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

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

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

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

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

Gravitas: World Environment Day | 5 Videos you cannot miss

Today the world is observing World Environment day and millions are posting on social media about saving the planet and this year's theme is "Time for Nature". Watch report.

World Environment Day: The great barrier reef turns 'white'

Imagine. Every day you have to carry 30-40 litres of water on your head and walk on rugged paths for 6-9 hours daily. Your back buckling under the heavyweight of the water.&nbsp;

Your feet hurting, walking 5-7 kilometres daily in the scorching heat. Fetching water doesn’t get you any money. It only gets you survival. Life. This is how 82 per cent of rural households in India get their water. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, 18 crore people living in rural areas don’t have access to piped water. The source of water being kilometres away. Often dirty and in summer months dry.&nbsp;

Women in these households perform this task of fetching water daily, which you wouldn’t even dare to do. Access to clean drinking water in rural India is a massive challenge. Niti Aayog report states that 70 per cent of India’s surface water — rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands etc are polluted.&nbsp;

This makes the proximity to the source of clean water a serious problem. Our governments, public policy practitioners, non-government organisations and society at large — all stakeholders have come out with various solutions to the problem. Water is&nbsp;a subject which state governments deal with, but the union government has announced a massive integrated plan called Jal Jeevan Mission. Rs 3.6 lakh crore are to be spent on this project which aims to provide piped water connection to every rural household by 2024.

It is essential to understand the water system, its vastness and complexities. First, in any developing country, building and managing water infrastructure is a huge societal enterprise. A large amount of capital expenditure is necessary to build piped water&nbsp;networks. We are witnessing that in the proposed Jal Jeevan Mission.

Second, the storage of water is easy and convenient but the transportation of water is difficult and very expensive. Compare that with the transportation of similar natural resource, let’s say electricity. Electricity is easy to transport, but difficult to store. This is&nbsp;in diametrically opposite to water. No wonder, in India, electricity transportation to remote areas is still an easy task than distributing water. Long-distance transportation of electricity is feasible, but water transportation is required for localised areas.

Third, contaminated water always returns as food on our table. Most of our rivers are lying on deathbeds due to heavy pollution and human exploitation. Agricultural runoff is harmful to rivers because of the use of chemicals for cultivation, which has become the&nbsp;norm today. Any food growing on their banks is laced with heavy toxins and chemicals.

Policy interventions should be simple. Governments should have minimum interference upon the lives of individuals. The problem of access to water to rural India can have multiple solutions. So, what is the one simplest solution to this problem?

We need to clean up our surface water. The 70 per cent polluted surface water sources which Niti Aayog has identified consist of 13,000 lakes, ponds and wetlands, apart from 35 tributaries of major rivers. Even if we clean-up 13000 water bodies. It will solve only part of the problem. We need to begin somewhere. A ‘Swachh Jal Mission’ should be undertaken within the framework of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which if implemented correctly can clean these 13000 surface water bodies. Installing de-silting machinery and 
ecological cleaning are the easy ways which we can do it.

Critics may argue that we already have similar mechanisms under the Namami Gange scheme launched by the union government and it is not showing many results. This is because the little emphasis is there on the monitoring of this mechanism in the Ganga&nbsp;cleaning mission. Every district should have a Swachh Jal Centre which can use technology to monitor the pollutant levels in the water bodies. Independent audits need to be done to oversee the entire process.

An awareness campaign which highlights the importance of clean water bodies in rural areas must be launched. An estimated 15 lakh hectares of water bodies will be cleaned up, and an additional 2.33 crore households will have access to clean water, if this mechanism is adopted. This will benefit 13 per cent households, thus lowering the 82 per cent household without access to around 68 per cent. Some progress, indeed.

According to the author’s rough calculations, an amount of Rs 7,000 crore is projected to be spent for 3 years, if this simple mechanism is adopted for 13000 water bodies. This is a small figure compared to what the government intends to spend.&nbsp;

Water is the lifeline of our existence. It is not just an economic good, but it has cultural, social and environmental significance. Civilizations are born and destroyed by water.

India has a rich culture of preserving water through our step wells and bawlis. Cleaning up water and using it as an economic asset is the need of the hour. As the Sanskrit shloka goes – Prakritih Rakshati Rakshita — Nature protects, if it is protected.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Imagine. Every day you have to carry 30-40 litres of water on your head and walk on rugged paths for 6-9 hours daily. Your back buckling under the heavyweight of the water.

Imagine. Every day you have to carry 30-40 litres of water on your head and walk on rugged paths for 6-9 hours daily. Your back buckling under the heavyweight of the water. Your feet hurting, walking 5-7 kilometres daily in the scorching heat. Fetching water doesn’t get you any money. It only gets you survival. Life. This is how 82 per cent of rural households in India get their water. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, 18 crore people living in rural areas don’t have access to piped water. The source of water being kilometres away. Often dirty and in summer months dry. Women in these households perform this task of fetching water daily, which you wouldn’t even dare to do. Access to clean drinking water in rural India is a massive challenge. Niti Aayog report states that 70 per cent of India’s surface water — rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands etc are polluted. This makes the proximity to the source of clean water a serious problem. Our governments, public policy practitioners, non-government organisations and society at large — all stakeholders have come out with various solutions to the problem. Water is a subject which state governments deal with, but the union government has announced a massive integrated plan called Jal Jeevan Mission. Rs 3.6 lakh crore are to be spent on this project which aims to provide piped water connection to every rural household by 2024. It is essential to understand the water system, its vastness and complexities. First, in any developing country, building and managing water infrastructure is a huge societal enterprise. A large amount of capital expenditure is necessary to build piped water networks. We are witnessing that in the proposed Jal Jeevan Mission. Second, the storage of water is easy and convenient but the transportation of water is difficult and very expensive. Compare that with the transportation of similar natural resource, let’s say electricity. Electricity is easy to transport, but difficult to store. This is in diametrically opposite to water. No wonder, in India, electricity transportation to remote areas is still an easy task than distributing water. Long-distance transportation of electricity is feasible, but water transportation is required for localised areas. Third, contaminated water always returns as food on our table. Most of our rivers are lying on deathbeds due to heavy pollution and human exploitation. Agricultural runoff is harmful to rivers because of the use of chemicals for cultivation, which has become the norm today. Any food growing on their banks is laced with heavy toxins and chemicals. Policy interventions should be simple. Governments should have minimum interference upon the lives of individuals. The problem of access to water to rural India can have multiple solutions. So, what is the one simplest solution to this problem? We need to clean up our surface water. The 70 per cent polluted surface water sources which Niti Aayog has identified consist of 13,000 lakes, ponds and wetlands, apart from 35 tributaries of major rivers. Even if we clean-up 13000 water bodies. It will solve only part of the problem. We need to begin somewhere. A ‘Swachh Jal Mission’ should be undertaken within the framework of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which if implemented correctly can clean these 13000 surface water bodies. Installing de-silting machinery and ecological cleaning are the easy ways which we can do it. Critics may argue that we already have similar mechanisms under the Namami Gange scheme launched by the union government and it is not showing many results. This is because the little emphasis is there on the monitoring of this mechanism in the Ganga cleaning mission. Every district should have a Swachh Jal Centre which can use technology to monitor the pollutant levels in the water bodies. Independent audits need to be done to oversee the entire process. An awareness campaign which highlights the importance of clean water bodies in rural areas must be launched. An estimated 15 lakh hectares of water bodies will be cleaned up, and an additional 2.33 crore households will have access to clean water, if this mechanism is adopted. This will benefit 13 per cent households, thus lowering the 82 per cent household without access to around 68 per cent. Some progress, indeed. According to the author’s rough calculations, an amount of Rs 7,000 crore is projected to be spent for 3 years, if this simple mechanism is adopted for 13000 water bodies. This is a small figure compared to what the government intends to spend. Water is the lifeline of our existence. It is not just an economic good, but it has cultural, social and environmental significance. Civilizations are born and destroyed by water. India has a rich culture of preserving water through our step wells and bawlis. Cleaning up water and using it as an economic asset is the need of the hour. As the Sanskrit shloka goes – Prakritih Rakshati Rakshita — Nature protects, if it is protected. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Resolving clean water woes of rural India

