this is bbc news with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. i'm sally bundock. urgent action is required to reverse the global destruction of biodiversity — that's the stark warning from the world wide fund for nature after wildlife populations decline by 70%. western allies promise to send additional weapons to help ukraine defend itself — as the un votes to condemn russian attempts to annex four ukrainian regions. if you as a nation, big or small, old or new, if you are

you in member state, your borders are your own and are protected by international law. you turn or you go, the british prime minsterfaces mounting pressure from her own mps to cancel the tax cuts announced in last month's mini budget. the right—wing american radio host, alexjones, is ordered to pay almost a billion dollars in damages for false claims that the sandy hook school massacre was a hoax. and after years as science fiction, we meet the invented who's taking off in his brand—new flying car. hello and welcome. there are desperate pleas for global support to protect the world's plants and animals after a new report has shown that wildlife populations have fallen by nearly 70% since 1970.

the world wide fund for nature says governments, businesses and the public must take "transformative action" to reverse the destruction of biodiversity. sean dilley reports. striding with grace, content with its natural habitat in the amazon but maybe that's because this big cat doesn't understand the danger lurking around the corner stop the conservation charity the wwf sees the breakup of natural habitats and climate change means animal populations are in particular danger copy the charity �*s latest living planet report warns global wildlife populations have fallen by nearly 70% over 50 years. the study which assesses the abundance of almost 32,000 populations of 5230 species of animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and fish is

suggesting population sizes declined by 69% on average between 1970 and 2018. species living in freshwater lakes and wetlands fallen by an average of 83%, the most impacted species live here in latin america and the amazon where deforestation is destroying trees and the species who rely on them to sustain life. wildlife population sizes here have fallen by 94% over the past half—century according to the report. other areas such as north america, asia and europe have seen a smaller decline, but climate change threatens species everywhere. in the uk one of the most nature depleted countries in the world with half of its nature written which remaining. the world wide fund for nature says it is now or never if we are to restore the natural world stop the government says it is committed to halting the decline of

nature by 2030 and will continue to improve on wildlife laws but the wwf says it needs to act very quickly but wants to act very quickly but wants to protect species from danger and extinction. sean dilley, bbc news. for more on this, let's speak to the chief executive of wwf australia, dermot 0'gorman, who joins us from sydney. it's quite hard to comprehend this, isn't it, when you look at that stark statistic, 70% of wildlife has gone since 1970 or reduced to that degree, could you put that into context for our viewers?— you put that into context for our viewers? you are correct, this is a — our viewers? you are correct, this is a code _ our viewers? you are correct, this is a code red _ our viewers? you are correct, this is a code red for- our viewers? you are correct, this is a code red for our- this is a code red for our planet but also a code red for humanity, 69% plunge in wildlife populations since the 19705 wildlife populations since the 1970s as a deeply disturbing, if you went to a doctor and you got this you would be very positive about the future at

all. in asia a 55% decrease in wildlife populations, that is such an important part of world population, with rare and endangered animals, so it really is a wake—up call, that business as usual can't continue.— business as usual can't continue. ., ., ., continue. so, what do we all need to do. _ continue. so, what do we all need to do, that's _ continue. so, what do we all need to do, that's the - need to do, that's the question, that anyone watching this right now will, how can i change this?— this right now will, how can i change this? well, ifi picked the pacific— change this? well, ifi picked the pacific turtle _ change this? well, ifi picked the pacific turtle population i the pacific turtle population down 30% in 30 years, —— 80%, so we need to be doing something �*s fundamental, what is driving this biodiversity loss, it is really about how we consume things around the planet. things that we eat, the energy that we produce climbing

