Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.


Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Fears | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

Kerala is facing a growing environmental crisis as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports a sharp decline in river water quality across the state. According to the latest assessment, Kerala has 32 polluted river stretches, the second-highest number in India, highlighting the increasing impact of rapid urbanization and untreated sewage on the state's freshwater ecosystems.

The report, based on water quality data collected between 2020 and 2023, found that untreated sewage discharge and inadequate sanitation infrastructure have significantly degraded river health. Nearly half of the water samples tested were found to be contaminated with harmful bacteria, raising serious concerns about public health and environmental sustainability.

Kerala's Rivers Among India's Most Polluted, CPCB Report Raises Alarm

France and Spain are battling one of the worst wildfire emergencies in recent years as extreme heat, dry conditions, and powerful winds fuel massive blazes across Western Europe.

In France, thousands of residents have been evacuated after wildfires burned more than 14,000 hectares, forcing people to flee by land and sea. Tourist destinations have also been affected as emergency crews race to contain the flames.

In Spain, firefighters are battling fast-moving wildfires near Madrid and other regions, while authorities have declared emergency measures. NASA even evacuated one of its deep-space communication facilities as flames approached the area. European Union countries have deployed specialized firefighting aircraft to support efforts across both nations.

Europe Wildfire Crisis | France and Spain Battle massive blazes amid extreme heat

The Caspian Sea, which sits on the boundary of Asia and Europe, is shrinking, according to a study. Published in the journal Earth’s Future, the peer-reviewed study states that it has been receding since the 1990s. The blame can be pinned on humans and climate change. The Caspian Sea spans 371,000 square km, nearly the size of Japan and borders five countries - Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. The researchers attribute the reason for its diminishing size to the lack of river inflow, especially from Russia’s Volga River, EarthSky reported.&nbsp;Led by Jesse Duku of UC Irvine, the team of researchers studied satellite observations, river flow records and climate data to learn about the stresses. The data shows that while evaporation from the sea surface has increased, precipitation has remained largely the same since the early 1990s. However, this contributes only about 40 per cent to the problem. The biggest reason is the low flow of water from Russia’s Volga River. It has been the biggest supplier of freshwater to the Caspian Sea. But now this has changed. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sea-ice-twice-the-size-of-rajasthan-goes-missing-from-antarctica-in-winter-1781702114417">Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter</a><h2>Five major rivers feeding the Caspian Sea</h2>&nbsp;Ural, Kura, Terek and Atrek are the other four major rivers that drain into the Caspian Sea. The study shows that the inflow of all five of them registered a massive dip between 1991 and 2020. The northern region has witnessed the biggest fall as it is naturally shallow. It has lost a total of 5.5 per cent of its surface area, and projections show that the levels will dip 26 to 46 feet by 2100. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wave-as-intense-as-7-magnitude-earthquake-bounced-off-earth-s-core-and-shifted-japan-1781858221826">Single wave as intense as 7-magnitude earthquake bounced off Earth's core and shifted Japan</a>&nbsp;Scientists also detected chlorophyll a in the northern Caspian, a type used to measure the amount of algae and cyanobacteria. The shrinking sea is threatening the ecology of the region as a consequence. The Caspian Sea is home to more than 850 species of organisms and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The falling level of water is threatening their existence, particularly the critically endangered Caspian seal and the sturgeon. The latter provides 90% of the world’s black caviar. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/antarctica-melts-as-temperature-soars-20-degrees-celsius-above-normal-in-june-1781518880876">Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal</a><h2>Oil leaks into the Caspian</h2>The study further states that the Caspian Sea is a major hotspot for the oil and gas industry, and approximately 1 million tons of oil leak into the waters every year. This adds to the existing stresses, influencing water quality and the ecosystem. The researchers have warned that unless all five countries come together to solve the crisis, a major environmental crisis could unfold.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the American Geophysical Union says only international action can save it.

The largest inland sea on Earth has been getting smaller since the 1990s. Scientists now know the reason, and it is a combined crisis created by climate change and human activity. The Caspian Sea is fed by five major rivers, and the problem lies exactly here.  

The Caspian Sea, which sits on the boundary of Asia and Europe, is shrinking, according to a study. Published in the journal Earth’s Future, the peer-reviewed study states that it has been receding since the 1990s. The blame can be pinned on humans and climate change. The Caspian Sea spans 371,000 square km, nearly the size of Japan and borders five countries - Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. The researchers attribute the reason for its diminishing size to the lack of river inflow, especially from Russia’s Volga River, EarthSky reported. Led by Jesse Duku of UC Irvine, the team of researchers studied satellite observations, river flow records and climate data to learn about the stresses. The data shows that while evaporation from the sea surface has increased, precipitation has remained largely the same since the early 1990s. However, this contributes only about 40 per cent to the problem. The biggest reason is the low flow of water from Russia’s Volga River. It has been the biggest supplier of freshwater to the Caspian Sea. But now this has changed. Also Read: Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter Five major rivers feeding the Caspian Sea Ural, Kura, Terek and Atrek are the other four major rivers that drain into the Caspian Sea. The study shows that the inflow of all five of them registered a massive dip between 1991 and 2020. The northern region has witnessed the biggest fall as it is naturally shallow. It has lost a total of 5.5 per cent of its surface area, and projections show that the levels will dip 26 to 46 feet by 2100. Also Read: Single wave as intense as 7-magnitude earthquake bounced off Earth's core and shifted Japan Scientists also detected chlorophyll a in the northern Caspian, a type used to measure the amount of algae and cyanobacteria. The shrinking sea is threatening the ecology of the region as a consequence. The Caspian Sea is home to more than 850 species of organisms and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The falling level of water is threatening their existence, particularly the critically endangered Caspian seal and the sturgeon. The latter provides 90% of the world’s black caviar. Also Read: Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal Oil leaks into the Caspian The study further states that the Caspian Sea is a major hotspot for the oil and gas industry, and approximately 1 million tons of oil leak into the waters every year. This adds to the existing stresses, influencing water quality and the ecosystem. The researchers have warned that unless all five countries come together to solve the crisis, a major environmental crisis could unfold. Meanwhile, the American Geophysical Union says only international action can save it.

The largest inland sea on Earth has been getting smaller since the 1990s. Scientists now know the reason, and it is a combined crisis created by climate change and human activity. The Caspian Sea is fed by five major rivers, and the problem lies exactly here. &nbsp;

Scientists warn major sea the size of Japan is vanishing. It might be too late to save it

India has witnessed a major expansion in solar energy in the past few years, and it is one of the fastest and most massive infrastructure transitions in global history. In the last 10 years, the country's solar capacity has scaled over 50 times. India is the world’s 3rd largest solar power producer and the 2nd largest contributor to annual new solar capacity. Its cumulative installed solar capacity has surged past 150 Gigawatts. India added 44.61 GW of solar capacity in a single fiscal year, way more than the targeted 34 GW. The growth means that non-fossil fuel sources now account for over 50 per cent of India's total installed power capacity. But the country is facing major hurdles in achieving its goal of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. Experts say that merely increasing installed gigawatts won't solve the problem.&nbsp;“The future of solar in India is promising - but it will be determined less by how many gigawatts we install and more by how intelligently we manage the demand that those gigawatts have to serve. India has made remarkable progress in installed solar power generation, yet installing more solar panels alone won't solve the demand problem, not when the grid can't absorb the power cleanly," Prof Teevrat Garg, Associate Professor of Economics at UC San Diego, told WION News.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-environment-day-data-centres-are-coming-to-india-but-at-what-cost-1780567891256">World Environment Day in the age of AI - Are humans sacrificing the climate for data centres?</a><h2>The Duck Curve and green energy&nbsp;</h2>Pointing to the problem, Garg adds, "The culprit is the duck curve: solar drops to zero every evening just as demand hits its second daily peak." The sun is dialled fully up, and solar panels produce a massive surplus of clean energy, during which time the grid’s reliance on traditional power plants plummets. But as evening sets in, solar production falls to zero, but at the same time, when people reach their homes, they switch on their air conditioners, and run appliances, and the demand spikes.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-environment-day-sheep-are-making-hay-while-the-sun-shines-fixing-a-major-solar-panel-problem-1780637430293">World Environment Day: Sheep are 'making hay while the sun shines', fixing a major solar panel problem</a>&nbsp;However, Garg says that we have energy sponges in our homes that fix this problem without having to build massive utility batteries or run dirty backup plants. "Think of every air conditioner and water heater in our homes as an untapped buffer — one that can shift when it runs, easing pressure on the grid precisely when renewable energy is scarce," he says. Water heaters and air conditioners can hold onto temperature. A smart grid can signal your AC to run at 3 pm when solar energy is abundant and cheap, cooling your house down a few extra degrees. It can safely shut off or dial back for an hour at 6 pm. If millions of homes can do the same, the evening energy demand would flatten.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-could-chug-water-enough-to-sustain-all-8-1-billion-people-on-earth-for-over-a-year-un-report-warns-1780583211386">AI could chug water enough to sustain all 8.1 billion people on Earth for over a year, UN report warns</a>&nbsp;"Early evidence from research with Tata Power found automated appliance switch-offs cut household peak demand by up to 15%, with a net CO₂ mitigation cost that was negative for 75% of participants," Garg stated, adding that the SARWA initiative at J-PAL South Asia is trying to ascertain whether this method can be scaled up.<h2>Is 24x7 green power possible in India?</h2>&nbsp;"To maximise green energy use on India's grid, we need to stop thinking about the problem as purely a supply challenge," Garg said. India is already generating more clean power than ever. But there is a demand-supply mismatch, since the times we need it most are precisely the moments it isn't available. "To use more of the clean energy we're already generating, &nbsp;we need the demand side to flex: shifting consumption away from those peak hours through smart devices, financial incentives, and better-designed tariffs," Garg said. So what India needs is a change in when and how the energy is used.&nbsp;India is maintaining a balance at the moment, with a dual approach to ensure energy security. So it invests three dollars into renewable energy for every dollar spent on fossil fuel power generation.

