious leaders on action against climate change, and China’s call for rich countries to take responsibility for historical greenhouse gas emissions. Continue reading...

Labour leader and Scottish first minister say the government should reverse green cuts as dangers of climate change become more evident, reports Climate HomeThe leaders of the UK’s two main opposition parties say they hope the Paris climate summit will encourage prime minister David Cameron to reconsider green policies.UK energy and climate chief Amber Rudd has been handed a key role at the UN talks, helping to mediate between almost 200 countries on global plans to boost greenhouse gas cuts before 2020. Continue reading...

Storm Desmond has devastated parts of Lancashire and Cumbria despite existing flood control systems. What are they and how should they work?What are Britain’s flood defences?

Poor communities on the climate change frontline say their voices are not being heard in Paris, and that more powerful groups are setting back their causeIn the climate talks “blue zone”, in the Parisian district of Le Bourget, are the governments, their advisers and lawyers, big business and the financiers. Facebook has a stall, along with UN agencies and scientific bodies.But the world’s 4 billion small farmers, fishermen and women, indigenous peoples, hunters and gatherers, rural workers, pastoralists, and young people on the frontline of climate change, inhabit the “green zone”, beyond the fence where the decision-makers do not go. Continue reading...