The 72-hour blooming of the world's largest flower was live-streamed by Belgium's Meisa Botanic Garden on Wednesday (May 13), captivating floral lovers.

World's largest flower blooms in Belgium

This is a woodland walk you can only dream of under lockdown, and it's right in the heart of Richmond Park, southwest London.

Woodland garden, the Isabella Plantation bursts into life under lockdown

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

Swiss environmentalists demand green reconstruction after coronavirus crisis

Scientists have recovered samples from a cypress forest from that has been buried under sediment off the coast of Alabama for 60,000 years and have hopes that some of the preserved compounds may pioneer medical and biotech research.

Scientists find underwater ancient forest, trees may provide future medicine and biotech discoveries

A talking parrot in Israel has a playful message for a world gripped by the coronavirus crisis: "Don't go out!" In crystal-clear Hebrew, Luca the parrot squawks "there is corona" and "don't go out", repeatedly echoing official health warnings.

Squawking parrot warns the world: 'Coronavirus! Don't go out!'

A newborn hippo spent a day to be remembered at a Belgian zoo on Wednesday (March 25) with his mother taking it for its first dip in the big pool.

Rolling in the deep! Baby hippo gets first dive in the big pool

Nestle SA is launching a reforestation project to plant at least 3 million trees in Mexico and Brazil in the next year and a half as the Swiss food group strives for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Nestle vows to plant 3 million trees in Mexico

Environmental activists performed a flashmob on Saturday (February 29) at Berlin's International Film Festival to demand greater climate protection.

Activists occupy Berlinale red carpet to demand climate action

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">coronavirus </a>epidemic that has paralysed the Chinese economy may have a silver lining for the environment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">China</a>'s carbon emissions have dropped by least 100 million metric tonnes over the past two weeks, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Finland.

That is nearly six per cent of global emissions during the same period last year.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">Coronavirus outbreak: China's Hubei province reports 108 more deaths; 2 dead in Iran</a>

The rapid spread of the novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;killed over 2,000&nbsp;and infected more than 74,000 people across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">China</a>.

It has led to a drop in demand for coal and oil, resulting in the emissions slump,&nbsp;the study published&nbsp;on the British-based Carbon Brief website said.

Over the past two weeks, daily power generation at coal power plants was at a four-year low compared with the same period last year, while steel production has sunk to a five-year low, researchers found.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">China </a>is the world's biggest importer and consumer of oil, but production at refineries in Shandong province&nbsp;the country's petroleum hub&nbsp;fell to the lowest level since autumn 2015, the report said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-poses-risks-to-fragile-recovery-in-global-economy-imf-281671">Coronavirus poses risks to fragile recovery in global economy: IMF</a>

"Measures to contain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-hubei-province-reports-108-more-deaths-2-dead-in-iran-281693">coronavirus </a>have resulted in reductions of 15 per cent to 40 per cent in output across key industrial sectors," the report said.

Economic activity in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-poses-risks-to-fragile-recovery-in-global-economy-imf-281671">China </a>usually picks up after the Lunar New Year holiday, which began on January 25.

"Measures to contain&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;have resulted in reductions of 15 per cent to 40 per cent in output across key industrial sectors," the report said.

"This is likely to have wiped out a quarter or more of the country's carbon dioxide&nbsp;emissions over the past two weeks, the period when activity would normally have resumed after the Chinese New Year holiday."

But environmentalists have warned that the reduction is temporary and that a government stimulus if directed at ramping up production among heavy polluters could reverse the environmental gains.

"After the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;calms down, it is quite likely we will observe a round of so-called 'retaliatory pollutions' factories maximising production to compensate for their losses during the shutdown period," said Li Shuo, a policy adviser for Greenpeace&nbsp;China.

"This is a tested and proven pattern."

Meanwhile, China's nitrogen dioxide emissions, a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion in vehicles and power plants fell 36 per cent in the week following the Lunar New Year holidays, compared with the same period a year earlier, according to another study by CREA that used satellite data.

The coronavirus epidemic that has paralysed the Chinese economy may have a silver lining for the environment. China's carbon emissions have dropped by least 100 million metric tonnes over the past two weeks, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Finland.

