Climate calling

For the first time, nations have agreed to set up a mechanism where wealthier nations pay poorer nations for the severe climate change impacts they're experiencing like rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The idea for a so-called loss and damage fund was raised by small island states more than 30 years ago. Pacific island nations have welcomed the deal, but say the swift delivery of funds and the recognition of cultural loss will be important.

Australia is bracing for another summer of unpredictable weather, as thunderstorms and fires have already hit parts of the country. Climate scientists, health practitioners and disaster responders warn the wild weather is set to continue, urging communities to work together to be prepared.

Climate change has again been at the forefront of the news throughout 2023. SBS looks back on how the world has been dealing with the issue over the last 12 months.

Authorities have picked up a 2.5 metre saltwater crocodile found swimming in the north Queensland town of Ingham after a creek burst its banks. Ingham has been cut-off both to the north and south, one of the towns to be impacted by the heavy rain pounding Queensland in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

An historic deal has been made by almost 200 countries at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai. After days of tense negotiations, the agreement offers a plan to keep the target of 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach, and transition away from all fossil fuels. But not everyone is satisfied with the summit outcome.

The United Nations climate summit in Dubai has been forced into overtime, as the future of fossil fuels divides countries. But some climate representatives have suggested there's been progress on implementing tougher language on fossil fuels.

A potential climate deal has been proposed at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai as the gathering nears its end. But Australia, the United States and European powers have called for a more ambitious deal with tougher language around fossil fuels.

The C-S-I-R-O have completed initial testing of a breakthrough weather service that it hopes will support Australia's aquaculture industry. The scientists have trialled the new 'AquaWatch' technology in South Australia's seafood hub, the Spencer Gulf in South Australia.

How do you ensure permanent statehood if your home nation is swallowed by rising sea levels? Tuvalu is looking at digital and legal solutions.

As the UN climate talks draw to a close, negotiators are under increasing pressure to forge an agreement on fossil fuels. COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber has emphasised the urgency of the need to avert disastrous global warming.