World Environment Day: Can India reach a day when it sustains purely on solar or green energy? Experts say the problem lies in the Duck curve which needs to be fixed by changing how and when we use solar energy. WION Decodes

India has witnessed a major expansion in solar energy in the past few years, and it is one of the fastest and most massive infrastructure transitions in global history. In the last 10 years, the country's solar capacity has scaled over 50 times. India is the world’s 3rd largest solar power producer and the 2nd largest contributor to annual new solar capacity. Its cumulative installed solar capacity has surged past 150 Gigawatts. India added 44.61 GW of solar capacity in a single fiscal year, way more than the targeted 34 GW. The growth means that non-fossil fuel sources now account for over 50 per cent of India's total installed power capacity. But the country is facing major hurdles in achieving its goal of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. Experts say that merely increasing installed gigawatts won't solve the problem. “The future of solar in India is promising - but it will be determined less by how many gigawatts we install and more by how intelligently we manage the demand that those gigawatts have to serve. India has made remarkable progress in installed solar power generation, yet installing more solar panels alone won't solve the demand problem, not when the grid can't absorb the power cleanly," Prof Teevrat Garg, Associate Professor of Economics at UC San Diego, told WION News. Also Read: World Environment Day in the age of AI - Are humans sacrificing the climate for data centres? The Duck Curve and green energy Pointing to the problem, Garg adds, "The culprit is the duck curve: solar drops to zero every evening just as demand hits its second daily peak." The sun is dialled fully up, and solar panels produce a massive surplus of clean energy, during which time the grid’s reliance on traditional power plants plummets. But as evening sets in, solar production falls to zero, but at the same time, when people reach their homes, they switch on their air conditioners, and run appliances, and the demand spikes. Also Read: World Environment Day: Sheep are 'making hay while the sun shines', fixing a major solar panel problem However, Garg says that we have energy sponges in our homes that fix this problem without having to build massive utility batteries or run dirty backup plants. "Think of every air conditioner and water heater in our homes as an untapped buffer — one that can shift when it runs, easing pressure on the grid precisely when renewable energy is scarce," he says. Water heaters and air conditioners can hold onto temperature. A smart grid can signal your AC to run at 3 pm when solar energy is abundant and cheap, cooling your house down a few extra degrees. It can safely shut off or dial back for an hour at 6 pm. If millions of homes can do the same, the evening energy demand would flatten. Also Read: AI could chug water enough to sustain all 8.1 billion people on Earth for over a year, UN report warns "Early evidence from research with Tata Power found automated appliance switch-offs cut household peak demand by up to 15%, with a net CO₂ mitigation cost that was negative for 75% of participants," Garg stated, adding that the SARWA initiative at J-PAL South Asia is trying to ascertain whether this method can be scaled up. Is 24x7 green power possible in India? "To maximise green energy use on India's grid, we need to stop thinking about the problem as purely a supply challenge," Garg said. India is already generating more clean power than ever. But there is a demand-supply mismatch, since the times we need it most are precisely the moments it isn't available. "To use more of the clean energy we're already generating, we need the demand side to flex: shifting consumption away from those peak hours through smart devices, financial incentives, and better-designed tariffs," Garg said. So what India needs is a change in when and how the energy is used. India is maintaining a balance at the moment, with a dual approach to ensure energy security. So it invests three dollars into renewable energy for every dollar spent on fossil fuel power generation.

World Environment Day: Can India reach a day when it sustains purely on solar or green energy? Experts say the problem lies in the Duck curve, which needs to be fixed by changing how and when we use solar energy. WION Decodes

World Environment Day: Is 24x7 solar power possible in India? WION Decodes

Clean energy is being touted as the next best thing to reverse climate change. Solar power is one of the main sources of energy production today, and governments worldwide are working to expand it. However, even this source comes at an environmental cost. Solar panels require large plots of land, almost what agricultural land would also need - which is flat, gets enough sunlight and is close to infrastructure. This has created a tussle between the two, creating a paradox of sorts where one is being sacrificed for the other. If solar panels are given preference, we risk giving up food security and hitting rural economies. If the right land is not given to solar energy, then a major source of renewable energy fails to work.&nbsp;A solution to this problem has now emerged in the form of agrivoltaics - dual-use solar or agrisolar. In this system, solar panels and agriculture form a symbiotic relationship that is beneficial for both of them. The highlights are the four-legged creatures that graze underneath the elevated solar panels. The humble sheep is the star of the show that makes agrivoltaics work as they nibble on the grass below.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-environment-day-data-centres-are-coming-to-india-but-at-what-cost-1780567891256">World Environment Day in the age of AI - Are humans sacrificing the climate for data centres?</a><h2>Solar panels and weed</h2> Solar farms suffer from a major logistical headache - weeds. If they grow too high, they cast shadows on the panels, which can drastically reduce electrical output. Removing extra grass and vegetation from the ground below is crucial to ensuring that the solar panels work to their full potential. Companies have the option to use traditional lawnmowers and heavy machinery to remove the weeds. However, that will kick up rocks, which can damage the multi-million-dollar glass arrays. Using chemical weedkillers creates another problem, as they can contaminate the local water table.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-could-chug-water-enough-to-sustain-all-8-1-billion-people-on-earth-for-over-a-year-un-report-warns-1780583211386">World Environment Day: AI could chug water enough to sustain all 8.1 billion people on Earth for over a year, UN report warns</a>&nbsp;So solar power companies are partnering with shepherds. Yes, their sheep are the solution to their problem. They can be small, which means they can easily walk through the vegetation and standard racking systems. They are not afraid of the high-voltage infrastructure above them. The sheep eat the grass and weeds and keep them at the optimal length, avoiding adverse effects on the panels. It is a win-win situation for the shepherds who can have their sheep fill their tummies while earning passive income.&nbsp;The dual-use solar also has a third beneficiary - crop cultivation. Global heatwaves can become a bane for agriculture. Agricultural scientists say that crops need sunlight, but too much of it can harm them. Partial shade is actually the need of the hour, which these solar panels provide. They cut off excess heat and help plants survive in the age of global warming. Regional trials have shown that plants like tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, and berries don’t just survive under solar arrays, but actually produce higher&nbsp;yields than those grown in direct sunlight.&nbsp;<h2>Benefits of agrivoltaics</h2> Water conservation The solar panels offer physical shade to the ground below, reducing soil water evaporation by up to 30-40 per cent. This can drastically cut down irrigation needs in drought-prone regions.Increased Solar Efficiency Solar panels need sunlight to work, but they can get damaged if they get too hot. Plans have moisture naturally, which can cool down the panels, boosting electricity generation.Crop protection Vegetation is also at risk of damage from extreme rain, frost, hail, and other weather events. With solar panels above them offering protection, this threat is drastically reduced. &nbsp;

World Environment Day: Solar panels are affected by vegetation and weeds growing underneath, affecting efficiency when covered by them. A unique solution is offered in the form of sheep. The animals can keep the grass short, and in turn, the shepherds make money by offering their livestock.

Clean energy is being touted as the next best thing to reverse climate change. Solar power is one of the main sources of energy production today, and governments worldwide are working to expand it. However, even this source comes at an environmental cost. Solar panels require large plots of land, almost what agricultural land would also need - which is flat, gets enough sunlight and is close to infrastructure. This has created a tussle between the two, creating a paradox of sorts where one is being sacrificed for the other. If solar panels are given preference, we risk giving up food security and hitting rural economies. If the right land is not given to solar energy, then a major source of renewable energy fails to work. A solution to this problem has now emerged in the form of agrivoltaics - dual-use solar or agrisolar. In this system, solar panels and agriculture form a symbiotic relationship that is beneficial for both of them. The highlights are the four-legged creatures that graze underneath the elevated solar panels. The humble sheep is the star of the show that makes agrivoltaics work as they nibble on the grass below. Also Read: World Environment Day in the age of AI - Are humans sacrificing the climate for data centres? Solar panels and weed Solar farms suffer from a major logistical headache - weeds. If they grow too high, they cast shadows on the panels, which can drastically reduce electrical output. Removing extra grass and vegetation from the ground below is crucial to ensuring that the solar panels work to their full potential. Companies have the option to use traditional lawnmowers and heavy machinery to remove the weeds. However, that will kick up rocks, which can damage the multi-million-dollar glass arrays. Using chemical weedkillers creates another problem, as they can contaminate the local water table. Also Read: World Environment Day: AI could chug water enough to sustain all 8.1 billion people on Earth for over a year, UN report warns So solar power companies are partnering with shepherds. Yes, their sheep are the solution to their problem. They can be small, which means they can easily walk through the vegetation and standard racking systems. They are not afraid of the high-voltage infrastructure above them. The sheep eat the grass and weeds and keep them at the optimal length, avoiding adverse effects on the panels. It is a win-win situation for the shepherds who can have their sheep fill their tummies while earning passive income. The dual-use solar also has a third beneficiary - crop cultivation. Global heatwaves can become a bane for agriculture. Agricultural scientists say that crops need sunlight, but too much of it can harm them. Partial shade is actually the need of the hour, which these solar panels provide. They cut off excess heat and help plants survive in the age of global warming. Regional trials have shown that plants like tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, and berries don’t just survive under solar arrays, but actually produce higher yields than those grown in direct sunlight. Benefits of agrivoltaics Water conservation The solar panels offer physical shade to the ground below, reducing soil water evaporation by up to 30-40 per cent. This can drastically cut down irrigation needs in drought-prone regions. Increased Solar Efficiency Solar panels need sunlight to work, but they can get damaged if they get too hot. Plans have moisture naturally, which can cool down the panels, boosting electricity generation. Crop protection Vegetation is also at risk of damage from extreme rain, frost, hail, and other weather events. With solar panels above them offering protection, this threat is drastically reduced.

World Environment Day: Solar panels are affected by vegetation and weeds growing underneath, affecting efficiency when covered by them. A unique solution is offered in the form of sheep. The animals can keep the grass short, and in turn, the shepherds make money by offering their livestock.

