At the UN climate negotiations on Tuesday, rich&nbsp;polluters were chastised by developing nations for failing to do enough to assist them in coping with global warming. The EU, however, promised to accelerate its emission reductions.&nbsp;

Calls for wealthier nations to fulfil commitments to finance the green transitions of poorer countries that are least responsible for global emissions, support their development of resilience, and compensate them for losses related to climate change have dominated the COP27 meeting in Egypt.&nbsp;

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the COP27 president, said technical roadblocks were impeding progress toward higher-level political conversations on a variety of subjects during a meeting to wrap off Tuesday's negotiations.

Addressing the delegates, he said, "Progress has been made, but there is unquestionably more to be done if we are to reach the robust objectives that will drive ambitious, inclusive climate action."

The gathering takes place at a time when CO2 emissions are projected to reach a record high globally this year, making the aspirational target of keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius from preindustrial levels much more improbable.&nbsp;

Also &nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-die-in-explosion-in-poland-near-ukraine-border-no-confirmation-on-use-of-russian-missiles-534541">Two die in explosion in Poland near Ukraine border, no confirmation on use of Russian missiles</a>

According to Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, the European Union will surpass its initial goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.&nbsp;

According to him, the 27-nation bloc would now be able to reduce those emissions by 57% from 1990 levels. He cited agreements on the phase-out of fossil fuel-powered cars and the preservation of forests that serve as "carbon sinks".

(with inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

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At the UN climate negotiations on Tuesday, rich polluters were chastised by developing nations for failing to do enough to assist them in coping with global warming.

At the UN climate negotiations on Tuesday, rich polluters were chastised by developing nations for failing to do enough to assist them in coping with global warming. The EU, however, promised to accelerate its emission reductions. Calls for wealthier nations to fulfil commitments to finance the green transitions of poorer countries that are least responsible for global emissions, support their development of resilience, and compensate them for losses related to climate change have dominated the COP27 meeting in Egypt. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the COP27 president, said technical roadblocks were impeding progress toward higher-level political conversations on a variety of subjects during a meeting to wrap off Tuesday's negotiations. Addressing the delegates, he said, "Progress has been made, but there is unquestionably more to be done if we are to reach the robust objectives that will drive ambitious, inclusive climate action." The gathering takes place at a time when CO2 emissions are projected to reach a record high globally this year, making the aspirational target of keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius from preindustrial levels much more improbable. Also Read: Two die in explosion in Poland near Ukraine border, no confirmation on use of Russian missiles According to Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, the European Union will surpass its initial goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. According to him, the 27-nation bloc would now be able to reduce those emissions by 57% from 1990 levels. He cited agreements on the phase-out of fossil fuel-powered cars and the preservation of forests that serve as "carbon sinks". (with inputs from agencies)

EU vows to speed emissions reductions pressed by climate-vulnerable nations

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said in COP27 summit on Saturday that Mexico will strengthen its emissions-cutting efforts as part of a $48 billion renewable energy investment scheme with the United States.

The minister said that Mexico will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent by 2030. This is up from previous commitment of 22 per cent. &nbsp;

The plan would require funding from both the public and private sectors this decade to double clean energy generation in Mexico.

It will "accelerate the energy transition in North America", Ebrard told a press conference at the UN climate summit in Egypt alongside US climate envoy John Kerry.

Kerry said Mexico had indicated a "significant step forward", noting the announcement was part of a three-way negotiation including Canada.

Neither official specified the amount of US financial support for the scheme.

Ebrard said it would require "double the clean energy efforts and investment efforts in the next eight years" compared to the original plan presented in 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said in COP27 summit on Saturday that Mexico will strengthen its emissions-cutting efforts as part of a $48 billion renewable energy investment scheme with the United States.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said in COP27 summit on Saturday that Mexico will strengthen its emissions-cutting efforts as part of a $48 billion renewable energy investment scheme with the United States. The minister said that Mexico will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent by 2030. This is up from previous commitment of 22 per cent. The plan would require funding from both the public and private sectors this decade to double clean energy generation in Mexico. It will "accelerate the energy transition in North America", Ebrard told a press conference at the UN climate summit in Egypt alongside US climate envoy John Kerry. Kerry said Mexico had indicated a "significant step forward", noting the announcement was part of a three-way negotiation including Canada. Neither official specified the amount of US financial support for the scheme. Ebrard said it would require "double the clean energy efforts and investment efforts in the next eight years" compared to the original plan presented in 2020. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mexico pledges greater emission cuts with joint US plan

Single-use plastic is wreaking havoc on the planet in varying degrees. Plastic industry produces some 232 million tons of emission. As per a report, 91% of plastic is not recycled.

WION Climate Tracker | Climate impact of single-use plastic

If we go back and look at the data then there is enough data to prove that rich countries have emitted the most green house gases. On another side, poorer countries are paying for US' emissions.

WION Climate Tracker: Why are rich nations not doing more to combat global warming

Sydney comes to a standstill as thousands take to streets for Climate change protest

In a study by Emission Analytics, a leading independent global testing company it was revealed that almost 2,000 times more particle pollution is produced by tyre wear than is pumped out of the exhausts of modern cars.

To measure tire wear mass emissions, Emissions Analytics used high-precision scales to weigh all four wheels – tires and rims together, without detaching – over at least 1,000 miles on real roads. &nbsp;

This is coupled with a proprietary sampling system that collects particles at a fixed point immediately behind each tire, which is, via a sample line, drawn into a real-time detector measuring the size of distribution of particles by mass and number.&nbsp;

Typically, this measures particles from 10 microns down to 6 nanometres. &nbsp;This combination allows the real-time signal to be calibrated to the mass loss, and, by using the size distribution, the proportion of the particles likely to be suspended in the air can be estimated.&nbsp;

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Nick Molden, a researcher at Emissions Analytics said, “Tyres are rapidly eclipsing the tailpipe as a major source of emissions from vehicles. Tailpipes are now so clean for pollutants that, if you were starting out afresh, you wouldn’t even bother regulating them.”

“We came to a bewildering amount of material being released into the environment – 300,000 tonnes of tyre rubber in the UK and US, just from cars and vans every year.” He added.

The smaller the particles get, the more volatile and harder to measure repeatably they become. &nbsp;Growing scientific evidence suggests that these ultrafine particles more easily enter the human bloodstream and lungs, and cross into the brain. &nbsp;

[With inputs from agencies and Emission Analytics] 
&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In a study by Emission Analytics, a leading independent global testing company it was revealed that almost 2,000 times more particle pollution is produced by tyre wear than is pumped out of the exhausts of modern cars.