The coronavirus epidemic that has paralysed the Chinese economy may have a silver lining for the environment. China's carbon emissions have dropped by least 100 million metric tonnes over the past two weeks, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in Finland. That is nearly six per cent of global emissions during the same period last year. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: China's Hubei province reports 108 more deaths; 2 dead in Iran The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus has killed over 2,000 and infected more than 74,000 people across China. It has led to a drop in demand for coal and oil, resulting in the emissions slump, the study published on the British-based Carbon Brief website said. Over the past two weeks, daily power generation at coal power plants was at a four-year low compared with the same period last year, while steel production has sunk to a five-year low, researchers found. China is the world's biggest importer and consumer of oil, but production at refineries in Shandong province the country's petroleum hub fell to the lowest level since autumn 2015, the report said. Also read: Coronavirus poses risks to fragile recovery in global economy: IMF "Measures to contain coronavirus have resulted in reductions of 15 per cent to 40 per cent in output across key industrial sectors," the report said. Economic activity in China usually picks up after the Lunar New Year holiday, which began on January 25. "Measures to contain coronavirus have resulted in reductions of 15 per cent to 40 per cent in output across key industrial sectors," the report said. "This is likely to have wiped out a quarter or more of the country's carbon dioxide emissions over the past two weeks, the period when activity would normally have resumed after the Chinese New Year holiday." But environmentalists have warned that the reduction is temporary and that a government stimulus if directed at ramping up production among heavy polluters could reverse the environmental gains. "After the coronavirus calms down, it is quite likely we will observe a round of so-called 'retaliatory pollutions' factories maximising production to compensate for their losses during the shutdown period," said Li Shuo, a policy adviser for Greenpeace China. "This is a tested and proven pattern." Meanwhile, China's nitrogen dioxide emissions, a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion in vehicles and power plants fell 36 per cent in the week following the Lunar New Year holidays, compared with the same period a year earlier, according to another study by CREA that used satellite data.

COVID-19 slashes China carbon emissions: Study

There has been a decline in the population of 79 per cent of Indian species of birds, a report submitted in the United Nations meeting on wildlife conservation said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

According to the report, State of India's birds 2020, the number of house sparrows has declined in metropolitan cities while it has remained "roughly stable" across the country. However, in rural India, the population has gone up.

The report was released in Gujarat's Gandhinagar on Monday&nbsp;on sidelines of the 13th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP 13).

The bird groups that showed the greatest decline includes,&nbsp;raptors, migratory shorebirds and habitat specialists, among others.

The report also stressed that&nbsp;101 species classified as of High Conservation Concern, require immediate attention.

Meanwhile, the report also gave some good news as it showed that the&nbsp;number of India's national bird, a peacock has&nbsp;shown a dramatic rise.

As for the Indian peafowl, the abundance trend is that of a general increase, both in long-term and currently, the report said.

The report was made after assessing over&nbsp;10 million observations contributed by over 15,500 birdwatchers.

The assessment is based on three indices, two of change in abundance, long-term trend (over 25+ years) and current annual trend (over the past five years), and the third is a measure of distribution range size.

Using these three indices together with the IUCN Red List (of threatened species), each species was classified into categories of conservation concern for India: 442 in low concern category, 319 in moderate concern category and 101 in high concern category.

(With inputs from agencies)

There has been a decline in the population of 79 per cent of Indian species of birds, a report submitted in the United Nations meeting on wildlife conservation said on Tuesday.

There has been a decline in the population of 79 per cent of Indian species of birds, a report submitted in the United Nations meeting on wildlife conservation said on Tuesday. According to the report, State of India's birds 2020, the number of house sparrows has declined in metropolitan cities while it has remained "roughly stable" across the country. However, in rural India, the population has gone up. The report was released in Gujarat's Gandhinagar on Monday on sidelines of the 13th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP 13). The bird groups that showed the greatest decline includes, raptors, migratory shorebirds and habitat specialists, among others. The report also stressed that 101 species classified as of High Conservation Concern, require immediate attention. Meanwhile, the report also gave some good news as it showed that the number of India's national bird, a peacock has shown a dramatic rise. As for the Indian peafowl, the abundance trend is that of a general increase, both in long-term and currently, the report said. The report was made after assessing over 10 million observations contributed by over 15,500 birdwatchers. The assessment is based on three indices, two of change in abundance, long-term trend (over 25+ years) and current annual trend (over the past five years), and the third is a measure of distribution range size. Using these three indices together with the IUCN Red List (of threatened species), each species was classified into categories of conservation concern for India: 442 in low concern category, 319 in moderate concern category and 101 in high concern category. (With inputs from agencies)

79 per cent decline in Indian species of birds: Study

Nina Krinitsina has been creating her mosaic masterpieces, some including over 1,000 caps, decorating her house in the village of Makarye around 850 kilometres east of Moscow.

Russian granny turns tonnes of plastic bottle caps into art

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

Javadekar, who was addressing a press conference here along with his Norwegian counterpart Sveinung Rotevan on the side-lines of a United Nation summit biodiversity conservation, emphasised for a shared understanding of the global problem, which cannot be solved by any one country alone.

Javadekar said, "'Say No to plastic'&nbsp;has been an action initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India produces 20,000 tons of plastic out of which 15,000 tons is collected. However, the remaining 5,000 to 6,000 tons remain in the water bodies. India-Norway cooperation can move ahead in this arena."

Both countries assured that they are committed to supporting global action to address plastic pollution and exploring the feasibility of establishing a new global agreement on plastic pollution.

In addition, the two sides expressed interest to continue and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation on the environment and climate between the two countries, including on ocean affairs.

Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Norway on `India-Norway Ocean Dialogue` apart from an establishment of a joint task force on the blue economy.

According to the agreement, the ocean, if managed properly, holds the key to meeting many of the sustainable development goals. Integrated ocean management is central to achieving a sustainable blue economy.

Reiterating the importance of a joint effort towards the protection of the environment, Rotevatn said, "India and Norway have long-standing and good cooperation. Our two countries shared experiences in environment management. Norway sees India as an important player in the environment. Today we had a productive meeting."

India is marking the beginning of a super year of Biodiversity with the hosting of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, from February 17-22, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

The Opening Ceremony and Plenary session of the COP will be followed by side events and working group meetings until the closing ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the COP 13 via video conferencing. Numerous national and international organisations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation during the course of the conference.