—— driving climate change and deforestation, habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade is driving species client so we need to change some of those fundamentals, the other piece is that, the economic growth model that we have, is all about extraction, so that linear model which is all about consuming and growth needs to change, to be a much more circular economy about how we think is humanity, we live on this finite planet. so think is humanity, we live on this finite planet.— this finite planet. so it's about thinking - this finite planet. so it's i about thinking sustainably, isn't it, and everything we do, and it's the responsibility of all, if we are really going to try to reverse the trend which is a very worrying trend, everyone has to be on board? it is, it's about thinking sustainably, it's about thinking and then acting sustainably, but there is a role for everybody to play, as

consumers, buying sustainably is super, the role of business being much more focused on purpose, what is, how are we producing and designing goods and services around the world, that reduce our footprint, but it's also about, a government level rethinking about how we look at growth, and think about our economy much more is a regenerative and circular economy rather than a linear one, but we also need to see government both at home and internationally step up input on targets and commitments, around notjust simply halting the decline, but prohibiting and now being much more nature positive, so starting to put back and making healthy ecosystems. we don't have —— so we don't have this code red.

are you finding businesses and governments are more on board now than previous years because we are all experiencing the impact of the climate crisis around the world in various guises, we have clock 27 next month in egypt, are you finding government businesses are much more wanting to talk and have dialogue about this, and commit to things? we dialogue about this, and commit to thins? ~ ., dialogue about this, and commit to thins? ~ . , to things? we have been producing _ to things? we have been producing the _ to things? we have been producing the living - to things? we have been i producing the living planet report for 25 years now, every two years, and i think this year, where there is so much more attention, so many more opportunities to act on that, so we are seeing businesses starting to step up, we need to see more, we are seeing see more, we are seeing consumers see more, we are seeing consumers really changed buying behaviours as a result, and we do have the by desire —— biodiversity cop in montreal at the end of the year, real chance for governments around the world to make global commitment and equally important come back and make

the commitment they need to deliver in their own countries as well. , ., ., ., as well. dermatome gorman, good to talk to, chief _ as well. dermatome gorman, good to talk to, chief executive - as well. dermatome gorman, good to talk to, chief executive of - to talk to, chief executive of wwf australia, more detail on that on our website. 0n the first day of a nato summit in brussels, western allies promised to send additional weapons to help ukraine defend itself in the war with russia. meanwhile, the united nations general assembly has voted overwhelmingly to condemn russian attempts to annex four regions of ukraine. tom brada reports. faced with increasingly ruthless russian aggression over the past few days, ukraine has been appealing once again for greater support from its allies, on wednesday officials from almost 50 countries met in brussels to co—ordinate how to help ukraine in its fight. the first few days _ help ukraine in its fight. tue: first few days vladimir help ukraine in its fight. tt;e: first few days vladimir putin has given us all a grim preview

of a future and was the appetites of aggressive autocrats outweigh the rights of peaceful states. fin autocrats outweigh the rights of peaceful states. on monday and tuesday — of peaceful states. on monday and tuesday ukraine _ of peaceful states. on monday and tuesday ukraine was - and tuesday ukraine was pummelled by missile and drone attacks, many of which hit nonmilitary targets. in the wake of the onslaught ukraine identified the procurement of your defence systems to shoot down rockets, aircraft and armed drones as top priorities. it appears the appeal has been heard. , ., , it appears the appeal has been heard. , . , ., heard. germany has delivered a state-of-the-art _ heard. germany has delivered a state-of-the-art defence - heard. germany has delivered a. state-of-the-art defence system state—of—the—art defence system to ukraine, the steer of the population is being subjected to, it is one system and next year 3 systems will follow. liit< year 3 systems will follow. uk france and — year 3 systems will follow. uk france and the netherlands, has made a similar pledge, nato leaders expecting to agree on similar measures when they gather on thursday, meanwhile

in nor your gather on thursday, meanwhile in noryour unit gather on thursday, meanwhile in nor your unit assembly voted to condemn russian attempted stop. to condemn russian attempted sto -. to condemn russian attempted sto . _ , , ., , to condemn russian attempted sto. ,. ., stop. our message is clear if ou are stop. our message is clear if you are a _ stop. our message is clear if you are a nation _ stop. our message is clear if you are a nation legal - stop. our message is clear if you are a nation legal small, j you are a nation legal small, old or new, if you are a un member state borders are your own and are protected by international law.- own and are protected by international law. russia has repeatedly — international law. russia has repeatedly warned _ repeatedly warned ukrainian allies again interfering and escalating the conflict, but as ukraine welcomes new equipment and fresh support seems this is and fresh support seems this is a risk western allies are prepared to take. tom brada, bbc news. and we're hearing reports that a settlement near the ukrainian capital, kyiv, has been hit by air strikes. it happened in the early hours. we'll bring you more on that when we get it. the prime minister is facing

