Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming.

Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993.&nbsp;The tarpaulin will protect the ice from melting quickly during the peak of summer.

This year’s short-lived (due to COVID-19) ski season ended recently, and cable cars have been put aside. The white tarps will block sun’s rays from melting the ice, or at least slow down the process tremendously.

"Continuously shrinking"

According to locals, the glacier is constantly shrinking. "This area is continuously shrinking, so we cover as much of it as possible," Davide Panizza, 34, who heads the Carosello-Tonale company that does the work told AFP.

The tarpaulin project began in 2008 when the team used to cover 30,000 square metres. Now, they cover over 100,000 square metres.

<h6><img alt="A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6f18d3da-71e8-4e77-bb0a-a81b1c608f3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_23.jpg" /> 
A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes&nbsp;| AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to news agency AFP, the tarp is made of "geotextile tarpaulins that reflect sunlight, maintaining a temperature lower than the external one, and thus preserving as much snow as possible”.

Situated at an altitude of 3,000 metres, the tarp is laid down every year.

The tarp is meticulously placed across the mountain, and sewed shut to prevent hot air from sneaking in. It is then covered with bags of sand to restrict movement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/italian-glaciers-tell-the-tale-of-climate-change-lost-13rd-of-its-volume-307503/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Like snow"

To someone looking from a distance, the sheets will look just like snow.

"There are glacier cover systems similar to ours on a few Austrian glaciers, but the surface covered by the tarpaulins is much smaller," one of the company representatives told AFP.

"When we remove them in September and we see that they did their job, we feel proud,” Franco Del Pero, the 48-year-old leader of the operation said.

Tarps are made in Australia and cost $450 each, and the work takes six weeks each, for installing and removing them.

(With inputs from AFP)

Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming. Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993.

Italy’s Presena glacier was recently covered with tarpaulin to slow down the catastrophic effects of global warming. Located in In Northern Italy, Presena has lost over 1/3rd of its volume since 1993. The tarpaulin will protect the ice from melting quickly during the peak of summer. This year’s short-lived (due to COVID-19) ski season ended recently, and cable cars have been put aside. The white tarps will block sun’s rays from melting the ice, or at least slow down the process tremendously. "Continuously shrinking" According to locals, the glacier is constantly shrinking. "This area is continuously shrinking, so we cover as much of it as possible," Davide Panizza, 34, who heads the Carosello-Tonale company that does the work told AFP. The tarpaulin project began in 2008 when the team used to cover 30,000 square metres. Now, they cover over 100,000 square metres. A photo taken on June 19, 2020 shows huge geotextile sheets put up on the Presena glacier (2700m-3000m) on the Val di Sole near Pellizzano in Trentino, northern Italy, in order to delay snow melting on skiing slopes | AFP According to news agency AFP, the tarp is made of "geotextile tarpaulins that reflect sunlight, maintaining a temperature lower than the external one, and thus preserving as much snow as possible”. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 metres, the tarp is laid down every year. The tarp is meticulously placed across the mountain, and sewed shut to prevent hot air from sneaking in. It is then covered with bags of sand to restrict movement. "Like snow" To someone looking from a distance, the sheets will look just like snow. "There are glacier cover systems similar to ours on a few Austrian glaciers, but the surface covered by the tarpaulins is much smaller," one of the company representatives told AFP. "When we remove them in September and we see that they did their job, we feel proud,” Franco Del Pero, the 48-year-old leader of the operation said. Tarps are made in Australia and cost $450 each, and the work takes six weeks each, for installing and removing them. (With inputs from AFP)

Italy's Presena glacier covered with white tarps to decelerate melting caused by climate change

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday&nbsp;said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world.

She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter.

"People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things", says Ms Thunberg, "we cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-pushes-legal-complaint-against-five-countries-at-un-296921">Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN</a>

She says lockdown has given her time to relax and reflect away from the public gaze.

Preparing for her appearance before the UN&nbsp;General Assembly last fall, Greta Thunberg found herself constantly interrupted by world leaders, including U.N. chief Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had formed a queue to speak to her and take selfies.

“Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, waits in line but doesn’t quite make it before it’s time for the event to start,” Thunberg recalls.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-lawmakers-nominate-greta-thunberg-for-nobel-peace-prize-277600">Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize</a>

Such surreal memories for a teenager form the opening to a 75-minute monologue broadcast on Swedish public radio Saturday that soon shifts to the serious matter of climate change that’s at the heart of Thunberg’s work.

The 17-year-old has become a global figurehead of the youth climate movement since she started her one-woman protests outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world. She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg on Saturday said that climate change is as ''urgent'' as the coronavirus crisis that has been ravaging the world. She doesn't think any "green recovery plan" will solve the crisis alone and she says the world is now passing a "social tipping point" on climate and issues such as Black Lives Matter. "People are starting to realise that we cannot keep looking away from these things", says Ms Thunberg, "we cannot keep sweeping these injustices under the carpet". Also read: Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN She says lockdown has given her time to relax and reflect away from the public gaze. Preparing for her appearance before the UN General Assembly last fall, Greta Thunberg found herself constantly interrupted by world leaders, including U.N. chief Antonio Guterres and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had formed a queue to speak to her and take selfies. “Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, waits in line but doesn’t quite make it before it’s time for the event to start,” Thunberg recalls. Also read: Swedish lawmakers nominate Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize Such surreal memories for a teenager form the opening to a 75-minute monologue broadcast on Swedish public radio Saturday that soon shifts to the serious matter of climate change that’s at the heart of Thunberg’s work. The 17-year-old has become a global figurehead of the youth climate movement since she started her one-woman protests outside the Swedish parliament in 2018.

Climate change as 'urgent' as coronavirus pandemic, says Greta Thunberg

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge.&nbsp;

The contagion has had mixed outcomes for Thailand's environment, with dugongs, turtles, and otters returning to beaches normally packed with tourists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-pollution-is-booming-from-coronavirus-and-will-get-worse-after-the-pandemic-304641">Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic</a>

But in urban areas plastic food containers, cutlery, and bags have piled up, clogging canals, rivers and landfills as people stuck at home because of the epidemic order take-away.&nbsp;

Urban waste almost doubled between January and March from a year ago mainly due to increased food deliveries, says Wijarn Simachaya, president of the Thailand Environment Institute.

In Bangkok alone, rubbish leapt by 62 per cent in April.&nbsp;

"The situation is really worrying," he says.

In Bangkok's network of canals, trash collectors pluck plastic bottles, bags and containers from the fetid waters.

"Plastic pollution may kill more people than (the coronavirus) in Thailand," says 12-year-old environmentalist Ralyn "Lilly" Satidtanasarn, the kingdom's answer to Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

Plastic detox&nbsp;

Thailand along with Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Vietnam produce half the plastic waste in the world's oceans, according to campaign group the Ocean Conservancy.

Over the last year, all of those countries have pledged, or introduced, new rules to ban single-use plastic bags and other throwaway items.

Thailand outlawed plastic bags in supermarkets and department stores in January. &nbsp;

Before then Thais on average used eight bags a day, 12 times more than a resident of the European Union.

While the kingdom has weathered the virus well, with just over 3,100 cases and fewer than 60 deaths, fears of contracting it have seen single-use plastic return with a vengeance.

The new normal comes with more plastic -- cutlery in sterilised bags and condiments in zip-lock sachets.

"A large part (of the extra plastic) will end up in the rivers and oceans," warns Tara Buakamsri of Greenpeace Thailand.

He says the crisis had "cruelly highlighted" the need for better waste management in a country where only about 19 per cent of the two million tonnes of plastic waste produced last year was recycled.

The government aims for 100 per cent recyclable plastic to be in common use by 2027.

The other big four Asian plastic polluters are yet to give comprehensive figures on plastic use during the virus.

But some cities in Japan have reported an increase in plastic waste, even though its citizens are better at recycling.

Concerned by Thailand's enduring addiction to plastic, civil society is hoping to inspire a public detox.

In northern Thailand, an academic is leading a team paving roads with plastic bags mixed with sand.

The composite slabs are lighter to transport and can last up to 400 years before decomposing, says Wechsawan Lakas of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.

His inspiration to find an alternative came after a trip to the beach with his two young sons, who discovered waters bloated with plastic waste.

But the small gains are outsized by the scale of the Thai plastics industry, he says, insisting greater political will is needed to alter both consumer habits and the sources of raw materials. &nbsp;

"Because of the power of the petrochemical industry it will be difficult for the government to implement aggressive policies," he warns.&nbsp;

"Changing mentalities will take years." 
&nbsp;

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge.

Single-use plastic waste in Thailand ballooned during the coronavirus lockdown as demand for home food deliveries soared, activists say, setting back efforts to reduce the country's dependency on the environmental scourge. The contagion has had mixed outcomes for Thailand's environment, with dugongs, turtles, and otters returning to beaches normally packed with tourists. Also read | Plastic pollution is booming from coronavirus and will get worse after the pandemic But in urban areas plastic food containers, cutlery, and bags have piled up, clogging canals, rivers and landfills as people stuck at home because of the epidemic order take-away. Urban waste almost doubled between January and March from a year ago mainly due to increased food deliveries, says Wijarn Simachaya, president of the Thailand Environment Institute. In Bangkok alone, rubbish leapt by 62 per cent in April. "The situation is really worrying," he says. In Bangkok's network of canals, trash collectors pluck plastic bottles, bags and containers from the fetid waters. "Plastic pollution may kill more people than (the coronavirus) in Thailand," says 12-year-old environmentalist Ralyn "Lilly" Satidtanasarn, the kingdom's answer to Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg. Plastic detox Thailand along with Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Vietnam produce half the plastic waste in the world's oceans, according to campaign group the Ocean Conservancy. Over the last year, all of those countries have pledged, or introduced, new rules to ban single-use plastic bags and other throwaway items. Thailand outlawed plastic bags in supermarkets and department stores in January. Before then Thais on average used eight bags a day, 12 times more than a resident of the European Union. While the kingdom has weathered the virus well, with just over 3,100 cases and fewer than 60 deaths, fears of contracting it have seen single-use plastic return with a vengeance. The new normal comes with more plastic -- cutlery in sterilised bags and condiments in zip-lock sachets. "A large part (of the extra plastic) will end up in the rivers and oceans," warns Tara Buakamsri of Greenpeace Thailand. He says the crisis had "cruelly highlighted" the need for better waste management in a country where only about 19 per cent of the two million tonnes of plastic waste produced last year was recycled. The government aims for 100 per cent recyclable plastic to be in common use by 2027. The other big four Asian plastic polluters are yet to give comprehensive figures on plastic use during the virus. But some cities in Japan have reported an increase in plastic waste, even though its citizens are better at recycling. Concerned by Thailand's enduring addiction to plastic, civil society is hoping to inspire a public detox. In northern Thailand, an academic is leading a team paving roads with plastic bags mixed with sand. The composite slabs are lighter to transport and can last up to 400 years before decomposing, says Wechsawan Lakas of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. His inspiration to find an alternative came after a trip to the beach with his two young sons, who discovered waters bloated with plastic waste. But the small gains are outsized by the scale of the Thai plastics industry, he says, insisting greater political will is needed to alter both consumer habits and the sources of raw materials. "Because of the power of the petrochemical industry it will be difficult for the government to implement aggressive policies," he warns. "Changing mentalities will take years."