Representatives from 130 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will attend the UN summit.&nbsp;

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

India and Norway have agreed to jointly tackle concerns related to oceans, environment and climate matters, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday. Javadekar, who was addressing a press conference here along with his Norwegian counterpart Sveinung Rotevan on the side-lines of a United Nation summit biodiversity conservation, emphasised for a shared understanding of the global problem, which cannot be solved by any one country alone. Javadekar said, "'Say No to plastic' has been an action initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India produces 20,000 tons of plastic out of which 15,000 tons is collected. However, the remaining 5,000 to 6,000 tons remain in the water bodies. India-Norway cooperation can move ahead in this arena." Both countries assured that they are committed to supporting global action to address plastic pollution and exploring the feasibility of establishing a new global agreement on plastic pollution. In addition, the two sides expressed interest to continue and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation on the environment and climate between the two countries, including on ocean affairs. Last year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Norway on `India-Norway Ocean Dialogue` apart from an establishment of a joint task force on the blue economy. According to the agreement, the ocean, if managed properly, holds the key to meeting many of the sustainable development goals. Integrated ocean management is central to achieving a sustainable blue economy. Reiterating the importance of a joint effort towards the protection of the environment, Rotevatn said, "India and Norway have long-standing and good cooperation. Our two countries shared experiences in environment management. Norway sees India as an important player in the environment. Today we had a productive meeting." India is marking the beginning of a super year of Biodiversity with the hosting of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme, from February 17-22, 2020 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. The Opening Ceremony and Plenary session of the COP will be followed by side events and working group meetings until the closing ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the COP 13 via video conferencing. Numerous national and international organisations will showcase best practices in wildlife conservation during the course of the conference. Representatives from 130 Parties and eminent conservationists and international NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation will attend the UN summit.

India, Norway agree to jointly tackle environmental concerns

"With great power comes great responsibility": a proverb popularised by the fictional superhero character Peter Parker who doubles as Spider-Man, takes on a twist in Indonesia by a 36-year-old citizen who is harnessing its "power" to encourage his countrymen to take responsibility for his city's problem with waste.

With great power comes great responsibility: Indonesian 'Spiderman' clears rubbish

Kew Gardens' annual orchid festival will celebrate Indonesia's wildlife and culture this year.

Kew Gardens infused with colour for festival

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time. A report by Jefferies Financial Group Inc recently shed light on the ghastly reality of plastic recycling.

With climate activism and environment protection becoming the key discourses of mainstream politics over the last few years, clubbed with ever-accelerating global warming, combating the menace of plastic could prove to be tougher than it seems.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-ushers-2020-with-ban-on-plastic-bags-271459">Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags</a>

According to the report, “given the very low rates of recycling we see today, we believe that even with much tighter regulation, it’s unlikely that global recycling rates could reach 50% by 2030”.&nbsp;

With more pressure on governments and leaders than ever before, they will be forced to toughen the regulatory rules. Companies with a market valuation of $3.5 trillion or more are expected to be hit by bans and taxes to fight plastic pollution.

<h6><img alt="plastic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="949d0cf9-6286-4788-a50e-5244f30bcd2a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_77.jpg" /> 
Plastic waste is seen floating on a sewage canal in Port-au-Prince, on January 30, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Plastic pollution continues to plague the global environment. Almost all of the eight billion tonnes of plastic that was ever produced still continues to exist, in some form in the environment. According to Jefferies, most of this ends up in landfills.

Plastic is extremely durable and resistant to degradation, which makes it impossible to break down completely. This ensures that the material lasts for centuries.

BloombergNEF reported that the world is increasing regulations on single-use plastics.

China, which accounts for a major chunk of plastic use, recently announced that it would ban single-use plastics in public places like shopping malls and in food delivery services.

Singapore recycled four per cent of its plastic waste in 2018, and then passed a law this week to enforce stricter rules on certain categories of plastic waste across its borders, as reported by the Straits Times.

Recently, multiple countries in the African region limited the manufacturing of plastic and tried to contain the consumption of the material by levying taxes.

<h6><img alt="yyy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1958c7f2-699b-4529-9ed9-3ca00fa63a09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_57.jpg" /> 
Compacted plastic bags are stored in a yard in Berlin on February 5, 2020, before being recycled | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Additionally, starting January 1, France banned plastic plates, cups, and cotton buds with the goal of eradicating all single-use plastic items by 2040.

Other countries like Thailand and New Zealand have enforced bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Indonesia is also expected to enforce the ban starting in June 2020.

However, the United States recycles barely 10 per cent of the plastic, with Europe following suit at 30 per cent on average.

Asian-Pacific countries, with the largest market in packaging, may be blamed for the plastic waste in oceans, the report said.

According to the report, more plastic is burnt than recycled. More effort is needed on behalf of governments to curb plastic.

“The impact of plastics leaking into the environment, polluting oceans, and entering the food chain could potentially be almost as big a concern for civil society as climate change”, the report added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plastic-in-oceans-to-outweigh-fish-china-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags-and-straws-275644">Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish: China to ban single-use plastic bags and straws</a>

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time.

If all countries were to aggressively tighten regulations relating to plastic use, it would still be really hard to recycle 50 per cent of all of the plastic waste in 10 years time. A report by Jefferies Financial Group Inc recently shed light on the ghastly reality of plastic recycling. With climate activism and environment protection becoming the key discourses of mainstream politics over the last few years, clubbed with ever-accelerating global warming, combating the menace of plastic could prove to be tougher than it seems. Also read: Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags According to the report, “given the very low rates of recycling we see today, we believe that even with much tighter regulation, it’s unlikely that global recycling rates could reach 50% by 2030”. With more pressure on governments and leaders than ever before, they will be forced to toughen the regulatory rules. Companies with a market valuation of $3.5 trillion or more are expected to be hit by bans and taxes to fight plastic pollution. Plastic waste is seen floating on a sewage canal in Port-au-Prince, on January 30, 2020 | AFP Plastic pollution continues to plague the global environment. Almost all of the eight billion tonnes of plastic that was ever produced still continues to exist, in some form in the environment. According to Jefferies, most of this ends up in landfills. Plastic is extremely durable and resistant to degradation, which makes it impossible to break down completely. This ensures that the material lasts for centuries. BloombergNEF reported that the world is increasing regulations on single-use plastics. China, which accounts for a major chunk of plastic use, recently announced that it would ban single-use plastics in public places like shopping malls and in food delivery services. Singapore recycled four per cent of its plastic waste in 2018, and then passed a law this week to enforce stricter rules on certain categories of plastic waste across its borders, as reported by the Straits Times. Recently, multiple countries in the African region limited the manufacturing of plastic and tried to contain the consumption of the material by levying taxes. Compacted plastic bags are stored in a yard in Berlin on February 5, 2020, before being recycled | AFP Additionally, starting January 1, France banned plastic plates, cups, and cotton buds with the goal of eradicating all single-use plastic items by 2040. Other countries like Thailand and New Zealand have enforced bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags. Indonesia is also expected to enforce the ban starting in June 2020. However, the United States recycles barely 10 per cent of the plastic, with Europe following suit at 30 per cent on average. Asian-Pacific countries, with the largest market in packaging, may be blamed for the plastic waste in oceans, the report said. According to the report, more plastic is burnt than recycled. More effort is needed on behalf of governments to curb plastic. “The impact of plastics leaking into the environment, polluting oceans, and entering the food chain could potentially be almost as big a concern for civil society as climate change”, the report added. Also read: Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish: China to ban single-use plastic bags and straws

