Venetia, 16, puts on her helmet, presses on the accelerator of her solar car and sets off in a race organised in Nicosia to show that even with a low budget vehicles it is possible to drive and protect the environment.

In Cyprus, a race for low cost solar cars to help the environment

China will need to spend 3 trillion yuan ($440 billion) over three years to improve village sanitation and clean up its heavily polluted rural environment, the official People's Daily reported on Saturday, citing government officials.

The funds would be required to meet state targets to build clean rural toilets, treat household waste, and construct village sewage treatment plants, said the Communist Party journal, citing An Xiaoning, an official with China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The state has allocated 7 billion yuan to promote China's rural "toilet revolution" this year, and another 3 billion yuan to spend on improving the living environment of villagers in western and central China, An said.

China's "war on pollution", now in its sixth year, has up to now focused primarily on improving air quality in industrialised cities along the east coast.

It has made little inroads so far in improving the rural environment, where large amounts of land and water have been contaminated as a result of negligible waste treatment infrastructure, the overuse of fertilisers and pesticides, and the construction of substandard backyard industrial plants.

The agricultural ministry vowed last year to take action to tackle rural pollution, promising to improve village infrastructure and the "bad habits" of rural residents. However, it conceded that there was still a considerable funding gap.

China is desperate to bring more of its scarce farmland back into use to maximise agricultural production, especially as the country continues to urbanise. It plans to make around 90% of its contaminated farmland fit for crops by the end of 2020.

China will need to spend 3 trillion yuan ($440 billion) over three years to improve village sanitation and clean up its heavily polluted rural environment, the official People's Daily reported on Saturday, citing government officials.

China will need to spend 3 trillion yuan ($440 billion) over three years to improve village sanitation and clean up its heavily polluted rural environment, the official People's Daily reported on Saturday, citing government officials. The funds would be required to meet state targets to build clean rural toilets, treat household waste, and construct village sewage treatment plants, said the Communist Party journal, citing An Xiaoning, an official with China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The state has allocated 7 billion yuan to promote China's rural "toilet revolution" this year, and another 3 billion yuan to spend on improving the living environment of villagers in western and central China, An said. China's "war on pollution", now in its sixth year, has up to now focused primarily on improving air quality in industrialised cities along the east coast. It has made little inroads so far in improving the rural environment, where large amounts of land and water have been contaminated as a result of negligible waste treatment infrastructure, the overuse of fertilisers and pesticides, and the construction of substandard backyard industrial plants. The agricultural ministry vowed last year to take action to tackle rural pollution, promising to improve village infrastructure and the "bad habits" of rural residents. However, it conceded that there was still a considerable funding gap. China is desperate to bring more of its scarce farmland back into use to maximise agricultural production, especially as the country continues to urbanise. It plans to make around 90% of its contaminated farmland fit for crops by the end of 2020.

China needs nearly $440 billion to clean up rural environment: Report

Launched by IIT-Delhi alumni, Nanoclean Global Pvt Ltd is an Indian start-up, providing low-cost solutions to tackle air pollution. It had won the prestigious Startup National Award for their effort. #WorldEnvironmentDay #BeatAirPollution #IIT

World Environment Day: IIT-Delhi alumni's low-cost solution to beat air pollution

Rivers worldwide are polluted with antibiotics that exceed environmental safety thresholds by up to 300 times, according to research unveiled at a conference on May 27. Scientists found one or more common antibiotics in two-thirds of 711 samples taken from rivers in 72 countries, they told a meeting of environmental toxicologists in Helsinki.

‘World’s rivers loaded with antibiotics waste’

For the German island of Langeoog and its residents, the politics of climate change has become an issue of survival.

Climate concerns spur Green surge in Germany

Top diplomats from the United States, Russia and other nations which border the Arctic meet in Finland on Monday to discuss policies governing the polar region, as tensions grow over how to deal with global warming and access to mineral wealth.

Countries have been scrambling to claim territory or, like China, boost their presence in the region as thawing ice raises the possibility of exploiting much of the world's remaining undiscovered reserves of oil and gas, plus huge deposits of minerals such as zinc, iron and rare earth metals.

With time-saving Arctic shipping routes also opening up, the Pentagon warned on May 2 of the risk of Chinese submarines in the Arctic.

That followed a sharp statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo - who will give a speech at the Arctic Council meeting in Rovaniemi, Finland on May 6 - rejecting a role for China in shaping Arctic policy.

"The US has realized that they cannot leave the Russians and Chinese to carve up the Arctic as they see fit," said Niklas Granholm, deputy director of studies at Sweden's Defence Research Agency.

The Arctic Council is made up of the United States, Canada, Russia, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, with the region's indigenous populations also represented.

China has had observer status at the Council since 2013 and has been increasingly active in the region, outlining a plan for a "Polar Silk Road" last year.

Russia has reopened military bases closed after the Cold War and is modernizing its powerful Northern Fleet. In response, the US has reconstituted its Second Fleet, whose area of responsibility will include the North Pole.

The Arctic Council's remit excludes military matters, but participants have already clashed, with the Washington Post reporting that the US had refused to sign off on a final declaration, disagreeing with the wording on climate change.&nbsp;

Melting the ice

"There are different tones with which different countries want to approach climate change," Finland's Arctic Ambassador Aleksi Harkonen said.

"It's not about whether climate change can be mentioned or not. It will be there, in the final declaration."

Surface air temperatures in the Arctic are warming at twice the rate of the rest of the globe, and the ocean could be ice-free during the summer months within 25 years, according to some researchers.

That could have a profound effect on the world's weather as well as on wildlife and indigenous populations in the polar region.

President Donald Trump has frequently expressed scepticism about whether global warming is a result of human activity and has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris climate accord.

That agreement aimed to limit a rise in average global temperatures to "well below" 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times by 2100.

Another flashpoint in Finland could be the meeting between Pompeo and his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who will discuss the political crisis in Venezuela.

Russia has accused the United States of trying to engineer a coup against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, one of its closest allies in Latin America.

US national security adviser John Bolton told Russia to stop interfering in what he called America's "hemisphere".

India, South Korea, Singapore, Italy and Japan have observer status at the Arctic Council in addition to China.

Top diplomats from the United States, Russia and other nations which border the Arctic meet in Finland on Monday to discuss policies governing the polar region, as tensions grow over how to deal with global warming and access to mineral wealth.