World Environment Day: Sheep are 'making hay while the sun shines', fixing a major solar panel problem

On the occasion of World Environment Day, there is no topic more important that AI that we need to talk about this year. Humans want to save Earth from climate change and global warming. Yet, we are pushing AI like there is no tomorrow. Data centres are at the centre of a major battle across the world because of the carbon emissions and the amount of water they use. A new study has also found that AI could consume nearly 3 per cent of the world's electricity by 2030, and use as much water as can quench the thirst of every human on Earth for more than a year and a half. The carbon emissions will be equivalent to what the United Kingdom emitted in 2025. The electronic waste will be similar to throwing 250 Eiffel Towers annually.&nbsp;&nbsp;Water is becoming a problem as complaints about dirty and muddy water in homes near data centres have soared. Data centres have large fans and chillers that work constantly to keep the systems cool, and in the process use tonnes of fresh water. Data Centres are now coming to India, a country with the highest population in the world, where most of them are struggling to gain access to basic needs like water.&nbsp;Is the environmental impact of AI data centres being ignored in favour of advancing technology? Can humans afford to push a product that could make resources scarce for them as it grows? Here is how AI data centres are impacting the environment.<h2>Energy strain of data centres</h2> Data suggests that data centres globally consume 448 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. This makes them the world's 11th largest electricity consumer, using more power than the entire nation of Saudi Arabia. The emissions based on this number are 208 million tons of CO2, almost the same as the annual emissions of Argentina. However, with more of them planned, the situation is expected to get worse. By 2030, their power consumption is projected to nearly double to 945 TWh, nearly 3% to 4% of all global electricity.&nbsp;Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, says, "Data centres place tremendous pressure on energy grids through continuous high-power consumption, intense carbon emissions where electricity is sourced from fossil fuel generators, consume vast quantities of freshwater for cooling, and generate significant electronic waste due to rapid hardware obsolescence."&nbsp;To meet energy demands, tech companies have started building their own on-site fossil fuel plants. For example, xAI’s "Colossus" data center in Memphis installed over 30 natural gas turbines for daily use. This has caused a sudden surge in air pollution, leading to scrutiny and lawsuits.<h2> AI data centres and the water footprint</h2> This is one of the biggest problems posed by data centres. They require massive amounts of physical water to prevent processors from melting. Asking an LLM 30 to 50 questions leads to half a litre of fresh water vanishing. By 2030, AI's water footprint could reach the same as that of the annual domestic water needs of 1.3 billion people. The amount of water they use has triggered widespread protests. An average data centre can consume up to 5 million gallons of water a day. In the US, these data centres have largely been built in areas where water is already scarce, such as Arizona, Texas, and the Colorado River Basin.&nbsp;<h2>Data centres and the water crisis in India</h2> In India, a data centre project is being planned in the Tarluvada village in Visakhapatnam district, a water-stressed region. "The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the data centres that support it demands careful scrutiny, particularly in a country like India, where water scarcity is already a growing crisis," Jabir Karat, Founder &amp; CEO of Green Worms Waste Management Pvt. Ltd, told WION.&nbsp;"The gap between water demand and supply continues to widen, while groundwater levels in many regions are declining at an alarming rate due to overextraction. Several cities have come close to experiencing a “Day Zero” scenario, and at least one has already faced severe water shortages. In this context, it is essential to evaluate the extent to which India can afford the environmental costs associated with the large-scale expansion of data centre infrastructure," he added.&nbsp;<h2>Reaching equilibrium - Solution to environmental impact of data centres</h2> Experts say stringent environmental compliance and carbon accounting standards are needed to mitigate the situation. "Governments and industry must mandate renewable-energy-powered data centres, adopt advanced liquid and immersion cooling technologies to minimise water consumption, and implement circular-economy practices for recycling and refurbishing electronic components," Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says.&nbsp;"Responsible development requires that environmental considerations remain central to decision-making. We must ensure that resource conservation and the well-being of future generations are not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement without appropriate regulations and safeguards," Karat said. &nbsp;

World Environment Day: For decades, humans have been holding meetings and conferences to talk about reducing carbon emissions and reducing global warming. But with AI data centres, it seems we have forgotten that this is the world where we need to live, are practically killing it ourselves.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, there is no topic more important that AI that we need to talk about this year. Humans want to save Earth from climate change and global warming. Yet, we are pushing AI like there is no tomorrow. Data centres are at the centre of a major battle across the world because of the carbon emissions and the amount of water they use. A new study has also found that AI could consume nearly 3 per cent of the world's electricity by 2030, and use as much water as can quench the thirst of every human on Earth for more than a year and a half. The carbon emissions will be equivalent to what the United Kingdom emitted in 2025. The electronic waste will be similar to throwing 250 Eiffel Towers annually. Water is becoming a problem as complaints about dirty and muddy water in homes near data centres have soared. Data centres have large fans and chillers that work constantly to keep the systems cool, and in the process use tonnes of fresh water. Data Centres are now coming to India, a country with the highest population in the world, where most of them are struggling to gain access to basic needs like water. Is the environmental impact of AI data centres being ignored in favour of advancing technology? Can humans afford to push a product that could make resources scarce for them as it grows? Here is how AI data centres are impacting the environment. Energy strain of data centres Data suggests that data centres globally consume 448 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. This makes them the world's 11th largest electricity consumer, using more power than the entire nation of Saudi Arabia. The emissions based on this number are 208 million tons of CO2, almost the same as the annual emissions of Argentina. However, with more of them planned, the situation is expected to get worse. By 2030, their power consumption is projected to nearly double to 945 TWh, nearly 3% to 4% of all global electricity. Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Rayat Bahra University, says, "Data centres place tremendous pressure on energy grids through continuous high-power consumption, intense carbon emissions where electricity is sourced from fossil fuel generators, consume vast quantities of freshwater for cooling, and generate significant electronic waste due to rapid hardware obsolescence." To meet energy demands, tech companies have started building their own on-site fossil fuel plants. For example, xAI’s "Colossus" data center in Memphis installed over 30 natural gas turbines for daily use. This has caused a sudden surge in air pollution, leading to scrutiny and lawsuits. AI data centres and the water footprint This is one of the biggest problems posed by data centres. They require massive amounts of physical water to prevent processors from melting. Asking an LLM 30 to 50 questions leads to half a litre of fresh water vanishing. By 2030, AI's water footprint could reach the same as that of the annual domestic water needs of 1.3 billion people. The amount of water they use has triggered widespread protests. An average data centre can consume up to 5 million gallons of water a day. In the US, these data centres have largely been built in areas where water is already scarce, such as Arizona, Texas, and the Colorado River Basin. Data centres and the water crisis in India In India, a data centre project is being planned in the Tarluvada village in Visakhapatnam district, a water-stressed region. "The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the data centres that support it demands careful scrutiny, particularly in a country like India, where water scarcity is already a growing crisis," Jabir Karat, Founder & CEO of Green Worms Waste Management Pvt. Ltd, told WION. "The gap between water demand and supply continues to widen, while groundwater levels in many regions are declining at an alarming rate due to overextraction. Several cities have come close to experiencing a “Day Zero” scenario, and at least one has already faced severe water shortages. In this context, it is essential to evaluate the extent to which India can afford the environmental costs associated with the large-scale expansion of data centre infrastructure," he added. Reaching equilibrium - Solution to environmental impact of data centres Experts say stringent environmental compliance and carbon accounting standards are needed to mitigate the situation. "Governments and industry must mandate renewable-energy-powered data centres, adopt advanced liquid and immersion cooling technologies to minimise water consumption, and implement circular-economy practices for recycling and refurbishing electronic components," Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar says. "Responsible development requires that environmental considerations remain central to decision-making. We must ensure that resource conservation and the well-being of future generations are not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement without appropriate regulations and safeguards," Karat said.

World Environment Day: For decades, humans have been holding meetings and conferences to talk about reducing carbon emissions and reducing global warming. But with AI data centres, it seems we have forgotten that this is the world where we need to live, are practically killing it ourselves.

World Environment Day in the age of AI - Are humans sacrificing the climate for data centres?

Humans seem to have dug their own graves with Artificial Intelligence, as a new study has found that the technology would take a massive toll on the climate in the next few years. According to a new report, by 2030, AI will need nearly 3 per cent of the world's electricity to function. The carbon emissions will be the same as that of United Kingdom in 2025, and electronic waste will be equivalent to trashing 250 Eiffel Towers every year. The most stark observation is about water, as the amount it would need will be enough to quench the thirst of every person on Earth for more than a year and a half. That's a pretty grim picture of the future painted by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health.&nbsp;Researchers say carbon emissions are only a part of the toll AI takes on the climate, and reducing the harm AI would cause to the environment would depend on several more factors than just that. "Low-carbon is not automatically low-water or low-land,” the report states. Data centres consumed an estimated 448 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2025, with AI processes accounting for around 20 per cent of it. By 2034, AI-related electricity use could reach 40 per cent, or 374 terawatt-hours.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-environment-day-data-centres-are-coming-to-india-but-at-what-cost-1780567891256">World Environment Day in the age of AI - Have humans given up on saving the climate for data centres?</a><h2>AI used 9.3 trillion litres of water in 2025</h2>These data centres run 24*7 and need massive amounts of water to cool the systems. The data centre totals could double to 945 terawatt-hours, which can power 1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa for over five years. The consumption of water, a major problem linked with data centres, will also considerably rise. In 2025, they used an estimated 9.3 trillion litres of water. This water can meet the needs of all 8.1 billion people on Earth for more than a year and a half.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/company-ends-up-spending-rs-4-800-crore-on-claude-ai-in-a-month-because-of-a-tiny-oversight-1780048597729">Company accidentally blows away Rs 4,800 crore on Claude AI in a month because of a tiny oversight</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/need-another-reason-to-hate-ai-chatgpt-does-not-think-older-adults-fit-new-job-roles-1780407645776">Need another reason to hate AI? ChatGPT thinks older adults can't do today's jobs</a><h2>How much electricity ChatGPT uses?</h2>The report further states that the cost of daily use of ChatGPT has exceeded the environmental cost of training. Training a model like ChatGPT-5 requires around 100 gigawatt-hours of electricity, one billion litres of water and a piece of land as large as 215 football fields. However, with an estimated 2.5 billion prompts per day, the consumption has gone way beyond the line. Researchers found that a concise response mode can reduce ChatGPT's output by 30 per cent, saving as much electricity as would be needed by nearly 760,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa in a year. Avoiding the use of words like please or thank you further helps.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kill-ai-american-actor-ronny-chieng-says-at-harvard-to-roaring-applause-it-will-make-people-dumber-1780319629020">'Kill AI', American comedian Ronny Chieng says at Harvard to roaring applause: ‘It will make people dumber’</a><h2>Switching to green energy creates another problem</h2>However, the biggest problem is with AI-generated videos. The report states that a single high-resolution AI video clip requires more than 415 watt-hours of electricity, way more than what hundreds of AI images would need. The report further found that using renewable energy to power the data centres does not solve the problem. Switching from coal to bioenergy drops carbon emissions by 72 per cent, but increases the water footprint 30-fold and the land footprint 100-fold due to the agriculture required.