Food deliveries during virus lockdown fuel Thailand plastic usage

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs.

Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council,&nbsp;formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports.

The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime.

Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations.&nbsp;

Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State.

One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention.

"It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention."

Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document.

"They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said.

DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment.

The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination.

Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan.

"We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said.

Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups.

Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences."

"I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter.

The Democratic National Committee's council on climate change irked party leadership when it published policy recommendations this month that ventured beyond presidential candidate Joe Biden's plan, according to three people familiar with the matter. The party tension shows the tricky nature of climate politics as Biden seeks to court young and more progressive voters without turning off voters in energy-producing swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio, where a boom in shale gas drilling had created blue-collar jobs. Members of the DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council, formed last year, published proposals for the party's four-year platform on June 4 in a press release, calling for up to $16 trillion in spending to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while banning hydraulic fracturing and oil and gas exports. The council's proposals far exceed Biden's current climate plan, which bans new oil and gas permits on public lands and dedicates $1.7 trillion to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, but allows continued fracking and exports in the meantime. Biden's campaign is updating its climate plan as it prepares for the Nov. 3 election contest against Republican President Donald Trump, a fervent advocate of fossil fuel drilling and mining who has downplayed climate change risks and unwound hundreds of environmental regulations. Biden is being advised by a panel led by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has called for a vast government-run effort to move away from fossil fuels, and John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Paris climate agreement as President Barack Obama's Secretary of State. One senior Democrat familiar with the DNC's workings said climate council members overstepped by putting out recommendations ahead of the convention that are unlikely to be adopted in the party's platform, which will be drafted by a DNC committee by its August convention. "It's a nonstarter," said the Democrat, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. "Nobody takes them seriously. Joe Biden will be writing the platform for our national convention." Two people close to the DNC said the council blindsided the party by publicly releasing the 14-page document. "They acted like insurgents within the party trying to stake out a left flank before the convention," one of the sources said. DNC and Biden campaign officials declined to comment. The DNC agreed to create the council last year after angering environmental activists and progressives for declining to hold a standalone climate debate among competitors for the party's presidential nomination. Council Chair Michelle Deatrick said the council has been in touch with both Biden's climate advisory panel and the campaign but published the recommendations ahead of the convention to help galvanize support for an aggressive plan. "We are advocating to ensure these recommendations are adopted in the Democratic Party platform. We have strong support, and are building a coalition of environmental groups, Democratic Party groups and more," she said. Deatrick was a campaign surrogate of Biden rival Bernie Sanders, who had released a $16 trillion climate plan last year before dropping his bid for the party nomination. Other council members include representatives and activists from conservation and environmental justice groups. Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mineworkers Union, said the recommendations would have "political consequences." "I can assure you that the mere issuing of this report has already cost Democrats potential votes in places like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan," he said.

US Democratic Party irked by council's 'insurgent' climate plan

As we mark World Environment Day, there are some harsh facts that tell us that our environment is at unimaginable risk. So let's try to understand these five facts on June 5, the day dedicated to environmental awareness and protection. &nbsp;

In pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-environment-day-from-amazon-to-india-nature-has-suffered-enough-in-one-year-303554">World Environment Day: From Amazon to India, nature has suffered enough in one year</a>

Climate Change

The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s.&nbsp;

Pollution

One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report.&nbsp;

Plastic pollution

If we look at pollution, a major worry is pollution generated from plastic. Half of all the plastics ever manufactured are produced in the last 15 years. Every year, nearly eight million tons of plastic waste finds its way into the oceans.&nbsp;

Extinction

All of the human beings and other species are victims of pollution and climate change. As many as 100,000 species are getting extinct each year. Experts say the rapid loss of species is 1000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate.&nbsp;

Disasters

Disasters are one of the biggest signs that suggest that not all is well with the environment. In the last 30 years, the number of climate-related disasters has tripled. Over 20 million people are forced to leave their homes each year because of disasters.&nbsp;

The economic cost of climate change and natural disasters is also very high. According to estimates, by 2030, developing countries would have to shell 140 to 300 billion dollars every year.&nbsp;

Also, events from the first five months of this year substantiate the point that the risk to our environment is real.&nbsp;

We welcomed 2020 with an ongoing unfortunate event, Australian bushfires, one of the most devastating of all time. About 25.5 million hectares of land were gutted by the fires. The area is about the size of South Korea and 33 people have lost their lives in these fires.&nbsp;

In April this year, the United States witnessed its second-highest tornado count ever, with as many as 351 tornadoes in that particular month. As many as 40 people died in these tornadoes.&nbsp;

Now, we are struggling with locust attacks that have targetted 25 countries this year. Millions of hectares of farmland have been destroyed in Africa and Asia. It is likely that we have to face locust attacks every year. These swarms symbolise climate change.&nbsp;

Recently, parts of India and Bangladesh also witnessed massive destruction caused by super cyclone Amphan. It was the first super cyclone formed in the Bay of Bengal since 1999. At least 100 people have died in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal alone. The strong winds made Bengal look like a war zone.&nbsp;

And just over 24 hours ago, a powerful landslide swept several buildings into the sea in northern Norway.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As we mark World Environment Day, there are some harsh facts that tell us that our environment is at unimaginable risk. So let's try to understand these five facts on June 5, the day dedicated to environmental awareness and protection.

As we mark World Environment Day, there are some harsh facts that tell us that our environment is at unimaginable risk. So let's try to understand these five facts on June 5, the day dedicated to environmental awareness and protection. In pics | World Environment Day: From Amazon to India, nature has suffered enough in one year Climate Change The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s. Pollution One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report. Plastic pollution If we look at pollution, a major worry is pollution generated from plastic. Half of all the plastics ever manufactured are produced in the last 15 years. Every year, nearly eight million tons of plastic waste finds its way into the oceans. Extinction All of the human beings and other species are victims of pollution and climate change. As many as 100,000 species are getting extinct each year. Experts say the rapid loss of species is 1000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. Disasters Disasters are one of the biggest signs that suggest that not all is well with the environment. In the last 30 years, the number of climate-related disasters has tripled. Over 20 million people are forced to leave their homes each year because of disasters. The economic cost of climate change and natural disasters is also very high. According to estimates, by 2030, developing countries would have to shell 140 to 300 billion dollars every year. Also, events from the first five months of this year substantiate the point that the risk to our environment is real. We welcomed 2020 with an ongoing unfortunate event, Australian bushfires, one of the most devastating of all time. About 25.5 million hectares of land were gutted by the fires. The area is about the size of South Korea and 33 people have lost their lives in these fires. In April this year, the United States witnessed its second-highest tornado count ever, with as many as 351 tornadoes in that particular month. As many as 40 people died in these tornadoes. Now, we are struggling with locust attacks that have targetted 25 countries this year. Millions of hectares of farmland have been destroyed in Africa and Asia. It is likely that we have to face locust attacks every year. These swarms symbolise climate change. Recently, parts of India and Bangladesh also witnessed massive destruction caused by super cyclone Amphan. It was the first super cyclone formed in the Bay of Bengal since 1999. At least 100 people have died in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal alone. The strong winds made Bengal look like a war zone. And just over 24 hours ago, a powerful landslide swept several buildings into the sea in northern Norway.

Harsh facts on World Environment Day: Climate change, pollution and disasters

Our environment is at risk. Climate change is its biggest threat. On World Environment Day, WION's Palki Sharma gets you five videos that tell you how much trouble the world is in.

Gravitas: World Environment Day | 5 Videos you cannot miss

With milder winters in Sweden members of the country's indigenous Sami community herd 'Reindeer' are spending more money searching for food. Watch report.

Sweden: Climate change forces Sami Reindeer herders to adapt

Scientists have created the first large-scale map of microscopic algae on the Antarctic peninsula. The map showed the surface turning green and&nbsp;potentially creating a source of nutrition for other species.

The team of biologists from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey spent six years on this research. They detected and measured the green snow algae using a combination of satellite data and ground observation.

The study was published in the journal Nature Communications on Wednesday.

Describing the algae map as a missing piece of the carbon cycle jigsaw in the Antarctic, Matt Davey, one of the scientists on the team said, “It’s a community. This could potentially form new habitats. In some place, it would be the beginning of a new ecosystem.” He also explained that the&nbsp;algae have formed close bonds with small fungal spores and bacteria.&nbsp;

In some areas, these single-cell life-forms are so dense, they turn the snow bright green. these can also be spotted from the space, according to the study. This large-scale map of the algae will be used to assess the speed at which Antarctica is turning green and maybe providing sustenance to other species.

It identifies 1,679 separate blooms of green snow algae. This, together, will cover an area of 1.9 sq. km and equals 479 tonnes per year carbon sink. While this will not make much of a difference in the planet's carbon budget, Matt explained this to&nbsp;equal to emissions of about 875,000 car journeys in the UK.

Almost two-thirds of the green algal blooms were found on islands around Peninsula, but these were small islands. These have&nbsp;experienced the most intense heating in the world. The snow algae were less conspicuous in colder and&nbsp;southern regions.

This is not the first time green has been spotted. Scientists say that earlier michen and mass was spotted, however, those grow&nbsp;extremely slowly in comparison to&nbsp;algae. The scientists also plan to measure&nbsp;red and orange algae to&nbsp;calculate the effect of the&nbsp;presence of these colourful forms on&nbsp;the heat-reflecting albedo quality of the snow.

Andrew Gray, the lead author of the paper, said, “I think we will get more large blooms in the future. Before we know whether this has a significant impact on carbon budgets or bio albedo, we need to run the numbers.”

Scientists have created the first large-scale map of microscopic algae on the Antarctic peninsula. The map showed the surface turning green and potentially creating a source of nutrition for other species.

Scientists have created the first large-scale map of microscopic algae on the Antarctic peninsula. The map showed the surface turning green and potentially creating a source of nutrition for other species. The team of biologists from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey spent six years on this research. They detected and measured the green snow algae using a combination of satellite data and ground observation. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications on Wednesday. Describing the algae map as a missing piece of the carbon cycle jigsaw in the Antarctic, Matt Davey, one of the scientists on the team said, “It’s a community. This could potentially form new habitats. In some place, it would be the beginning of a new ecosystem.” He also explained that the algae have formed close bonds with small fungal spores and bacteria. In some areas, these single-cell life-forms are so dense, they turn the snow bright green. these can also be spotted from the space, according to the study. This large-scale map of the algae will be used to assess the speed at which Antarctica is turning green and maybe providing sustenance to other species. It identifies 1,679 separate blooms of green snow algae. This, together, will cover an area of 1.9 sq. km and equals 479 tonnes per year carbon sink. While this will not make much of a difference in the planet's carbon budget, Matt explained this to equal to emissions of about 875,000 car journeys in the UK. Almost two-thirds of the green algal blooms were found on islands around Peninsula, but these were small islands. These have experienced the most intense heating in the world. The snow algae were less conspicuous in colder and southern regions. This is not the first time green has been spotted. Scientists say that earlier michen and mass was spotted, however, those grow extremely slowly in comparison to algae. The scientists also plan to measure red and orange algae to calculate the effect of the presence of these colourful forms on the heat-reflecting albedo quality of the snow. Andrew Gray, the lead author of the paper, said, “I think we will get more large blooms in the future. Before we know whether this has a significant impact on carbon budgets or bio albedo, we need to run the numbers.”