All plastic ever produced still exists in the environment: Report

The abbot of the Wat Chak Daeng Buddhist temple, south of Bangkok, is spearheading a project to recycle plastic bottles into fabric for saffron-coloured robes for monks.

Bottles for blessings: Thai Buddhist temple recycles plastics into robes

Pejo 3000 ski resort in Trentino has become Italy's first ski area to ban single-use plastic items.

Ski resort becomes first in Italy to ban plastic

British endurance swimmer and United Nations patron of oceans Lewis Gordon Pugh braved the freezing temperatures of East Antarctica, swimming in its icy rivers, to raise awareness about climate change.

Swimmer raises awareness on climate change in freezing Antarctic waters

Decarbonisation is the name of the game for the next ten years and the world is still not doing enough to fight climate change, international scientists said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Monday (January 20).

Decarbonisation is name of the game, climate experts tell Davos leaders

In a bid to cut down plastic pollution in the country, China, one of the world's biggest producers of plastic waste is going to ban all non-degradable plastic bags and straws in the major cities in its territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-court-orders-government-to-ban-single-use-plastics-272617">Also read: Bangladesh court orders government to ban single-use plastics</a> 
 
In 2017, China produced 215 million tons of plastics waste, according to World Bank figures, which warns that by 2030 could soar to 500 million tons annually.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-ushers-2020-with-ban-on-plastic-bags-271459">Also read: Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags</a>

Plastic is everywhere, all of us benefit from it and it touches just about every aspect of our lives.&nbsp;Three hundred million tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 2015.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jason-momoa-apologises-to-chris-pratt-after-criticising-his-use-of-plastic-water-bottles-266555">Also read: Jason Momoa apologises to Chris Pratt after criticising his use of plastic water bottles</a> 
 
Much of the plastic we produce is single-use plastic - used just once before being chucked away.In 2015 it accounted for nearly half of plastic waste generated globally.

And then there’s plastic cutlery, plates straws and bottles. Plastic cotton bud sticks, plastic fast food containers. Not forgetting the plastic in trillions of cigarette filters discarded around the world each year. The list goes on.

The UN says If we carry on consuming at today’s rhythm and current waste management practices stay the same, by 2050 there will be about 12 billion tonnes of plastic litter in landfills and the environment. 
And scientists have said that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans.&nbsp;

More than 60 countries and organisations do have various action plan to rein in single-use plastic.&nbsp;

Despite this, it is estimated that between one and five trillion plastic bags are still consumed worldwide each year that’s almost 600 million per hour. If they are tied together, that’s the equivalent of seven times around the Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to cut down plastic pollution in the country, China, one of the world's biggest producers of plastic waste is going to ban all non-degradable plastic bags and straws in the major cities in its territory.

In a bid to cut down plastic pollution in the country, China, one of the world's biggest producers of plastic waste is going to ban all non-degradable plastic bags and straws in the major cities in its territory. Also read: Bangladesh court orders government to ban single-use plastics In 2017, China produced 215 million tons of plastics waste, according to World Bank figures, which warns that by 2030 could soar to 500 million tons annually. Also read: Thailand ushers 2020 with ban on plastic bags Plastic is everywhere, all of us benefit from it and it touches just about every aspect of our lives. Three hundred million tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 2015. Also read: Jason Momoa apologises to Chris Pratt after criticising his use of plastic water bottles Much of the plastic we produce is single-use plastic - used just once before being chucked away.In 2015 it accounted for nearly half of plastic waste generated globally. And then there’s plastic cutlery, plates straws and bottles. Plastic cotton bud sticks, plastic fast food containers. Not forgetting the plastic in trillions of cigarette filters discarded around the world each year. The list goes on. The UN says If we carry on consuming at today’s rhythm and current waste management practices stay the same, by 2050 there will be about 12 billion tonnes of plastic litter in landfills and the environment. And scientists have said that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans. More than 60 countries and organisations do have various action plan to rein in single-use plastic. Despite this, it is estimated that between one and five trillion plastic bags are still consumed worldwide each year that’s almost 600 million per hour. If they are tied together, that’s the equivalent of seven times around the Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Plastic in oceans to outweigh fish: China to ban single-use plastic bags and straws

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein

Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Their work came on the heels of an IPCC report that warned of dire environmental, economic and health consequences in the absence of any serious momentum toward decarbonization by 2030.

But the crews were not adding to the two charging stations installed in each parking lot in 2013. They came to remove them.

This erasure of one provincial government’s climate project by its successor was only the tip of the melting iceberg. The steady unravelling of climate policy began when the newly elected Conservative government cancelled the provincial cap and trade system and renewable energy contracts from Ontario’s feed-in-tariff system. It also removed subsidies for electric vehicles (up to $14,000 per vehicle under the previous government).

Despite being sold as cost-cutting, some of the reversals have been expensive. Cancelling 750 renewable-energy projects, for instance, cost $231 million.

It is tempting to view this unwinding through the lens of the polarized politics plaguing many western democracies. That misses the bigger picture.

Our research on more than two dozen climate initiatives around the world — from the community level to the global scale — revealed that the Ontario story is depressingly familiar. There is no lack of climate initiatives — our case studies are only a small cross-section of thousands. Rather, the problem is that these initiatives tend to get started, make some progress and then get stuck or even regress.

Everything is connected

Dependence on fossil energy means it is difficult for a new policy or technology in isolation to catalyze breakthrough changes. Part of the story is the pushback they generate, as happened in Ontario, from political and economic interests that mobilize opposition.