World Environment Day: A report by the United Nations has painted a scary picture of the future in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The water it uses can quench the thirst of all 8.1 billion people on Earth for over a year. Electricity, carbon emissions and electronic waste will skyrocket.

Humans seem to have dug their own graves with Artificial Intelligence, as a new study has found that the technology would take a massive toll on the climate in the next few years. According to a new report, by 2030, AI will need nearly 3 per cent of the world's electricity to function. The carbon emissions will be the same as that of United Kingdom in 2025, and electronic waste will be equivalent to trashing 250 Eiffel Towers every year. The most stark observation is about water, as the amount it would need will be enough to quench the thirst of every person on Earth for more than a year and a half. That's a pretty grim picture of the future painted by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. Researchers say carbon emissions are only a part of the toll AI takes on the climate, and reducing the harm AI would cause to the environment would depend on several more factors than just that. "Low-carbon is not automatically low-water or low-land,” the report states. Data centres consumed an estimated 448 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2025, with AI processes accounting for around 20 per cent of it. By 2034, AI-related electricity use could reach 40 per cent, or 374 terawatt-hours. Also Read: World Environment Day in the age of AI - Have humans given up on saving the climate for data centres? AI used 9.3 trillion litres of water in 2025 These data centres run 24*7 and need massive amounts of water to cool the systems. The data centre totals could double to 945 terawatt-hours, which can power 1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa for over five years. The consumption of water, a major problem linked with data centres, will also considerably rise. In 2025, they used an estimated 9.3 trillion litres of water. This water can meet the needs of all 8.1 billion people on Earth for more than a year and a half. Also Read: Company accidentally blows away Rs 4,800 crore on Claude AI in a month because of a tiny oversight Also Read: Need another reason to hate AI? ChatGPT thinks older adults can't do today's jobs How much electricity ChatGPT uses? The report further states that the cost of daily use of ChatGPT has exceeded the environmental cost of training. Training a model like ChatGPT-5 requires around 100 gigawatt-hours of electricity, one billion litres of water and a piece of land as large as 215 football fields. However, with an estimated 2.5 billion prompts per day, the consumption has gone way beyond the line. Researchers found that a concise response mode can reduce ChatGPT's output by 30 per cent, saving as much electricity as would be needed by nearly 760,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa in a year. Avoiding the use of words like please or thank you further helps. Also Read: 'Kill AI', American comedian Ronny Chieng says at Harvard to roaring applause: ‘It will make people dumber’ Switching to green energy creates another problem However, the biggest problem is with AI-generated videos. The report states that a single high-resolution AI video clip requires more than 415 watt-hours of electricity, way more than what hundreds of AI images would need. The report further found that using renewable energy to power the data centres does not solve the problem. Switching from coal to bioenergy drops carbon emissions by 72 per cent, but increases the water footprint 30-fold and the land footprint 100-fold due to the agriculture required.

World Environment Day: A report by the United Nations has painted a scary picture of the future in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The water it uses can quench the thirst of all 8.1 billion people on Earth for over a year. Electricity, carbon emissions and electronic waste will skyrocket.

World Environment Day: AI could chug water enough to sustain all 8.1 billion people on Earth for over a year, UN report warns

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in new federal support to bolster coal-fired power and coal exports. After Bloomberg first reported the development, the White House confirmed it and is expected to come on Thursday. Coal production has been declining in the country for nearly 20 years, but now the Trump administration is trying to revive the electricity source. He will use Cold War-era wartime authority under the Defense Prevention Act to dole out support for the waning coal industry. He will reportedly give $425 million to 13 existing coal plants, $75 million for an export terminal in California, and $185 million in grant funding to build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart a plant in Maryland.&nbsp;It comes a day before World Environment Day on June 5. Coal is a major contributor to pollution, and global efforts are underway to reduce dependency on it as a fuel. However, the Trump administration is a supporter and argues that it is an important source of reliable power. Trump even calls it &nbsp;“clean” and “beautiful.” In fact, he has made reviving and protecting the American coal industry a central pillar of his "energy dominance" agenda in his second term. He claims that it provides a reliable "baseload" power that the electric grid desperately needs and is crucial to protect national security.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-order-making-easier-to-fire-8-000-senior-federal-employees-1780528495794">Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees</a><h2>Trump's push to promote coal production</h2>Under Trump, the US Energy Department has issued emergency orders pushing coal plants to continue producing power beyond planned closing dates. More federal land for coal leasing has been opened in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. The President has directed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into agreements to purchase electricity from coal plants for military operations. Environmentalists have slammed Trump's moves, saying the government is using taxpayer money to keep the country reliant on fossil fuels that are known to drive climate change.&nbsp;“Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way for the Trump administration to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk. The best thing for the air, the climate and our utility bills is to let these plants retire peacefully," Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the Natural Resources Defence Council, told Financial Post. The announcement is expected to come at 3 pm on Thursday.

 Donald Trump will give $700 million in federal support to empower coal power in the US. The announcement will be made under the  Defense Prevention Act on Thursday. His administration has been criticised for increasing global warming by promoting coal.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in new federal support to bolster coal-fired power and coal exports. After Bloomberg first reported the development, the White House confirmed it and is expected to come on Thursday. Coal production has been declining in the country for nearly 20 years, but now the Trump administration is trying to revive the electricity source. He will use Cold War-era wartime authority under the Defense Prevention Act to dole out support for the waning coal industry. He will reportedly give $425 million to 13 existing coal plants, $75 million for an export terminal in California, and $185 million in grant funding to build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart a plant in Maryland. It comes a day before World Environment Day on June 5. Coal is a major contributor to pollution, and global efforts are underway to reduce dependency on it as a fuel. However, the Trump administration is a supporter and argues that it is an important source of reliable power. Trump even calls it “clean” and “beautiful.” In fact, he has made reviving and protecting the American coal industry a central pillar of his "energy dominance" agenda in his second term. He claims that it provides a reliable "baseload" power that the electric grid desperately needs and is crucial to protect national security. Also Read: Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees Trump's push to promote coal production Under Trump, the US Energy Department has issued emergency orders pushing coal plants to continue producing power beyond planned closing dates. More federal land for coal leasing has been opened in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. The President has directed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into agreements to purchase electricity from coal plants for military operations. Environmentalists have slammed Trump's moves, saying the government is using taxpayer money to keep the country reliant on fossil fuels that are known to drive climate change. “Propping up coal billionaires with taxpayer money is one more way for the Trump administration to put polluters first and put the rest of us at risk. The best thing for the air, the climate and our utility bills is to let these plants retire peacefully," Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the Natural Resources Defence Council, told Financial Post. The announcement is expected to come at 3 pm on Thursday.

&nbsp;Donald Trump will give $700 million in federal support to empower coal power in the US. The announcement will be made under the &nbsp;Defense Prevention Act on Thursday. His administration has been criticised for increasing global warming by promoting coal.

Donald Trump to give $700mn of taxpayer money to boost 'beautiful' coal on eve of World Environment Day

USS Arizona went down in the Pearl Harbour attack in 1941, carrying nearly 5,000 tonnes of oil in its tanks. This oil has been leaking for more than 80 years, a new study confirmed, and yet the tank is said to be still half full. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor dealt a fatal blow to the USS Arizona. Several armour-piercing bombs were thrown at it, and a catastrophic explosion occurred when a munitions magazine detonated, sinking the ship and claiming the lives of 1,177 officers and crewmen. Of these, 900 remain entombed here. While many other ships damaged that day were eventually repaired for service in World War II, the Arizona was too irreparably damaged to ever fight again. The oil leaking from the USS Arizona is a closely studied aspect of the Pearl Harbor site. Often referred to as the "Black Tears of the Arizona," the leak is both an emotional symbol of the tragedy and a unique challenge for scientists and environmentalists. At the time of the attack, the battleship had been just filled with approximately 1.5 million gallons of heavy bunker fuel oil. According to estimates, roughly 500,000 to 600,000 gallons still remain trapped inside the ship's rusted fuel tanks. It leaks roughly 0.5 to 2 gallons of oil per day into Pearl Harbor. Scientists estimate that at this rate, the ship will continue to leak oil for another 500 years, unless the hull collapses first. No efforts have been made to drill into the ship and extract the oil either. This is because of two major reasons.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-ticking-time-bomb-200-000-radioactive-barrels-13-000-feet-under-atlantic-ocean-trigger-panic-1756365852337">European nations dumped 200,000 barrels of radioactive waste in the ocean, and humans might soon pay the price</a><h2>Why has the oil not been drilled out of USS Arizona</h2>The site of the USS Arizona wreckage is considered a sacred war grave. Pumping the oil out would require intrusive, heavy engineering that could disturb human remains and the integrity of the site. The second reason is that the ship's steel hull has been corroding in saltwater for over 80 years. Drilling into the fuel tanks could compromise the fragile structure, and cause a catastrophic hull collapse, causing all 500,000 gallons of oil to be released into the harbour at once.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/silent-casualty-of-iran-war-oil-spills-set-to-trigger-historic-environmental-collapse-in-the-persian-gulf-1777030095193">Silent casualty of Iran War: Oil spills set to trigger historic environmental collapse in the Persian Gulf</a><h2>Environmental impact of USS Arizona oil leak</h2> The fuel contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are toxic to marine life. Surprisingly, the minute amount of leakage has had no negative effect on the ecology, and it has adapted to it. In fact, the wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, with corals, sponges, invertebrates, and fish present. Scientists have also discovered unique microbes living on the wreck that actually "eat" the oil. But this biological activity also accelerates the corrosion of the ship's steel hull.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/511-billion-barrels-of-oil-discovered-in-antarctica-can-trigger-world-war-1752036274384">511 billion barrels of oil discovered in Antarctica can trigger World War. Here's how</a><h2>Why this discovery matters</h2> Recent scientific studies, including a forensic analysis published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, have changed how the world views the Arizona. Thousands of World War II-era shipwrecks holding millions of gallons of fuel are sitting on ocean floors worldwide/ Because the Arizona is shallow and easily accessible, it serves as a global case study. Analysing and tracking how its oil chemically changes, weathers, and interacts with low-oxygen environments, scientists are learning how to predict and manage potential pollution threats from other ageing shipwrecks across the globe. &nbsp;

USS Arizona has been leaking oil into Pearl Harbor for 84 years. However, surprisingly, it has not affected the marine life in the region despite the presence of toxic chemicals. The discovery is now acting as a case study for other warships at the bottom of the sea.