Scientists prepare a map of Antarctica turning green due to climate change

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown.

In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change.

The findings show the world has experienced the sharpest drop in carbon output since records began, with large sections of the global economy brought to a near standstill.

The comprehensive analysis was conducted by scientists from the University of East Anglia, Stanford University in the US, the Cicero Centre in Norway, as well as scientists in the Netherlands, Australia, France and Germany.

Four countries or blocs,&nbsp;China, the United States, the European Union and India, accounted for two-thirds of the downturn across the first four months of 2020, equivalent to more than one billion tonnes of CO2.

When the lockdown was at its most stringent, in some countries emissions fell by just over 26 per cent&nbsp;on average. In the UK, the decline was about 31 per cent, while in Australia emissions fell 28.3 per cent&nbsp;for a period during April.

Emissions from aviation showed a dramatic decline, of about 60 per cent, as international flights between many countries were grounded. Emissions from surface transport fell less sharply, by about 36 per cent. Power generation and industry accounted for about 86 per cent&nbsp;of the total decline in emissions.

Total emissions from industry and energy last year came to a record 37 billion tonnes.&nbsp;

"Population confinement has led to drastic changes in energy use and CO2 emissions," said lead author Corinne Le Quere, a professor at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia.

"These extreme decreases are likely to be temporary, however, as they do not reflect structural changes in the economic, transport or energy systems."

With nearly five million confirmed infections and 320,000 deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has deflected attention from the climate crisis that dominated global concerns in 2019.

But the climate threat remains, other experts warn.

"This will make barely a dent in the ongoing build-up of&nbsp;carbon&nbsp;dioxide in the atmosphere," said Richard Betts, head of climate impacts research at Britain's Met Office Hadley Centre.

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown. In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in carbon pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change.

Carbon dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically since lockdowns were imposed around the world due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown. In early April, coronavirus lockdowns led to a 17 percent reduction worldwide in carbon pollution compared to the same period last year, according to the first peer-reviewed assessment of the pandemic's impact on CO2 emissions, published in Nature Climate Change. The findings show the world has experienced the sharpest drop in carbon output since records began, with large sections of the global economy brought to a near standstill. The comprehensive analysis was conducted by scientists from the University of East Anglia, Stanford University in the US, the Cicero Centre in Norway, as well as scientists in the Netherlands, Australia, France and Germany. Four countries or blocs, China, the United States, the European Union and India, accounted for two-thirds of the downturn across the first four months of 2020, equivalent to more than one billion tonnes of CO2. When the lockdown was at its most stringent, in some countries emissions fell by just over 26 per cent on average. In the UK, the decline was about 31 per cent, while in Australia emissions fell 28.3 per cent for a period during April. Emissions from aviation showed a dramatic decline, of about 60 per cent, as international flights between many countries were grounded. Emissions from surface transport fell less sharply, by about 36 per cent. Power generation and industry accounted for about 86 per cent of the total decline in emissions. Total emissions from industry and energy last year came to a record 37 billion tonnes. "Population confinement has led to drastic changes in energy use and CO2 emissions," said lead author Corinne Le Quere, a professor at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia. "These extreme decreases are likely to be temporary, however, as they do not reflect structural changes in the economic, transport or energy systems." With nearly five million confirmed infections and 320,000 deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic has deflected attention from the climate crisis that dominated global concerns in 2019. But the climate threat remains, other experts warn. "This will make barely a dent in the ongoing build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere," said Richard Betts, head of climate impacts research at Britain's Met Office Hadley Centre.

Lockdowns trigger 'substantial' downfall in global carbon emissions

Imagine a technology that could stop excess carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and reduce the rate of climate change. Watch report.

Warriors against climate change: Using nature to capture Carbon Dioxide

Coronavirus was detected on several surfaces in hotel rooms where two presymptomatic Chinese students were quarantined before being diagnosed with the disease, according to a study released on Monday.

The research was conducted by scientists at the Qingdao Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Global Health Research Center at Duke Kunshan University and the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology.

For the study, published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers in China examined the hotel rooms of the two students, who returned to China from studying abroad on March 19 and March 20.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-worldwide-cases-near-49-million-death-toll-at-318465-299544" hreflang="en">Covid-19 worldwide cases near 4.9 million; death toll at 318,465</a>

They did not display any virus symptoms at the time and were transferred to a hotel for 14 days of quarantine.

On the morning of the second day in quarantine, they remained presymptomatic but both tested positive for COVID-19 and were hospitalized.

A total of 22 samples were collected from the two rooms and eight tested positive for COVID-19.Six were from the room of a student identified only as Patient A. They were from the light switch, bathroom door handle, sheet, duvet cover, pillow cover and towel.

In Patient B's room, positive samples were detected on a faucet and pillow case.

The researchers said the study "demonstrates extensive environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a relatively short time."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-chief-warns-full-global-economic-recovery-unlikely-in-2021-299531" hreflang="en">IMF chief warns full global economic recovery unlikely in 2021</a>

They noted that a higher viral load was detected after prolonged contact with sheets and pillow covers.

"The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the surface samples of the sheet, duvet cover, and pillow cover highlights the importance of proper handling procedures when changing or laundering used linens of SARS-CoV-2 patients," they said.

"In summary, our study demonstrates that presymptomatic patients have high viral load shedding and can easily contaminate environments," they said.

Researchers around the world have been looking at how long the virus can survive on various surfaces.

Studies have shown it can live between three hours and seven days, depending on the material, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

About three hours after they tested positive, the researchers sampled various surfaces in their rooms.

These included door handles, light switches, faucet handles, thermometers, television remotes, pillow covers, duvet covers, sheets, towels, bathroom door handles, toilet seats and toilet flushing buttons.

Coronavirus was detected on several surfaces in hotel rooms where two presymptomatic Chinese students were quarantined before being diagnosed with the disease, according to a study released on Monday.

Coronavirus was detected on several surfaces in hotel rooms where two presymptomatic Chinese students were quarantined before being diagnosed with the disease, according to a study released on Monday. The research was conducted by scientists at the Qingdao Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Global Health Research Center at Duke Kunshan University and the Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology. For the study, published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers in China examined the hotel rooms of the two students, who returned to China from studying abroad on March 19 and March 20. Also read: Covid-19 worldwide cases near 4.9 million; death toll at 318,465 They did not display any virus symptoms at the time and were transferred to a hotel for 14 days of quarantine. On the morning of the second day in quarantine, they remained presymptomatic but both tested positive for COVID-19 and were hospitalized. A total of 22 samples were collected from the two rooms and eight tested positive for COVID-19.Six were from the room of a student identified only as Patient A. They were from the light switch, bathroom door handle, sheet, duvet cover, pillow cover and towel. In Patient B's room, positive samples were detected on a faucet and pillow case. The researchers said the study "demonstrates extensive environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a relatively short time." Also read: IMF chief warns full global economic recovery unlikely in 2021 They noted that a higher viral load was detected after prolonged contact with sheets and pillow covers. "The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the surface samples of the sheet, duvet cover, and pillow cover highlights the importance of proper handling procedures when changing or laundering used linens of SARS-CoV-2 patients," they said. "In summary, our study demonstrates that presymptomatic patients have high viral load shedding and can easily contaminate environments," they said. Researchers around the world have been looking at how long the virus can survive on various surfaces. Studies have shown it can live between three hours and seven days, depending on the material, according to the Cleveland Clinic. About three hours after they tested positive, the researchers sampled various surfaces in their rooms. These included door handles, light switches, faucet handles, thermometers, television remotes, pillow covers, duvet covers, sheets, towels, bathroom door handles, toilet seats and toilet flushing buttons.

Presymptomatic COVID-19 patients can contaminate surroundings: Study

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg&nbsp;and a group of 15 other young climate activists have hit back at the attempt to throw out their climate crisis case.

They have pushed forward their legal complaint at the United Nations against against five countries, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Turkey, which they accuse of backing fossil-fuels and endangering children's well-being through the climate crisis,&nbsp;despite attempts to have it thrown out.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-third-of-global-population-could-reside-in-deadly-hot-areas-by-2070-study-296857" hreflang="en">More than one-third of global population could reside in deadly hot areas by 2070: Study</a>

The countries have ''breached&nbsp;their obligations under the international Convention on the Rights of Child, by promoting fossil fuels and failing to curb greenhouse gas emissions for decades, despite knowing about the risks of climate change,'' the group said in a press release.

Brazil, France and Germany&nbsp;replied to the petition response and&nbsp;said that the UN cannot hear complaint against ''five countries of flouting child rights to clean air.''

With the filing, Thunberg and her fellow activists are escalating a confrontation with the five countries that stemmed from a lawsuit they formally filed to the UN Convention back in September 2019.

The group focused on these countries, as they are the biggest climate polluters of the 45 nations that have adopted an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The 2019 complaint alleges that the countries knew about the negative impact on the environment of their carbon emissions and did nothing to prevent it.The lawsuit joins a growing number of attempts to bring climate cases to court, alleging that government or businesses have flouted the law or failed in their international obligations.

One of the most successful has been in the&nbsp;Netherlands, in the Urgenda case, in which judges found the government must change its policies to tackle emissions and the climate crisis.

&nbsp;

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and a group of 15 other young climate activists have hit back at the attempt to throw out their climate crisis case. They have pushed forward their legal complaint at the United Nations against against five countries, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Turkey, which they accuse of backing fossil-fuels and endangering children's well-being through the climate crisis, despite attempts to have it thrown out.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and a group of 15 other young climate activists have hit back at the attempt to throw out their climate crisis case. They have pushed forward their legal complaint at the United Nations against against five countries, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Turkey, which they accuse of backing fossil-fuels and endangering children's well-being through the climate crisis, despite attempts to have it thrown out. Also read: More than one-third of global population could reside in deadly hot areas by 2070: Study The countries have ''breached their obligations under the international Convention on the Rights of Child, by promoting fossil fuels and failing to curb greenhouse gas emissions for decades, despite knowing about the risks of climate change,'' the group said in a press release. Brazil, France and Germany replied to the petition response and said that the UN cannot hear complaint against ''five countries of flouting child rights to clean air.'' With the filing, Thunberg and her fellow activists are escalating a confrontation with the five countries that stemmed from a lawsuit they formally filed to the UN Convention back in September 2019. The group focused on these countries, as they are the biggest climate polluters of the 45 nations that have adopted an optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The 2019 complaint alleges that the countries knew about the negative impact on the environment of their carbon emissions and did nothing to prevent it.The lawsuit joins a growing number of attempts to bring climate cases to court, alleging that government or businesses have flouted the law or failed in their international obligations. One of the most successful has been in the Netherlands, in the Urgenda case, in which judges found the government must change its policies to tackle emissions and the climate crisis.