Top diplomats from the United States, Russia and other nations which border the Arctic meet in Finland on Monday to discuss policies governing the polar region, as tensions grow over how to deal with global warming and access to mineral wealth. Countries have been scrambling to claim territory or, like China, boost their presence in the region as thawing ice raises the possibility of exploiting much of the world's remaining undiscovered reserves of oil and gas, plus huge deposits of minerals such as zinc, iron and rare earth metals. With time-saving Arctic shipping routes also opening up, the Pentagon warned on May 2 of the risk of Chinese submarines in the Arctic. That followed a sharp statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo - who will give a speech at the Arctic Council meeting in Rovaniemi, Finland on May 6 - rejecting a role for China in shaping Arctic policy. "The US has realized that they cannot leave the Russians and Chinese to carve up the Arctic as they see fit," said Niklas Granholm, deputy director of studies at Sweden's Defence Research Agency. The Arctic Council is made up of the United States, Canada, Russia, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, with the region's indigenous populations also represented. China has had observer status at the Council since 2013 and has been increasingly active in the region, outlining a plan for a "Polar Silk Road" last year. Russia has reopened military bases closed after the Cold War and is modernizing its powerful Northern Fleet. In response, the US has reconstituted its Second Fleet, whose area of responsibility will include the North Pole. The Arctic Council's remit excludes military matters, but participants have already clashed, with the Washington Post reporting that the US had refused to sign off on a final declaration, disagreeing with the wording on climate change. Melting the ice "There are different tones with which different countries want to approach climate change," Finland's Arctic Ambassador Aleksi Harkonen said. "It's not about whether climate change can be mentioned or not. It will be there, in the final declaration." Surface air temperatures in the Arctic are warming at twice the rate of the rest of the globe, and the ocean could be ice-free during the summer months within 25 years, according to some researchers. That could have a profound effect on the world's weather as well as on wildlife and indigenous populations in the polar region. President Donald Trump has frequently expressed scepticism about whether global warming is a result of human activity and has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris climate accord. That agreement aimed to limit a rise in average global temperatures to "well below" 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times by 2100. Another flashpoint in Finland could be the meeting between Pompeo and his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who will discuss the political crisis in Venezuela. Russia has accused the United States of trying to engineer a coup against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, one of its closest allies in Latin America. US national security adviser John Bolton told Russia to stop interfering in what he called America's "hemisphere". India, South Korea, Singapore, Italy and Japan have observer status at the Arctic Council in addition to China.

Arctic nations to meet amid tensions over environment, resources

Teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg urged British politicians on Tuesday (April 23) to listen to the science on climate change and criticised previous generations for "selling" their children's future.

'Our future was sold', Thunberg tells UK politicians

Earth Day 2019 is being observed in Latin America and around the world and something people everywhere will notice: it's getting hotter.

NASA images show climate change impact in LatAm

This year's Earth Day is being marked Monday (April 22), and advocates of edible insects are singing the environmental benefits of sprinkling your dishes with crickets, grasshoppers and ants. Gourmands concur and say the insects are a treat.

Bite back and munch on insects, environmentalists say

Multiple forms of malnutrition, especially those related to unhealthy diets and reduced activity, are important risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that claim more than 70 per cent of global deaths (41 million) annually.

Indian statistics in this regard are quite disturbing — about 5.8 million die from NCDs each year. Our own national family health survey (NFHS-4) 2015-16, showed that only one out of 10 of India’s children (6-23-month age group) eats a diverse minimum acceptable diet.

The same survey also highlights that the number of obese people have doubled in India. Obesity promotes onset and progression of NCDs like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death.

In addition, multiple forms of pollution, threatening our quantity and quality of life, are further adding to this menace.&nbsp;

Reports indicate that the deteriorating air quality and escalating environmental degradation is reducing India’s average life expectancy by 1.7 years. India’s toxic air claimed 1.24 million lives in 2017 (12.5 per cent of total deaths recorded in the year).

A big part of environmental degradation in the form of adverse climate change is also attributable to food systems. A Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg has become a big name in the climate change talks because of her unbridled passion, focus and dedication to raising awareness across nations and also compel decision makers for action.

She warns policymakers of dire consequences and urges to act now, as if our houses are on fire. What we eat, what we waste and what we demand for, also drives the climate change process.&nbsp;

In fact, a looming question is how will food systems nutritiously and sustainably feed 8.5 billion people by 2030?

Climate change, on one hand, has been projected to reduce yields of staples (by upto 10 per cent for every 1-degree rise in temperature). On the other hand, excess Co2 in the environment is and will be causing the dilution effect, which means more yield, but with decreased micronutrient content. This double whammy leads to exacerbation of hidden hunger and may produce nutritionally insecure unhealthy masses.

Climate change will affect the poorest and vulnerable people the most. This may push us further away from our vision of Ayushman Swastha Suposhit Bharat and stall our attainment of sustainable development goals.

Our fragmented health systems are not in the best shape so far; these challenges will thus only add to their burden. &nbsp;

Another related aspect is the huge loss of biodiversity. When we compare with the 1960s, food supplies have become more homogenous. 
 
Most countries grow around 12 of the same commodities. This decline in diversity of the diets also presents risks of climate change adaptation. If we’re growing less food and a lot of the same types of species, we’re not diversifying and spreading the risk out.

Further, besides the number of species that we’re growing and the number of species available in the overall food supply, we’re also seeing a decline in varieties within those species.

For example, globally about 500 varieties of cabbage existed in earlier times, which have been reduced to 20 in the current era.

We must recognise that there are several stakeholders in this value chain - right from farmers/sufferers to consumers/sufferers. So we can leave no stone unturned. Subsidies to healthier products, using taxation and other financial legal levers to nudge and steer people towards healthier food choices, are all ways to promote stronger safer and more nutritious food environment.&nbsp;

Recent studies show that both for human and planetary health, one must consume more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lesser meat and meat products.&nbsp;

This will help raise demand for natural whole foods instead of currently catered (overpowering,omnipresent) ultra-processed junk food high in added sugars, salt or bad fats, which are neither good for us or nature and should be selectively phased out from our food systems.&nbsp;

Guidance programmes and documents to leverage work done should be created. Crowdsourcing of available resources to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues related to food systems’ transformation and climate change, should be underway.&nbsp;

Responsive and responsible leadership is urgently sought from all sectors to secure inclusive, sustainable, efficient, nutritious and resilient food systems. &nbsp;

History has proved that initiatives turn into historic successes only when they become participatory people’s movement (Jan Andolan). This will need sustained awareness generation, capacity building efforts and empowerment to take charge of health, nutrition and environment.&nbsp;

Since this space requires coordinated multi-sectoral action, leadership is of prime importance. Endeavours to support better research, high quality customised educational programmes, newer tailor made academic ventures and capacity building exercises to take on and tackle these mammoth problems, are the need of the hour. &nbsp;

We need accelerated action to fix the seemingly far, but actually portending problems urgently. We must transform our short sightedness to unified vision for ultimately achieving public health and nutrition security along with ensuring planetary health.&nbsp;

Let us hope we collectively add voice and power to this mission and act before it’s too late or irreversible. On days like this Earth Day dedicated to advocate for conserving environment, we need to engage and create multisectoral dialogues around influencing and integrating interdependent factors like nutrition security and public health.

Future generations are looking up to us for taking steps to ensure a healthy happy future for them. Let’s not disappoint them or ourselves.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-time-to-clear-the-polluted-air-2741838">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Multiple forms of malnutrition, especially those related to unhealthy diets and reduced activity, are important risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that claim more than 70 per cent of global deaths (41 million) annually.