In a study by Emission Analytics, a leading independent global testing company it was revealed that almost 2,000 times more particle pollution is produced by tyre wear than is pumped out of the exhausts of modern cars. To measure tire wear mass emissions, Emissions Analytics used high-precision scales to weigh all four wheels – tires and rims together, without detaching – over at least 1,000 miles on real roads. This is coupled with a proprietary sampling system that collects particles at a fixed point immediately behind each tire, which is, via a sample line, drawn into a real-time detector measuring the size of distribution of particles by mass and number. Typically, this measures particles from 10 microns down to 6 nanometres. This combination allows the real-time signal to be calibrated to the mass loss, and, by using the size distribution, the proportion of the particles likely to be suspended in the air can be estimated. Nick Molden, a researcher at Emissions Analytics said, “Tyres are rapidly eclipsing the tailpipe as a major source of emissions from vehicles. Tailpipes are now so clean for pollutants that, if you were starting out afresh, you wouldn’t even bother regulating them.” “We came to a bewildering amount of material being released into the environment – 300,000 tonnes of tyre rubber in the UK and US, just from cars and vans every year.” He added. The smaller the particles get, the more volatile and harder to measure repeatably they become. Growing scientific evidence suggests that these ultrafine particles more easily enter the human bloodstream and lungs, and cross into the brain. [With inputs from agencies and Emission Analytics] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Study reveals car tyres produce more particle pollution than exhausts

A new analysis has revealed that Australia is releasing more emissions from deforestation than reported to the United Nations. The revelation came after an assessment of satellite images of more than 50 properties in Queensland.

A new analysis has revealed that Australia is releasing more emissions from deforestation than reported to the United Nations. The revelation came after an assessment of satellite images of more than 50 properties in Queensland. The images were clicked by Martin Taylor, who happens to be an adjunct senior lecturer at the University of Queensland. Taylor noticed disparities between what is termed as cleared land by Australia’s National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS) and the Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (Slats) used by the state government. Oh hell's bells - we should have all suspected this extra gloom thanks to our state and Federal governments Australia’s emissions from land clearing likely far higher than claimed, analysis indicateshttps://t.co/bbNDB8Zy3f pic.twitter.com/N0lh0ZtcnO — Sue_Jash (@SueAshford3) November 7, 2021 × How countries treat emissions coming from the land sector has always been a controversial point. This is because of the challenges that are faced in accurately measuring and monitoring a changing vegetation. Also read | COP26 climate summit: World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030 The government, for years, relied on its reporting of falls in land-clearing rates. This is how it concluded that the country’s emissions have fallen by about one-fifth since 2005. The government’s net zero plan report states, "Emissions from [LuluCF] have fallen by 114m tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent since 2005, and in 2019 the sector represented a 25 Mt CO₂-e sink for Australia." The revelation comes at a time when various countries are pledging to cut their emissions at the COP26 summit being help at Glasgow. Some countries have upgraded their existing pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also, there have been separate deals on phasing out coal, ending foreign fossil fuel funding, and slashing methane.

Analysis reveals Australia’s emissions from land clearing way more higher than claimed

The CO2 emissions of the richest 1 per cent are now 30 times more than what is needed to keep global heating below 1.5C, warns research.

As per the Paris climate goals, every person on the planet needs to reduce their CO2 emissions to an average of 2.3 tonnes by 2030.

The research has revealed that the richest 1 per cent are on track to be releasing 70 tonnes of CO2 per person a year. As a whole, this will account for 16 per cent of total emissions by 2030. This is an increase of &nbsp;13 per cent of emissions since 1990.

Meanwhile, the poorest 50 per cent will be releasing an average of one tonne of CO2 annually.

The scientists have urged governments to “constrain luxury carbon consumption” of private jets and space travel.

This research comes at a time when global leaders have gathered at the COP26 summit to discuss ways to curb emissions and keep the 1.5C target.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-reality-check-global-co2-emissions-near-record-levels-in-2021-426630">Also read |&nbsp;Climate 'reality check': Global CO2 emissions near record levels in 2021</a>

According to International Energy Agency(IEA), emerging markets and developing economies now account for more than two-thirds of global CO2 emissions.

The agency said China's emissions are likely to "increase by around 500 mt CO2" and is anticipated to be above 2019 levels this year. As expected, the report said China's coal output will contribute the most to the CO2 levels due to its widespread use in the power sector.

IEA said, "CO2 emissions in India are now broadly on par with emissions in the European Union at 2.35 Gt, although they remain two-thirds lower on a per capita basis and 60 per cent below the global average," while it pointed out that coal-fired electricity generation in the EU had declined rapidly.

(With inputs from agencies)

The CO2 emissions of the richest 1 per cent are now 30 times more than what is needed to keep global heating below 1.5C, warns research. As per the Paris climate goals, every person on the planet needs to reduce their CO2 emissions to an average of 2.

The CO2 emissions of the richest 1 per cent are now 30 times more than what is needed to keep global heating below 1.5C, warns research. As per the Paris climate goals, every person on the planet needs to reduce their CO2 emissions to an average of 2.3 tonnes by 2030. The research has revealed that the richest 1 per cent are on track to be releasing 70 tonnes of CO2 per person a year. As a whole, this will account for 16 per cent of total emissions by 2030. This is an increase of 13 per cent of emissions since 1990. Meanwhile, the poorest 50 per cent will be releasing an average of one tonne of CO2 annually. The scientists have urged governments to “constrain luxury carbon consumption” of private jets and space travel. This research comes at a time when global leaders have gathered at the COP26 summit to discuss ways to curb emissions and keep the 1.5C target. Also read | Climate 'reality check': Global CO2 emissions near record levels in 2021 According to International Energy Agency(IEA), emerging markets and developing economies now account for more than two-thirds of global CO2 emissions. The agency said China's emissions are likely to "increase by around 500 mt CO2" and is anticipated to be above 2019 levels this year. As expected, the report said China's coal output will contribute the most to the CO2 levels due to its widespread use in the power sector. IEA said, "CO2 emissions in India are now broadly on par with emissions in the European Union at 2.35 Gt, although they remain two-thirds lower on a per capita basis and 60 per cent below the global average," while it pointed out that coal-fired electricity generation in the EU had declined rapidly. (With inputs from agencies)

CO2 emissions of richest 1% now 30 times more than permissible limits

As leaders around the world come together at the UN climate change summit also known as COP26 at Glasgow, the emission target for each country continues to be the hot topic of debate.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-coastal-cities-which-face-the-risk-of-submerging-underwater-425783">In Pics:&nbsp;Indian coastal cities which face the risk of submerging underwater</a>

According to International Energy Agency(IEA), emerging markets and developing economies now account for more than two-thirds of global CO2 emissions.

The agency said China's emissions is likely to "increase by around 500 mt CO2" and is anticipated to be above 2019 levels this year. As expected, the report said China's coal output will contribute the most to the CO2 levels due to its widespread use in the power sector.

The report said, "Despite China’s rapid growth in generation from renewables, output from coal-fired power plants has increased by seven per cent between 2019 and 2021."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-cop26-taliban-urges-world-to-help-fight-climate-change-425600">Also Read:&nbsp;Ahead of COP26, Taliban urges world to help fight climate change</a>

IEA said, "CO2 emissions in India are now broadly on par with emissions in the European Union at 2.35 Gt, although they remain two-thirds lower on a per capita basis and 60 per cent below the global average," while it pointed out that coal-fired electricity generation in the EU had declined rapidly.

