The Copernicus Climate Change Service has warned that global sea surface temperatures are approaching record highs as El Nino conditions begin to emerge. Scientists say the weather phenomenon, combined with long-term climate change, could push global temperatures to new extremes in the coming years

Researchers have found that coloured microplastics may contribute to global warming at levels equivalent to 16.2 per cent of black carbon’s impact. The findings challenge earlier studies that underestimated the climate effects of plastics by focusing mainly on clear materials