Multiple forms of malnutrition, especially those related to unhealthy diets and reduced activity, are important risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that claim more than 70 per cent of global deaths (41 million) annually. Indian statistics in this regard are quite disturbing — about 5.8 million die from NCDs each year. Our own national family health survey (NFHS-4) 2015-16, showed that only one out of 10 of India’s children (6-23-month age group) eats a diverse minimum acceptable diet. The same survey also highlights that the number of obese people have doubled in India. Obesity promotes onset and progression of NCDs like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death. In addition, multiple forms of pollution, threatening our quantity and quality of life, are further adding to this menace. Reports indicate that the deteriorating air quality and escalating environmental degradation is reducing India’s average life expectancy by 1.7 years. India’s toxic air claimed 1.24 million lives in 2017 (12.5 per cent of total deaths recorded in the year). A big part of environmental degradation in the form of adverse climate change is also attributable to food systems. A Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg has become a big name in the climate change talks because of her unbridled passion, focus and dedication to raising awareness across nations and also compel decision makers for action. She warns policymakers of dire consequences and urges to act now, as if our houses are on fire. What we eat, what we waste and what we demand for, also drives the climate change process. In fact, a looming question is how will food systems nutritiously and sustainably feed 8.5 billion people by 2030? Climate change, on one hand, has been projected to reduce yields of staples (by upto 10 per cent for every 1-degree rise in temperature). On the other hand, excess Co2 in the environment is and will be causing the dilution effect, which means more yield, but with decreased micronutrient content. This double whammy leads to exacerbation of hidden hunger and may produce nutritionally insecure unhealthy masses. Climate change will affect the poorest and vulnerable people the most. This may push us further away from our vision of Ayushman Swastha Suposhit Bharat and stall our attainment of sustainable development goals. Our fragmented health systems are not in the best shape so far; these challenges will thus only add to their burden. Another related aspect is the huge loss of biodiversity. When we compare with the 1960s, food supplies have become more homogenous. Most countries grow around 12 of the same commodities. This decline in diversity of the diets also presents risks of climate change adaptation. If we’re growing less food and a lot of the same types of species, we’re not diversifying and spreading the risk out. Further, besides the number of species that we’re growing and the number of species available in the overall food supply, we’re also seeing a decline in varieties within those species. For example, globally about 500 varieties of cabbage existed in earlier times, which have been reduced to 20 in the current era. We must recognise that there are several stakeholders in this value chain - right from farmers/sufferers to consumers/sufferers. So we can leave no stone unturned. Subsidies to healthier products, using taxation and other financial legal levers to nudge and steer people towards healthier food choices, are all ways to promote stronger safer and more nutritious food environment. Recent studies show that both for human and planetary health, one must consume more whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lesser meat and meat products. This will help raise demand for natural whole foods instead of currently catered (overpowering,omnipresent) ultra-processed junk food high in added sugars, salt or bad fats, which are neither good for us or nature and should be selectively phased out from our food systems. Guidance programmes and documents to leverage work done should be created. Crowdsourcing of available resources to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues related to food systems’ transformation and climate change, should be underway. Responsive and responsible leadership is urgently sought from all sectors to secure inclusive, sustainable, efficient, nutritious and resilient food systems. History has proved that initiatives turn into historic successes only when they become participatory people’s movement (Jan Andolan). This will need sustained awareness generation, capacity building efforts and empowerment to take charge of health, nutrition and environment. Since this space requires coordinated multi-sectoral action, leadership is of prime importance. Endeavours to support better research, high quality customised educational programmes, newer tailor made academic ventures and capacity building exercises to take on and tackle these mammoth problems, are the need of the hour. We need accelerated action to fix the seemingly far, but actually portending problems urgently. We must transform our short sightedness to unified vision for ultimately achieving public health and nutrition security along with ensuring planetary health. Let us hope we collectively add voice and power to this mission and act before it’s too late or irreversible. On days like this Earth Day dedicated to advocate for conserving environment, we need to engage and create multisectoral dialogues around influencing and integrating interdependent factors like nutrition security and public health. Future generations are looking up to us for taking steps to ensure a healthy happy future for them. Let’s not disappoint them or ourselves. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

World Earth Day 2019: Time to clear the polluted air

Climate change protesters continued their demonstration across London on Friday. The Extinction Rebellion group has set up camps at major points in the UK capital including Oxford Circus, Waterloo Bridge and Westminster.

Activists keep up climate protests in London

Thanks to recycling, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located in southeastern Peru, has found a circular economy and sustainability that will lead to salvation in the face of the threat posed to this UNESCO World Heritage Site by tourism and the waste it generates.

Machu Picchu sees recycling as the path to environmental salvation

Earth Hour 2019: Cities plunge into darkness as world turns off lights

By Arek Sinanian

For many years now, the image of a lonely polar bear standing on a small body of ice floating in the arctic has been invariably attached to articles and discussions about climate change. It now appears that the repeated image was more prophetic and certainly more ominous than the world — and this author — had assumed. While such images had a tinge of pathos and perhaps represented some form of a metaphor, now it appears that polar bears may indeed be the new canary in the coal mine (pun unintended) for climate change as they become desperate for food and taking extraordinary measures for survival.

In my book, A Climate for Denial, I explore the questions dealing with evidence of climate change. We are starting, sooner than expected, to observe numerous indicators of climate change impacts other than the data on observed sea level rises, polar ice caps melting and more severe weather conditions such as heat waves and, yes, even severe winter conditions.

As an indication of problems in the Arctic, there has in the past week been an unprecedented event where a remote Russian region of Novaya Zemlya has declared a state of emergency after what a local resident referred to as an “invasion” by polar bears. Belushya Guba, a military town on the archipelago, recorded at least 52 bear sightings on its streets since December. With Arctic sea ice diminishing as a result of climate change, polar bears are apparently being forced to change their hunting habits and spend more time on land looking for food.

In spring of 2014, 2015 and 2016, researchers at the University of California Santa Cruz tracked the hunting patterns of polar bears and their survival rates. They captured nine females on Beaufort Sea ice and measured the metabolic rates of each bear using blood and urine samples. They also fitted the bears with GPS-cameras to record and film their activity for 8-12 days, while metabolic tracers tracked the bears’ energy use. They found that polar bears actually have higher energy demands than previously thought, meaning they need to be catching a lot of food, such as seals.

It has been recorded that the extent of Arctic sea ice, as measured at its minimum in September, is decreasing at a rate of about 14% per decade, which is likely reducing polar bears’ access to seals. And their plight could be exacerbated by the need to alter hunting strategies with the seasons.

The researchers found that in the spring, polar bears are mostly preying on juvenile seals. But later in the year, after the bears’ long summer fast, those young seals are older and wiser, and the hunters are not able to catch as many. It’s thought that bears might catch a couple per month in the fall, compared to five to 10 per month in the spring and early summer. As demonstrated by the data gathered through the new technology that allows scientists to see how the animals move on the ice, tracking their activity patterns and energy needs, most of the bears were unable to catch enough prey to meet their energy needs.