Watch:

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However, the agency warned that global coal use may rebound this year which will lead to an increase in CO2 emissions and&nbsp;could lead&nbsp;to an increase in worldwide CO2 emissions.

In an ominous sign, the report said, "Power sector accounted for less than 50 per cent of the drop in coal-related emissions in 2020, but it accounts for 80 per cent of the rebound."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/developed-nations-enjoyed-fruits-of-energy-must-reduce-their-emissions-india-425696">Also Read |&nbsp; Developed nations enjoyed fruits of energy, must reduce their emissions: India</a>

The report highlighted that CO2 emissions from natural gas is also expected to increase this year to reach an all-time high and&nbsp;is set to contribute 22 per cent of global CO2 emissions.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As leaders around the world come together at the UN climate change summit also known as COP26 at Glasgow, the emission target for each country continues to be the hot topic of debate.

As leaders around the world come together at the UN climate change summit also known as COP26 at Glasgow, the emission target for each country continues to be the hot topic of debate. In Pics: Indian coastal cities which face the risk of submerging underwater According to International Energy Agency(IEA), emerging markets and developing economies now account for more than two-thirds of global CO2 emissions. The agency said China's emissions is likely to "increase by around 500 mt CO2" and is anticipated to be above 2019 levels this year. As expected, the report said China's coal output will contribute the most to the CO2 levels due to its widespread use in the power sector. The report said, "Despite China’s rapid growth in generation from renewables, output from coal-fired power plants has increased by seven per cent between 2019 and 2021." Also Read: Ahead of COP26, Taliban urges world to help fight climate change IEA said, "CO2 emissions in India are now broadly on par with emissions in the European Union at 2.35 Gt, although they remain two-thirds lower on a per capita basis and 60 per cent below the global average," while it pointed out that coal-fired electricity generation in the EU had declined rapidly. Watch: However, the agency warned that global coal use may rebound this year which will lead to an increase in CO2 emissions and could lead to an increase in worldwide CO2 emissions. In an ominous sign, the report said, "Power sector accounted for less than 50 per cent of the drop in coal-related emissions in 2020, but it accounts for 80 per cent of the rebound." Also Read | Developed nations enjoyed fruits of energy, must reduce their emissions: India The report highlighted that CO2 emissions from natural gas is also expected to increase this year to reach an all-time high and is set to contribute 22 per cent of global CO2 emissions. (With inputs from Agencies)

COP26: Why the world is worried about China and CO2 levels

People ate breakfast by the light of smartphones and shopkeepers turned on generators as cities across China enforced power cuts Wednesday to meet official conservation targets and ease shortages in some areas.

News reports blame high coal prices they say make power companies reluctant to meet booming demand, while economists say the real motive is political: Officials are under pressure to curtail energy use to meet official targets.

In Shenyang, the northeast's most populous city, restaurant owner Li Yufeng used a battery from an electric bicycle to run a pot for noodles after seeing a notice power would be switched off at 7:30 am. Li said he started work two hours early, at 6 am, to prepare chicken, sauces and other dishes. There are some impacts, but not a big impact,&nbsp;said Li as customers ate by smartphone lights.

Factories in China's busiest manufacturing provinces have been ordered to suspend production for up to a week, prompting concern global supplies of smartphones and other goods might be disrupted. Now, urban neighbourhoods are being blacked out, triggering pleas on social media for the government to solve the problem.

China's power consumption is growing at almost double its usual rate, while the ruling Communist Party is trying to reduce energy intensity, or the amount used per unit of economic output.

The power cuts come as global leaders prepare to attend a UN environmental conference by video link on October 12-13 in the southwestern city of Kunming. That increases pressure on President Xi Jinping's government, as the meeting's host, to show it is sticking to emissions and energy efficiency targets.

The cuts are largely driven by energy consumption control measures, with power shortages affecting another few provinces,&nbsp;Lara Dong of IHS Markit said in an e-mail.

This is in line with China's decarbonisation ambitions, she said.

Watch

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The Cabinet's planning agency warned in August that 20 regions had exceeded energy use and pollution targets after manufacturing rebounded from the pandemic. The government has ambitious plans to make the economy cleaner and more energy-efficient, so failing to meet those targets can be a career-ending blunder.

The power cuts could be more disruptive than previous shortages,&nbsp;Bank of America said in a report. Due to shortages in some areas, it said, "a relaxation of the government's energy consumption goals may not immediately alleviate the power crunch.

China is one of the world's biggest emitters of climate-changing industrial gases and consumes more energy per unit of economic output than developed countries. Given its huge population, on a per capita basis it ranks much lower.

China also is preparing for the Winter Olympics in the capital, Beijing, and the nearby city of Shijiazhuang in February, a period when it will want clear blue skies.

Officials in Jiangsu province, a manufacturing hub northwest of Shanghai, told state media some cities there have used up 90 per cent of this year's quota for power use. The officials of the provincial planning agency were cited as saying individual city governments had to decide how to meet their targets.

The government of Guangdong province, China's biggest manufacturing centre, has cited both official energy use limits and low water levels in hydropower reservoirs that provide a big share of its electricity.

In Liaoning province, where Shenyang is the capital, the government said in a statement Sunday that power demand hit a record high in the first eight months of the year. It said Liaoning has suffered shortages since then due to a decline in wind power and other sources.

The government of neighbouring Jilin province blamed a shortage of coal. It said in a statement Monday its governor would visit miners in nearby Inner Mongolia to line up additional supplies.

Some advance warnings of power cuts to residents in Shenyang and other cities cited a need to ration power but didn't say why. 
Li, the noodle restaurant owner, showed a reporter a notice circulated on social media that said power would be out in his neighbourhood from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. 
Shopkeeper Yang Chang had a generator running on the sidewalk to keep freezers full of meat cold.

As long as there is electricity we can sell things, unlike restaurants that need water, said Yang. Yang didn't know or care what the reason for the power outage was but said, it's understandable. I was born in the '90s. When I was little, electricity wasn't stable,&nbsp;said Yan. Although we are having difficulties, the government will find a solution. 
&nbsp;

People ate breakfast by the light of smartphones and shopkeepers turned on generators as cities across China enforced power cuts Wednesday to meet official conservation targets and ease shortages in some areas.