Greta Thunberg pushes legal complaint against five countries at UN

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle. These people will mostly be poor and cannot afford air conditioning.&nbsp;

According to ecologist Marten Scheffer of Wageningen University in the Netherlands who is also the co-author of the study, the global average annual temperature has been rising by one-degree celsius due to the climate change caused by human activities which will result in such situation.

The number of people could vary on how much does carbon dioxide reduce and the population grows by 2070.

As the world population and carbon pollution are growing on a faster rate the National Academy of Sciences has predicted nearly 3.5 billion people that represent one-third of the global population will live in extremely hot areas by 2070.

International scientists deeply studied humans as they would to bears, birds and bees to understand the "climate niche" where a species flourish. The researchers went 6,000 years back to find a 'sweet spot' of temperatures for humans to habitat and they showed that climate between 11 to 15-degree Celsius is hospitable for the humans to survive.&nbsp;

The humans can live in a less or more temperature that the sweet spot but the farther it goes the harder it gets.&nbsp;

The scientists also looked at places projected where the temperature could be hotter than the sweet spot and they found out that the area constitutes less than 1 per cent of Earth's land and was near the Sahara Desert and includes Mecca, Saudi Arabia where the average temperature is more than 29-degree celsius. Currently 20 million lives in these areas.&nbsp;

But with the growing population and rising temperature, large areas of Africa, Asia, South America and Australia could be in a similar temperature zone.

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle.

As a new study suggests that in 50 years nearly 2 billion to 3.5 billion of the world population will be living in the climate with record temperature that will be too hot to be handle. These people will mostly be poor and cannot afford air conditioning. According to ecologist Marten Scheffer of Wageningen University in the Netherlands who is also the co-author of the study, the global average annual temperature has been rising by one-degree celsius due to the climate change caused by human activities which will result in such situation. The number of people could vary on how much does carbon dioxide reduce and the population grows by 2070. As the world population and carbon pollution are growing on a faster rate the National Academy of Sciences has predicted nearly 3.5 billion people that represent one-third of the global population will live in extremely hot areas by 2070. International scientists deeply studied humans as they would to bears, birds and bees to understand the "climate niche" where a species flourish. The researchers went 6,000 years back to find a 'sweet spot' of temperatures for humans to habitat and they showed that climate between 11 to 15-degree Celsius is hospitable for the humans to survive. The humans can live in a less or more temperature that the sweet spot but the farther it goes the harder it gets. The scientists also looked at places projected where the temperature could be hotter than the sweet spot and they found out that the area constitutes less than 1 per cent of Earth's land and was near the Sahara Desert and includes Mecca, Saudi Arabia where the average temperature is more than 29-degree celsius. Currently 20 million lives in these areas. But with the growing population and rising temperature, large areas of Africa, Asia, South America and Australia could be in a similar temperature zone.

More than one-third of global population could reside in deadly hot areas by 2070: Study

The Swiss government's coronavirus aid package should be used to make the country's economy more sustainable and help tackle climate change, environmentalists said on Monday (May 4).

Swiss environmentalists demand green reconstruction after coronavirus crisis

Shoes replace protesters as Swiss climate activists obey virus restrictions

The United Nations on Wednesday urged the world to fight climate change with the same determination as it is showing in the battle against COVID-19. The UN's World Meteorological Organization said it was time to flatten the curve on climate change as well, with its impact on the planet "reaching a crescendo" in the past five years -- which were the hottest on record.

The United Nations on Wednesday urged the world to fight climate change with the same determination as it is showing in the battle against COVID-19. The UN's World Meteorological Organization said it was time to flatten the curve on climate change as well, with its impact on the planet "reaching a crescendo" in the past five years -- which were the hottest on record. The trend is expected to continue, the WMO said Wednesday, as it marked Earth Day. This year's celebration comes 50 years since the first Earth Day in 1970. Carbon dioxide levels at one key global observing station are about 26 per cent higher than in 1970, whilst the average global temperature has increased by 0.86 degrees Celsius since then, the WMO said. Temperatures are also 1.1 Celsius warmer than the pre-industrial era, it added. The agency said the COVID-19 crisis was exacerbating the socioeconomic impacts of climate change -- for example making it harder to evacuate people and keep them safe from tropical cyclones. The WMO said the coronavirus crisis "may result in a temporary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but it is not a substitute for sustained climate action. "And it will make it more difficult to tackle weather, climate and water-related hazards which are becoming more acute because of climate change." WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas said that extreme weather events had increased, and would not go away due to the new coronavirus pandemic. He said failure to tackle climate change could threaten human well-being, ecosystems and economies "for centuries" to come. "We need to flatten both the pandemic and climate change curves. "We need to show the same determination and unity against climate change as against COVID-19," calling for action not only in the short-term "but for many generations ahead". Global Atmosphere Watch stations have recorded a reduction in key pollutants and improvements in air quality as a result of the industrial downturn during the pandemic. However, with carbon dioxide concentrations at key reporting stations remaining at record levels, the WMO said it was important that any post-coronavirus recovery stimulus packages help the economy to grow back in a greener way. "Previous economic crises have often been followed by 'recovery' associated with much higher emission growth than before the crisis," the organisation noted.

Fight climate change like coronavirus: United Nations 

The ozone layer is acting up, again!

Two days ago, a new hole was reported in the layer above the Arctic. According to scientists, this is owing to uncannily low temperatures in the atmosphere right above the North Pole.

The hole has broken the record of all ozone holes ever. The Guardian reported that the hole, however, poses no threat to human beings, unless it moves south to areas like Greenland, which could cause sunburn among people exposed to the sun rays.

Based on daily data, the hole may totally disappear in the upcoming few weeks.

Clubbed with anti-sustenance human activities, the presence of chemicals like choline and bromine in the atmosphere causes such holes to appear in the ozone layer.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="winnows.com/world/the-ozone-layer-is-healing-289054" hreflang="en">The ozone layer is healing!</a>

The global shutdowns triggered by coronavirus have drastically reduced air pollution, and have reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This is, in no way, related to the crisis.

However, it is also not clear whether this hole was created due to the climate crisis.

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service was responsible for tracking the hole.

Even though a rare event, it doesn’t compare to a much larger hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica, which can caused anxiety among scientists for over four decades.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-the-covid-19-crisis-causing-a-dangerous-spike-in-the-circulation-of-counterfeit-medicines-291699" hreflang="en">Is the COVID-19 crisis causing a dangerous spike in the circulation of counterfeit medicines?</a>

The 1987 Montreal Protocol was created in the aftermath of the gigantic hole’s discovery, which has led to the reduction of ozone-depleting chemicals.

In November last year, the big hole recorded its smallest size ever!

In the absence of the ozone layer, humans would not be able to survive on the planet, as the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun would seep in.

The ozone layer is acting up, again! Two days ago, a new hole was reported in the layer above the Arctic. According to scientists, this is owing to uncannily low temperatures in the atmosphere right above the North Pole.

The ozone layer is acting up, again! Two days ago, a new hole was reported in the layer above the Arctic. According to scientists, this is owing to uncannily low temperatures in the atmosphere right above the North Pole. The hole has broken the record of all ozone holes ever. The Guardian reported that the hole, however, poses no threat to human beings, unless it moves south to areas like Greenland, which could cause sunburn among people exposed to the sun rays. Based on daily data, the hole may totally disappear in the upcoming few weeks. Clubbed with anti-sustenance human activities, the presence of chemicals like choline and bromine in the atmosphere causes such holes to appear in the ozone layer. Also read: The ozone layer is healing! The global shutdowns triggered by coronavirus have drastically reduced air pollution, and have reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This is, in no way, related to the crisis. However, it is also not clear whether this hole was created due to the climate crisis. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service was responsible for tracking the hole. Even though a rare event, it doesn’t compare to a much larger hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica, which can caused anxiety among scientists for over four decades. Also read: Is the COVID-19 crisis causing a dangerous spike in the circulation of counterfeit medicines? The 1987 Montreal Protocol was created in the aftermath of the gigantic hole’s discovery, which has led to the reduction of ozone-depleting chemicals. In November last year, the big hole recorded its smallest size ever! In the absence of the ozone layer, humans would not be able to survive on the planet, as the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun would seep in.

Ozone layer inducts a record-size hole!

In a series of appalling news during the COVID-19 pandemic, Antarctica witnessed its first-ever heatwave in late January. Temperatures spiked, and if this continues for long, the flora and fauna on the continent could suffer extensively.

Even though pollution levels have dropped as countries are forced into lockdown, a pushback effect is expected once industries reopen, for they’ll attempt to make up for the losses incurred during the shutdown. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/antarctic-ice-loss-triples-boosting-sea-levels-144232" hreflang="en">Antarctica ice melting three times faster than earlier, could redraw Earth's coastlines</a>

Recorded by the Australian Antarctic Programme at the Casey Research Centre in Eastern Antarctica, the findings were published in the Global Change Biology on Tuesday.

Recorded over the 2019-2020 southern hemisphere summer, such patterns could have long-term effects on the global weather patterns.

The Casey Research Centre is located in Western Australia, where the highest maximum and minimum temperatures ever were recorded between January 23-26.

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1571c08e-4243-4b3d-9027-076da6cfc89d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_36.jpg" />

Minimum temperatures reached zero degree Celsius while the maximum surged to over 7.5 degrees. However, the record high temperature of 9.2 degree Celsius&nbsp;was recorded on January 24.

Scientifically, heat waves refer to three consecutive days of very high maximum and lowest minimum temperatures recorded at a particular place.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/in-first-american-adventurer-completes-solo-trek-across-antarctica-186922" hreflang="en">In first, American adventurer completes solo trek across Antarctica</a>

Even on the other side, at the Antarctic Peninsula, record high temperatures were recorded.

Just last month, a record high temperature of 18.3 degrees was lodged at Esperanza Base in Argentina.

Even though hotter temperatures could provide more fresh water to the ecosystems, it could cause long-term harm to plants and totally alter the composition of microbes.

In a series of appalling news during the COVID-19 pandemic, Antarctica witnessed its first-ever heatwave in late January. Temperatures spiked, and if this continues for long, the flora and fauna on the continent could suffer extensively.

In a series of appalling news during the COVID-19 pandemic, Antarctica witnessed its first-ever heatwave in late January. Temperatures spiked, and if this continues for long, the flora and fauna on the continent could suffer extensively. Even though pollution levels have dropped as countries are forced into lockdown, a pushback effect is expected once industries reopen, for they’ll attempt to make up for the losses incurred during the shutdown. Also read: Antarctica ice melting three times faster than earlier, could redraw Earth's coastlines Recorded by the Australian Antarctic Programme at the Casey Research Centre in Eastern Antarctica, the findings were published in the Global Change Biology on Tuesday. Recorded over the 2019-2020 southern hemisphere summer, such patterns could have long-term effects on the global weather patterns. The Casey Research Centre is located in Western Australia, where the highest maximum and minimum temperatures ever were recorded between January 23-26. Minimum temperatures reached zero degree Celsius while the maximum surged to over 7.5 degrees. However, the record high temperature of 9.2 degree Celsius was recorded on January 24. Scientifically, heat waves refer to three consecutive days of very high maximum and lowest minimum temperatures recorded at a particular place. Also read: In first, American adventurer completes solo trek across Antarctica Even on the other side, at the Antarctic Peninsula, record high temperatures were recorded. Just last month, a record high temperature of 18.3 degrees was lodged at Esperanza Base in Argentina. Even though hotter temperatures could provide more fresh water to the ecosystems, it could cause long-term harm to plants and totally alter the composition of microbes.