USS Arizona went down in the Pearl Harbour attack in 1941, carrying nearly 5,000 tonnes of oil in its tanks. This oil has been leaking for more than 80 years, a new study confirmed, and yet the tank is said to be still half full. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor dealt a fatal blow to the USS Arizona. Several armour-piercing bombs were thrown at it, and a catastrophic explosion occurred when a munitions magazine detonated, sinking the ship and claiming the lives of 1,177 officers and crewmen. Of these, 900 remain entombed here. While many other ships damaged that day were eventually repaired for service in World War II, the Arizona was too irreparably damaged to ever fight again. The oil leaking from the USS Arizona is a closely studied aspect of the Pearl Harbor site. Often referred to as the "Black Tears of the Arizona," the leak is both an emotional symbol of the tragedy and a unique challenge for scientists and environmentalists. At the time of the attack, the battleship had been just filled with approximately 1.5 million gallons of heavy bunker fuel oil. According to estimates, roughly 500,000 to 600,000 gallons still remain trapped inside the ship's rusted fuel tanks. It leaks roughly 0.5 to 2 gallons of oil per day into Pearl Harbor. Scientists estimate that at this rate, the ship will continue to leak oil for another 500 years, unless the hull collapses first. No efforts have been made to drill into the ship and extract the oil either. This is because of two major reasons. Also Read: European nations dumped 200,000 barrels of radioactive waste in the ocean, and humans might soon pay the price Why has the oil not been drilled out of USS Arizona The site of the USS Arizona wreckage is considered a sacred war grave. Pumping the oil out would require intrusive, heavy engineering that could disturb human remains and the integrity of the site. The second reason is that the ship's steel hull has been corroding in saltwater for over 80 years. Drilling into the fuel tanks could compromise the fragile structure, and cause a catastrophic hull collapse, causing all 500,000 gallons of oil to be released into the harbour at once. Also Read: Silent casualty of Iran War: Oil spills set to trigger historic environmental collapse in the Persian Gulf Environmental impact of USS Arizona oil leak The fuel contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are toxic to marine life. Surprisingly, the minute amount of leakage has had no negative effect on the ecology, and it has adapted to it. In fact, the wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, with corals, sponges, invertebrates, and fish present. Scientists have also discovered unique microbes living on the wreck that actually "eat" the oil. But this biological activity also accelerates the corrosion of the ship's steel hull. Also Read: 511 billion barrels of oil discovered in Antarctica can trigger World War. Here's how Why this discovery matters Recent scientific studies, including a forensic analysis published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin, have changed how the world views the Arizona. Thousands of World War II-era shipwrecks holding millions of gallons of fuel are sitting on ocean floors worldwide/ Because the Arizona is shallow and easily accessible, it serves as a global case study. Analysing and tracking how its oil chemically changes, weathers, and interacts with low-oxygen environments, scientists are learning how to predict and manage potential pollution threats from other ageing shipwrecks across the globe.

USS Arizona has been leaking oil into Pearl Harbor for 84 years. However, surprisingly, it has not affected the marine life in the region despite the presence of toxic chemicals. The discovery is now acting as a case study for other warships at the bottom of the sea.

Longest man-made toxic oil spill started 84 years ago and still has 500 more years to go

Following three mysterious explosions, the Russian cargo ship 'Ursa Major' sits at the bottom of the Mediterranean. With Spanish investigators alleging the vessel was secretly carrying nuclear submarine reactors, fears are mounting over a potential radioactive disaster off the coast of Europe.

Will Mediterranean Sea be contaminated by Uranium? The terrifying mystery of a sunken Russian cargo ship

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is emerging as a powerful tool helping scientists detect ecological changes before visible damage spreads. By analyzing genetic material left behind in water, soil, or air, researchers can identify species presence, monitor biodiversity, and detect invasive threats early. This cutting-edge technique is transforming conservation efforts, enabling faster, more precise interventions to protect fragile ecosystems and prevent long-term environmental harm.


E-DNA Helps Scientists Protect Ecosystems Before Damage Spreads

Can plants actually sense the sound of rain? A fascinating new study suggests sprouting rice seeds respond to the acoustic vibrations of falling raindrops, revealing a hidden sensory world inside plants. Scientists say these sound signals may help seeds prepare for ideal growing conditions even before water fully reaches the soil. The discovery is opening new insights into plant communication, early growth behavior, and how crops interact with their environment.

Plants Sense Sound Of Rain: New Study Reveals Secret Life Of Seeds

China shocked the world when news floated that its Three Gorges Dam was slowing down Earth's rotation. However, Beijing has now started construction on a hydropower project that could become the world’s largest hydropower. It is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, Chinese state media confirmed, adding that this humongous project will surpass the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. It is estimated to cost nearly 1.2 trillion yuan and could generate roughly 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year, the highest-output hydropower facility in the world. The BBC reports that the site is located along a steep section of the river just before it enters India and transitions into the Brahmaputra. The project indicates that China wants to increase reliance on renewable energy; however, since the Yarlung Tsangpo is part of a transboundary river system, it has become a centre of attention for neighbouring countries.<h2>How will the new China dam work?</h2> According to the Daily Galaxy, a cascading series of power stations situated along a sharp river bend with a significant vertical drop is the highlight of the project. By taking advantage of this natural gradient, engineers can generate massive amounts of electricity without the need for a massive, single-wall dam on the scale of the Three Gorges. Construction will happen in three stages, although the timeline hasn't been revealed yet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chinas-gigantic-hydroelectric-dam-has-been-changing-spin-of-earth-heres-how-761164">China's gigantic hydroelectric dam has been changing spin of Earth. Here's how</a>&nbsp;The geography of the Yarlung Tsangpo River makes it a tricky project. The river makes a steep turn around the Himalayas before entering India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra. India has flagged in the past that upstream water management decisions could affect downstream flow. However, China has said that the goal of the project is to generate electricity and not large-scale water diversion, adding that downstream flow won't be affected.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-rejects-china-s-attempt-to-give-fictitious-names-to-places-in-arunachal-pradesh-1776062589506">India rejects China’s attempt to give 'fictitious names' to places in Arunachal Pradesh</a><h2>China dam project is located in a geologically sensitive area</h2>There are also environmental and safety concerns with the Yarlung Tsangpo dam project. The Tibetan Plateau is located near major fault lines, making the terrain tricky and unsafe. Besides, environmental groups have raised concerns that large dams can disrupt sediment transport, change ecosystems, and affect biodiversity, Indian Defence Review reported. The International Campaign for Tibet has said that such expansion projects have displaced communities in the past and come with little transparency. China is the world’s largest producer of hydropower. With the latest project, it will top the global rankings for electricity output from a single hydropower installation.

China is building a dam that will be bigger than the Three Gorges Dam. Located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, it will generate 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year. It could become a major flashpoint between India and China.

China shocked the world when news floated that its Three Gorges Dam was slowing down Earth's rotation. However, Beijing has now started construction on a hydropower project that could become the world’s largest hydropower. It is being built on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, Chinese state media confirmed, adding that this humongous project will surpass the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. It is estimated to cost nearly 1.2 trillion yuan and could generate roughly 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year, the highest-output hydropower facility in the world. The BBC reports that the site is located along a steep section of the river just before it enters India and transitions into the Brahmaputra. The project indicates that China wants to increase reliance on renewable energy; however, since the Yarlung Tsangpo is part of a transboundary river system, it has become a centre of attention for neighbouring countries. How will the new China dam work? According to the Daily Galaxy, a cascading series of power stations situated along a sharp river bend with a significant vertical drop is the highlight of the project. By taking advantage of this natural gradient, engineers can generate massive amounts of electricity without the need for a massive, single-wall dam on the scale of the Three Gorges. Construction will happen in three stages, although the timeline hasn't been revealed yet. Also Read: China's gigantic hydroelectric dam has been changing spin of Earth. Here's how The geography of the Yarlung Tsangpo River makes it a tricky project. The river makes a steep turn around the Himalayas before entering India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra. India has flagged in the past that upstream water management decisions could affect downstream flow. However, China has said that the goal of the project is to generate electricity and not large-scale water diversion, adding that downstream flow won't be affected. Also Read: India rejects China’s attempt to give 'fictitious names' to places in Arunachal Pradesh China dam project is located in a geologically sensitive area There are also environmental and safety concerns with the Yarlung Tsangpo dam project. The Tibetan Plateau is located near major fault lines, making the terrain tricky and unsafe. Besides, environmental groups have raised concerns that large dams can disrupt sediment transport, change ecosystems, and affect biodiversity, Indian Defence Review reported. The International Campaign for Tibet has said that such expansion projects have displaced communities in the past and come with little transparency. China is the world’s largest producer of hydropower. With the latest project, it will top the global rankings for electricity output from a single hydropower installation.

China is building a dam that will be bigger than the Three Gorges Dam. Located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, it will generate 300 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year. It could become a major flashpoint between India and China.

China is building an even bigger dam than the one that slowed Earth's rotation

A study has found that when China registered a major win by cutting down on aerosols in the air and reducing air pollution, it unknowingly unleashed another demon. With significantly low aerosols in the atmosphere, global warming saw a sharp rise. When Beijing fought and won the battle in the early 2010s, it created an environment where storms fueled by aerosols also saw a major drop. While the country's efforts led to a brief respite, years later, the climate started warming. Bjørn Samset, a senior researcher at the CICERO Centre for International Climate Research in Norway, told Live Science, "What is happening now is that we're seeing the full effects of greenhouse-gas-driven warming, which we would sooner or later have to face anyway." The change was first noticed in January 2019 when scientists observed shifting wind patterns over the North Pacific. Five powerful cyclones were seen in the Bering Sea one after the other. They drove warm southerly winds across the ice, and air temperatures were 12 to 16 degrees Celsius above normal. Within two months, ice cover had shrunk by a whopping 82 per cent. Scientists struggled to figure out what led to the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice.<h2>Aerosols hid global warming</h2>The latest study published in the journal npj Climate and Atmospheric Science says it came down to China's fight against air pollution. Authors say that between 2000 and 2014, heavy pollution (aerosols) from Chinese factories created a "shield" in the atmosphere. Aerosols act like a "parasol" for the planet - they reflect sunlight back into space and help create brighter, thicker clouds that block heat. But since 2013, China has cut these emissions by about 75 per cent, removing the shield. This meant that now, with nothing left to block sunlight, Earth was witnessing the full force of greenhouse gas warming. The study has found that aerosols kept winter storms further south. As the air has cleared, cyclones started moving further north into the Arctic.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-find-earth-did-not-warm-as-expected-from-2015-in-fact-it-was-way-worse-1774252556272">Scientists find Earth did not warm as expected from 2015. In fact, it was way worse</a>&nbsp;This warm and moist air is directly entering the Arctic Circle, accelerating the melting of existing sea ice in the Bering Sea and preventing ice from forming in the winter. The frequency of Arctic cyclones has also increased. Scientists say that this finding has shown the amount of warming that was hiding in Earth and was unleashed when the aerosol shield vanished. They say this shows why the world must focus even harder on reducing greenhouse gases. &nbsp;

China's fight against air pollution led to the reduction of aerosols in the environment, but that consequently had an unexpected impact on the Arctic ice. A pollution shield prevented warm air from travelling north. But when it vanished, the reality was revealed.