People ate breakfast by the light of smartphones and shopkeepers turned on generators as cities across China enforced power cuts Wednesday to meet official conservation targets and ease shortages in some areas. News reports blame high coal prices they say make power companies reluctant to meet booming demand, while economists say the real motive is political: Officials are under pressure to curtail energy use to meet official targets. In Shenyang, the northeast's most populous city, restaurant owner Li Yufeng used a battery from an electric bicycle to run a pot for noodles after seeing a notice power would be switched off at 7:30 am. Li said he started work two hours early, at 6 am, to prepare chicken, sauces and other dishes. There are some impacts, but not a big impact, said Li as customers ate by smartphone lights. Factories in China's busiest manufacturing provinces have been ordered to suspend production for up to a week, prompting concern global supplies of smartphones and other goods might be disrupted. Now, urban neighbourhoods are being blacked out, triggering pleas on social media for the government to solve the problem. China's power consumption is growing at almost double its usual rate, while the ruling Communist Party is trying to reduce energy intensity, or the amount used per unit of economic output. The power cuts come as global leaders prepare to attend a UN environmental conference by video link on October 12-13 in the southwestern city of Kunming. That increases pressure on President Xi Jinping's government, as the meeting's host, to show it is sticking to emissions and energy efficiency targets. The cuts are largely driven by energy consumption control measures, with power shortages affecting another few provinces, Lara Dong of IHS Markit said in an e-mail. This is in line with China's decarbonisation ambitions, she said. Watch The Cabinet's planning agency warned in August that 20 regions had exceeded energy use and pollution targets after manufacturing rebounded from the pandemic. The government has ambitious plans to make the economy cleaner and more energy-efficient, so failing to meet those targets can be a career-ending blunder. The power cuts could be more disruptive than previous shortages, Bank of America said in a report. Due to shortages in some areas, it said, "a relaxation of the government's energy consumption goals may not immediately alleviate the power crunch. China is one of the world's biggest emitters of climate-changing industrial gases and consumes more energy per unit of economic output than developed countries. Given its huge population, on a per capita basis it ranks much lower. China also is preparing for the Winter Olympics in the capital, Beijing, and the nearby city of Shijiazhuang in February, a period when it will want clear blue skies. Officials in Jiangsu province, a manufacturing hub northwest of Shanghai, told state media some cities there have used up 90 per cent of this year's quota for power use. The officials of the provincial planning agency were cited as saying individual city governments had to decide how to meet their targets. The government of Guangdong province, China's biggest manufacturing centre, has cited both official energy use limits and low water levels in hydropower reservoirs that provide a big share of its electricity. In Liaoning province, where Shenyang is the capital, the government said in a statement Sunday that power demand hit a record high in the first eight months of the year. It said Liaoning has suffered shortages since then due to a decline in wind power and other sources. The government of neighbouring Jilin province blamed a shortage of coal. It said in a statement Monday its governor would visit miners in nearby Inner Mongolia to line up additional supplies. Some advance warnings of power cuts to residents in Shenyang and other cities cited a need to ration power but didn't say why. Li, the noodle restaurant owner, showed a reporter a notice circulated on social media that said power would be out in his neighbourhood from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Shopkeeper Yang Chang had a generator running on the sidewalk to keep freezers full of meat cold. As long as there is electricity we can sell things, unlike restaurants that need water, said Yang. Yang didn't know or care what the reason for the power outage was but said, it's understandable. I was born in the '90s. When I was little, electricity wasn't stable, said Yan. Although we are having difficulties, the government will find a solution.

Electricity crisis: Chinese switch to flashlights, generators to meet emission targets & ease coal shortages

What is the cost of our carbon footprint — not just in dollars but in lives?

According to a paper published Thursday, it is soberingly high, perhaps high enough to help shift attitudes about how much we should spend on fighting climate change.

The new paper, published in the journal Nature Communications, draws on multiple areas of research to find out how many future lives will be lost as a result of rising temperatures if humanity keeps producing greenhouse gas emissions at high rates — and how many lives could be saved by cutting those emissions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carbon-dioxide-in-atmosphere-hits-record-high-despite-pandemic-dip-390148">Carbon dioxide in atmosphere hits record high despite pandemic dip</a>

Most of the deaths will occur in regions that tend to be hotter and poorer than the United States. These areas are typically less responsible for global emissions but more heavily affected by the resulting climate disasters.

R. Daniel Bressler, a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, calculated that adding about one-quarter of the output of a coal-fired power plant, or roughly 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere on top of 2020 levels for just one year will cause 226 deaths globally.

By comparison, the lifetime emissions beyond 2020 levels of a handful of Americans (3.5, to be precise) will result in one additional heat-related death in this century.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/actual-carbon-emissions-are-more-than-what-countries-are-reporting-study-380652">Actual carbon emissions are more than what countries are reporting: Study</a>

Bressler also contrasted the effects of people in nations with big carbon footprints with those in smaller ones. While the carbon emissions generated by fewer than four Americans would kill one person, it would require the combined carbon dioxide emissions of 146.2 Nigerians for the same result. The worldwide average to cause that single death is 12.8 people.

The new paper builds on the work of William Nordhaus, a Nobel laureate who first determined what is known as the “social cost of carbon” — an economic tool for measuring the climate-related damage to the planet caused by each extra ton of carbon emissions. The concept has been a crucial part of policy debates over the expense of fighting climate change because it is used to calculate the cost-benefit analysis required when agencies propose environmental rules. The higher the social cost of carbon, the easier it is to justify the costs of the action.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/greenhouse-gas-emissions-are-on-track-to-set-a-new-record-in-2023-iea-399165">Greenhouse gas emissions are on track to set a new record in 2023: IEA</a>

The current version of the Nordhaus model — the “Dynamic Integrated Climate-Economy,” or DICE — puts the social cost of carbon at about $37 per metric ton. The Obama administration’s estimates put the figure at $50 a ton, but the Trump administration cut the estimate to as little as $1. The Biden administration is working on its own social cost of carbon, expected early next year; a preliminary figure released in February roughly matched the Obama administration.

In his paper, Bressler incorporated recent public health research that estimates the number of excess deaths attributable to rising temperatures into the latest version of the DICE model. The resulting extended model produced a startlingly high figure for the social cost of carbon: $258 per metric ton.

He coined a term for the relationship between the increased emissions and excess heat deaths: the “mortality cost of carbon.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/parts-of-the-amazon-go-from-absorbing-carbon-dioxide-to-emitting-it-398111">Parts of the Amazon go from absorbing carbon dioxide to emitting it</a>

Heat waves, which have been made more frequent and more potent by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>, have been linked to illness and death, with profound effects in less affluent countries. The recent off-the-charts temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and Canada have already been linked to hundreds of deaths.

Others have tried to put numbers on the mortality associated with climate change and the added costs that it entails, most notably the Climate Impact Lab at the University of Chicago. Maureen Cropper, senior fellow at Resources for the Future, a nonpartisan environmental research organization in Washington, suggested that Bressler’s $258 estimate appeared to be too high, in part because of the way that the paper looks at how people around the world view the value of their own lives. She added that “although one may disagree with some of the author’s assumptions, it is important for researchers to continue the effort.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-vital-signs-are-worsening-due-to-climate-change-scientists-warn-401135">Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn</a>

Bressler acknowledged that there were areas of uncertainty in the paper, including those built into some public health research investigating excess deaths caused by heat. He also relied solely on heat-related deaths without adding other climate-related causes of death, including floods, crop failures and civil unrest. The result is that the actual number of deaths could be smaller, or greater.

