A third of the world’s most threatened fungi species are on the brink of extinction, climate action is set to boost global GDP, and extreme weather events continue to make headlines. Here’s your quick catch-up on the top climate and nature stories this week.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that 411 of 1,300 threatened fungi species are at risk of extinction. These “unsung heroes of life on Earth” play a crucial role in ecosystems by nourishing plants, recycling nutrients, and supporting biodiversity.
However, climate change, deforestation, illegal logging, and land conversion for agriculture are wiping them out. In the U.S. alone, more than 50 fungi species are endangered due to changing fire patterns. The IUCN is calling for better forest management, including preserving dead wood that supports fungi growth, and increased protection for old-growth forests.
Green Growth: Climate Action Means Higher GDP
A new joint report by the OECD and UNDP challenges the old myth that fighting climate change hinders economic growth. In fact, their research shows that advanced economies could grow per capita GDP by 60% by 2050 with robust climate action. Lower-income countries could see even higher gains up to 124%.
The study argues that transitioning to a low-carbon economy improves efficiency, pointing out that emissions per dollar of output could drop from 0.34kg to just 0.14kg by 2040 under stronger climate commitments.
Quick Climate Hits
- Argentina floods: Scientists link deadly March floods in Bahía Blanca, which killed 16, to climate change-induced humidity and storm clashes.
- South Korea wildfires: The nation’s worst wildfire event is now under control after burning 111,000 acres and killing 28 people.
- UK emissions drop: Greenhouse gas emissions fell by 4% in 2024, aided by the shutdown of the last coal plant and industrial slowdowns.
- Hot April in India: IMD forecasts above-normal temperatures throughout April across India.
- Warming impacts wealth: A 4°C rise in global temperature could slash average incomes by 40% quadruple earlier estimates.
- Sewage crisis in England: Over 3.6 million hours of untreated sewage were dumped into English waterways in 2024, hitting a new record.
The World Economic Forum warns that storms, floods, and wildfires are driving up business costs by damaging assets, disrupting operations, and reducing productivity. Meanwhile, the Forum also sheds light on the Gran Chaco region, urging sustainable land-use planning and regenerative farming to protect this vital but vulnerable biome.
From fungi conservation to economic gains through climate action, the message is clear: the future of nature and global prosperity are deeply connected.