A study has found that when China registered a major win by cutting down on aerosols in the air and reducing air pollution, it unknowingly unleashed another demon. With significantly low aerosols in the atmosphere, global warming saw a sharp rise. When Beijing fought and won the battle in the early 2010s, it created an environment where storms fueled by aerosols also saw a major drop. While the country's efforts led to a brief respite, years later, the climate started warming. Bjørn Samset, a senior researcher at the CICERO Centre for International Climate Research in Norway, told Live Science, "What is happening now is that we're seeing the full effects of greenhouse-gas-driven warming, which we would sooner or later have to face anyway." The change was first noticed in January 2019 when scientists observed shifting wind patterns over the North Pacific. Five powerful cyclones were seen in the Bering Sea one after the other. They drove warm southerly winds across the ice, and air temperatures were 12 to 16 degrees Celsius above normal. Within two months, ice cover had shrunk by a whopping 82 per cent. Scientists struggled to figure out what led to the rapid loss of Arctic sea ice. Aerosols hid global warming The latest study published in the journal npj Climate and Atmospheric Science says it came down to China's fight against air pollution. Authors say that between 2000 and 2014, heavy pollution (aerosols) from Chinese factories created a "shield" in the atmosphere. Aerosols act like a "parasol" for the planet - they reflect sunlight back into space and help create brighter, thicker clouds that block heat. But since 2013, China has cut these emissions by about 75 per cent, removing the shield. This meant that now, with nothing left to block sunlight, Earth was witnessing the full force of greenhouse gas warming. The study has found that aerosols kept winter storms further south. As the air has cleared, cyclones started moving further north into the Arctic. Also Read: Scientists find Earth did not warm as expected from 2015. In fact, it was way worse This warm and moist air is directly entering the Arctic Circle, accelerating the melting of existing sea ice in the Bering Sea and preventing ice from forming in the winter. The frequency of Arctic cyclones has also increased. Scientists say that this finding has shown the amount of warming that was hiding in Earth and was unleashed when the aerosol shield vanished. They say this shows why the world must focus even harder on reducing greenhouse gases.

China's fight against air pollution led to the reduction of aerosols in the environment, but that consequently had an unexpected impact on the Arctic ice. A pollution shield prevented warm air from travelling north. But when it vanished, the reality was revealed.

China's win on air pollution unleashed an environmental monster, study finds

Nearly three years of war in Sudan are accelerating a severe climate crisis. South of Khartoum, vast stretches of the Al-Sunut forest have been destroyed, threatening floods, biodiversity loss, and long-term environmental collapse. Stay updated on Sudan’s war impact and climate emergency.


Sudan Deforestation: Centuries Old Acacias Felled as Environmental Fallout Grows in Sudan Conflict

Several major cities are grappling with an alarming poor quality of air; some cities consistently perform poorly in the air quality. Here are the top 10 most polluted cities with the poorest air quality in the world

World pollution rankings 2025: Top 10 most polluted cities in the world

Bill Gates is backing a butter made up entirely from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and facing backlash for it. The butter has been scientifically made in a lab without any milk products. A company named Savor, based in Batavia, Illinois, is behind the strange blend. It is generating online buzz for all the wrong reasons. People are slamming the artificial butter, asking why one would mix hydrogen, carbon and oxygen to create fat molecules and then add flavour and colour to make it taste like butter? The product is currently being tested at restaurants and is expected to be offered for sale in 2027. Savor described the butter as "Delightfully rich foods without animals, farmland, fertilisers, hormones, or antibiotics. These are real fats, not a substitute." Gates is promoting the butter for its potential to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturing this butter requires "zero agriculture" and causes "zero emissions." The company claims the butter looks, smells and tastes just like the real thing, with no palm oil. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-wouldn-t-want-that-guy-to-babysit-my-kid-elon-musk-slams-bill-gates-for-ties-with-sex-offender-jeffrey-epstein-1747796688686">'Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid': Elon Musk slams Bill Gates for ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein</a><h2>Synthetic butter can save the environment</h2>Bill Gates feels that the product has "immense potential to slash greenhouse gas emissions." The billionaire wrote in his blog, 'The idea of switching to lab-made fats and oils may seem strange at first. But their potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint is immense." However, no one seems to be buying it. Celebrity chef Andrew Gruel wrote on X, "Disgusting. They are combining hydrogen, carbon and oxygen to create fat molecules, then manipulating that to taste like butter. Why do this when we already have butter?" Another person wrote that Savor doesn't seem to be solving a problem, but is undertaking a practice that would monopolise food production. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-is-behind-in-brain-chip-war-jeff-bezos-and-bill-gates-are-winning-8912887">Who is winning the brain chip war? Not Musk, but a company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates</a>&nbsp;"They're not trying to solve a food shortage. They're trying to engineer one… Once they own the source code for your food, they can alter it, gate it, and revoke access at will… The goal isn't to make butter without cows. The goal is to make humans without sovereignty," a user wrote, criticising the synthetic butter. Others think that it could feed poor countries if it is cheaper to produce. However, artificial food items can have disastrous health effects. Health experts even pan margarine, a butter substitute made from vegetable oils.

A synthetic butter made by combining hydrogen, carbon and oxygen in a lab has raised eyebrows in the United States. Bill Gates is backing the product. He says it can cut down greenhouse gas emissions. However, the company has not mentioned anything about the effects of such butter on health.

Bill Gates is backing a butter made up entirely from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and facing backlash for it. The butter has been scientifically made in a lab without any milk products. A company named Savor, based in Batavia, Illinois, is behind the strange blend. It is generating online buzz for all the wrong reasons. People are slamming the artificial butter, asking why one would mix hydrogen, carbon and oxygen to create fat molecules and then add flavour and colour to make it taste like butter? The product is currently being tested at restaurants and is expected to be offered for sale in 2027. Savor described the butter as "Delightfully rich foods without animals, farmland, fertilisers, hormones, or antibiotics. These are real fats, not a substitute." Gates is promoting the butter for its potential to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturing this butter requires "zero agriculture" and causes "zero emissions." The company claims the butter looks, smells and tastes just like the real thing, with no palm oil. Also Read: 'Wouldn't want that guy to babysit my kid': Elon Musk slams Bill Gates for ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein Synthetic butter can save the environment Bill Gates feels that the product has "immense potential to slash greenhouse gas emissions." The billionaire wrote in his blog, 'The idea of switching to lab-made fats and oils may seem strange at first. But their potential to significantly reduce our carbon footprint is immense." However, no one seems to be buying it. Celebrity chef Andrew Gruel wrote on X, "Disgusting. They are combining hydrogen, carbon and oxygen to create fat molecules, then manipulating that to taste like butter. Why do this when we already have butter?" Another person wrote that Savor doesn't seem to be solving a problem, but is undertaking a practice that would monopolise food production. Also Read: Who is winning the brain chip war? Not Musk, but a company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates "They're not trying to solve a food shortage. They're trying to engineer one… Once they own the source code for your food, they can alter it, gate it, and revoke access at will… The goal isn't to make butter without cows. The goal is to make humans without sovereignty," a user wrote, criticising the synthetic butter. Others think that it could feed poor countries if it is cheaper to produce. However, artificial food items can have disastrous health effects. Health experts even pan margarine, a butter substitute made from vegetable oils.

A synthetic butter made by combining hydrogen, carbon and oxygen in a lab has raised eyebrows in the United States. Bill Gates is backing the product. He says it can cut down greenhouse gas emissions. However, the company hasn't mentioned anything about the effects of such butter on health.

Butter made from fats in a lab can save the environment, Bill Gates claims

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is praised for his ocean cleanup efforts, but his private jet use sparks criticism over his carbon footprint. Watch this report for more details!

Leonardo DiCaprio's ocean cleanup efforts face backlash over private jet use

Environmentalists in India's Chennai city are leading from the front to protect the endangered olive ridley sea turtles. Thousands of these turtles have been saved by local residents who keep up a vigil through the night on Chennai's beaches.