mounting calls from some of her own mps to rethink the government's planned tax cuts announced in last month's mini—budget. liz truss received sharp criticism from conservative colleagues during a meeting of the influential 1922 committee of backbenchers on wednesday night. 0ur political correspondent ione wells has more. a few pleasantries caught on camera as the prime minister met with the king yesterday. good to see you again. in the words of the king dear oh dear a tick to move the conversation on, it is certainly how some tory mps felt last night when she met with them here in parliament, but the reception she got some tory fees was frosty, mps say the tory mp robert halton who supported rishi sunak�*s ambitious accused liz truss of... saying the party of the living wage was

cutting tax for millionaires, some mps have called for the party to come together after disagreements over some of the government tax plans copy there is no plan b. government tax plans copy there is no plan b-_ is no plan b. plan b is a labour— is no plan b. plan b is a labour government, - is no plan b. plan b is a labour government, we is no plan b. plan b is a - labour government, we have to make this work, we all agreed with the policies we all agreed about growth in the energy and looking after folks this winter, we all agree about partitions keep their promises, . .. partitions keep their promises, . . .- partitions keep their promises, . .. partitions keep their romises,... ,, , promises,... she has u-turns. most of us _ promises,... she has u-turns. most of us agreed _ promises,... she has u-turns. most of us agreed with - promises,... she has u-turns. most of us agreed with the - most of us agreed with the policies, for sure there has been not the best presentation. this is the question wanting liz truss at the moment, the weeks ahead will be dominated ljy weeks ahead will be dominated by tussles over how her tax cuts are paid for, some respond to row back on some of them others worry they may lead to spending squeezes elsewhere, number ten have insisted there are no plans to change

direction. a lot more on that in the business coverage still to come. stay with us on bbc news. flying cars and promises, but will this vehicle see the light of day? parts of san francisco least affected by the earthquake are returning to life, but in the marina area where most of the damage was done, they're more conscious than ever of how much has been destroyed. in the 19 years since he was last here, he has gone from being a little—known revolutionary to an experienced and successful diplomatic operator. it was a 20—pound bomb exploded on the fifth floor of the grand hotel, - ripping a hoie — in the front of the building. this government will not weaken! democracy will prevail! it fills me with humility and gratitude to know i have been chosen as the recipient of this foremost of earthly honours. this catholic nation held its breath - for the men they call the 33. and then...

bells toll ..bells tolled nationwide - to announce the first rescue, and chile let outi an almighty roar. this is bbc news. the latest headlines: the world wide fund for nature urges governments to take immediate action to reverse biodiversity destruction after wildlife populations decline by almost 70% in 50 years. western allies promise to send additional weapons to help ukraine defend itself as the un votes to condemn russian attempts to annex four ukranian regions. a jury in the us state of connecticut has ordered the conspiracy theorist alexjones to pay damages of almost a billion dollars after he falsely claimed that a school shooting

in 2012 was a hoax. he was sued by the families of eight of the victims of the sandy hook school shooting in 2012 in which 20 children and six teachers lost their lives. 0ur north america correspondent peter bowes reports. an peter bowes reports. emotional response from the families an emotional response from the families to this colossal award of damages. it took alex jones to court after he claimed for years the shooting at sandy hook school with a staged government lot to take funds from americans and that no—one had died. the right wing radio host called the parents of the victims crisis actors, but he now acknowledges that the attack was real. thejurors decided he must pay millions in damages for promoting the lie that the shooting was a hoax. families told the court they suffered years of harassment, including death threats. robbie parker's six—year—old daughter