In a recent paper published in February 2018 in Science magazine, the authors concluded: “Regional declines in polar bear populations have been attributed to changing sea ice conditions, but with limited information on the causative mechanisms. … Activity and movement on the sea ice strongly influenced metabolic demands. Consequently, increases in mobility resulting from ongoing and forecasted declines in and fragmentation of sea ice are likely to increase energy demands and may be an important factor explaining observed declines in body condition and survival.”

I’m often asked why we are so concerned with a degree or two of global warming because, intuitively, it doesn’t make sense that such a minor change in the average temperature of the earth would be such a big deal. Well, it turns out that apart from significant changes in the climate, the effects on the ecology are enormous. And the gradual melting of the ice in the Arctic and its impact on polar bears is just one example.

There are numerous other “canaries” that are starting to show signs of a deteriorating situation worldwide. A University of Edinburgh study found that migrating birds are responding to the effects of climate change by arriving at their breeding grounds earlier as global temperatures rise. This early arrival is causing some to miss out on food.

Climate change has also been identified as one of the factors that are driving considerable loss of habitat and extinction of death in bees and other insects. Insects are also the victims of extensive use of pesticides, deforestation and the clearing of land for intensive agriculture. The death of insects has clear and immediate impacts on human production of food and the survival of many other animals, including birds. The University of Edinburgh study, which looked at hundreds of species across five continents, found that birds are reaching their summer breeding grounds on average about one day earlier per degree of increasing global temperature.

There is no doubt that we will continue to see many other “canaries” or “polar bears” in years to come as the climate changes. What is perhaps more important is whether we are then compelled to take more direct and urgent action and leave the mine.

 
(Arek Sinanian is the author of “A Climate for Denial” and an international expert on climate change)

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/europe/russia-polar-bear-attack-climate-change-global-warming-environment-news-15241/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

By Arek Sinanian For many years now, the image of a lonely polar bear standing on a small body of ice floating in the arctic has been invariably attached to articles and discussions about climate change.

By Arek Sinanian For many years now, the image of a lonely polar bear standing on a small body of ice floating in the arctic has been invariably attached to articles and discussions about climate change. It now appears that the repeated image was more prophetic and certainly more ominous than the world — and this author — had assumed. While such images had a tinge of pathos and perhaps represented some form of a metaphor, now it appears that polar bears may indeed be the new canary in the coal mine (pun unintended) for climate change as they become desperate for food and taking extraordinary measures for survival. In my book, A Climate for Denial, I explore the questions dealing with evidence of climate change. We are starting, sooner than expected, to observe numerous indicators of climate change impacts other than the data on observed sea level rises, polar ice caps melting and more severe weather conditions such as heat waves and, yes, even severe winter conditions. As an indication of problems in the Arctic, there has in the past week been an unprecedented event where a remote Russian region of Novaya Zemlya has declared a state of emergency after what a local resident referred to as an “invasion” by polar bears. Belushya Guba, a military town on the archipelago, recorded at least 52 bear sightings on its streets since December. With Arctic sea ice diminishing as a result of climate change, polar bears are apparently being forced to change their hunting habits and spend more time on land looking for food. In spring of 2014, 2015 and 2016, researchers at the University of California Santa Cruz tracked the hunting patterns of polar bears and their survival rates. They captured nine females on Beaufort Sea ice and measured the metabolic rates of each bear using blood and urine samples. They also fitted the bears with GPS-cameras to record and film their activity for 8-12 days, while metabolic tracers tracked the bears’ energy use. They found that polar bears actually have higher energy demands than previously thought, meaning they need to be catching a lot of food, such as seals. It has been recorded that the extent of Arctic sea ice, as measured at its minimum in September, is decreasing at a rate of about 14% per decade, which is likely reducing polar bears’ access to seals. And their plight could be exacerbated by the need to alter hunting strategies with the seasons. The researchers found that in the spring, polar bears are mostly preying on juvenile seals. But later in the year, after the bears’ long summer fast, those young seals are older and wiser, and the hunters are not able to catch as many. It’s thought that bears might catch a couple per month in the fall, compared to five to 10 per month in the spring and early summer. As demonstrated by the data gathered through the new technology that allows scientists to see how the animals move on the ice, tracking their activity patterns and energy needs, most of the bears were unable to catch enough prey to meet their energy needs. In a recent paper published in February 2018 in Science magazine, the authors concluded: “Regional declines in polar bear populations have been attributed to changing sea ice conditions, but with limited information on the causative mechanisms. … Activity and movement on the sea ice strongly influenced metabolic demands. Consequently, increases in mobility resulting from ongoing and forecasted declines in and fragmentation of sea ice are likely to increase energy demands and may be an important factor explaining observed declines in body condition and survival.” I’m often asked why we are so concerned with a degree or two of global warming because, intuitively, it doesn’t make sense that such a minor change in the average temperature of the earth would be such a big deal. Well, it turns out that apart from significant changes in the climate, the effects on the ecology are enormous. And the gradual melting of the ice in the Arctic and its impact on polar bears is just one example. There are numerous other “canaries” that are starting to show signs of a deteriorating situation worldwide. A University of Edinburgh study found that migrating birds are responding to the effects of climate change by arriving at their breeding grounds earlier as global temperatures rise. This early arrival is causing some to miss out on food. Climate change has also been identified as one of the factors that are driving considerable loss of habitat and extinction of death in bees and other insects. Insects are also the victims of extensive use of pesticides, deforestation and the clearing of land for intensive agriculture. The death of insects has clear and immediate impacts on human production of food and the survival of many other animals, including birds. The University of Edinburgh study, which looked at hundreds of species across five continents, found that birds are reaching their summer breeding grounds on average about one day earlier per degree of increasing global temperature. There is no doubt that we will continue to see many other “canaries” or “polar bears” in years to come as the climate changes. What is perhaps more important is whether we are then compelled to take more direct and urgent action and leave the mine. (Arek Sinanian is the author of “A Climate for Denial” and an international expert on climate change) (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Polar bear 'invasion': How climate change is forcing them to change their hunting habits

Union Minister, Piyush Goyal, in the Interim Budget made a slew of promises and announcements for the environmental sector.&nbsp;

However, most environmental issues — pollution-free nation, cleaning rivers, protecting the coastline, self-sufficiency in food and good health infrastructure — found only a mention in the ‘Vision For The Next Decade’ section of his speech.&nbsp;

The only silver lining in the Interim Budget was an increased outlay for the National Commission for Green India from Rs 240 crore, and a thumping pat on his own back when Goyal said “India provided leadership to the global climate change effort. Our commitment to promote renewable energy is reflected in our initiative to set up the International Solar Alliance”.&nbsp;

None of these had any tangible targets or a perceptible action plan, especially when one talks about a young India with a population with an average age of less than 25.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, at Rs 100 crore, the 2019-20 allocation remained the same as last year for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the central pollution watchdog, while the Centre decreased the allocation for pollution abatement by 50 per cent from Rs 20 crore last year to Rs 10 crore for 2019-20.&nbsp;

In this context, it would be apt to understand the challenges and opportunities of the air pollution crisis for a new generation born into smoking ‘cigarettes’ from their very first breath. They are being subjected to inhale polluted air, a disturbing legacy of urban growth passed on to them. Not a great life to long for.&nbsp;

Children constitute over one-third of the population. The way they handle toxins places them at far greater risk than the adult population and sadly, the younger they are, the greater the risk. They are also closer to the ground, so at greater risk to suspended low-hanging pollutants.&nbsp;

In fact, this risk begins even before birth with studies demonstrating how air pollution exposure to the mother results in numerous adverse outcomes for the unborn child, including low birth weight and in acute cases, even still-births.&nbsp;

While the number of years each child is losing due to air pollution is still being debated, it would be highly unlikely and unrealistic to expect that our smog-filled environs is actually extending lives.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report on the impact of air pollution on child health, following a global warning by UNICEF a few months earlier. In terms of health effects, a number of different conditions were highlighted besides asthma and pneumonia, but including autism, childhood cancer and obesity.