Environmentalists sound alarm over olive ridley turtle deaths

India has some heated times ahead, quite literally. Recently, on Monday (Mar 31),&nbsp;the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued the alarming warning that the nation will probably experience hotter-than-usual temperatures between the months of April and June.&nbsp;
The weather agency, in its warning, said that most parts of the country &mdash; across central, eastern, and northwestern regions &mdash; would see a higher-than-normal number of heatwave days.
<h2>Old news?</h2>
While the hotter summer may seem like nothing new -every year we end up experiencing temperatures a little higher than the previous year - it definitely is a cause for concern.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-braces-for-intense-heat-imd-warns-of-scorching-temperatures-increased-heatwaves-between-april-june-is-your-state-at-risk-check-here-8912272">India braces for scorching temperatures; IMD warns of heatwaves between April and June. Is your state at risk?&nbsp;Check here</a>
WION connected with an Environmental Socialist to bring you information on why you need to be concerned beyond the increased Air conditioning bills.
<h2>Prices to go up</h2>
Swati Herkal, Environmental Socialist and member of the Rotary Club of Wai, Maharashtra, says that due to the rising temperatures, prices of many daily use items, including food, would likely go up.
Herkal said that the hotter weather can severely affect crops, especially the food crops india consumes daily. What's more, it can lead to a water shortage, which ultimately affects the soil and subsequently the food crops.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australias-warmest-march-on-record-record-heat-driven-by-global-warming-weather-patterns-8920707">Australia's warmest March on record; record heat driven by global warming &amp; weather patterns</a>
"Too much heat can spoil crops like wheat, pulses, and vegetables, especially if heat comes early in the season," she said, adding "Hot weather causes water to evaporate faster, putting more pressure on irrigation".
"Warm weather helps pests and crop diseases grow faster, which can hurt harvests."
<h2>Your evening (and morning tea) is at risk too</h2>
Not only your "daal roti" it can also affect your chai-coffee (tea-coffee).
Hotter summers can lead to problems like heat stroke for cattle, warns Herkal.
"Cattle and other animals produce less milk and can fall sick in extreme heat," she noted.
<h2>Why are the summers getting hotter?</h2>
Any one thing cannot be blamed for the heat. Climate change is one of the main culprits, but another major cause, especially for those of us living in metropolitan cities like Delhi, is 'Urbanisation,' said the expert.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world/ais-impact-on-environment-and-inequality-dominates-global-summit-in-paris-8708866">AI&rsquo;s impact on environment and inequality dominates global summit in Paris</a>
Turns out cities make heat worse, and the pace at which they're growing it'll only add to the heat.
Our "concrete jungles" - roads, buildings, and glass surfaces- "absorb heat during the day and release it at night, keeping cities warmer than villages".
Most cities also don't have much greenery. "Trees help cool the air, but many green areas have been lost to construction," notes Herkal.
On top of that outs sky scrapers and crowded areas "block wind, so hot air stays trapped". Along with this our "cars, air conditioners, and other machines release heat, making cities even hotter," she notes.
"Cement and plastic on the ground make it hard to grow plants, reducing natural cooling."
<h2>So, what can we do?</h2>
This warning from IMD is not just about the weather&mdash;it&rsquo;s a signal that climate change is affecting us all. Cities, farmers, and common people are all at risk.
Herkal stated that all of us "need to act quickly&mdash;by planting more trees, using water carefully, building green spaces, and preparing for emergencies."
"Only then can we reduce the impact of heat and protect our health, food, and future," she remarked.

India News | Rising temperatures threaten food prices and crop health, impacting essential staples like wheat and vegetables due to faster water evaporation and pest growth.

India has some heated times ahead, quite literally. Recently, on Monday (Mar 31), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued the alarming warning that the nation will probably experience hotter-than-usual temperatures between the months of April and June. The weather agency, in its warning, said that most parts of the country — across central, eastern, and northwestern regions — would see a higher-than-normal number of heatwave days. Old news? While the hotter summer may seem like nothing new -every year we end up experiencing temperatures a little higher than the previous year - it definitely is a cause for concern. Also read | India braces for scorching temperatures; IMD warns of heatwaves between April and June. Is your state at risk? Check here WION connected with an Environmental Socialist to bring you information on why you need to be concerned beyond the increased Air conditioning bills. Prices to go up Swati Herkal, Environmental Socialist and member of the Rotary Club of Wai, Maharashtra, says that due to the rising temperatures, prices of many daily use items, including food, would likely go up. Herkal said that the hotter weather can severely affect crops, especially the food crops india consumes daily. What's more, it can lead to a water shortage, which ultimately affects the soil and subsequently the food crops. Also read | Australia's warmest March on record; record heat driven by global warming & weather patterns "Too much heat can spoil crops like wheat, pulses, and vegetables, especially if heat comes early in the season," she said, adding "Hot weather causes water to evaporate faster, putting more pressure on irrigation". "Warm weather helps pests and crop diseases grow faster, which can hurt harvests." Your evening (and morning tea) is at risk too Not only your "daal roti" it can also affect your chai-coffee (tea-coffee). Hotter summers can lead to problems like heat stroke for cattle, warns Herkal. "Cattle and other animals produce less milk and can fall sick in extreme heat," she noted. Why are the summers getting hotter? Any one thing cannot be blamed for the heat. Climate change is one of the main culprits, but another major cause, especially for those of us living in metropolitan cities like Delhi, is 'Urbanisation,' said the expert. Also read | AI’s impact on environment and inequality dominates global summit in Paris Turns out cities make heat worse, and the pace at which they're growing it'll only add to the heat. Our "concrete jungles" - roads, buildings, and glass surfaces- "absorb heat during the day and release it at night, keeping cities warmer than villages". Most cities also don't have much greenery. "Trees help cool the air, but many green areas have been lost to construction," notes Herkal. On top of that outs sky scrapers and crowded areas "block wind, so hot air stays trapped". Along with this our "cars, air conditioners, and other machines release heat, making cities even hotter," she notes. "Cement and plastic on the ground make it hard to grow plants, reducing natural cooling." So, what can we do? This warning from IMD is not just about the weather—it’s a signal that climate change is affecting us all. Cities, farmers, and common people are all at risk. Herkal stated that all of us "need to act quickly—by planting more trees, using water carefully, building green spaces, and preparing for emergencies." "Only then can we reduce the impact of heat and protect our health, food, and future," she remarked.

IMD's scorching summer, heatwave warning comes with a huge price tag and less 'chai'. Here's why

United States President Donald Trump is on a pullback spree. He is ending departments, blocking foreign aid and moving forward with the overhaul of various actions and plans that have been in place for years. His administration is also rolling back pollution protections, and this could have a devastating effect on the country, an expert has warned.
American ecologist Gene Likens warns that Trump's move against environmental policies can trigger the return of a major problem that has been unheard of for years. Likens discovered in the 1960s that North America was witnessing a phenomenon called acid rain. He has warned that the way the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been going after clean air and water regulations under Trump can spell disaster, bringing back acidic rain along with smog, he told Guardian.
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/climate-change-is-changing-behaviour-of-crocodiles-study-8748766" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">Climate change is changing behaviour of crocodiles: Study</a>
The US has had rules to curb toxic emissions from power plants, cars and trucks in place, and a sudden and can mean the return of acid rain in the US, Likens said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m very worried that might happen, it&rsquo;s certainly not impossible that it could happen,&rdquo; the 90-year-old told Guardian.
<h2>When was acid rain first found?</h2>
Notably, the Trump administration has cut funding to a program that samples rainwater for acidity. The program has been running since 1976, and Likens is a part of the monitoring group. &ldquo;I hope we don&rsquo;t go back to the old days, so these rollbacks are very alarming,&rdquo; Likens said.
Also Read: <a title="Post View" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trumps-admin-will-withdraw-from-paris-climate-accord-8638864" target="_blank" rel="dofollow noopener">US President Donald Trump's admin will withdraw from Paris Climate Accord</a>
Likens first chanced upon acid rain in 1963 when he found that the rainwater in Hubbard Brook Experimental forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire was 100 times more acidic than expected. More research followed this discovery and scientists concluded that pollutants in the air were mixing with water to form acid rain.&nbsp;
This was primarily because of the pollutants released by coal-fired power plants in the American midwest that were reaching the eastern US and Canada. Researchers found that sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides were reacting with water and oxygen to form sulfuric and nitric acids, which fell to the ground as acid rain.
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2403_SUMIT_OCEANS_11PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2403_SUMIT_OCEANS_11PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=215&amp;tags=Climate, Global Warming, World News, WION" title="CO2 and heat absorption by oceans could regulate climate" id="PL_iframe_block-m8s8cdst-5n6tkz4k-5c1m3csn"></iframe>
Rainwater became 10 times more acidic by 1980 and started affecting marine life in lakes, the soil and damaged plants and trees. Some man-made structures were also bearing the brunt. Calls for action ensued, and politicians finally sat up and took notice.
<h2>Government acts against acid rain</h2>
An update to the Clean Air Act targetting power plant pollution was passed in 1990 by the Congress and signed by President George HW Bush.&nbsp;
Likens said that acidity in rainwater in the White Mountains region has fallen by 85 per cent from the peak period in the 1970s. He fears that if controls on emissions are released, "we are going to destroy that success story."
Worryingly, the EPA has plans to eliminate or weaken 31 regulations. The agency's own analysis says that these rules have prevented extra deaths and several heart, lung and other illnesses i the country. So, if these end, public health might take a bad hit.
However, some experts think that acid rain cannot return to the US since coal has been replaced as a fuel source in industries in favour of cleaner-burning gas and renewables. But Trump has been talking in favour of bringing back coal, which could change things.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Can acid rain return to the US? The man who discovered that sulfuric and nitric acids were raining down has issued a warning. World Trending

United States President Donald Trump is on a pullback spree. He is ending departments, blocking foreign aid and moving forward with the overhaul of various actions and plans that have been in place for years. His administration is also rolling back pollution protections, and this could have a devastating effect on the country, an expert has warned. American ecologist Gene Likens warns that Trump's move against environmental policies can trigger the return of a major problem that has been unheard of for years. Likens discovered in the 1960s that North America was witnessing a phenomenon called acid rain. He has warned that the way the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been going after clean air and water regulations under Trump can spell disaster, bringing back acidic rain along with smog, he told Guardian. Also Read: Climate change is changing behaviour of crocodiles: Study The US has had rules to curb toxic emissions from power plants, cars and trucks in place, and a sudden and can mean the return of acid rain in the US, Likens said. “I’m very worried that might happen, it’s certainly not impossible that it could happen,” the 90-year-old told Guardian. When was acid rain first found? Notably, the Trump administration has cut funding to a program that samples rainwater for acidity. The program has been running since 1976, and Likens is a part of the monitoring group. “I hope we don’t go back to the old days, so these rollbacks are very alarming,” Likens said. Also Read: US President Donald Trump's admin will withdraw from Paris Climate Accord Likens first chanced upon acid rain in 1963 when he found that the rainwater in Hubbard Brook Experimental forest in the White Mountains of New Hampshire was 100 times more acidic than expected. More research followed this discovery and scientists concluded that pollutants in the air were mixing with water to form acid rain. This was primarily because of the pollutants released by coal-fired power plants in the American midwest that were reaching the eastern US and Canada. Researchers found that sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides were reacting with water and oxygen to form sulfuric and nitric acids, which fell to the ground as acid rain. Rainwater became 10 times more acidic by 1980 and started affecting marine life in lakes, the soil and damaged plants and trees. Some man-made structures were also bearing the brunt. Calls for action ensued, and politicians finally sat up and took notice. Government acts against acid rain An update to the Clean Air Act targetting power plant pollution was passed in 1990 by the Congress and signed by President George HW Bush. Likens said that acidity in rainwater in the White Mountains region has fallen by 85 per cent from the peak period in the 1970s. He fears that if controls on emissions are released, "we are going to destroy that success story." Worryingly, the EPA has plans to eliminate or weaken 31 regulations. The agency's own analysis says that these rules have prevented extra deaths and several heart, lung and other illnesses i the country. So, if these end, public health might take a bad hit. However, some experts think that acid rain cannot return to the US since coal has been replaced as a fuel source in industries in favour of cleaner-burning gas and renewables. But Trump has been talking in favour of bringing back coal, which could change things.