But overt resistance is not the only obstacle to change. Changing one thing often runs into the powerful inertia of related policies, technologies, interests and patterns of behaviour.

For example, a local or provincial policy to incentivize electric vehicle purchases by allowing free parking or providing subsidies may make some progress reducing emissions. But if other parts of the transportation system do not change, the policy will stall or reverse.

Without charging stations, people will have range anxiety. If subsidies decline or higher levels of government do not impose stricter fuel standards, markets for EVs can dry up. If the electric grid is supplied by dirty coal power or other high carbon fuels, EV purchases will have less effect on overall emissions. If the uptake of EVs remains low as a result, auto companies and the public may oppose such policies as costly for limited impact.

These challenging, interdependent dynamics are evident across policies and scales. Even in Germany, which implemented some of the most aggressive renewable energy policies, decarbonization has stalled despite strong public support. Pricing and policy dynamics, such as the shale gas revolution outside of Germany and the decision to phase out nuclear power, led to coal becoming the cheapest source of energy, resulting in the extension of coal-fired power plants.

The German phase-out of coal power will be complete in 2038 (too slow according to some activists) and comes with billions of Euros in compensation for coal-producing states and companies.

The purgatory of incremental change

Climate initiatives also get stuck because the momentum they generate is not always in the direction of substantial change or decarbonization. For instance, moving from coal-fired to natural gas electricity production can lower emissions. However, turning to this bridge fuel reinforces dependence on fossil energy. Political coalitions that support and benefit from such an initial change might not favour more aggressive action.

A case in point is Colorado’s New Energy Economy policy. In the mid-2000s, it included a commitment to shift from coal to renewables supported by unions and energy companies. The fracking revolution, however, lowered natural gas prices and encouraged the development of coalitions that supported it as a transition fuel.

The state government subsequently redefined the new energy economy to include natural gas, undermining its commitment to renewables. This shift put Colorado on an improved, but still carbon-intensive, pathway. The state is in the midst of changing oil and gas regulations again.

These dynamics apply equally to individuals. Studies show that nudging people to change their daily practices can decrease their support for broader, transformative policies because they feel they have done enough.

Getting unstuck

Our research has identified four questions to ask when designing and implementing climate action to counter these dynamics: Does it disrupt dependence on fossil energy? Does it build coalitions that favour more aggressive actions? Is it sensitive to broader connections? Does it spark climate action elsewhere?

These questions suggest a need to value the transformative potential of any climate action rather than (only) the immediate emissions reductions. Quick emissions reductions like those generated by fuel switching are seductive but can stall. Instead, policy-makers should evaluate climate action on whether it contributes to disrupting reliance on fossil energy and reinforcing alternative paths.

Getting unstuck also requires thinking beyond single policies. A successful EV policy like Norway’s pays attention to the entire personal transport sector (taxes and subsidies, infrastructure, etc.). It has even catalyzed change in the broader transportation sector, including electric ferries and aviation.

Moreover, the politics of getting started are different than the politics of maintaining and extending climate action. One way to create broader coalitions of support is to build justice and equity into every climate action. Overly technocratic climate initiatives, such as smart cities, can get stuck and fail to catalyze broad decarbonization in part because they fail to generate broad and diverse coalitions to build on initial successes.

Building a better society is not possible without addressing climate change. Addressing climate change is not politically feasible without pursuing a more just and equitable society to ensure broad support.

(Matthew Hoffmann is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto; Steven Bernstein is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-action-on-climate-change-gets-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it-128287">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

By Matthew Hoffmann, Steven Bernstein Work crews descended on 12 commuter parking lots in Toronto in late November 2018, and headed to the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Their work came on the heels of an IPCC report that warned of dire environmental, economic and health consequences in the absence of any serious momentum toward decarbonization by 2030. But the crews were not adding to the two charging stations installed in each parking lot in 2013. They came to remove them. This erasure of one provincial government’s climate project by its successor was only the tip of the melting iceberg. The steady unravelling of climate policy began when the newly elected Conservative government cancelled the provincial cap and trade system and renewable energy contracts from Ontario’s feed-in-tariff system. It also removed subsidies for electric vehicles (up to $14,000 per vehicle under the previous government). Despite being sold as cost-cutting, some of the reversals have been expensive. Cancelling 750 renewable-energy projects, for instance, cost $231 million. It is tempting to view this unwinding through the lens of the polarized politics plaguing many western democracies. That misses the bigger picture. Our research on more than two dozen climate initiatives around the world — from the community level to the global scale — revealed that the Ontario story is depressingly familiar. There is no lack of climate initiatives — our case studies are only a small cross-section of thousands. Rather, the problem is that these initiatives tend to get started, make some progress and then get stuck or even regress. Everything is connected Dependence on fossil energy means it is difficult for a new policy or technology in isolation to catalyze breakthrough changes. Part of the story is the pushback they generate, as happened in Ontario, from political and economic interests that mobilize opposition. But overt resistance is not the only obstacle to change. Changing one thing often runs into the powerful inertia of related policies, technologies, interests and patterns of behaviour. For example, a local or provincial policy to incentivize electric vehicle purchases by allowing free parking or providing subsidies may make some progress reducing emissions. But if other parts of the transportation system do not change, the policy will stall or reverse. Without charging stations, people will have range anxiety. If subsidies decline or higher levels of government do not impose stricter fuel standards, markets for EVs can dry up. If the electric grid is supplied by dirty coal power or other high carbon fuels, EV purchases will have less effect on overall emissions. If the uptake of EVs remains low as a result, auto companies and the public may oppose such policies as costly for limited impact. These challenging, interdependent dynamics are evident across policies and scales. Even in Germany, which implemented some of the most aggressive renewable energy policies, decarbonization has stalled despite strong public support. Pricing and policy dynamics, such as the shale gas revolution outside of Germany and the decision to phase out nuclear power, led to coal becoming the cheapest source of energy, resulting in the extension of coal-fired power plants. The German phase-out of coal power will be complete in 2038 (too slow according to some activists) and comes with billions of Euros in compensation for coal-producing states and companies. The purgatory of incremental change Climate initiatives also get stuck because the momentum they generate is not always in the direction of substantial change or decarbonization. For instance, moving from coal-fired to natural gas electricity production can lower emissions. However, turning to this bridge fuel reinforces dependence on fossil energy. Political coalitions that support and benefit from such an initial change might not favour more aggressive action. A case in point is Colorado’s New Energy Economy policy. In the mid-2000s, it included a commitment to shift from coal to renewables supported by unions and energy companies. The fracking revolution, however, lowered natural gas prices and encouraged the development of coalitions that supported it as a transition fuel. The state government subsequently redefined the new energy economy to include natural gas, undermining its commitment to renewables. This shift put Colorado on an improved, but still carbon-intensive, pathway. The state is in the midst of changing oil and gas regulations again. These dynamics apply equally to individuals. Studies show that nudging people to change their daily practices can decrease their support for broader, transformative policies because they feel they have done enough. Getting unstuck Our research has identified four questions to ask when designing and implementing climate action to counter these dynamics: Does it disrupt dependence on fossil energy? Does it build coalitions that favour more aggressive actions? Is it sensitive to broader connections? Does it spark climate action elsewhere? These questions suggest a need to value the transformative potential of any climate action rather than (only) the immediate emissions reductions. Quick emissions reductions like those generated by fuel switching are seductive but can stall. Instead, policy-makers should evaluate climate action on whether it contributes to disrupting reliance on fossil energy and reinforcing alternative paths. Getting unstuck also requires thinking beyond single policies. A successful EV policy like Norway’s pays attention to the entire personal transport sector (taxes and subsidies, infrastructure, etc.). It has even catalyzed change in the broader transportation sector, including electric ferries and aviation. Moreover, the politics of getting started are different than the politics of maintaining and extending climate action. One way to create broader coalitions of support is to build justice and equity into every climate action. Overly technocratic climate initiatives, such as smart cities, can get stuck and fail to catalyze broad decarbonization in part because they fail to generate broad and diverse coalitions to build on initial successes. Building a better society is not possible without addressing climate change. Addressing climate change is not politically feasible without pursuing a more just and equitable society to ensure broad support. (Matthew Hoffmann is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto; Steven Bernstein is Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of the Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why action on climate change gets stuck and what to do about it