“Based on the current literature,” he said, “this is the best estimate.”

What is the cost of our carbon footprint — not just in dollars but in lives? According to a paper published Thursday, it is soberingly high, perhaps high enough to help shift attitudes about how much we should spend on fighting climate change.

What is the cost of our carbon footprint — not just in dollars but in lives? According to a paper published Thursday, it is soberingly high, perhaps high enough to help shift attitudes about how much we should spend on fighting climate change. The new paper, published in the journal Nature Communications, draws on multiple areas of research to find out how many future lives will be lost as a result of rising temperatures if humanity keeps producing greenhouse gas emissions at high rates — and how many lives could be saved by cutting those emissions. Also read | Carbon dioxide in atmosphere hits record high despite pandemic dip Most of the deaths will occur in regions that tend to be hotter and poorer than the United States. These areas are typically less responsible for global emissions but more heavily affected by the resulting climate disasters. R. Daniel Bressler, a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, calculated that adding about one-quarter of the output of a coal-fired power plant, or roughly 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere on top of 2020 levels for just one year will cause 226 deaths globally. By comparison, the lifetime emissions beyond 2020 levels of a handful of Americans (3.5, to be precise) will result in one additional heat-related death in this century. Also read | Actual carbon emissions are more than what countries are reporting: Study Bressler also contrasted the effects of people in nations with big carbon footprints with those in smaller ones. While the carbon emissions generated by fewer than four Americans would kill one person, it would require the combined carbon dioxide emissions of 146.2 Nigerians for the same result. The worldwide average to cause that single death is 12.8 people. The new paper builds on the work of William Nordhaus, a Nobel laureate who first determined what is known as the “social cost of carbon” — an economic tool for measuring the climate-related damage to the planet caused by each extra ton of carbon emissions. The concept has been a crucial part of policy debates over the expense of fighting climate change because it is used to calculate the cost-benefit analysis required when agencies propose environmental rules. The higher the social cost of carbon, the easier it is to justify the costs of the action. Also read | Greenhouse gas emissions are on track to set a new record in 2023: IEA The current version of the Nordhaus model — the “Dynamic Integrated Climate-Economy,” or DICE — puts the social cost of carbon at about $37 per metric ton. The Obama administration’s estimates put the figure at $50 a ton, but the Trump administration cut the estimate to as little as $1. The Biden administration is working on its own social cost of carbon, expected early next year; a preliminary figure released in February roughly matched the Obama administration. In his paper, Bressler incorporated recent public health research that estimates the number of excess deaths attributable to rising temperatures into the latest version of the DICE model. The resulting extended model produced a startlingly high figure for the social cost of carbon: $258 per metric ton. He coined a term for the relationship between the increased emissions and excess heat deaths: the “mortality cost of carbon.” Also read | Parts of the Amazon go from absorbing carbon dioxide to emitting it Heat waves, which have been made more frequent and more potent by climate change, have been linked to illness and death, with profound effects in less affluent countries. The recent off-the-charts temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and Canada have already been linked to hundreds of deaths. Others have tried to put numbers on the mortality associated with climate change and the added costs that it entails, most notably the Climate Impact Lab at the University of Chicago. Maureen Cropper, senior fellow at Resources for the Future, a nonpartisan environmental research organization in Washington, suggested that Bressler’s $258 estimate appeared to be too high, in part because of the way that the paper looks at how people around the world view the value of their own lives. She added that “although one may disagree with some of the author’s assumptions, it is important for researchers to continue the effort.” Also read | Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn Bressler acknowledged that there were areas of uncertainty in the paper, including those built into some public health research investigating excess deaths caused by heat. He also relied solely on heat-related deaths without adding other climate-related causes of death, including floods, crop failures and civil unrest. The result is that the actual number of deaths could be smaller, or greater. “Based on the current literature,” he said, “this is the best estimate.”

A carbon calculation: How many deaths do emissions cause?

A Dutch court ordered oil giant Shell on Wednesday to slash its greenhouse gas emissions in a landmark victory for climate activists with implications for energy firms worldwide.

Shell must reduce its carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030 as it is contributing to the "dire" effects of climate change, the district court in The Hague ruled.

Campaigners hailed the "historic" verdict as the first time that a company had been made to align its policy with the 2015 Paris climate accords.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-court-to-rule-in-shell-climate-case-387472" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-court-to-rule-in-shell-climate-case-387472&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwidzZrRqOnwAhVAHTQIHRiLDsUQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw01D4mqJgj4cgawpMKhz_fZ" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dutch-court-to-rule-in-shell-climate-case-387472" target="_blank">Dutch court to rule in&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;climate case</a>

Dubbed "the People versus Shell", the case was backed by seven environmental groups and more than 17,000 Dutch citizens.

Judge Larisa Alwin said in the verdict that Anglo-Dutch multinational Shell has an "enormous CO2 emission for which it is responsible".&nbsp;

Shell "is contributing to the dire consequences of climate change for the population" and must implement the decision "at once".

Shell said it "fully expects to appeal today's disappointing court decision".

"Urgent action is needed on climate change which is why we have accelerated our efforts to become a net-zero emissions energy company by 2050, in step with society," a Shell spokesman said in a statement.

With energy firms around the world facing growing pressure over climate change, Shell set new targets in February to reduce its net carbon footprint compared to a 2016 baseline by 20 percent by 2030, 45 percent by 2035 and 100 percent by 2050.&nbsp;

'Historical day'

Dozens of campaigners hugged, clapped and shouted "climate justice" outside the court as the verdict was announced, an AFP reporter said.

In a show of solidarity, a group of around 50 Dutch cyclists had also cycled from the north of the Netherlands to mark the judgment.

"This is a historical day," said Donald Pols, director of the Dutch branch of Friends of the Earth, which originally brought the case.

"It's the first time in history that the judge has decided that a large polluter, Royal Dutch Shell, should stop causing dangerous climate change," Pols told AFP outside the court.

"This will have an enormous impact, not only on Shell itself, but on major polluters throughout the Netherlands and globally."

The 2015 Paris accords committed all nations to cut carbon emissions to limit warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels and encouraged them to go down to 1.5 degrees.

Greenpeace Netherlands interim chief Andy Palmen said it was a "historic victory for the climate and everyone facing the consequences of the climate crisis."

"Shell cannot continue to violate human rights and put profit over people and the planet... We can hold multinational corporations worldwide accountable for the climate crisis," he said in a statement.

The case is one of a series around the world in which citizens and campaigners frustrated with inaction on climate change have hauled governments and big polluters before the courts.

'Full of reservations'

Dozens of climate marchers handed in the lawsuit to Shell's headquarters in the Netherlands in The Hague in April 2019 in what organisers said was the first case of its kind.