Antarctica records its first-ever heatwave!

Amid the global lockdown imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic, there is some good news!

The ozone layer seems to be recovering, a new study claims.

As the global efforts to contain the virus intensify, industries across the world have been abruptly shut. Even the economic costs of such an unplanned global shutdown are expected to be higher even than the Great Depression, there was simply no other way!

Our planet’s ozone layer protects living beings from ultraviolet radiation emerging from the sun. Over the last few decades, the layer had deteriorated tremendously.

In essence: no ozone layer means no life.

The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) exasperated the ruination of the ozone layer. In fact, the damage was so intense that “Montreal protocol”, an international treaty was adopted to ban the unprecedented use of the gas.

Amid the shutdown, the whole world is experiencing lesser pollution, with videos of animals returning to their natural habitats making the rounds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-tops-9000-coronavirus-deaths-overtakes-china-in-cases-289043" hreflang="en">Italy tops 9,000 coronavirus deaths, overtakes China in cases</a>

The study claims that new climate changes have been noticed in the southern atmosphere, especially pertaining to air circulation patterns.&nbsp;

The study is led by Antara Banerjee, a CIRES visiting fellow at the University of Colorado, who also works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2ee7187-c77c-4363-b14d-14431e8d341a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_32.jpg" /> 
Ozone later | AFP</h6>

In a conversation with The Independent, Banerjee claimed that the Montreal Protocol had immense positive effects on the reclamation of the ozone layer.

“The jet stream in the southern hemisphere was gradually shifting towards the south pole in the last decades of the 20th century due to ozone depletion… Our study found that movement has stopped since 2000 and might even be reversing. The pause in movement began around the same time that the ozone hole started to recover”, she told The Independent.

 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-virus-cases-exceed-100000-doctors-decry-scarcity-of-drugs-and-equipment-289041" hreflang="en">As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment</a>

The emissions, which primarily came from CFCs witnessed a sharp decline around the year 2000.

“It’s not just ozone that affects the jet stream – CO2 also has an effect. What we are seeing is that there is a ‘tug-of-war’ between ozone recovery, which pulls the jet stream one way (to the North), and rising CO2, which pulls the other way (to the South)”, she added.

In conversation with The Independent, she added: “The second most important point of the study, which I would say is a very good finding, is further evidence that the ozone hole is shrinking and that is thanks to the Montreal Protocol.&nbsp;

“It shows that this international treaty has worked and we can reverse the damage that we’ve already done to our planet. That’s a lesson to us all that can hopefully be applied to our greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change.

“If we keep adhering to this protocol then the ozone hole is projected to recover – at different times, in different parts of the atmosphere. In some regions, we think it might happen in the next couple of decades and in others much later in the century.”

Amid the global lockdown imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic, there is some good news! The ozone layer seems to be recovering, a new study claims. As the global efforts to contain the virus intensify, industries across the world have been abruptly shut.

Amid the global lockdown imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic, there is some good news! The ozone layer seems to be recovering, a new study claims. As the global efforts to contain the virus intensify, industries across the world have been abruptly shut. Even the economic costs of such an unplanned global shutdown are expected to be higher even than the Great Depression, there was simply no other way! Our planet’s ozone layer protects living beings from ultraviolet radiation emerging from the sun. Over the last few decades, the layer had deteriorated tremendously. In essence: no ozone layer means no life. The use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) exasperated the ruination of the ozone layer. In fact, the damage was so intense that “Montreal protocol”, an international treaty was adopted to ban the unprecedented use of the gas. Amid the shutdown, the whole world is experiencing lesser pollution, with videos of animals returning to their natural habitats making the rounds. Also read: Italy tops 9,000 coronavirus deaths, overtakes China in cases The study claims that new climate changes have been noticed in the southern atmosphere, especially pertaining to air circulation patterns. The study is led by Antara Banerjee, a CIRES visiting fellow at the University of Colorado, who also works with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Ozone later | AFP In a conversation with The Independent, Banerjee claimed that the Montreal Protocol had immense positive effects on the reclamation of the ozone layer. “The jet stream in the southern hemisphere was gradually shifting towards the south pole in the last decades of the 20th century due to ozone depletion… Our study found that movement has stopped since 2000 and might even be reversing. The pause in movement began around the same time that the ozone hole started to recover”, she told The Independent. Also read: As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment The emissions, which primarily came from CFCs witnessed a sharp decline around the year 2000. “It’s not just ozone that affects the jet stream – CO2 also has an effect. What we are seeing is that there is a ‘tug-of-war’ between ozone recovery, which pulls the jet stream one way (to the North), and rising CO2, which pulls the other way (to the South)”, she added. In conversation with The Independent, she added: “The second most important point of the study, which I would say is a very good finding, is further evidence that the ozone hole is shrinking and that is thanks to the Montreal Protocol. “It shows that this international treaty has worked and we can reverse the damage that we’ve already done to our planet. That’s a lesson to us all that can hopefully be applied to our greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change. “If we keep adhering to this protocol then the ozone hole is projected to recover – at different times, in different parts of the atmosphere. In some regions, we think it might happen in the next couple of decades and in others much later in the century.”

The ozone layer is healing!

Wealthiest people are most responsible for fuelling climate change, said a new study from researchers at the University of Leeds.&nbsp;

The study intended to find out energy inequality among the income classes across 86 countries, from highly industrialised to developing.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-new-rules-can-put-an-end-to-throwaway-culture-285660">Climate change: New rules can put an end to 'throwaway culture'</a>

The researchers combined data from the European Union and World Bank to assess the distribution of energy footprints, along with what energy-intensive goods and services different income groups tend to spend their money on. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-global-warming-may-hit-indias-gdp-within-a-decade-report-285348">Climate change, global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade: Report</a>

The results, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-020-0579-8">Nature Energ</a>y&nbsp;show that energy footprints increase with expenditure, and, as a consequence, are unequally distributed.

The study also said that the top 10 per cent in the income group consume nearly 20 times more energy than the bottom 10 per cent.&nbsp;

As income grows, expenditure on energy-intensive goods, including package holidays or cars, rises, leading to high energy inequality.&nbsp;

Amongst the services, transport showed some of the greatest inequality, with the richest 10 per cent&nbsp;consuming more than half of the energy-related to mobility, which is majorly dependant on fossil fuels.&nbsp;

The top 10 per cent also use vehicle fuel energy 187 times more than the bottom 10 per cent.&nbsp;

The researchers also suggested measures to control energy inequality in the transport sector.&nbsp;

“Transport-related consumption categories are among the least equal. Without reducing the energy demand of these services, either through frequent-flyer levies, promoting public transport and limiting private vehicle use, or alternative technology such as electric vehicles," said Lead author Yannick Oswald, PhD researcher in the School of Earth and Environment at Leeds. &nbsp;

Energy disparity among countries

The research also highlighted a huge difference in energy distribution among the rich and poor countries. It shows that 20 per cent of the UK population, Germany's 40 per cent and 100 per cent constitute five per cent of the top energy consumers. This is in sharp contrast with China and India as only 2 and o.02 per cent respectively are in the top five per cent energy distribution list. &nbsp;&nbsp;

UK's poorest 20 per cent still consumes five times more energy per person used by the bottom 84 per cent in India. &nbsp;

The authors warn that without reductions in consumption and significant changes in policy, by 2050 energy footprints could double from the figures in 2011, even if energy efficiency improves.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Wealthiest people are most responsible for fuelling climate change, said a new study from researchers at the University of Leeds. The study intended to find out energy inequality among the income classes across 86 countries, from highly industrialised to developing.

Wealthiest people are most responsible for fuelling climate change, said a new study from researchers at the University of Leeds. The study intended to find out energy inequality among the income classes across 86 countries, from highly industrialised to developing. Also read | Climate change: New rules can put an end to 'throwaway culture' The researchers combined data from the European Union and World Bank to assess the distribution of energy footprints, along with what energy-intensive goods and services different income groups tend to spend their money on. Also read | Climate change, global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade: Report The results, published in Nature Energy show that energy footprints increase with expenditure, and, as a consequence, are unequally distributed. The study also said that the top 10 per cent in the income group consume nearly 20 times more energy than the bottom 10 per cent. As income grows, expenditure on energy-intensive goods, including package holidays or cars, rises, leading to high energy inequality. Amongst the services, transport showed some of the greatest inequality, with the richest 10 per cent consuming more than half of the energy-related to mobility, which is majorly dependant on fossil fuels. The top 10 per cent also use vehicle fuel energy 187 times more than the bottom 10 per cent. The researchers also suggested measures to control energy inequality in the transport sector. “Transport-related consumption categories are among the least equal. Without reducing the energy demand of these services, either through frequent-flyer levies, promoting public transport and limiting private vehicle use, or alternative technology such as electric vehicles," said Lead author Yannick Oswald, PhD researcher in the School of Earth and Environment at Leeds. Energy disparity among countries The research also highlighted a huge difference in energy distribution among the rich and poor countries. It shows that 20 per cent of the UK population, Germany's 40 per cent and 100 per cent constitute five per cent of the top energy consumers. This is in sharp contrast with China and India as only 2 and o.02 per cent respectively are in the top five per cent energy distribution list. UK's poorest 20 per cent still consumes five times more energy per person used by the bottom 84 per cent in India. The authors warn that without reductions in consumption and significant changes in policy, by 2050 energy footprints could double from the figures in 2011, even if energy efficiency improves.

Richest 10 % responsible for fuelling climate change: Study

Almost 600 billion tonnes of ice was lost from the Greenland area during the summer of 2019 alone. In turn, this raised the global sea levels by almost 0.1 inches within a span of just two months.&nbsp;

These findings were published as part of a study in the Geophysical Research Letters.

This also coincided with the Arctic experiencing its hottest year ever. The ice has continued to melt from both the Amundsen Sea Embayment and the Antarctic Peninsula, reported the Daily Mail.

However snowfall in Queen Maud Land brought&nbsp;relief in the region.

<h6><img alt="A picture taken on August 17, 2019 shows an iceberg calving with a mass of ice breaking away from the Apusiajik glacier, near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk), a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality located on the island of the same name on the southeastern shore of Greenland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33ece529-0e1e-4408-9855-d3a6af52b6aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_110.jpg" /> 
A picture taken on August 17, 2019 shows an iceberg calving with a mass of ice breaking away from the Apusiajik glacier, near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk), a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality located on the island of the same name on the southeastern shore of Greenland | AFP</h6>

<h6>&nbsp;</h6>

NASA and the German Aerospace Centre noticed changes in the ice volumes during two twin gravity measure satellite operations.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greenland-facing-the-brunt-of-climate-change-as-region-becoming-warmer-ice-depleting-247907/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We knew this past summer had been particularly warm in Greenland, melting every corner of the ice sheet, but the numbers are enormous”, said Isabella Velicogna of the University of California, Irvine, one of the authors of the paper.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-climate-change-is-changing-our-economy-says-greenlands-first-female-prime-minister-284519" hreflang="en">WION Global Summit: Climate change is changing our economy, says Greenland's first female Prime Minister</a>

Last summer, Greenland lost ice twice as much as it did every year in the period between 2002-2019. During this period, the country lost 4,550 billion tonnes.