While respiratory related conditions have been fairly well researched in the Indian context, there is a paucity of evidence for other outcomes.&nbsp;

However, the absence of evidence does not in any way amount to the evidence of absence. As research for these conditions takes place in the Indian context, we will certainly see similar results, although the relative risk may differ.

The impact of air pollution for children goes beyond health. With mounting global evidence indicating that air pollution has deleterious effects on the brain, including cognition and learning, the impact on education in India hasn’t even been considered so far. &nbsp;

A US study, for example, has shown that when students taking standardised tests are separated into two groups, one where air quality is better and one where it is worse, the ones where air quality is better are significantly in an advantageous position. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Already, with the sort of air pollution levels seen in India, especially in cities like Delhi, and the other growing so-called ‘smart-cities’ marked by WHO for their pathetic pollution levels, many schools have stopped outdoor physical activity for children, a component, which is important for the growth of any child. In addition, there is always the ‘sword of Damocles’ hanging over school authorities to shut down schools.

However, in this gloom, today’s youngsters will certainly make the lotus bloom. They are now at the forefront of innovation, which was unthinkable ten years ago. Amply demonstrated by creating a sensor for traffic congestion or an app for personal monitoring of pollution, they are now becoming effective champions of change through innovation, apart from propagating the conventional ideas of using public transport or car pools, planting trees or simply by wearing a mask when they step outside in the very poor air quality.&nbsp;

Children can be harbingers of change, but ultimately at a societal level, adults have to take responsibility and ensure radical changes in emission reduction. After all, children are the most innocent victims of a world they did not create. Let’s give them a long life along with a world that is worth longing for.&nbsp;

To sum up, one does hope that the new government, after the general polls this year, does not create a situation where the environment is defeated by development.

Or else, we will have to take the words of a famous environmentalist seriously: “The cost of our society’s success is energy crises, climate change, pollution, and the destruction of our habitat. If we continue in the same direction, there will be nothing left for our children.”

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-environment-gets-short-shrift-2719261">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Union Minister, Piyush Goyal, in the Interim Budget made a slew of promises and announcements for the environmental sector. However, most environmental issues — pollution-free nation, cleaning rivers, protecting the coastline, self-sufficiency in food and good health infrastructure — found only a mention in the ‘Vision For The Next Decade’ section of his speech.

Union Minister, Piyush Goyal, in the Interim Budget made a slew of promises and announcements for the environmental sector. However, most environmental issues — pollution-free nation, cleaning rivers, protecting the coastline, self-sufficiency in food and good health infrastructure — found only a mention in the ‘Vision For The Next Decade’ section of his speech. The only silver lining in the Interim Budget was an increased outlay for the National Commission for Green India from Rs 240 crore, and a thumping pat on his own back when Goyal said “India provided leadership to the global climate change effort. Our commitment to promote renewable energy is reflected in our initiative to set up the International Solar Alliance”. None of these had any tangible targets or a perceptible action plan, especially when one talks about a young India with a population with an average age of less than 25. Unfortunately, at Rs 100 crore, the 2019-20 allocation remained the same as last year for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the central pollution watchdog, while the Centre decreased the allocation for pollution abatement by 50 per cent from Rs 20 crore last year to Rs 10 crore for 2019-20. In this context, it would be apt to understand the challenges and opportunities of the air pollution crisis for a new generation born into smoking ‘cigarettes’ from their very first breath. They are being subjected to inhale polluted air, a disturbing legacy of urban growth passed on to them. Not a great life to long for. Children constitute over one-third of the population. The way they handle toxins places them at far greater risk than the adult population and sadly, the younger they are, the greater the risk. They are also closer to the ground, so at greater risk to suspended low-hanging pollutants. In fact, this risk begins even before birth with studies demonstrating how air pollution exposure to the mother results in numerous adverse outcomes for the unborn child, including low birth weight and in acute cases, even still-births. While the number of years each child is losing due to air pollution is still being debated, it would be highly unlikely and unrealistic to expect that our smog-filled environs is actually extending lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a report on the impact of air pollution on child health, following a global warning by UNICEF a few months earlier. In terms of health effects, a number of different conditions were highlighted besides asthma and pneumonia, but including autism, childhood cancer and obesity. While respiratory related conditions have been fairly well researched in the Indian context, there is a paucity of evidence for other outcomes. However, the absence of evidence does not in any way amount to the evidence of absence. As research for these conditions takes place in the Indian context, we will certainly see similar results, although the relative risk may differ. The impact of air pollution for children goes beyond health. With mounting global evidence indicating that air pollution has deleterious effects on the brain, including cognition and learning, the impact on education in India hasn’t even been considered so far. A US study, for example, has shown that when students taking standardised tests are separated into two groups, one where air quality is better and one where it is worse, the ones where air quality is better are significantly in an advantageous position. Already, with the sort of air pollution levels seen in India, especially in cities like Delhi, and the other growing so-called ‘smart-cities’ marked by WHO for their pathetic pollution levels, many schools have stopped outdoor physical activity for children, a component, which is important for the growth of any child. In addition, there is always the ‘sword of Damocles’ hanging over school authorities to shut down schools. However, in this gloom, today’s youngsters will certainly make the lotus bloom. They are now at the forefront of innovation, which was unthinkable ten years ago. Amply demonstrated by creating a sensor for traffic congestion or an app for personal monitoring of pollution, they are now becoming effective champions of change through innovation, apart from propagating the conventional ideas of using public transport or car pools, planting trees or simply by wearing a mask when they step outside in the very poor air quality. Children can be harbingers of change, but ultimately at a societal level, adults have to take responsibility and ensure radical changes in emission reduction. After all, children are the most innocent victims of a world they did not create. Let’s give them a long life along with a world that is worth longing for. To sum up, one does hope that the new government, after the general polls this year, does not create a situation where the environment is defeated by development. Or else, we will have to take the words of a famous environmentalist seriously: “The cost of our society’s success is energy crises, climate change, pollution, and the destruction of our habitat. If we continue in the same direction, there will be nothing left for our children.” (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Environment gets short shrift

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings.

Russia's northeastern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, which has a population of around 3,000 people, has appealed for help to tackle "a mass invasion of polar bears into inhabited areas," regional authorities said in a statement.

