CLIMATE ACTION
Must accelerate action for sustainable development goals: UN Secy General
The Sustainable Development Goals face challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate change. Urgent global cooperation is needed to address rising poverty, conflict casualties, and displacement. Despite progress in renewable energy, more action is crucial for a just energy transition to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
The worrying changes in India’s monsoon patterns have implications for everything from agriculture to health
Take Maharashtra, 80% of which is rainfed. In areas such as Vidarbha and Marathwada, the onset of monsoon is now late. After a small pickup in July, there is a break in rainfall in August, lasting up to three-four weeks during the fruit formation phase. The wet spell starts again in September and continues well into October, when it should be dry. This isn't limited to Maharashtra. Several critical areas considered the breadbasket of India—Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh—are witnessing the same pattern.
India's ragpickers: A miserable and dangerous job made worse by extreme heat
India generates at least 62 million tons of waste annually, according to central government records, and some of its landfills are literal mountains of garbage, like the Ghaziabad landfill outside New Delhi. And while a 2016 law made it mandatory to segregate waste so that hazardous material doesn't make its way to landfills, the law has been poorly enforced, adding to the risk of waste pickers.
Prevent mindless utilisation, promote mindful consumption: Bhupender Yadav
At the first India Climate Summit of the Times Network on Friday, Bhupender Yadav, the minister for environment, forest and climate change, pointed out carbon emission-intensive anthropocentric development, unsustainable consumption patterns, and desertification as three pressing issues that confront the world today.
From water crisis to flooding: How Delhi went from extreme heat to rivers on roads in just 24 hours
Delhi grapples with unprecedented rainfall following scorching temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius. Within 24 hours, the city received a record-breaking 228.1 mm of rain, surpassing June's average and causing severe water-logging and chaos. Experts attribute the intense rainfall to climate change, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and proactive measures to mitigate future risks.
Rich nations should provide climate finance to developing countries: Bhupender Yadav
"Temperature rise is a global problem. IPCC reports clearly say the increase in carbon emissions is driving average global temperatures up. Countries have prepared their Nationally Determined Contributions. India has achieved its climate targets, be it in the renewable energy sector or reducing carbon emissions," Yadav said at the India Climate Summit.
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India has taken lead in ensuring 'One Health' goals: Niti Aayog's Dr VK Paul
India is ahead of several countries in drafting a legal framework to support the implementation of the 'One Health' initiative, which integrates the health of people, animals, and the environment. The 'One Health' approach is crucial for addressing complex health challenges such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and climate change. India is framing National Action Plan 2.0 to address antimicrobial resistance issues, conceptualizing the One Health Mission, and working on broader issues of climate change.
Landmark Supreme Court ruling could spur more climate cases in India: Report
Citing the case of Citing the case of M K Ranjitsinh and Others vs. Union of India, the report by the London School of Economics' Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment said that climate cases in the Global South are increasing and gaining more attention. M K Ranjitsinh and Others vs. Union of India, the report by the London School of Economics' Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment said that climate cases in the Global South are increasing and gaining more attention.
Rise of EVs: The urgency of climate action
Climate change effects are evident globally, urging immediate action to prevent irreversible damage by 2030.
Heatwaves: A reminder to focus on health as part of climate action
Heatwaves are affecting a huge proportion of India’s population with health problems, including heatstroke, dehydration and worsened chronic health conditions. With over 25,000 cases of heat stroke being reported since March, hospitals have witnessed a spike in heat-related illness cases, stretching already strained public health systems.
Make holistic health people-led movement by promoting yoga, millets: PM Modi urges gram panchayat presidents
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged gram panchayat presidents to promote holistic health through yoga and millets to combat climate change. In a letter, he encouraged organizing yoga programs to inspire sustainable living. Modi highlighted the significance of International Day of Yoga and the benefits of yoga and millets for physical and mental well-being.
Bonn climate talks: Countries leave much to do at COP29
Countries made little progress in finding common ground on the crucial issue of climate finance at the mid-year UN climate talks in Bonn, Germany, even as floods, extreme rains, and brutal heatwaves upended lives and livelihoods in several nations.
Heatwaves affect people with disabilities more, Lancet study finds
The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, found that this section of society was at twice the risk of hospitalisation compared to the general population, especially due to mental and respiratory diseases. The researchers found a fourfold increase in emergency admissions and seven times higher medical costs in people with disabilities.
Azerbaijan proposes COP truce to unite countries on climate change
Azerbaijan, the host of this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29), is aiming to shield the annual talks from geopolitical tensions by proposing a two-week COP truce. This initiative, inspired by the Olympic truce, is intended to unite countries in a collaborative effort to address the pressing issue of climate change. Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, highlighted the current global geopolitical polarization as reminiscent of the Cold War era, making consensus-building on climate action challenging.