According to Velicogna, the loss of mass in Antarctica continues on, which could cause further rise in sea levels. However, a mass gain has also been observed in East Antarctica, triggered by snowfall.

The study, undertaken by Professor Velicogna and colleagues collated data from NASA and Germany Aerospace Centre’s late Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites.

The GRACE satellites operate as a pair, and have successfully been able to measure the changes in Earth’s gravity between March 2002 and October 2017.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b65dd04d-0f2c-4471-ab6a-8acad1b5c63a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_85.jpg" /> 
An aerial photo taken on August 15, 2019 shows icebergs as they float along the eastern cost of Greenland near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk) | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The satellites have been able to operate for 15 years longer than expected.

Besides giving insight into the loss suffered by polar regions, the data from the satellites have enabled researchers and scientists to map out and measure the water reserves available on Earth. These include groundwater and polar ice.

Additionally, the data has also helped in understanding the global rise in sea levels.

The GRACE-FO craft, successor to the GRACE operation was launched in May 2018 and uses an experimental laser device to understand and compare the recordings of two satellites.&nbsp;

This has helped Velicogna and their team in gathering accurate data.

Almost 600 billion tonnes of ice was lost from the Greenland area during the summer of 2019 alone. In turn, this raised the global sea levels by almost 0.1 inches within a span of just two months.

Almost 600 billion tonnes of ice was lost from the Greenland area during the summer of 2019 alone. In turn, this raised the global sea levels by almost 0.1 inches within a span of just two months. These findings were published as part of a study in the Geophysical Research Letters. This also coincided with the Arctic experiencing its hottest year ever. The ice has continued to melt from both the Amundsen Sea Embayment and the Antarctic Peninsula, reported the Daily Mail. However snowfall in Queen Maud Land brought relief in the region. A picture taken on August 17, 2019 shows an iceberg calving with a mass of ice breaking away from the Apusiajik glacier, near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk), a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality located on the island of the same name on the southeastern shore of Greenland | AFP NASA and the German Aerospace Centre noticed changes in the ice volumes during two twin gravity measure satellite operations. “We knew this past summer had been particularly warm in Greenland, melting every corner of the ice sheet, but the numbers are enormous”, said Isabella Velicogna of the University of California, Irvine, one of the authors of the paper. Also read: WION Global Summit: Climate change is changing our economy, says Greenland's first female Prime Minister Last summer, Greenland lost ice twice as much as it did every year in the period between 2002-2019. During this period, the country lost 4,550 billion tonnes. According to Velicogna, the loss of mass in Antarctica continues on, which could cause further rise in sea levels. However, a mass gain has also been observed in East Antarctica, triggered by snowfall. The study, undertaken by Professor Velicogna and colleagues collated data from NASA and Germany Aerospace Centre’s late Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. The GRACE satellites operate as a pair, and have successfully been able to measure the changes in Earth’s gravity between March 2002 and October 2017. An aerial photo taken on August 15, 2019 shows icebergs as they float along the eastern cost of Greenland near Kulusuk (aslo spelled Qulusuk) | AFP The satellites have been able to operate for 15 years longer than expected. Besides giving insight into the loss suffered by polar regions, the data from the satellites have enabled researchers and scientists to map out and measure the water reserves available on Earth. These include groundwater and polar ice. Additionally, the data has also helped in understanding the global rise in sea levels. The GRACE-FO craft, successor to the GRACE operation was launched in May 2018 and uses an experimental laser device to understand and compare the recordings of two satellites. This has helped Velicogna and their team in gathering accurate data.

Greenland lost 600 billion tonnes of ice last summer alone

In a jolt to conservationists in Karnataka, the Union Government declared the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bengaluru's last remaining lung space - The Bannerghatta National Park, which shrank the area of the part. In the notification released by the central government, the ESZ of the park has been reduced by a 100 sq km, to 169 sq km around the park. The reduction of the Eco-Sensitive Zone around the protected area alarmingly shrinks the boundary between the park and human-inhabited areas. While in some areas the zone shrinks to 1 km from Bengaluru city, in areas around Ramanagara the distance is as little as 100 meters. The shrinking zone not only increases the risk to the wildlife but also heightens chances of man-animal conflict in the area.&nbsp;

"It is going to hit Bengaluru's lung space which is essential for us because it is the only forest patch that we have. Secondly, while reducing the ESZ you are giving license for quarrying, for which quarry owners have already approached the mining department today to start work from tomorrow (March 13). Once the mining resumes, whatever little part of the forest is intact is going to be affected by dust pollution. Water bodies will soon be filled with silt. The government should have thought about this",&nbsp;said Joseph Hoover, conservationist. &nbsp;

What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone?&nbsp;

In 2011, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change decided that forests needed buffer zones. They came up with the guidelines on securing these buffer zones which included a minimum requirement of 10 km area around forests to become Eco-Sensitive Zones. Keeping these guidelines in mind, all states were asked to declare ESZ around the protected areas.&nbsp;

After inordinate delay lasting many years in Karnataka, research was conducted by scientists from IISc and various other bodies. Recommendations were made also based on findings of a report by the central government called Gaja on the elephant corridor. The state government finally came out with its first draft in 2016 saying that a minimum of 100 meters to 4.5 km around the Bannerghatta National Park was required to be made Eco-Sensitive Zone, which totalled up to 268 sq km around the protected area. However, the draft was not finalised by the Centre for unknown reasons.&nbsp;

So why did the state government reduce the zone area?&nbsp;

In 2018, the state government came out with a second draft. In the two years, though nothing had changed in the conditions around the park, the zone was reduced to 168 sq km. This drew objections from various sections, even prompting a petition that was signed by 80,000 people. In fact, in August 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had written a letter to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka to rethink the proposal to reduce the ESZ by 100 sq km. The letter had cited scores of objections that had been made by citizens and civic groups against the move that would adversely affect the ecology of the national park.&nbsp;

So who is this going to benefit?

Subsequent governments in Karnataka have been pulled up for turning a blind eye to indiscriminate mining in the draft ESZ zone around Bannerghatta National Park. At least 5 core areas are used to mine granite stones from the large boulders around the park, disturbing animals and destroying habitats.&nbsp;

"This new ESZ will create five new pockets for quarrying and boost real estate around the area. This new ESZ is not taking into consideration the needs of the wildlife or any other beings and ecology of the place. It is purely an exercise to safeguard some parties to do their quarrying business. Once this is done, rocks on the edge of the park will come out and they will resume the quarrying business."&nbsp;said Bhanu Prakash, Co-ordinator, Bannerghatta Nature Conservation Trust. &nbsp;

The quarries that fell under the draft ESZ that called for 268 sq km buffer zone had become a bone of contention between the conservationists and businessmen. Multiple petitions were filed in court to bring a stop to the mining. The Karnataka High Court did give out an order to stop all activity in the 10-km area from the border of the forest - but with a clause that said 'until the ESZ was declared'. Now that the Eco-Sensitive Zone has been declared that conveniently excludes the quarries, mining will continue unabated.&nbsp;

Why is Bannerghatta National Park important?&nbsp;

The park is 22 km south of Bengaluru is the last patch of forest left in the vicinity of the city. As of 2019, the park has 22 species of terrestrial mammals, 165 different species of birds, 2012 species of woody trees and over 160 elephants use the corridor. Apart from that, at least 4 major streams that have their catchment area in the park feed into the river Cauvery. A lone tiger has also been spotted many times inside the park.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the same Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who proposed the shrunken ESZ to the centre this time, had opposed it under the Cong-JD(S) regime in 2018. BJP MPs have also vocally criticised the Yediyurappa government for reducing the ESZ. While some conservationists feel that they are running out of legal options, a few others feel that they have enough case to move the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

"When there is a prima facie case we definitely have to take it to the Supreme Court. What the Union Government has declared is not absolute and can be challenged in the SC. There are reasonable points that we have in place. Considering the fact that every other day we are witnessing cases of man-animal conflict in the region, real estate projects are coming adjoining the national park, there are about 40 leopards in there and all this is going to create heavy conflict with animals. At the end of the day animals will be branded rogue and will be shot dead.' says Bhanu Prakash. &nbsp;

In a jolt to conservationists in Karnataka, the Union Government declared the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bengaluru's last remaining lung space - The Bannerghatta National Park, which shrank the area of the part.

In a jolt to conservationists in Karnataka, the Union Government declared the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bengaluru's last remaining lung space - The Bannerghatta National Park, which shrank the area of the part. In the notification released by the central government, the ESZ of the park has been reduced by a 100 sq km, to 169 sq km around the park. The reduction of the Eco-Sensitive Zone around the protected area alarmingly shrinks the boundary between the park and human-inhabited areas. While in some areas the zone shrinks to 1 km from Bengaluru city, in areas around Ramanagara the distance is as little as 100 meters. The shrinking zone not only increases the risk to the wildlife but also heightens chances of man-animal conflict in the area. "It is going to hit Bengaluru's lung space which is essential for us because it is the only forest patch that we have. Secondly, while reducing the ESZ you are giving license for quarrying, for which quarry owners have already approached the mining department today to start work from tomorrow (March 13). Once the mining resumes, whatever little part of the forest is intact is going to be affected by dust pollution. Water bodies will soon be filled with silt. The government should have thought about this", said Joseph Hoover, conservationist. What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone? In 2011, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change decided that forests needed buffer zones. They came up with the guidelines on securing these buffer zones which included a minimum requirement of 10 km area around forests to become Eco-Sensitive Zones. Keeping these guidelines in mind, all states were asked to declare ESZ around the protected areas. After inordinate delay lasting many years in Karnataka, research was conducted by scientists from IISc and various other bodies. Recommendations were made also based on findings of a report by the central government called Gaja on the elephant corridor. The state government finally came out with its first draft in 2016 saying that a minimum of 100 meters to 4.5 km around the Bannerghatta National Park was required to be made Eco-Sensitive Zone, which totalled up to 268 sq km around the protected area. However, the draft was not finalised by the Centre for unknown reasons. So why did the state government reduce the zone area? In 2018, the state government came out with a second draft. In the two years, though nothing had changed in the conditions around the park, the zone was reduced to 168 sq km. This drew objections from various sections, even prompting a petition that was signed by 80,000 people. In fact, in August 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had written a letter to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka to rethink the proposal to reduce the ESZ by 100 sq km. The letter had cited scores of objections that had been made by citizens and civic groups against the move that would adversely affect the ecology of the national park. So who is this going to benefit? Subsequent governments in Karnataka have been pulled up for turning a blind eye to indiscriminate mining in the draft ESZ zone around Bannerghatta National Park. At least 5 core areas are used to mine granite stones from the large boulders around the park, disturbing animals and destroying habitats. "This new ESZ will create five new pockets for quarrying and boost real estate around the area. This new ESZ is not taking into consideration the needs of the wildlife or any other beings and ecology of the place. It is purely an exercise to safeguard some parties to do their quarrying business. Once this is done, rocks on the edge of the park will come out and they will resume the quarrying business." said Bhanu Prakash, Co-ordinator, Bannerghatta Nature Conservation Trust. The quarries that fell under the draft ESZ that called for 268 sq km buffer zone had become a bone of contention between the conservationists and businessmen. Multiple petitions were filed in court to bring a stop to the mining. The Karnataka High Court did give out an order to stop all activity in the 10-km area from the border of the forest - but with a clause that said 'until the ESZ was declared'. Now that the Eco-Sensitive Zone has been declared that conveniently excludes the quarries, mining will continue unabated. Why is Bannerghatta National Park important? The park is 22 km south of Bengaluru is the last patch of forest left in the vicinity of the city. As of 2019, the park has 22 species of terrestrial mammals, 165 different species of birds, 2012 species of woody trees and over 160 elephants use the corridor. Apart from that, at least 4 major streams that have their catchment area in the park feed into the river Cauvery. A lone tiger has also been spotted many times inside the park. Interestingly, the same Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who proposed the shrunken ESZ to the centre this time, had opposed it under the Cong-JD(S) regime in 2018. BJP MPs have also vocally criticised the Yediyurappa government for reducing the ESZ. While some conservationists feel that they are running out of legal options, a few others feel that they have enough case to move the Supreme Court. "When there is a prima facie case we definitely have to take it to the Supreme Court. What the Union Government has declared is not absolute and can be challenged in the SC. There are reasonable points that we have in place. Considering the fact that every other day we are witnessing cases of man-animal conflict in the region, real estate projects are coming adjoining the national park, there are about 40 leopards in there and all this is going to create heavy conflict with animals. At the end of the day animals will be branded rogue and will be shot dead.' says Bhanu Prakash.