Russian authorities have so far refused permission to shoot the bears but are sending a commission to investigate the situation and have not ruled out a cull.

Polar bears are affected by global warming with melting Arctic ice forcing them to spend more time on land where they compete for food.&nbsp;

They are recognised as an endangered species in Russia and hunting them is banned.

Russia has an air force and air defence troops based on Novaya Zemlya.

Since December, 52 polar bears have regularly visited the archipelago's main settlement, Belushya Guba, with some displaying "aggressive behaviour," local official Alexander Minayev said in a report to regional authorities.

This included "attacks on people and entering residential homes and public buildings," said Minayev, the deputy chief of the local administration.

"There are constantly 6 to 10 bears inside the settlement," he said.

"People are scared, they are afraid to leave their homes... parents are frightened to let their children go to schools and kindergartens."

The head of the local administration Zhigansha Musin said that the numbers of polar bears were unprecedented.

"I've been on Novaya Zemlya since 1983 and there's never been such a mass invasion of polar bears," he told regional officials. &nbsp;

Bears are constantly inside a military garrison and "literally chase people" he said as well as going into the entrances of blocks of flats.

Local officials complained that measures to scare off polar bears such as vehicle and dog patrols have not been effective as polar bears feel secure and no longer react.

The federal environmental resources agency has refused to issue licences to shoot the most aggressive bears.

A working group of regional and federal officials is set to visit the archipelago to assess the situation and the measures taken so far.

The Arkhangelsk regional authorities, which oversee Novaya Zemlya, said that if all else failed "shooting the animals could be the only possible forced measure."

In January, a defence ministry official said that hundreds of disused military buildings had been demolished on Novaya Zemlya because polar bears were settling inside them.

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings.

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings. Russia's northeastern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, which has a population of around 3,000 people, has appealed for help to tackle "a mass invasion of polar bears into inhabited areas," regional authorities said in a statement. Russian authorities have so far refused permission to shoot the bears but are sending a commission to investigate the situation and have not ruled out a cull. Polar bears are affected by global warming with melting Arctic ice forcing them to spend more time on land where they compete for food. They are recognised as an endangered species in Russia and hunting them is banned. Russia has an air force and air defence troops based on Novaya Zemlya. Since December, 52 polar bears have regularly visited the archipelago's main settlement, Belushya Guba, with some displaying "aggressive behaviour," local official Alexander Minayev said in a report to regional authorities. This included "attacks on people and entering residential homes and public buildings," said Minayev, the deputy chief of the local administration. "There are constantly 6 to 10 bears inside the settlement," he said. "People are scared, they are afraid to leave their homes... parents are frightened to let their children go to schools and kindergartens." The head of the local administration Zhigansha Musin said that the numbers of polar bears were unprecedented. "I've been on Novaya Zemlya since 1983 and there's never been such a mass invasion of polar bears," he told regional officials. Bears are constantly inside a military garrison and "literally chase people" he said as well as going into the entrances of blocks of flats. Local officials complained that measures to scare off polar bears such as vehicle and dog patrols have not been effective as polar bears feel secure and no longer react. The federal environmental resources agency has refused to issue licences to shoot the most aggressive bears. A working group of regional and federal officials is set to visit the archipelago to assess the situation and the measures taken so far. The Arkhangelsk regional authorities, which oversee Novaya Zemlya, said that if all else failed "shooting the animals could be the only possible forced measure." In January, a defence ministry official said that hundreds of disused military buildings had been demolished on Novaya Zemlya because polar bears were settling inside them.

Russian Arctic archipelago sounds alarm over aggressive polar bears

My host organisation, Udyogini, hopes to develop such a programme in rural Khandar. But to do so, it is important to understand the negative impacts that unplanned mass tourism can have. India’s Golden Triangle, connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, is the most touristed route in the country.&nbsp;

The area’s amazing cultural heritage and the ease of travel between its three corners make it easy to understand why. But while it has benefited economically from the tourism industry, the Golden Triangle also illustrates some of these negative impacts.&nbsp;

The increasingly large tourism industry in the area has a blind spot for ethical concerns, and sometimes bypasses authenticity for marketability.&nbsp;

For example, slum tourism, increasingly popular in Delhi, raises questions of who benefits from the transformation of impoverished communities into spectacles for wealthy international tourists to view. While certain tour operators make an effort to  give back to the slums they walk through, not all of them do, and almost none are owned and operated by slum residents themselves.&nbsp;

Chokhi Dhani, a popular village themed resort in Jaipur, packages rural India for tourist’s consumption, but in a fully artificial environment that does not actually interact with real rural communities.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the ubiquity of tourism in these cities has arguably cheapened visitors’ experience of the places as well. Instead of the massive, diverse, and living capital of the world’s largest democracy, New Delhi is marketed for a few key sites – Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate – often completely stripped of their contextual importance and experienced purely aesthetically as a stop on a bus tour. The same can be said of Agra and Jaipur. Clearly, the Golden Triangle tourism industry has not been a purely positive phenomenon for the people who live there, or the tourists themselves.&nbsp;

Learning from the Golden Triangle is especially important for my project because increasingly, tourists are adding a fourth stop to their Golden Triangle itinerary, my placement site, Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, which is home to Ranthambore National Park.

Aided by its excellent rail connectivity to all three cities in the Golden Triangle – it sits two hours from Jaipur, four from Agra, and six from Delhi – hundreds of hotels have opened up on the main road from the city to the park entrance. Sawai Madhopur is routinely included on guided tour operators’ Golden Triangle tours and features prominently in the various routes of the super-luxury Maharaja Express tourist train.&nbsp;

Golden Triangle style mass-market tourism has firmly established itself as the main pillar of Sawai Madhopur’s economy. But the area’s small population, poor economy, and ecological sensitivity only magnify the tourism industry’s effects on the district. Exclusive hotels charge Rs 60,000 per night for rooms in the peak season despite sitting in a district that has been ranked one of the 126 most “backward” in India.

While certain lucky residents win low-level jobs in the hotels, the industry’s profits flow to outsiders who by-and-large own the properties.

Ranthambore National Park is home to the highest density of tigers in its history, making it one of the best places to see the animals in the wild. This has brought tourists who are single-minded in their reason for visiting the area. The majority of visitors spend only one or two nights in Sawai Madhopur, shuttling between their hotel and the National Park in pre-booked safaris. During popular times of the year, guests&nbsp;who have not pre-booked sometimes arrive in the area only to find that safaris during their stay are already full, and have to spend their time idly, with a few other sites to see in the area.&nbsp;

Furthermore, tourism is endangering the very natural environment that supports the industry. Hotels have taken up more and more land directly outside of the buffer zone of the park, threatening to cut it off from other natural lands. Water tables have fallen dramatically in recent years, and while this is partially attributable to agriculture, the tourism industry uses an outsized share of the area’s groundwater. 
 
Far from being a natural respite from the problems of tourism in the Golden Triangle, my placement site sees, in many ways, an intensification of the same issues.&nbsp;

While addressing the negative aspects of tourism can seem daunting, there are multiple examples, both throughout the world and within India, of tourist facilities conducting themselves in a respectful and sustainable manner that elevates local communities and enriches tourists’ experiences. 
 