emily was killed in the attack. 0ur emily was killed in the attack. our lawyers helped give me the strength to finally find my voice in the fight and stand up to what had been happening to me so long, and perhaps i let my voice be taken away from me in my power be taken away from me. �* , ., in my power be taken away from me. �* , . ., ,�* in my power be taken away from me. ., ,�* ., me. as a jurors' position was announced. _ me. as a jurors' position was announced, alex _ me. as a jurors' position was announced, alex jones - me. as a jurors' position was | announced, alex jones called announced, alexjones called the verdict delusional and mocked the outcome of the case. 0utside mocked the outcome of the case. outside the court, his lawyer told reporters they would be appealing. mi; told reporters they would be appealing-— told reporters they would be auealini. g ., ., ,., told reporters they would be auealini. y . ., ,., ., appealing. my heart goes out to the families _ appealing. my heart goes out to the families although _ appealing. my heart goes out to the families although we - appealing. my heart goes out to the families although we live . the families although we live in divided times. they have been weaponised and used for political purposes in this country in my view, and today is a very, very, very dark day forfreedom of is a very, very, very dark day for freedom of speech. is a very, very, very dark day forfreedom of speech. tt is a very, very, very dark day for freedom of speech. it seems unlikely the _ for freedom of speech. it seems unlikely the families _ for freedom of speech. it seems unlikely the families will - unlikely the families will receive much, if any of the damages ordered by the jury. alex jones damages ordered by the jury. alexjones and his company have filed for bankruptcy in texas and he still faces a third

defamation trial. peter bowes, bbc news. staying in the us. the repeal of the constitutional right to abortion will be a major issue when americans go to the polls in a few weeks' time. since abortion bans came into effect in many parts of the united states, thousands of people seeking to end pregnancies have travelled to so—called "haven states" where a woman's right to a termination has been protected. but some clinics are now so totally overwhelmed that they're having to turn people away. sophie long reports from illinois. how may i help you? yes, illinois is a safe state for abortions.— illinois is a safe state for abortions. . , , ., , ., abortions. reassuring words for one of the _ abortions. reassuring words for one of the many _ abortions. reassuring words for one of the many hundreds - abortions. reassuring words for one of the many hundreds of i one of the many hundreds of women now calling this clinic every day. women now calling this clinic every day-— every day. we work from probably _ every day. we work from probably 100 _ every day. we work from probably 100 to - every day. we work from probably 100 to 600 - every day. we work from | probably 100 to 600 700 every day. we work from - probably 100 to 600 700 calls a day. probably 100 to 600 700 calls a da . ~ ., we probably 100 to 600 700 calls a day-- we have _ probably 100 to 600 700 calls a day. marat! we have patients day. wow! we have patients c in: day. wow! we have patients crying on — day. wow! we have patients crying on the _ day. wow! we have patients crying on the phone, -

day. wow! we have patients crying on the phone, calling| crying on the phone, calling in, and wejust can't crying on the phone, calling in, and we just can't squeeze them in because we don't have room. , ., ., room. these women are boarding a train in new— room. these women are boarding a train in new orleans. _ room. these women are boarding a train in new orleans. if- room. these women are boarding a train in new orleans. if you - a train in new orleans. if you live in louisiana and want to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, the nearest clinic that can legally help you to do that can legally help you to do thatis that can legally help you to do that is now several states away in illinois. of? that is now several states away in illinois— that is now several states away in illinois._ they | in illinois. # freedom... they are taking _ in illinois. # freedom... they are taking a — in illinois. # freedom... they are taking a train _ in illinois. # freedom... they are taking a train to _ in illinois. # freedom... they are taking a train to chicago . are taking a train to chicago to demonstratejust how are taking a train to chicago to demonstrate just how long and costly that journey to demonstrate just how long and costly thatjourney is. resources are not widespread in our communities, so, again, we can'tjust hop on planes and get abortions. tt can'tjust hop on planes and get abortions.— can'tjust hop on planes and get abortions. it takes about 22 hours to _ get abortions. it takes about 22 hours to get _ get abortions. it takes about 22 hours to get to _ get abortions. it takes about 22 hours to get to the - get abortions. it takes about | 22 hours to get to the nearest clinic by train, much longer by bus. travelling by air is faster, but few who live in rural louisiana can afford to do that. even those who do make it here to the hope clinic in granite city may be turned away. granite city may be turned awa . ~ ., , granite city may be turned awa . ~ . , ., granite city may be turned awa .~ . , ., granite city may be turned awa. . , i, away. we are used to saying yes all the time _ away. we are used to saying yes all the time and _ away. we are used to saying yes all the time and trying _ away. we are used to saying yes all the time and trying to - away. we are used to saying yes all the time and trying to help i all the time and trying to help anyone we possibly can, and we