New study warns of rising invasive alien species threat, urges immediate action
A recent study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution has highlighted the urgent need to address the growing threat posed by invasive alien species (IAS) to global biodiversity. Led by researchers representing 101 organizations from 47 countries, the study emphasizes the increasing number of IAS introductions worldwide and their negative impacts on ecosystems.
View: Our cities need granular heat-risk data, hyperlocal heat action plans down to the ward level
Mungeshpur, north of New Delhi, recorded a record temperature of 52.9°C, raising concerns about urban heat stress in Indian megacities due to urbanisation, humidity, and reports from Mumbai and the Centre for Science and Environment.
Experts warn of heat risks as India's temperatures climb again
India is facing a severe heatwave, with temperatures in several cities exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. The city of New Delhi has seen temperatures rise into the high 40s Celsius, with power usage in the city reaching a record high. Experts warn that cities are more vulnerable to the compounding effects of urbanization and climate change, leading to a greater number of hotter days, prolonged dry spells, and less rainy days.
Provide compensation to families of those killed in heatwave: Rajasthan HC to govt
The Rajasthan High Court directed the state government to provide compensation to dependents of heatwave victims and emphasized declaring heatwaves and cold waves as national calamities.
Climate tech has a promising future in India: Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor, Environmental Defense Fund, India
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) wants India to become the first major economy to industrialise without carbonising, says Hisham Mundol, Chief Advisor, Environmental Defense Fund, India.
Private philanthropy to expand at 10–15% annually in next five years: Neera Nundy, Partner, Dasra
Private philanthropy is expected to see a significant expansion with family philanthropy seeing a shift towards building a strong ecosystem.
Diplomatically, India is in a 'very sweet spot': Ex-South Korean Foreign Minister Dr. Kyung-wha Kang
Asia Society, a global think tank, has highlighted India as the fastest-growing economy with significant potential. The Asia Society India Center, founded in 2022, focuses on community-building and arts programming in South Asia. The Asia Society Policy Institute in Delhi conducts policy research and promotes awareness of India's strategic priorities and decision-making. The organization plans to deepen its engagement with India in the Indo-Pacific region, leveraging India's growing economic and political might.
Digital infrastructure company Equinix tries out hydrogenated vegetable oil for green power
The company collaborates with universities, government agencies and industry bodies to develop sustainable technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells and software-defined power.
Delhi's outdoor workers, low-income households bear brunt of deadly heat
Delhi faces extreme heat due to climate change, impacting outdoor workers, low-income communities, and informal houses. Heat action plans lack adjustments like school timings, water use suspension, and power supply to health facilities. Met office issued a red alert for increased heat-related illnesses risk during elections. Delhi experienced a temperature breach of 49°C during last year's heatwave.
Meghalaya State Council address the need for framework to protect catchment areas from further degradation
Meghalaya State Council on Climate Change & Sustainable Development discussed amendments to the Meghalaya Protection of Catchment Areas Act, 1990 to protect critical areas from degradation. The meeting under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma focused on leveraging community institutions for climate action, highlighting the development of a GIS-based technology platform for village-level interventions.
Navigating the AI tsunami: IMF boss sounds alarm on job impact, calls for swift action
Artificial intelligence (AI) is predicted to impact the global labor market drastically, potentially affecting up to 60% of jobs in advanced economies and 40% worldwide within two years, according to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Urgent preparation is needed to manage changes and avoid societal inequalities.
National Green Tribunal lauded for suo motu action following Manipur CM's alert on forest cover loss
Addressing the media at his Secretariat in Imphal on Sunday, Singh lauded the NGT for swiftly taking note of the issue highlighted in his tweet, attributing the loss to deforestation, illegal encroachment, and widespread poppy cultivation.
Infosys collaborates with AEEE, IIHS to decarbonise India’s commercial building sector
Infosys, AEEE, and IIHS collaborate on 'ASSURE' to decarbonize India's commercial building sector, aiming for 100 million sq. ft. of high-performance buildings by 2030. The initiative includes experts, lighthouse projects, and engagement with financial institutions.
G7 must lead the way on tackling global warming: UN climate chief
Stiell urges G7 at Turin to take lead with deeper emissions cuts and increased climate finance to meet Paris Agreement goals and avoid a global economic disaster.
Courts worldwide increasingly recognise climate action as a human right
Courts globally, including India's Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights, are recognizing climate action as a fundamental human right. Activists are turning to courts to push governments to enact laws protecting citizens from climate change. Courts are imposing penalties and issuing directives to compel climate action, highlighting the need for stronger legal frameworks. Recent landmark verdicts emphasize balancing conservation efforts with climate change mitigation. Young people are also joining climate activism, emphasizing the urgency for action to tackle the climate crisis.
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