(A previous version of this article was originally published by the American India Foundation)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

My host organisation, Udyogini, hopes to develop such a programme in rural Khandar. But to do so, it is important to understand the negative impacts that unplanned mass tourism can have.

My host organisation, Udyogini, hopes to develop such a programme in rural Khandar. But to do so, it is important to understand the negative impacts that unplanned mass tourism can have. India’s Golden Triangle, connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, is the most touristed route in the country. The area’s amazing cultural heritage and the ease of travel between its three corners make it easy to understand why. But while it has benefited economically from the tourism industry, the Golden Triangle also illustrates some of these negative impacts. The increasingly large tourism industry in the area has a blind spot for ethical concerns, and sometimes bypasses authenticity for marketability. For example, slum tourism, increasingly popular in Delhi, raises questions of who benefits from the transformation of impoverished communities into spectacles for wealthy international tourists to view. While certain tour operators make an effort to  give back to the slums they walk through, not all of them do, and almost none are owned and operated by slum residents themselves. Chokhi Dhani, a popular village themed resort in Jaipur, packages rural India for tourist’s consumption, but in a fully artificial environment that does not actually interact with real rural communities. Furthermore, the ubiquity of tourism in these cities has arguably cheapened visitors’ experience of the places as well. Instead of the massive, diverse, and living capital of the world’s largest democracy, New Delhi is marketed for a few key sites – Humayun’s Tomb, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate – often completely stripped of their contextual importance and experienced purely aesthetically as a stop on a bus tour. The same can be said of Agra and Jaipur. Clearly, the Golden Triangle tourism industry has not been a purely positive phenomenon for the people who live there, or the tourists themselves. Learning from the Golden Triangle is especially important for my project because increasingly, tourists are adding a fourth stop to their Golden Triangle itinerary, my placement site, Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, which is home to Ranthambore National Park. Aided by its excellent rail connectivity to all three cities in the Golden Triangle – it sits two hours from Jaipur, four from Agra, and six from Delhi – hundreds of hotels have opened up on the main road from the city to the park entrance. Sawai Madhopur is routinely included on guided tour operators’ Golden Triangle tours and features prominently in the various routes of the super-luxury Maharaja Express tourist train. Golden Triangle style mass-market tourism has firmly established itself as the main pillar of Sawai Madhopur’s economy. But the area’s small population, poor economy, and ecological sensitivity only magnify the tourism industry’s effects on the district. Exclusive hotels charge Rs 60,000 per night for rooms in the peak season despite sitting in a district that has been ranked one of the 126 most “backward” in India. While certain lucky residents win low-level jobs in the hotels, the industry’s profits flow to outsiders who by-and-large own the properties. Ranthambore National Park is home to the highest density of tigers in its history, making it one of the best places to see the animals in the wild. This has brought tourists who are single-minded in their reason for visiting the area. The majority of visitors spend only one or two nights in Sawai Madhopur, shuttling between their hotel and the National Park in pre-booked safaris. During popular times of the year, guests who have not pre-booked sometimes arrive in the area only to find that safaris during their stay are already full, and have to spend their time idly, with a few other sites to see in the area. Furthermore, tourism is endangering the very natural environment that supports the industry. Hotels have taken up more and more land directly outside of the buffer zone of the park, threatening to cut it off from other natural lands. Water tables have fallen dramatically in recent years, and while this is partially attributable to agriculture, the tourism industry uses an outsized share of the area’s groundwater. Far from being a natural respite from the problems of tourism in the Golden Triangle, my placement site sees, in many ways, an intensification of the same issues. While addressing the negative aspects of tourism can seem daunting, there are multiple examples, both throughout the world and within India, of tourist facilities conducting themselves in a respectful and sustainable manner that elevates local communities and enriches tourists’ experiences. (A previous version of this article was originally published by the American India Foundation) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: Rethinking tourism

Extraordinary biodiversity richness is one of the reasons why India is incredible! Occupying just 2.5 per cent of the earth’s total land area, India holds 7 per cent flora and 6.5 per cent fauna of the world.&nbsp;

Western Ghats mountain range that extends over 1,500 km from River Tapi to Kanyakumari through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots.&nbsp;

The Ghats with an average elevation of 600m force the moisture-laden winds coming off the Arabian Sea to cause precipitation of 2,000 mm or more, with the western hill slopes receiving maximum rainfall while the eastern slopes remaining comparatively drier.&nbsp;

These typical conditions have evolved a wide range of habitat types like a tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous and dry deciduous forest, dry thorn forest, lateritic plateaus and grassland. Around 5,000 species of plants, 500 bird species, 220 amphibians, 120 mammals is just a glimpse of its species richness! The Ghats are a centre of endemism with over 2,000 species of flora and fauna found only in this stretch of 1500 km, out of which 325 species are globally threatened – Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Grey Hornbill to name a few. The UNESCO recognises 7,653.15 sq km of the Western Ghats as a World Heritage Site.

There is an inherent relationship between forests and water. Forests serve as natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainwater and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Koyna that originate and flow through the Ghats proving to be lifelines for the biodiversity and local people. 
 
India, a country with one of the oldest civilisations and a rich culture that respects and worships natural resources, protects large chunks of forests as ‘sacred groves’, where destructive activities like tree-cutting and hunting are disallowed. No person dares to break this system lest he is punished by the Almighty. This fear or respect has been largely responsible for conserving several areas such as forests around Sabarimala temple in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, and Lord Shiva temple in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra.

Recognising these ecological, cultural and economical values, Prof. Gadgil Committee and Dr Kasturirangan Committee constituted by the Government of India in 2011 and 2013, respectively, recommended measures for long-term preservation of this ecologically fragile landscape. Gadgil committee report recommended declaring the entire WG landscape as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided under three sub-zones, with a ban on mining, thermal power plants, polluting industries and large dams, and the inclusion of local communities in biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-friendly activities.&nbsp;

Since this report rubbed many the wrong ways, the Kasturirangan committee was set up to review the Gadgil committee report. The Kasturirangan committee recommended to incentivise green growth that promotes sustainable and equitable development bringing only around 37 per cent Ghats area under the ESA out of the entire 1,64,000 sq km. Although significantly reduced, as compared to Gadgil Committee report, the area of 56,000 sq km recommended by Kasturirangan Committee report includes around 68-odd existing Protected Areas covering around 17,000 sq km area. The Central Government tried to bring in three draft notifications for declaring this as the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (WGESA). 
 
However, none of the state governments concerned have shown any inclination to support this notification. Rajya Sabha Committee on Government Assurances has recently expressed its dissent over the insensitive approach of the concerned state governments as the mayhem caused by 2018 Kerala floods is believed to have resulted due to illegal quarrying and deforestation that triggered landslides in the Ghats. In 2014, a village named Malin was buried under a massive landslide at the foothills of Ghats in Maharashtra largely due to deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices on the hills above. 
 