Eco-Sensitive Zone around Bengaluru's national park shrinks, conservationists fume

To curb climate change, the United Kingdom is going to introduce new regulations regarding products which are bought, used briefly, then thrown away in dustbins.

It is&nbsp;part of a worldwide movement called the 'Right to Repair', which has lead to a surge in citizens' repair workshops in several UK cities.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-global-warming-may-hit-indias-gdp-within-a-decade-report-285348">Climate change, global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade: Report</a>

The new rules can spell the death of this common habit often referred to as the ''throwaway culture''.

It will apply to a range of items used on a regular basis such as mobile phones, textiles, electronics, batteries, construction and packaging.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nearly-half-of-worlds-beaches-disappearing-due-to-climate-change-study-283976">Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change: Study</a>

Proposals aim at making environmentally-friendly products the norm and to inculcate the habit of repairing items in case they malfunction or get damaged.

The plan is being presented by the European Commission is likely to create standards for the UK as well, despite Brexit.

The rules will also fight what is known as "premature obsolescence", the syndrome in which manufacturers make goods with deliberately low lifespan to force consumers into buying a newer model.

Recommendations under the proposal include increasing recycled content in products as well as reducing the impact of products on the climate and environment as well.

To curb climate change, the United Kingdom is going to introduce new regulations regarding products which are bought, used briefly, then thrown away in dustbins.

To curb climate change, the United Kingdom is going to introduce new regulations regarding products which are bought, used briefly, then thrown away in dustbins. It is part of a worldwide movement called the 'Right to Repair', which has lead to a surge in citizens' repair workshops in several UK cities. Also read: Climate change, global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade: Report The new rules can spell the death of this common habit often referred to as the ''throwaway culture''. It will apply to a range of items used on a regular basis such as mobile phones, textiles, electronics, batteries, construction and packaging. Also read: Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change: Study Proposals aim at making environmentally-friendly products the norm and to inculcate the habit of repairing items in case they malfunction or get damaged. The plan is being presented by the European Commission is likely to create standards for the UK as well, despite Brexit. The rules will also fight what is known as "premature obsolescence", the syndrome in which manufacturers make goods with deliberately low lifespan to force consumers into buying a newer model. Recommendations under the proposal include increasing recycled content in products as well as reducing the impact of products on the climate and environment as well.

Climate change: New rules can put an end to 'throwaway culture'

Prince Harry has revealed his agony about Megxit from the British Royal family on a phone call&nbsp;from fake Greta Thunberg.

The Duke of Sussex was convinced he was talking to teenage climate activist&nbsp;on New Year's Eve and January 22.

&nbsp;<img alt="Greta Thunberg and her father Svante" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7cf4c630-d9a8-4cdd-9bf0-e8b310734229" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-03-11T164322.163_0.jpg" />

(In photo:&nbsp;Greta Thunberg and her father Svante)

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-meghan-make-last-official-royal-appearance-at-westminster-abbey-285347">Prince Harry and Meghan make last official royal appearance at Westminster Abbey</a>

The ex-British Royal said that he and his wife, Meghan Markle are more ''normal'' than other royals, ''are completely separate from the majority of my family'', that he had chosen to withdraw to ''protect his son'' and life was ''much better'' than serving as senior royals. &nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-get-standing-ovation-at-mountbatten-festival-of-music-285103">Meghan Markle and Prince Harry get standing ovation at Mountbatten festival of Music</a>

What he didn't realise was that he was actually conversing with Russian pranksters Alexei Stolyarov and Vladimir Kuznetsov,&nbsp;who had previously pranked Elton John and Democrat Bernie Sanders.

<img alt="Alexei Stolyarov and Vladimir Kuznetsov" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8b91c2f-2848-4fdc-a176-a55db42f805e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-03-11T164528.019.jpg" />

(In photo: Alexei Stolyarov and Vladimir Kuznetsov)

Harry slammed world leaders such as Donald Trump over climate change by calling them ''sick'' and also labelled the British political system ''broken''.

He dismissed criticism over his frequent flying and insisted the couple flew ''nowhere near as much as most people who do it for a night or weekends'' and insisted that his uncle, Prince Andrew, is ''completely separate from me and my wife''.

The notorious Russian Youtubers Stolyarov and Kuznetsov posted the footage of the entire conversation online.

Prince Harry has revealed his agony about Megxit from the British Royal family on a phone call from fake Greta Thunberg. The Duke of Sussex was convinced he was talking to teenage climate activist on New Year's Eve and January 22.

Prince Harry has revealed his agony about Megxit from the British Royal family on a phone call from fake Greta Thunberg. The Duke of Sussex was convinced he was talking to teenage climate activist on New Year's Eve and January 22. (In photo: Greta Thunberg and her father Svante) Also read: Prince Harry and Meghan make last official royal appearance at Westminster Abbey The ex-British Royal said that he and his wife, Meghan Markle are more ''normal'' than other royals, ''are completely separate from the majority of my family'', that he had chosen to withdraw to ''protect his son'' and life was ''much better'' than serving as senior royals. Also read: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry get standing ovation at Mountbatten festival of Music What he didn't realise was that he was actually conversing with Russian pranksters Alexei Stolyarov and Vladimir Kuznetsov, who had previously pranked Elton John and Democrat Bernie Sanders. (In photo: Alexei Stolyarov and Vladimir Kuznetsov) Harry slammed world leaders such as Donald Trump over climate change by calling them ''sick'' and also labelled the British political system ''broken''. He dismissed criticism over his frequent flying and insisted the couple flew ''nowhere near as much as most people who do it for a night or weekends'' and insisted that his uncle, Prince Andrew, is ''completely separate from me and my wife''. The notorious Russian Youtubers Stolyarov and Kuznetsov posted the footage of the entire conversation online.

Prince Harry reveals agony of Megxit on phone call from fake Greta Thunberg

The cost of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-concerns-not-limited-to-young-people-says-sri-lankas-ex-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-at-wion-global-summit-284551">climate change</a> may be higher than expected and India is among the countries most vulnerable to the crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/nearly-half-of-worlds-beaches-disappearing-due-to-climate-change-study-283976">Also Read:&nbsp;Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change</a>

A recent report has warned that temperatures in India would reach such extreme levels in the near future that they may prove to be lethal for an average human being.

The effects of climate change can be seen everywhere, toxic air, intense heatwave, forest fires, melting ice caps, flash floods and sinking cities.

According to a report by the McKinsey global institute, high temperatures and heat waves may threaten the very survival of human beings.

India could be one of the world's first places where temperatures may rise above the survival threshold for humans.

Climate change and global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade, the report said.

The report says by 2030, temperatures in India could reach such a level that outdoor workers may be forced to cut short their daylight working hours to beat lethal heat waves.

The resultant loss in productivity could put 2.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent of India's GDP at risk annually and by 2050, several pockets with a population of 16 to 20 crore people would experience 60 per cent annual chance of such heat waves.

Just 4-5 hours of outdoor exposure during this time can prove to be fatal for a healthy human being.

As of 2017, heat-exposed work produces about 50 per cent dip in India's GDP mainly agricultural and mining. 
&nbsp;

The cost of climate change may be higher than expected and India is among the countries most vulnerable to the crisis. Also Read: Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change A recent report has warned that temperatures in India would reach such extreme levels in the near future that they may prove to be lethal for an average human being.

The cost of climate change may be higher than expected and India is among the countries most vulnerable to the crisis. Also Read: Nearly half of world's beaches disappearing due to climate change A recent report has warned that temperatures in India would reach such extreme levels in the near future that they may prove to be lethal for an average human being. The effects of climate change can be seen everywhere, toxic air, intense heatwave, forest fires, melting ice caps, flash floods and sinking cities. According to a report by the McKinsey global institute, high temperatures and heat waves may threaten the very survival of human beings. India could be one of the world's first places where temperatures may rise above the survival threshold for humans. Climate change and global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade, the report said. The report says by 2030, temperatures in India could reach such a level that outdoor workers may be forced to cut short their daylight working hours to beat lethal heat waves. The resultant loss in productivity could put 2.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent of India's GDP at risk annually and by 2050, several pockets with a population of 16 to 20 crore people would experience 60 per cent annual chance of such heat waves. Just 4-5 hours of outdoor exposure during this time can prove to be fatal for a healthy human being. As of 2017, heat-exposed work produces about 50 per cent dip in India's GDP mainly agricultural and mining.

Climate change, global warming may hit India’s GDP within a decade: Report

Is the climate change crisis irreparable? Is the climate crisis changing world politics? International Journalist, Riz Khan discusses the climate change challenge with: Aleqa Hammond,1st Female PM of Greenland Vanessa Nakate, Climate activist James Terry, Professor of Geosciences, Zayed University

Best of WION Global Summit: The fight against climate change

WION is India's first international news channel dedicated to putting forth India's perspective on impactful global issues and the annual conclave, WION Global Summit, is a platform for global leaders to come together at a single platform and have a dialogue on a common global agenda affecting the world - news that shook the world. This year we highlight the critical challenges of climate change, global governance, economic slowdown, and global crisis that threatens to become the new normal.

WION Global Summit 2020: Global Thinkers Forum: Leaders who Matter

WION Global Summit 2020: Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan's Diplomatic Strategy

A new study has revealed that the trees in the world's largest rainforest are losing their ability to absorb carbon.