Scientist who discovered acid rain warns it could return under Trump

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (March 27) once again targeted "Radical left" Politico magazine, asking Elon Musk's DOGE to take back the money given by the government.&nbsp;
Trump slammed the previous government, saying, "Whatever happened to the $8,000,000 given by our &ldquo;government&rdquo; to Radical Left Politico magazine, or whatever you would call it."
"Owned by wealthy guys, this money should be taken back by DOGE, ASAP," he said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114234742770558412/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>
&nbsp;
Last month also, Trump criticised the established publications, Politico, New York Times, and Reuters, saying that "Radical Left Reuters" was paid "$9,000,000 by the Department of Defense to study &lsquo;large scale social deception."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-on-government-payments-to-politico-8698518">Donald Trump: Government paid Politico to write 'good stories' about Democrats</a>
Further today, Trump also slammed former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams, saying that the "government" funneled into her "environment fund".
"Also, is Stacey Abrams going to give back the Two Billion Dollars they funneled into her &ldquo;environmental fund&rdquo; just prior to my assuming office," he continued.&nbsp;
The US president stressed that Stacey went from "$100 in donations to $2,000,000,000 in just one day? Not bad!!!".&nbsp;
"Get back the money," Trump told DOGE in his post.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-of-its-kind-chatgpt-to-pay-politico-business-insider-for-content-access-to-let-summarise-articles-669577">&lsquo;First of&nbsp;its&nbsp;kind&rsquo;: ChatGPT to pay Politico, Business Insider for content access, summarising articles</a>
Moreover, last month, the US president also reiterated his claim that billions of dollars had been given "to the fake news media" to write favourable stories about Democrats.&nbsp;
However, the website has denied the allegations, calling them "flat-out false". On his official Truth Social account, Trump posted: "LOOKS LIKE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN STOLLEN [sic] AT USAID, AND OTHER AGENCIES, MUCH OF IT GOING TO THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA AS A "PAYOFF" FOR CREATING GOOD STORIES ABOUT THE DEMOCRATS." &nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/justin-baldoni-sues-the-new-york-times-for-its-story-supporting-blake-livelys-claim-8582560">Justin Baldoni sues The New York Times for its story supporting Blake Lively's claim</a>
Notably, USAspending.gov, a government website that tracks federal spending, revealed that in 2024, the government agencies paid a total of almost $8 million for Politico subscriptions and products, including $24,000 spent by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on subscriptions.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-to-checkmark-badges-nyt-la-times-politico-and-other-major-news-outlets-reject-twitters-blue-tick-577519">No to checkmark badges: NYT, LA Times, Politico, and other major news outlets reject Twitter's blue tick</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Trump slammed former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams, saying that the "government" funneled into her "environment fund", which should be taken back.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (March 27) once again targeted "Radical left" Politico magazine, asking Elon Musk's DOGE to take back the money given by the government. Trump slammed the previous government, saying, "Whatever happened to the $8,000,000 given by our “government” to Radical Left Politico magazine, or whatever you would call it." "Owned by wealthy guys, this money should be taken back by DOGE, ASAP," he said in a post on Truth Social. Last month also, Trump criticised the established publications, Politico, New York Times, and Reuters, saying that "Radical Left Reuters" was paid "$9,000,000 by the Department of Defense to study ‘large scale social deception." Also read: Donald Trump: Government paid Politico to write 'good stories' about Democrats Further today, Trump also slammed former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams, saying that the "government" funneled into her "environment fund". "Also, is Stacey Abrams going to give back the Two Billion Dollars they funneled into her “environmental fund” just prior to my assuming office," he continued. The US president stressed that Stacey went from "$100 in donations to $2,000,000,000 in just one day? Not bad!!!". "Get back the money," Trump told DOGE in his post. Also read: ‘First of its kind’: ChatGPT to pay Politico, Business Insider for content access, summarising articles Moreover, last month, the US president also reiterated his claim that billions of dollars had been given "to the fake news media" to write favourable stories about Democrats. However, the website has denied the allegations, calling them "flat-out false". On his official Truth Social account, Trump posted: "LOOKS LIKE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN STOLLEN [sic] AT USAID, AND OTHER AGENCIES, MUCH OF IT GOING TO THE FAKE NEWS MEDIA AS A "PAYOFF" FOR CREATING GOOD STORIES ABOUT THE DEMOCRATS." Also read: Justin Baldoni sues The New York Times for its story supporting Blake Lively's claim Notably, USAspending.gov, a government website that tracks federal spending, revealed that in 2024, the government agencies paid a total of almost $8 million for Politico subscriptions and products, including $24,000 spent by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on subscriptions. Also read: No to checkmark badges: NYT, LA Times, Politico, and other major news outlets reject Twitter's blue tick (With inputs from agencies)

'Get back the money ASAP': Trump asks DOGE to take back $8,000,000 given to 'Radical Left' Politico magazine

An investigation by BBC has found that millions of tyres being exported to India from the United Kingdom are being burnt in furnaces in small industrial plants located in rural areas. This causes the release of dangerous gases and chemicals into the environment, triggering a massive health crisis.
The report by BBC File on 4 Investigates states that the UK ends up with nearly 50 million waste tyres (700,000 tonnes) every year. Almost half of these tyres are bought by entities in the Indian black market, and this is something everyone in the industry is aware of, as per the report.
In the UK, every time a driver gets their tyre changed, they are charged a recycling fee of about &pound;3-6 ($3.8 or Rs 332). This means that the tyres should be sent for recycling, either in the country or outside. However, the recycling process is not being honestly followed in India, where these tyres end up in furnaces.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-man-found-dead-in-us-after-being-reported-missing-8890613" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indian origin man found dead in US after being reported missing</a>
Elliot Mason, who has been recycling tyres into tiny rubber crumbs since 1996, says that this is not a secret within the industry. "I don't imagine there's anybody in the industry that doesn't know it's happening," he told BBC.
<h2>How are the tyres sent to India?</h2>
Before being exported to India, the tyres are compressed to make cubes called "bales". Mason says that the official word is that these bales will be "shredded and granulated in a factory very similar to ours." But, according to the &nbsp;Tyre Recovery Association (TRA), around 70 per cent of tyres that reach India from the UK and other countries are cooked in furnaces with temperatures of about 500C.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-eyes-tariff-cut-on-more-than-half-of-us-imports-to-shield-its-exports-sources-say-report-8890965" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India eyes tariff cut on more than half of US imports to shield its exports, sources say - Report</a>
<h2>Pyrolysis plants in India</h2>
The process is known as pyrolysis where the tyres are subjected to high heat in the absence of oxygen to extract steel, small amounts of oil and carbon black that is used in several industries.
BBC reported that the pyrolysis plants are like homemade pressure cookers and release gases and chemicals that are dangerous to human health and the environment.
The investigation team joined hands with SourceMaterial, a non-profit journalism group, and got someone to place trackers in the tyre shipments sent to India. They noted that the shipment reached an Indian port after eight weeks, from where they travelled 1,287 kilometres on the road to reach a small village.
Citing drone footage, BBC reported that the tyres were at a place where they were later thrown into furnaces. A person told them that processing imported tyres this way was legal and not dangerous. The publication quoted an Indian environmental lawyer as saying that there are 2,000 pyrolysis plants in the country, and half of them are unlicensed.
Exposure to the chemicals released by these pyrolysis plants can cause heart, neurological and respiratory disorders, besides certain types of cancers, scientists from Imperial College London told BBC.
The Indian government has yet to comment on the matter.

Before being exported to India, the tyres are compressed to make cubes called "bales". They reach rural areas where they are thrown into furnaces. World and India News

An investigation by BBC has found that millions of tyres being exported to India from the United Kingdom are being burnt in furnaces in small industrial plants located in rural areas. This causes the release of dangerous gases and chemicals into the environment, triggering a massive health crisis. The report by BBC File on 4 Investigates states that the UK ends up with nearly 50 million waste tyres (700,000 tonnes) every year. Almost half of these tyres are bought by entities in the Indian black market, and this is something everyone in the industry is aware of, as per the report. In the UK, every time a driver gets their tyre changed, they are charged a recycling fee of about £3-6 ($3.8 or Rs 332). This means that the tyres should be sent for recycling, either in the country or outside. However, the recycling process is not being honestly followed in India, where these tyres end up in furnaces. Also Read: Indian origin man found dead in US after being reported missing Elliot Mason, who has been recycling tyres into tiny rubber crumbs since 1996, says that this is not a secret within the industry. "I don't imagine there's anybody in the industry that doesn't know it's happening," he told BBC. How are the tyres sent to India? Before being exported to India, the tyres are compressed to make cubes called "bales". Mason says that the official word is that these bales will be "shredded and granulated in a factory very similar to ours." But, according to the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA), around 70 per cent of tyres that reach India from the UK and other countries are cooked in furnaces with temperatures of about 500C. Also Read: India eyes tariff cut on more than half of US imports to shield its exports, sources say - Report Pyrolysis plants in India The process is known as pyrolysis where the tyres are subjected to high heat in the absence of oxygen to extract steel, small amounts of oil and carbon black that is used in several industries. BBC reported that the pyrolysis plants are like homemade pressure cookers and release gases and chemicals that are dangerous to human health and the environment. The investigation team joined hands with SourceMaterial, a non-profit journalism group, and got someone to place trackers in the tyre shipments sent to India. They noted that the shipment reached an Indian port after eight weeks, from where they travelled 1,287 kilometres on the road to reach a small village. Citing drone footage, BBC reported that the tyres were at a place where they were later thrown into furnaces. A person told them that processing imported tyres this way was legal and not dangerous. The publication quoted an Indian environmental lawyer as saying that there are 2,000 pyrolysis plants in the country, and half of them are unlicensed. Exposure to the chemicals released by these pyrolysis plants can cause heart, neurological and respiratory disorders, besides certain types of cancers, scientists from Imperial College London told BBC. The Indian government has yet to comment on the matter.

Tyres from UK being burnt in Indian furnaces for steel and oil, causing health scare: Report

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