Sitting on the fringe of blackened forests, an Australian town Kangaroo Valley narrowly escaped the inferno that swollen its surrounding areas early this month. But for restaurant owner, Monique Moul, surviving the deadly bushfires is the beginning of another trouble as she struggles to salvage the business.

Businesses in Australian town hopes receded bushfires will draw tourists back

Between 150 and 200 Canadian troops should be in the Atlantic province of Newfoundland and Labrador by the end of Sunday (January 19) to help it dig out from a massive blizzard, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said.

Hundreds of troops to help Canadian province recover from huge blizzard

By Darren Evans

The sheer scale and intensity of the Australian bushfire crisis have led to apocalyptic scenes making the front pages of newspapers the world over. An estimated 10 million hectares (100,000 sq km) of land have burned since 1 July 2019. At least 28 people have died. And over a billion animals are estimated to have been killed to date. Of course, the actual toll will be much higher if major animal groups, such as insects, are included in these estimates.

The impacts of climate change – in particular, the consequences of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events on all life should be abundantly clear. People finally seem to be taking this seriously, but there is an undercurrent of opinion about the “naturalness” of wildfires. Some are still questioning the role of climate change in driving the Australian bushfires.

It is true that wildfires naturally occur in many parts of the world, and benefit plants and animals in ecosystems that have been uniquely shaped by fire over evolutionary time. And people have been using fire to manage ecosystems for thousands of years. We could learn a thing or two from Aboriginal people and the techniques they have traditionally used to prevent bushfires.

But make no mistake, the scientific evidence shows that human-caused climate change is a key driver of the rapid and unprecedented increases in wildfire activity. What is particularly worrying is the extent to which this is eroding the resilience of ecosystems across wide regions. Yes, it is plausible to expect most plants and animals that have adapted to fire will recover. But the ecological costs of huge, repetitive, high-severity wildfires on ecosystems could be colossal.

Out of control

And it’s unclear how much the natural world can tolerate such dramatic disturbance. Wildfires are increasing in severity around the world. The Australian bushfires are larger than some of the deadliest recorded. Incidences are also increasing in ecosystems where wildfires are uncommon, such as the UK uplands. Not to mention the widespread deliberate burning of areas of high conservation value for agriculture, as has been recently reported in large parts of the Brazilian Amazon for beef production and in Indonesia for palm oil.

Unsurprisingly, given the shocking numbers of animals that must have perished as a result of these wildfires, many are questioning whether burned ecosystems can recover from such dramatic losses of biodiversity. In Australia, for example, some estimate that the fires could drive more than 700 insect species to extinction.

The world’s biodiversity is already severely struggling – we are in the midst of what scientists describe as the sixth mass extinction. A recent report has highlighted that about a quarter of assessed species are threatened with extinction. Australia already has the highest rate of mammal loss for any region in the world, signalling the fragility of existing ecosystems that might struggle to function in a warming, fire prone world.

Fears for familiar and charismatic animals affected by the bushfires, such as koala, have been expressed by conservationists. The outlook for already critically endangered species, such as the regent honeyeater and western ground parrot, meanwhile, is uncertain. But to establish the true ecological costs of wildfires it is important to consider biodiversity in terms of networks, not particular species or numbers of animals.

All species are embedded in complex networks of interactions where they are directly and indirectly dependent on each other. A food web is a good example of such networks. The simultaneous loss of such large numbers of plants and animals could have cascading impacts on the ways species interact – and hence the ability of ecosystems to bounce back and properly function following high-severity wildfires.

A fragile system

And so it’s key that we consider biodiversity loss due to wildfires in terms of entire networks of interacting organisms, including humans, rather than simply one or two charismatic animals. I have studied and recently published research about the loss of plants and animals due to wildfires in Portugal, using new methods in ecology that can examine the resilience of ecosystems to species extinctions. My team found that networks of interacting plants and animals at burned sites became fragile and more prone to species extinctions.

Our study looked at the impacts of a large wildfire in 2012 on one of the many ecological interactions that keep ecosystems healthy – insect pollination. We examined the responses of moths, which are important but often overlooked pollinators, to wildfire by comparing those we caught in burned and neighbouring unburned areas.

By collecting, counting and identifying the thousands of pollen grains they were carrying, we were able to decipher the plant-insect network of interacting species. In this way, it was possible to examine not only the responses of the plants and animals to wildfire, but crucially the impacts on pollination processes.