Shell had argued that it is making serious efforts to cut gas emissions, but that there is no legal basis for the case and that governments are responsible for meeting Paris targets.

It said it was investing billions of dollars in low-carbon energy such as electric vehicle charging, hydrogen, renewables and biofuels.

The judge acknowledged that Shell had "already tightened up its goals" but said its climate policy was "not concrete and is full of reservations."

Shell's emissions were "greater than those of many countries" and the resulting climate change effects pose "serious risks to human rights, such as the right to life and an undisturbed family life," the judge said.

She ordered Shell to make the emissions cut based on its 2019 levels.

Campaigners have repeated the success of a case brought by the green group Urgenda in which the Dutch Supreme Court in 2019 ordered the state to slash emissions by at least 25 percent of 1990 levels by the end of 2020.

The Netherlands, particularly vulnerable to climate change as a third of the country is below sea level, has pledged to reduce CO2 emissions by 49 percent by 2030.

It is sixth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases per capita in the EU, according to the bloc's figures.

A Dutch court ordered oil giant Shell on Wednesday to slash its greenhouse gas emissions in a landmark victory for climate activists with implications for energy firms worldwide.

A Dutch court ordered oil giant Shell on Wednesday to slash its greenhouse gas emissions in a landmark victory for climate activists with implications for energy firms worldwide. Shell must reduce its carbon emissions by 45 percent by 2030 as it is contributing to the "dire" effects of climate change, the district court in The Hague ruled. Campaigners hailed the "historic" verdict as the first time that a company had been made to align its policy with the 2015 Paris climate accords. Also read | Dutch court to rule in Shell climate case Dubbed "the People versus Shell", the case was backed by seven environmental groups and more than 17,000 Dutch citizens. Judge Larisa Alwin said in the verdict that Anglo-Dutch multinational Shell has an "enormous CO2 emission for which it is responsible". Shell "is contributing to the dire consequences of climate change for the population" and must implement the decision "at once". Shell said it "fully expects to appeal today's disappointing court decision". "Urgent action is needed on climate change which is why we have accelerated our efforts to become a net-zero emissions energy company by 2050, in step with society," a Shell spokesman said in a statement. With energy firms around the world facing growing pressure over climate change, Shell set new targets in February to reduce its net carbon footprint compared to a 2016 baseline by 20 percent by 2030, 45 percent by 2035 and 100 percent by 2050. 'Historical day' Dozens of campaigners hugged, clapped and shouted "climate justice" outside the court as the verdict was announced, an AFP reporter said. In a show of solidarity, a group of around 50 Dutch cyclists had also cycled from the north of the Netherlands to mark the judgment. "This is a historical day," said Donald Pols, director of the Dutch branch of Friends of the Earth, which originally brought the case. "It's the first time in history that the judge has decided that a large polluter, Royal Dutch Shell, should stop causing dangerous climate change," Pols told AFP outside the court. "This will have an enormous impact, not only on Shell itself, but on major polluters throughout the Netherlands and globally." The 2015 Paris accords committed all nations to cut carbon emissions to limit warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels and encouraged them to go down to 1.5 degrees. Greenpeace Netherlands interim chief Andy Palmen said it was a "historic victory for the climate and everyone facing the consequences of the climate crisis." "Shell cannot continue to violate human rights and put profit over people and the planet... We can hold multinational corporations worldwide accountable for the climate crisis," he said in a statement. The case is one of a series around the world in which citizens and campaigners frustrated with inaction on climate change have hauled governments and big polluters before the courts. 'Full of reservations' Dozens of climate marchers handed in the lawsuit to Shell's headquarters in the Netherlands in The Hague in April 2019 in what organisers said was the first case of its kind. Shell had argued that it is making serious efforts to cut gas emissions, but that there is no legal basis for the case and that governments are responsible for meeting Paris targets. It said it was investing billions of dollars in low-carbon energy such as electric vehicle charging, hydrogen, renewables and biofuels. The judge acknowledged that Shell had "already tightened up its goals" but said its climate policy was "not concrete and is full of reservations." Shell's emissions were "greater than those of many countries" and the resulting climate change effects pose "serious risks to human rights, such as the right to life and an undisturbed family life," the judge said. She ordered Shell to make the emissions cut based on its 2019 levels. Campaigners have repeated the success of a case brought by the green group Urgenda in which the Dutch Supreme Court in 2019 ordered the state to slash emissions by at least 25 percent of 1990 levels by the end of 2020. The Netherlands, particularly vulnerable to climate change as a third of the country is below sea level, has pledged to reduce CO2 emissions by 49 percent by 2030. It is sixth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases per capita in the EU, according to the bloc's figures.

Shell ordered to cut emissions in landmark Dutch climate case

The United Kingdom has vowed to reduce 78 per cent emissions by 2035 and is now ramping up efforts to achieve the target, new reports suggested on Tuesday.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil new targets by the end of this week, which will revise the target to 15 years earlier than originally planned, BBC reported.

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For the first time ever, the new targets will now include emissions incurred from international aviation and shipping, which have remained at the helm of reform demands by many environmental groups.

In November, the country is set to host COP26, the United Nation’s annual climate gathering. Johnson will address a climate summit on Thursday which will be hosted by US President Joe Biden.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/aquatic-ecosystems-source-of-half-of-global-methane-emissions-study-376096" hreflang="en">Aquatic ecosystems source of half of global methane emissions: Study</a>

The UK has a target to become carbon neutral by the middle of this century. In December 2020, the country pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by over two-thirds compared to 1990 levels by 2030.

Part of these moves would include promoting electric vehicles, wind power generation, discouraging meat and dairy consumption.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/emissions-from-cannabis-production-are-driving-temperatures-high-369330" hreflang="en">Emissions from cannabis production are driving temperatures high</a>

Last year, the UK government’s independent advisory body - the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) gave out recommendations, of which the latest 78 per cent target over the next 10 years was posited.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Kingdom has vowed to reduce 78 per cent emissions by 2035 and is now ramping up efforts to achieve the target, new reports suggested on Tuesday. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil new targets by the end of this week, which will revise the target to 15 years earlier than originally planned, BBC reported.

The United Kingdom has vowed to reduce 78 per cent emissions by 2035 and is now ramping up efforts to achieve the target, new reports suggested on Tuesday. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil new targets by the end of this week, which will revise the target to 15 years earlier than originally planned, BBC reported. For the first time ever, the new targets will now include emissions incurred from international aviation and shipping, which have remained at the helm of reform demands by many environmental groups. In November, the country is set to host COP26, the United Nation’s annual climate gathering. Johnson will address a climate summit on Thursday which will be hosted by US President Joe Biden. Also read: Aquatic ecosystems source of half of global methane emissions: Study The UK has a target to become carbon neutral by the middle of this century. In December 2020, the country pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by over two-thirds compared to 1990 levels by 2030. Part of these moves would include promoting electric vehicles, wind power generation, discouraging meat and dairy consumption. Also read: Emissions from cannabis production are driving temperatures high Last year, the UK government’s independent advisory body - the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) gave out recommendations, of which the latest 78 per cent target over the next 10 years was posited. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to vow 78% reduction in emissions by 2035, new report claims

Volkswagen 'dieselgate' fraud: Timeline of a scandal

Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler could face penalties of up to 1.83 billion euros and 746 million euros respectively, if they fail to meet the European Union's emissions targets set for 2021, according to a study.

Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler could face 2021 EU emissions fines: Study

Volkswagen Group India spokesperson on Thursday stated that the automobile giant will challenge the NGT order before the Supreme Court.

The reaction came shortly after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) slapped <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/emission-fiasco-ngt-slaps-rs-500-crore-fine-on-volkswagen-201705">Rs 500 crore fine on Volkswagen</a> for damaging the environment through the use of 'cheat device' in its diesel cars.&nbsp;

Volkswagen is required to deposit the amount with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) within 2 months.

The environmental watchdog enhanced the compensation amount of Rs 171.34 crore, which was recommended by an NGT-appointed committee, as a means of "creating deterrence," news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Volkswagen Group India Spokesperson: The Volkswagen Group will challenge the order of the National Green Tribunal before the Supreme Court.
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The automaker, however, said that it did not violate the BS-IV norms and that the test results were based on "road testings" for which there were no prescribed standards.

The bench said, "Sustainable development is the main guiding factor... We are unable to accept the manufacturer's objections to the report," PTI reported.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Volkswagen Group India spokesperson on Thursday stated that the automobile giant will challenge the NGT order before the Supreme Court. The reaction came shortly after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) slapped Rs 500 crore fine on Volkswagen for damaging the environment through the use of 'cheat device' in its diesel cars.

Volkswagen Group India spokesperson on Thursday stated that the automobile giant will challenge the NGT order before the Supreme Court. The reaction came shortly after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) slapped Rs 500 crore fine on Volkswagen for damaging the environment through the use of 'cheat device' in its diesel cars. Volkswagen is required to deposit the amount with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) within 2 months. The environmental watchdog enhanced the compensation amount of Rs 171.34 crore, which was recommended by an NGT-appointed committee, as a means of "creating deterrence," news agency PTI reported. Volkswagen Group India Spokesperson: The Volkswagen Group will challenge the order of the National Green Tribunal before the Supreme Court. — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2019 × The automaker, however, said that it did not violate the BS-IV norms and that the test results were based on "road testings" for which there were no prescribed standards. The bench said, "Sustainable development is the main guiding factor... We are unable to accept the manufacturer's objections to the report," PTI reported. (With inputs from PTI)

After NGT slaps Rs 500 crore fine on Volkswagen, automobile giant to move Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to consider whether to widen the scope of scrutiny into compliance of all car manufacturers with the emission norms, as German auto major Volkswagen has challenged a punitive action of the tribunal.

A bench, headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, said that there was no occasion to take punitive action against the directors of Volkswagen for the delay in depositing of Rs 100 crore fine to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as it had already extended the deadline.

The NGT had on January 17 imposed a penalty of Rs 100 crore on Volkswagen, saying its cars were violating the pollution norms.

A four-member committee constituted by the NGT had recommended a fine of Rs 171.34 crore on Volkswagen for excess nitrogen oxide emissions.

The committee in its report had estimated that Volkswagen cars allegedly released 48.678 tonnes of NO in 2016 in the National Capital Region.

The Volkswagen Group challenged the NGT’s fine, contending that all its cars are "compliant with emission norms in India."Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Volkswagen, told the apex court bench that the company had deposited the amount of Rs 100 crore on January 17 as directed by the NGT.

The tribunal had said that non-compliance can lead to the arrest of the company's India head.

“We would like to clarify that intent and purpose of this court in December extending time for compliance was to ensure that until this court took up the matter on next date, the coercive measure cannot be taken for non-compliance of the order,” said the Supreme Court bench.

It asked the NGT to include Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in a four-member committee appointed by the expert panel.

The NGT had constituted a joint team of representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute.

The tribunal had asked for a report on whether Volkswagen has exceeded the prescribed environmental norms and fair estimate of the damage caused to the environment.

The Supreme Court also noted that the committee had submitted its report and proceedings are now pending before the NGT. The bench said it is now proper for the tribunal to deal with the report on merits.

The tribunal’s order had come on pleas filed by a school teacher, Saloni Ailawadi, and a few others seeking a ban on the sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to consider whether to widen the scope of scrutiny into compliance of all car manufacturers with the emission norms, as German auto major Volkswagen has challenged a punitive action of the tribunal.

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to consider whether to widen the scope of scrutiny into compliance of all car manufacturers with the emission norms, as German auto major Volkswagen has challenged a punitive action of the tribunal. A bench, headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, said that there was no occasion to take punitive action against the directors of Volkswagen for the delay in depositing of Rs 100 crore fine to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), as it had already extended the deadline. The NGT had on January 17 imposed a penalty of Rs 100 crore on Volkswagen, saying its cars were violating the pollution norms. A four-member committee constituted by the NGT had recommended a fine of Rs 171.34 crore on Volkswagen for excess nitrogen oxide emissions. The committee in its report had estimated that Volkswagen cars allegedly released 48.678 tonnes of NO in 2016 in the National Capital Region. The Volkswagen Group challenged the NGT’s fine, contending that all its cars are "compliant with emission norms in India."Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Volkswagen, told the apex court bench that the company had deposited the amount of Rs 100 crore on January 17 as directed by the NGT. The tribunal had said that non-compliance can lead to the arrest of the company's India head. “We would like to clarify that intent and purpose of this court in December extending time for compliance was to ensure that until this court took up the matter on next date, the coercive measure cannot be taken for non-compliance of the order,” said the Supreme Court bench. It asked the NGT to include Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in a four-member committee appointed by the expert panel. The NGT had constituted a joint team of representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute. The tribunal had asked for a report on whether Volkswagen has exceeded the prescribed environmental norms and fair estimate of the damage caused to the environment. The Supreme Court also noted that the committee had submitted its report and proceedings are now pending before the NGT. The bench said it is now proper for the tribunal to deal with the report on merits. The tribunal’s order had come on pleas filed by a school teacher, Saloni Ailawadi, and a few others seeking a ban on the sale of Volkswagen vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms.

Supreme Court asks NGT to widen scrutiny into emission violations by car manufacturers

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Argentina and other large&nbsp;nations&nbsp;to&nbsp;ratify&nbsp;the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;climate&nbsp;accord&nbsp;at a Buenos Aires conference on Monday, and Argentina&#39;s foreign minister said she hoped the country would do so by the end of the year. 
 
In December 2015, some 195 countries reached an agreement in&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;that obligates states to take concrete measures to curb emissions that contribute to&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change. But the pact will not go into force&nbsp;until it is ratified by 55 countries representing 55 per cent of global greenhouse emissions. 
 
