Moments that shaped the environment in 2016

Instability in the climatic system is causing extreme winter weather. We entered 2016 full of doubts - and fear - over global warming. DW Environment followed up on how much "crazy weather" can actually be tied to climate change.

The shortest month didn't allow us to catch our breath - literally. Air pollution - from Germany to China to India - has came into focus as a major cause of premature death worldwide. The health effects of polluted air are a growing issue.

The fifth anniversary of the Fukushima disaster reminded us of the risks of nuclear power. Germany is carrying on with a nuclear phase-out as part of its "Energiewende" transition to renewable energy sources. But more than 100 nuclear reactors are still running across Europe.

In April, a few members of North Dakota's Standing Rock Sioux nation started protesting to save the Missouri River. By September, the movement had gained momentum internationally. In December, the US Army Corps of Engineers effectively halted the pipeline construction. It was a landmark success for Native Americans and environmentalists. However, the controversial plan is far from over.

The year 2016 saw a global coral bleaching event tied to El Nino and climate change. Following warnings over previous months, coral bleaching of Australia's Great Barrier Reef became a harsh reality that finally made headlines. At least a third of corals in the northern and central parts of the world's largest coral reef system were perishing.

The mid-way point of the year also brought extreme weather - and fears regarding climate change. High temperatures led to devastating wildfires. Drought affected thousands of people around the world, while deadly flooding took its toll as well. No surprise, 2016 has been the hottest year on record.

The unexpected result of the UK's Brexit referendum in June also had consequences for European climate protection and fishing policies. One of the first announced measures of post-Brexit Prime Minister Theresa May, was to eliminate the UK's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

With the Olympic Games happening, it was time to take a hard look at pollution. Waste-filled Guanabara Bay, an Olympic sailing venue, was in the spotlight due to health concerns for both participants and the local population. For some, the conclusion was clear: the Games were a missed opportunity to tackle pollution and create a more sustainable city.

As if in a wave, countries around the world ratified the Paris climate agreement. The world's two largest emitters, China and the United States, were among the first announcing their ratification, followed by dozens of others. The Paris climate pact finally entered into force on November 4, at unprecedented speed.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) conference, held in Johannesburg, brought into focus the plight of species that are victim to trade and trafficking. Elephants, rhinoceroses and pangolins may soon go extinct if protection measures are not successful.

Trump! Enough said - but of course DW analyzed in-depth the environmental consequences of the US presidential election. Fear that Donald Trump could threaten crucial climate goals such as the Paris agreement spread like wildfire. The future US president has openly denied climate change, along with most of his cabinet and agency picks.

As with the year before, 2016 set a new record for the hottest year ever. The global temperature has increased by more than 1 degree Celsius compared to pre-industrial times. Can 2017 become the year of climate action?