The study tracked 300,000 trees over 30 years, providing the first large-scale evidence of the decline in carbon uptake by the world’s tropical forests.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-amazon-fires-challenge-to-india-and-developing-world-246303">Amazon Fires - Challenge to India and Developing World</a>

It was published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

For the last three decades, the amount of carbon absorbed by the world’s intact tropical forests has fallen, according to the study from nearly 100 scientific institutions.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chaotic-climate-chaotic-cities-fuel-brazil-flood-toll-284386">Chaotic climate, chaotic cities fuel Brazil flood toll</a>

They are now taking up a third less carbon than they did in the 1990s, owing to the impacts of higher temperatures, droughts and deforestation. That downward trend is likely to continue, as forests come under increasing threat from climate change and exploitation.

The Amazon could turn into a source of carbon in the atmosphere, instead of one of the biggest absorbers of the gas, as soon as the next decade, owing to the damage caused by loggers and farming interests and the impacts of the climate crisis, new research has found.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bearing-brunt-of-climate-change-240729">Bearing brunt of climate change</a>

If that happens, climate breakdown is likely to become much more severe in its impacts, and the world will have to cut down much faster on carbon-producing activities to counteract the loss of the carbon sinks.

''We’ve found that one of the most worrying impacts of climate change has already begun,” said Simon Lewis, a professor in the school of geography at Leeds University, one of the senior authors of the research.&nbsp;

''Humans have been lucky so far, as tropical forests are mopping up lots of our pollution, but they can’t keep doing that indefinitely,'' he said.

''We need to curb fossil fuel emissions before the global carbon cycle starts working against us. The time for action is now,'' he added.

A new study has revealed that the trees in the world's largest rainforest are losing their ability to absorb carbon. The study tracked 300,000 trees over 30 years, providing the first large-scale evidence of the decline in carbon uptake by the world’s tropical forests.

A new study has revealed that the trees in the world's largest rainforest are losing their ability to absorb carbon. The study tracked 300,000 trees over 30 years, providing the first large-scale evidence of the decline in carbon uptake by the world’s tropical forests. Also read: Amazon Fires - Challenge to India and Developing World It was published on Wednesday in the journal Nature. For the last three decades, the amount of carbon absorbed by the world’s intact tropical forests has fallen, according to the study from nearly 100 scientific institutions. Also read: Chaotic climate, chaotic cities fuel Brazil flood toll They are now taking up a third less carbon than they did in the 1990s, owing to the impacts of higher temperatures, droughts and deforestation. That downward trend is likely to continue, as forests come under increasing threat from climate change and exploitation. The Amazon could turn into a source of carbon in the atmosphere, instead of one of the biggest absorbers of the gas, as soon as the next decade, owing to the damage caused by loggers and farming interests and the impacts of the climate crisis, new research has found. Also read: Bearing brunt of climate change If that happens, climate breakdown is likely to become much more severe in its impacts, and the world will have to cut down much faster on carbon-producing activities to counteract the loss of the carbon sinks. ''We’ve found that one of the most worrying impacts of climate change has already begun,” said Simon Lewis, a professor in the school of geography at Leeds University, one of the senior authors of the research. ''Humans have been lucky so far, as tropical forests are mopping up lots of our pollution, but they can’t keep doing that indefinitely,'' he said. ''We need to curb fossil fuel emissions before the global carbon cycle starts working against us. The time for action is now,'' he added.

World's largest rainforest losing its ability to absorb carbon: Study

Gravitas: Half of the world's beaches could disappear by 2100 A new study has found that half of the world's beaches could disappear by 2100. The experts are blaming climate change. This report has the details.

Gravitas: Half of the world's beaches could disappear by 2100

“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.” &nbsp;I was attending a panel called 'Urban Skylines of the Future'&nbsp;at the 2020 Jaipur Literature Festival when Professor Navroz K Dubash from India’s Centre for Policy Research made this statement.&nbsp;

The panel was hosted in response to a UN report that claimed that by 2050, 35 per cent of the world’s urban population growth will happen in Nigeria, China, and India, with India responsible for the greatest portion of that growth. &nbsp;

Earlier in the day, I attended a session, also featuring Professor Dubash, with journalist David Wallace-Wells, author of the 2017 landmark climate piece, 'The Uninhabitable Earth.'&nbsp;Last year, Wallace-Wells released a full book edition of the piece, which paints, in heavily researched, terrifying detail, the worst case (but certainly not impossible) scenario if humans do not act fast to slash our carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and take the steps available to us to prevent runaway climate change. &nbsp;

These two sessions put into stark relief a question that I have been wrestling with since I first arrived and started working in India a few months ago - can a fast-growing country like India develop both quickly and sustainably? Or put more fundamentally: Are economic development and environmental sustainability even compatible? &nbsp;

Which brings me back to Professor Dubash’s statement—“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.” Whether your source material is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s landmark 2018 report (which gives us roughly a decade to make major changes if we are to avert the most serious consequences of climate change by limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius), Wallace-Wells’ book (which shows us a near-future world with social and ecological collapse), or some other research-based publication, the urgency of climate change is clear. But as I’ve quickly learned - whether in conversations with peers and coworkers, through readings, or through the panels I attended—the fair question comes up about who bears the responsibility for solving the climate crisis? &nbsp;

We can look at the list of countries most responsible for the historical emissions that are largely responsible for the climate crisis—the top 10 being the US, China, Russia, Germany, UK, Japan, France, India, Canada, and Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
Contrasting this to the 10 countries most impacted by climate change today—Japan, Philippines, Germany, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, Canada, Fiji - we see some overlap, but generally, climate change can be perceived as a problem caused by the Global North that devastates the Global South. As these countries work to develop and urbanise, is it the responsibility of poorer, more vulnerable countries to solve a problem they didn’t create?

In fact, when we look to the behaviours of small island nations, we can see that they clearly recognise the existential threat that climate change poses to them, and have made major commitments when it comes to reducing their emissions, greening their infrastructure, and making sure they are designing for a resilient future. Their ability to change the global trajectory, however, is unfortunately limited, unless the most major polluters step up and change their ways. &nbsp;

But this is where India has a particularly interesting role to play: It holds the unfortunate distinction of being both one of the world’s fastest-growing and most major polluters, and one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In fact, during Wallace-Wells and Dubash’s panel, one of the panellists shared the fact that India will bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s climate impact because of its population density, geography, and inequality.

To me, in this sobering position, there is an exciting possibility for India. Unlike many countries which have largely completed their urbanisation, India has the opportunity to create a blueprint for what it looks like for a massive country to urbanise in an era where carbon neutrality is imperative. India has to find ways of tackling climate risks - extreme heat waves, drought, air pollution, floods and other natural disasters while addressing major urbanisation realities like transportation, energy, construction, supply chain management, and sanitation.

If India is able to innovate its way into a low to no carbon future, imagine the precedent it could set for other countries—big and small, high and low polluting—all across the world. While climate change will, over time, impact all of the top 10 polluters on the list, India must address the problem with an even greater sense of urgency given the impact its already having on its population (just look at 2019’s flooding, heatwaves, delayed monsoon, and more). Beyond solving a problem for its own people, India could help safeguard the futures for other countries as well - stepping into an even greater international leadership role. &nbsp;

(A previous version of this article was <a href="https://aif.org/urbanization-after-paris-part-1/">originally published </a>by the American India Foundation)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.” I was attending a panel called 'Urban Skylines of the Future' at the 2020 Jaipur Literature Festival when Professor Navroz K Dubash from India’s Centre for Policy Research made this statement.

“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.”  I was attending a panel called 'Urban Skylines of the Future' at the 2020 Jaipur Literature Festival when Professor Navroz K Dubash from India’s Centre for Policy Research made this statement. The panel was hosted in response to a UN report that claimed that by 2050, 35 per cent of the world’s urban population growth will happen in Nigeria, China, and India, with India responsible for the greatest portion of that growth.  Earlier in the day, I attended a session, also featuring Professor Dubash, with journalist David Wallace-Wells, author of the 2017 landmark climate piece, 'The Uninhabitable Earth.' Last year, Wallace-Wells released a full book edition of the piece, which paints, in heavily researched, terrifying detail, the worst case (but certainly not impossible) scenario if humans do not act fast to slash our carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and take the steps available to us to prevent runaway climate change.  These two sessions put into stark relief a question that I have been wrestling with since I first arrived and started working in India a few months ago - can a fast-growing country like India develop both quickly and sustainably? Or put more fundamentally: Are economic development and environmental sustainability even compatible?  Which brings me back to Professor Dubash’s statement—“India will be the first major country to experience urbanisation after the Paris Agreement.” Whether your source material is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s landmark 2018 report (which gives us roughly a decade to make major changes if we are to avert the most serious consequences of climate change by limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius), Wallace-Wells’ book (which shows us a near-future world with social and ecological collapse), or some other research-based publication, the urgency of climate change is clear. But as I’ve quickly learned - whether in conversations with peers and coworkers, through readings, or through the panels I attended—the fair question comes up about who bears the responsibility for solving the climate crisis?  We can look at the list of countries most responsible for the historical emissions that are largely responsible for the climate crisis—the top 10 being the US, China, Russia, Germany, UK, Japan, France, India, Canada, and Ukraine. Contrasting this to the 10 countries most impacted by climate change today—Japan, Philippines, Germany, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, Canada, Fiji - we see some overlap, but generally, climate change can be perceived as a problem caused by the Global North that devastates the Global South. As these countries work to develop and urbanise, is it the responsibility of poorer, more vulnerable countries to solve a problem they didn’t create? In fact, when we look to the behaviours of small island nations, we can see that they clearly recognise the existential threat that climate change poses to them, and have made major commitments when it comes to reducing their emissions, greening their infrastructure, and making sure they are designing for a resilient future. Their ability to change the global trajectory, however, is unfortunately limited, unless the most major polluters step up and change their ways.  But this is where India has a particularly interesting role to play: It holds the unfortunate distinction of being both one of the world’s fastest-growing and most major polluters, and one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In fact, during Wallace-Wells and Dubash’s panel, one of the panellists shared the fact that India will bear a disproportionate burden of the world’s climate impact because of its population density, geography, and inequality. To me, in this sobering position, there is an exciting possibility for India. Unlike many countries which have largely completed their urbanisation, India has the opportunity to create a blueprint for what it looks like for a massive country to urbanise in an era where carbon neutrality is imperative. India has to find ways of tackling climate risks - extreme heat waves, drought, air pollution, floods and other natural disasters while addressing major urbanisation realities like transportation, energy, construction, supply chain management, and sanitation. If India is able to innovate its way into a low to no carbon future, imagine the precedent it could set for other countries—big and small, high and low polluting—all across the world. While climate change will, over time, impact all of the top 10 polluters on the list, India must address the problem with an even greater sense of urgency given the impact its already having on its population (just look at 2019’s flooding, heatwaves, delayed monsoon, and more). Beyond solving a problem for its own people, India could help safeguard the futures for other countries as well - stepping into an even greater international leadership role.  (A previous version of this article was originally published by the American India Foundation) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: India has to find ways of tackling climate risks

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