have patients calling with really significant either health crises or life crises, and we just have to say no because if we say yes, we can't take care of the patients safely that would have scheduled.— safely that would have scheduled. , ., , scheduled. very little has changed _ scheduled. very little has changed here _ scheduled. very little has changed here for - scheduled. very little has changed here for years. l scheduled. very little has i changed here for years. but scheduled. very little has - changed here for years. but in june, there was a fundamental shift in all the surrounding states and almost overnight this unassuming industrial town became an island of abortion access. now people are travelling here all over america to take advantage of that, and it is not something that, and it is not something that everyone here in this republic leaning part of the democratic state welcomes. some argue the number of people arriving is a boost for the struggling hospitality industry. but not those who gather outside to protest or to offer an alternative. this gather outside to protest or to offer an alternative.— offer an alternative. this is the thriving _ offer an alternative. this is the thriving industry - offer an alternative. this is the thriving industry now. offer an alternative. this isj the thriving industry now in granite city sadly. it is awful because when you come to illinois, you see the purple billboards saying welcome to

illinois where you can still get a safe, legal abortion. we want to be known for murdering another human being? who wants to be known for that. t another human being? who wants to be known for that.— to be known for that. i don't aet it. to be known for that. i don't get it- you _ to be known for that. i don't get it. you think— to be known for that. i don't get it. you think about - to be known for that. i don't get it. you think about this. get it. you think about this will— get it. you think about this will help— get it. you think about this will help our economy, this will— will help our economy, this will do _ will help our economy, this will do all these good things, but we — will do all these good things, but we are saying that money is more _ but we are saying that money is more important that what god has created, a life, and that doesn't _ has created, a life, and that doesn't have a good ending. the man doesn't have a good ending. tt9 many obstacles means simply can't make the long journey is now necessary to access and abortion. those that can will continue to travel across state lines in the hope of doing so. sophie long, bbc news, granite city, illinois. time now for all the sports news. hello. iam mark i am mark edwards with your sport. it was a thrilling night of european champions league action on wednesday as match day 4 came to a close, inter milan sending barcelona closer to the another group stage exit in a breathless and high—octane draw at the nou camp. barcelona taking the lead

just before half—time when 0usmane dembele tapped home. inter levelled on 50 minutes before lautaro martinez gave the visitors the lead after the hour mark. robert lewandoski was on hand to bring barcelona level, in a topsy—turby game. 89 minutes on the clock, robin gosens looked to have snaffled all 3 points for inter. however, that was not the end of the drama as lewandowski equalised 2 minutes into added time. 3—3 final score, but barcelona's champions league fate no longer in their hands. bayern munich, meanwhile, have qualified from that group. leon goretska scored twice in a 11—2 win at viktoria plzen as bayern made it four wins out of four. the big news out of group b, however, is that belgium's club brugge are into the knockout stages for the first time in their history. a 0—0 draw at atletico madrid enough to guarantee qualification with two match days to go. porto look well—placed to qualify. they won at bayer leverkusen with mehdi taremi scoring two penalties in a 3—0 victory.