We then used these networks to model the resilience of the ecosystem more generally. We found that burned areas had significantly more abundant flowers (due to a flush of plants whose seeds and roots survived in the soil) but less abundant and species‐rich moths. The total amount of pollen being transported by the moths in burned areas was just 20 per cent&nbsp;of that at unburned areas.

Our analysis revealed important differences in the way these species interacted as a result of the wildfire. Although the study was only a snapshot in time, we were able to show that plant-insect communities at burned sites were less able to resist the effects of any further disturbances without suffering species extinctions.

And so as people start rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and communities in Australia following the devastating bushfires, it is crucial that governments and land managers around the world take sensible decisions that will build resilience into ecosystems. To do this, ecological interaction networks need to be considered, rather than specific species. Cutting-edge network approaches that examine the complex ways in which entire communities of species interact can and should help with this.

Over 45 years ago, the American evolutionary ecologist and conservationist Dan Janzen wrote: “There is a much more insidious kind of extinction: the extinction of ecological interactions.” We should all be concerned not just about the loss of animals, but about the unravelling of species interactions within ecosystems on which we all depend for our survival.

(Darren Evans is Reader in Ecology and Conservation, Newcastle University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/bushfires-can-ecosystems-recover-from-such-dramatic-losses-of-biodiversity-129836">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Darren Evans The sheer scale and intensity of the Australian bushfire crisis have led to apocalyptic scenes making the front pages of newspapers the world over.

By Darren Evans The sheer scale and intensity of the Australian bushfire crisis have led to apocalyptic scenes making the front pages of newspapers the world over. An estimated 10 million hectares (100,000 sq km) of land have burned since 1 July 2019. At least 28 people have died. And over a billion animals are estimated to have been killed to date. Of course, the actual toll will be much higher if major animal groups, such as insects, are included in these estimates. The impacts of climate change – in particular, the consequences of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events on all life should be abundantly clear. People finally seem to be taking this seriously, but there is an undercurrent of opinion about the “naturalness” of wildfires. Some are still questioning the role of climate change in driving the Australian bushfires. It is true that wildfires naturally occur in many parts of the world, and benefit plants and animals in ecosystems that have been uniquely shaped by fire over evolutionary time. And people have been using fire to manage ecosystems for thousands of years. We could learn a thing or two from Aboriginal people and the techniques they have traditionally used to prevent bushfires. But make no mistake, the scientific evidence shows that human-caused climate change is a key driver of the rapid and unprecedented increases in wildfire activity. What is particularly worrying is the extent to which this is eroding the resilience of ecosystems across wide regions. Yes, it is plausible to expect most plants and animals that have adapted to fire will recover. But the ecological costs of huge, repetitive, high-severity wildfires on ecosystems could be colossal. Out of control And it’s unclear how much the natural world can tolerate such dramatic disturbance. Wildfires are increasing in severity around the world. The Australian bushfires are larger than some of the deadliest recorded. Incidences are also increasing in ecosystems where wildfires are uncommon, such as the UK uplands. Not to mention the widespread deliberate burning of areas of high conservation value for agriculture, as has been recently reported in large parts of the Brazilian Amazon for beef production and in Indonesia for palm oil. Unsurprisingly, given the shocking numbers of animals that must have perished as a result of these wildfires, many are questioning whether burned ecosystems can recover from such dramatic losses of biodiversity. In Australia, for example, some estimate that the fires could drive more than 700 insect species to extinction. The world’s biodiversity is already severely struggling – we are in the midst of what scientists describe as the sixth mass extinction. A recent report has highlighted that about a quarter of assessed species are threatened with extinction. Australia already has the highest rate of mammal loss for any region in the world, signalling the fragility of existing ecosystems that might struggle to function in a warming, fire prone world. Fears for familiar and charismatic animals affected by the bushfires, such as koala, have been expressed by conservationists. The outlook for already critically endangered species, such as the regent honeyeater and western ground parrot, meanwhile, is uncertain. But to establish the true ecological costs of wildfires it is important to consider biodiversity in terms of networks, not particular species or numbers of animals. All species are embedded in complex networks of interactions where they are directly and indirectly dependent on each other. A food web is a good example of such networks. The simultaneous loss of such large numbers of plants and animals could have cascading impacts on the ways species interact – and hence the ability of ecosystems to bounce back and properly function following high-severity wildfires. A fragile system And so it’s key that we consider biodiversity loss due to wildfires in terms of entire networks of interacting organisms, including humans, rather than simply one or two charismatic animals. I have studied and recently published research about the loss of plants and animals due to wildfires in Portugal, using new methods in ecology that can examine the resilience of ecosystems to species extinctions. My team found that networks of interacting plants and animals at burned sites became fragile and more prone to species extinctions. Our study looked at the impacts of a large wildfire in 2012 on one of the many ecological interactions that keep ecosystems healthy – insect pollination. We examined the responses of moths, which are important but often overlooked pollinators, to wildfire by comparing those we caught in burned and neighbouring unburned areas. By collecting, counting and identifying the thousands of pollen grains they were carrying, we were able to decipher the plant-insect network of interacting species. In this way, it was possible to examine not only the responses of the plants and animals to wildfire, but crucially the impacts on pollination processes. We then used these networks to model the resilience of the ecosystem more generally. We found that burned areas had significantly more abundant flowers (due to a flush of plants whose seeds and roots survived in the soil) but less abundant and species‐rich moths. The total amount of pollen being transported by the moths in burned areas was just 20 per cent of that at unburned areas. Our analysis revealed important differences in the way these species interacted as a result of the wildfire. Although the study was only a snapshot in time, we were able to show that plant-insect communities at burned sites were less able to resist the effects of any further disturbances without suffering species extinctions. And so as people start rebuilding their homes, livelihoods and communities in Australia following the devastating bushfires, it is crucial that governments and land managers around the world take sensible decisions that will build resilience into ecosystems. To do this, ecological interaction networks need to be considered, rather than specific species. Cutting-edge network approaches that examine the complex ways in which entire communities of species interact can and should help with this. Over 45 years ago, the American evolutionary ecologist and conservationist Dan Janzen wrote: “There is a much more insidious kind of extinction: the extinction of ecological interactions.” We should all be concerned not just about the loss of animals, but about the unravelling of species interactions within ecosystems on which we all depend for our survival. (Darren Evans is Reader in Ecology and Conservation, Newcastle University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

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