As of now, only 22 countries have done so, many of them small, vulnerable island&nbsp;nations&nbsp;that account for a negligible percentage of emissions. 
 
Ban urged China and the&nbsp;United States, the world&#39;s top two greenhouse gas emitters, to&nbsp;ratify the deal, and also pushed Argentina, Latin America&#39;s third&nbsp;largest economy, to do the same. 
 
&quot;When we add up the two countries&nbsp;greenhouse gas emissions, it comes to almost 40 per cent&quot; of global emissions, Ban said of the&nbsp;United States and China. 
 
&quot;So 55 per cent may not be difficult to achieve, and I urge Argentina to&nbsp;ratify&nbsp;as soon as possible.&quot; 
 
In response, Argentina&#39;s foreign minister, Susana Malcorra, who is running to replace Ban as UN&nbsp;secretary-general, said the&nbsp;accord&nbsp;has already been approved by one chamber of Congress and she hopes Argentina will have it ratified by the next major UN&nbsp;climate&nbsp;summit in December. 
 
At the event in Buenos Aires, Ban also thanked Argentina for a recent commitment to take in 3,000 refugees from various war-torn locations. 
 
&quot;This kind of solidarity, sign of humanity, should be emulated by many people around the world,&quot; Ban said. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Paris accord that obligates states to take concrete measures to curb emissions will not go in force unless ratified by 55 nations

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Argentina and other large nations to ratify the Paris climate accord at a Buenos Aires conference on Monday, and Argentina's foreign minister said she hoped the country would do so by the end of the year. In December 2015, some 195 countries reached an agreement in Paris that obligates states to take concrete measures to curb emissions that contribute to climate change. But the pact will not go into force until it is ratified by 55 countries representing 55 per cent of global greenhouse emissions. As of now, only 22 countries have done so, many of them small, vulnerable island nations that account for a negligible percentage of emissions. Ban urged China and the United States, the world's top two greenhouse gas emitters, to ratify the deal, and also pushed Argentina, Latin America's third largest economy, to do the same. "When we add up the two countries greenhouse gas emissions, it comes to almost 40 per cent" of global emissions, Ban said of the United States and China. "So 55 per cent may not be difficult to achieve, and I urge Argentina to ratify as soon as possible." In response, Argentina's foreign minister, Susana Malcorra, who is running to replace Ban as UN secretary-general, said the accord has already been approved by one chamber of Congress and she hopes Argentina will have it ratified by the next major UN climate summit in December. At the event in Buenos Aires, Ban also thanked Argentina for a recent commitment to take in 3,000 refugees from various war-torn locations. "This kind of solidarity, sign of humanity, should be emulated by many people around the world," Ban said. (Reuters)

UN chief presses large nations to ratify Paris climate accord at earliest

NASA scientists have chosen five green technology concepts that have the potential to transform the aviation industry in the next decade by reducing aircraft fuel usage and emissions by 75 per cent. 
 
The concepts were selected under NASA&#39;s Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Programme in the US for a two-year study. 
 
The topics, including three specifically targeted at electrically-propelled aircrafts are the use of alternative fuel cells, three-dimensional (3D) printing to increase electric motor output, lithium-air batteries for energy storage, new mechanisms for changing the shape of an aircraft wing in flight and a lightweight material called aerogel in the design and development of aircraft antenna. 
 
These five concepts, in addition to three of the six selected last year, address NASA&#39;s green aviation initiatives to cut fuel use by half, lower harmful emissions by 75 per cent, and significantly reduce aircraft noise, scientists said. 
 
&quot;There definitely was an emphasis in our selections on bringing forward activities that addressed a NASA aeronautics goal to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation during the 21st century,&quot; said programme manager Doug Rohn. 
 
(PTI)

The scientists have chosen five green technology that were selected under NASA's 'Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Programme' in US

NASA scientists have chosen five green technology concepts that have the potential to transform the aviation industry in the next decade by reducing aircraft fuel usage and emissions by 75 per cent. The concepts were selected under NASA's Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Programme in the US for a two-year study. The topics, including three specifically targeted at electrically-propelled aircrafts are the use of alternative fuel cells, three-dimensional (3D) printing to increase electric motor output, lithium-air batteries for energy storage, new mechanisms for changing the shape of an aircraft wing in flight and a lightweight material called aerogel in the design and development of aircraft antenna. These five concepts, in addition to three of the six selected last year, address NASA's green aviation initiatives to cut fuel use by half, lower harmful emissions by 75 per cent, and significantly reduce aircraft noise, scientists said. "There definitely was an emphasis in our selections on bringing forward activities that addressed a NASA aeronautics goal to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation during the 21st century," said programme manager Doug Rohn. (PTI)

NASA aims to reduce aircraft fuel use, emissions by 75%

Volkswagen&#39;s former boss Martin Winterkorn is under investigation for having allegedly manipulated the market by holding back information about emissions cheating at the automobile giant, German prosecutors said today. 
 
&quot;The initial suspicion of market manipulation is directed against two former board members of the VW Group. Among them is the former chief executive of the Volkswagen group, Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn,&quot; said prosecutors in a statement. 
 
Investigators in Brunswick, in Lower Saxony state where VW is based, did not name the second suspect but said the individual was not the group&#39;s current chairman. 
 
Listed companies are required to disclose information that could affect market prices immediately. 
 
But VW complied with its disclosure obligation only on September 22, 2015, prosecutors said, four days after US regulators went public that they were charging the company for fitting devices designed to skew emissions data in their vehicles. 
 
&quot;There are sufficient indications suggesting that the obligation to make a disclosure statement could have been met at an earlier date,&quot; prosecutors said. 
 
Shares in VW plunged 17.14 percent on Monday September 21, 2015 the first trading day after the US charge was made public. 
 
They sank another 19.82 percent on Tuesday, wiping out 25 billion euros in market capitalisation in two days.

Investigators in Brunswick, in Lower Saxony state where Volkswagen is based, did not name the second suspect

Volkswagen's former boss Martin Winterkorn is under investigation for having allegedly manipulated the market by holding back information about emissions cheating at the automobile giant, German prosecutors said today. "The initial suspicion of market manipulation is directed against two former board members of the VW Group. Among them is the former chief executive of the Volkswagen group, Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn," said prosecutors in a statement. Investigators in Brunswick, in Lower Saxony state where VW is based, did not name the second suspect but said the individual was not the group's current chairman. Listed companies are required to disclose information that could affect market prices immediately. But VW complied with its disclosure obligation only on September 22, 2015, prosecutors said, four days after US regulators went public that they were charging the company for fitting devices designed to skew emissions data in their vehicles. "There are sufficient indications suggesting that the obligation to make a disclosure statement could have been met at an earlier date," prosecutors said. Shares in VW plunged 17.14 percent on Monday September 21, 2015 the first trading day after the US charge was made public. They sank another 19.82 percent on Tuesday, wiping out 25 billion euros in market capitalisation in two days.

VW ex-boss probed for market manipulation: prosecutors

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