boxing, and former world heavyweight champion deontay wilder claims a meeting with anthonyjoshua is still "the number one fight in the world", even though neither of them currently hold any belts. the american, who lost his wbc title to tyson fury last year, takes on robert helenius in new york on saturday, but has his sights on a fight againstjoshua in africa. everywhere i go, they always talk about me versus joshua, and they always mention that. that is the best fighter in the world. everybody always says that. so i am always willing, ready and able to please the fans, to make things happen. that is all in sport. but from me and the rest of the sport team, goodbye. not so long ago, flying cars were a figment of the imagination. but now that they've actually materialised, investors are scrambling to be a part of this technological phenomenon. xpeng's brand—new

flying car caused a sensation when it was unveiled in dubai this week as wendy urquhart reports. the evtol flying car x2 looks like something out of a sci—fi movie, so it's no surprise that the great and the good from dubai turned out in droves to watch the 90—minute test flight. inside this carbon—fibre car, there are two seats with headrests and the passengers have the option of driving it manually or switching to auto mode so that they can enjoy the view from on high. it's the brainchild of the chinese car company xpeng aeroht. they say the flying car's super—aerodynamic design boosts in—flight performance and they also point out that because it's all electric, it produces zero carbon dioxide emissions, and this isjust the beginning. we are now in the researching process, we are — make the step—by—step to the international market and, first,

we select dubai city because dubai is the most innovation cities in the world and this is our first public flight globally, and this is our first step to the international. the x2 can reach a height of 3,200 feet and it's capable of flying for around 35 minutes at a speed of 130km/h. so it's perfect for short, low—altitude city flights, but there are still a lot of questions to be answered, like when will it be ready, how much will flights cost, and will they be affordable? or is thisjust another pipe dream? wendy urquhart, bbc news. would you climb on board? do tell. the hollywood star jamie lee curtis has had her hands and feet cemented in concrete at a ceremony in los angeles. the tcl chinese theater handprints—footprints tribute has been a prestigious hollywood honour for the past 95 years.

she signed the date as october 31, halloween, rather than the day's date in homage to the film that launched her movie career. all the top business stories next. i will see you soon. hello there. 0ur weather story is becoming a little bit more unsettled as we head towards the weekend. no two days the same at the moment, not only in terms of weather, but also the feel of things, both by day and night. now, for thursday, many of us will see some sunny spells, but there will be some blustery, squally showers developing in the far north—west. over the next few hours, we'll start to see this weather front easing away from channel coasts. it mightjust continue to bring a little bit of early—morning rain on thursday. look at the temperatures — double digits because of the cloud and the rain around. further north, though, it's going to be a chilly start, with a touch of light frost in rural parts. but as we go through the day, there will be a good slice of dry, sunny weather to look out for for most of us. into the afternoon, however,

the winds will strengthen, we'll see some squally showers developing into northern ireland and north—west scotland in particular. elsewhere, temperatures pretty similar to the last few days by the middle of the afternoon. we're looking at highs of 11 to 17 celsius — that's 63 fahrenheit. now, that weather front will continue to move its way steadily south and east, weakening all the time. it's going to be replaced by another one moving through scotland and northern ireland as well. at the same time, there's the potentialfor a little bit of showery rain once again just clinging on to channel coasts first thing on friday. sandwiched in between the two, we should see some drier, brighter interludes, and behind, it's going to be bright and breezy with showers. so, friday is a really messy story, a real autumnal picture of blustery showers. warm in the sunshine still with 17 degrees the high. now, low pressure never too far away as we head into the weekend. plenty of isobars, particularly the further north you go. gusts of winds 40—50mph and they're going to be driving weather fronts in around those areas

of low pressure. so, saturday is going to be a case of sunny spells and squally showers, the showers most frequent out towards the west, but some of those will start to push a little bit further inland as the day continues. favoured spots for the best of the drier weather, parts of aberdeenshire and perhaps through south—east england as well. and here, we'll see highs again of around 11 to 17 degrees. not much change as we go into sunday and monday. the winds stay blustery from a warm source, plenty of showers to dodge as well. take care.

this is bbc news with the latest business headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. have you wrecked the economy, prime minister? doubling down. uk prime minister liz truss says she won't abandon her tax giveaway or cut public spending. as investor panic grows about the government's finances. what we will make sure is that over the medium term, the debt is falling. but we will do that not by cutting public spending but by making sure we spend public money well. keeping a lid on the turmoil — for now. the bank of england spends billions supporting the bond

market after government borrowing costs soar to a 20—year high. no end to the strong dollar.