Had the state governments adopted the WGESA notification, perhaps the above catastrophes costing thousands of human lives could have been avoided. There is an increasing trend to convert privately-owned forests to monoculture plantations of exotic species such as rubber causing severe loss of biodiversity and associated ecological services. Illegal hunting and indiscriminate plant collection by some local communities are other threats for the local biodiversity. Haphazard and unsustainable tourism development in existing ESAs such as Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani is playing havoc with natural ecosystems. Despite being one of the wettest areas, drinking water shortage and depletion of groundwater have emerged as major environmental issues.&nbsp;

India’s economic policies should be built on strong ecological foundations that ensure an environmentally sound and sustainable future to 50 million people and prevent species extinction of this beautiful landscape.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-protecting-the-western-ghats-is-in-national-interest-2710964">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Extraordinary biodiversity richness is one of the reasons why India is incredible! Occupying just 2.5 per cent of the earth’s total land area, India holds 7 per cent flora and 6.

Extraordinary biodiversity richness is one of the reasons why India is incredible! Occupying just 2.5 per cent of the earth’s total land area, India holds 7 per cent flora and 6.5 per cent fauna of the world. Western Ghats mountain range that extends over 1,500 km from River Tapi to Kanyakumari through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is one of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots. The Ghats with an average elevation of 600m force the moisture-laden winds coming off the Arabian Sea to cause precipitation of 2,000 mm or more, with the western hill slopes receiving maximum rainfall while the eastern slopes remaining comparatively drier. These typical conditions have evolved a wide range of habitat types like a tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous and dry deciduous forest, dry thorn forest, lateritic plateaus and grassland. Around 5,000 species of plants, 500 bird species, 220 amphibians, 120 mammals is just a glimpse of its species richness! The Ghats are a centre of endemism with over 2,000 species of flora and fauna found only in this stretch of 1500 km, out of which 325 species are globally threatened – Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Malabar Grey Hornbill to name a few. The UNESCO recognises 7,653.15 sq km of the Western Ghats as a World Heritage Site. There is an inherent relationship between forests and water. Forests serve as natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainwater and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Koyna that originate and flow through the Ghats proving to be lifelines for the biodiversity and local people. India, a country with one of the oldest civilisations and a rich culture that respects and worships natural resources, protects large chunks of forests as ‘sacred groves’, where destructive activities like tree-cutting and hunting are disallowed. No person dares to break this system lest he is punished by the Almighty. This fear or respect has been largely responsible for conserving several areas such as forests around Sabarimala temple in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, and Lord Shiva temple in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra. Recognising these ecological, cultural and economical values, Prof. Gadgil Committee and Dr Kasturirangan Committee constituted by the Government of India in 2011 and 2013, respectively, recommended measures for long-term preservation of this ecologically fragile landscape. Gadgil committee report recommended declaring the entire WG landscape as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), divided under three sub-zones, with a ban on mining, thermal power plants, polluting industries and large dams, and the inclusion of local communities in biodiversity conservation and promoting eco-friendly activities. Since this report rubbed many the wrong ways, the Kasturirangan committee was set up to review the Gadgil committee report. The Kasturirangan committee recommended to incentivise green growth that promotes sustainable and equitable development bringing only around 37 per cent Ghats area under the ESA out of the entire 1,64,000 sq km. Although significantly reduced, as compared to Gadgil Committee report, the area of 56,000 sq km recommended by Kasturirangan Committee report includes around 68-odd existing Protected Areas covering around 17,000 sq km area. The Central Government tried to bring in three draft notifications for declaring this as the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (WGESA). However, none of the state governments concerned have shown any inclination to support this notification. Rajya Sabha Committee on Government Assurances has recently expressed its dissent over the insensitive approach of the concerned state governments as the mayhem caused by 2018 Kerala floods is believed to have resulted due to illegal quarrying and deforestation that triggered landslides in the Ghats. In 2014, a village named Malin was buried under a massive landslide at the foothills of Ghats in Maharashtra largely due to deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices on the hills above. Had the state governments adopted the WGESA notification, perhaps the above catastrophes costing thousands of human lives could have been avoided. There is an increasing trend to convert privately-owned forests to monoculture plantations of exotic species such as rubber causing severe loss of biodiversity and associated ecological services. Illegal hunting and indiscriminate plant collection by some local communities are other threats for the local biodiversity. Haphazard and unsustainable tourism development in existing ESAs such as Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani is playing havoc with natural ecosystems. Despite being one of the wettest areas, drinking water shortage and depletion of groundwater have emerged as major environmental issues. India’s economic policies should be built on strong ecological foundations that ensure an environmentally sound and sustainable future to 50 million people and prevent species extinction of this beautiful landscape. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Protecting the Western Ghats is in national interest

Kabul residents have long run the gauntlet of suicide attacks and bombs. This winter, however, they face another deadly threat, air pollution.

For weeks a thick layer of toxic smog has blanketed the sprawling city as cold air traps pollution caused by people burning coal, wood, car tyres and even garbage to stay warm.

The choking contamination peaks in evenings and early mornings when temperature&nbsp;plunge below zero.&nbsp;

Dangerous particulate matter, including toxins like sulphate and black carbon, hang in the air like a thick curtain, reducing visibility and making breathing difficult.&nbsp;

Residents complain the air is getting worse — a view supported by doctors who report a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses.

"In previous years 30 to 40 per cent of our patients were suffering from acute respiratory infections, but this year it has jumped to 70 or 80 per cent," said Akbar Iqbal, a doctor in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Indira Gandhi children's hospital in Kabul.

"I believe the cold and pollution are the main causes." &nbsp;&nbsp;

A seasonal lack of rain and snow in Kabul, coupled with a fast-growing population, fume-belching vehicles, and proliferation of diesel-fuelled generators, are contributing to the deteriorating air quality.

A former official at the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) described this winter's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-17134-crore-fine-on-volkswagen-for-causing-air-pollution-in-delhi-recommends-ngt-panel-190490&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjPnanh0f7fAhVIi3AKHb2tBuAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0mxg2v7RStz3em2Ribco0V">pollution</a> as "deadly".

"This can cause stunting and mental development problems in children as well as miscarriages and can lead to many forms of cancer," said Abdul Hadi Zhemen, who until recently was the spokesman for NEPA. &nbsp;

Kabul's air pollution exceeds the World Health Organisation's (WHO) safe levels on any given day in winter. Recently the city of five million people has ranked among the most polluted in the world, according to the AirVisual network.

The air quality index reading is often above 300, while at night it can top 600. Recent snow and rain offered some respite, but readings still remain well above the WHO's limits.&nbsp;

Any reading over 100 is considered unhealthy.&nbsp;

Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses, WHO said.

Authorities have turned to media to educate people on air pollution and encourage the use of face masks, even though they often provide poor protection.&nbsp;

"On the most polluted days we advise people to stay indoors... when the pollution level is at its highest," said Mohammad Kazem Homayoun, NEPA's chief for Kabul.&nbsp;

In a country where most people are illiterate and healthcare is limited, the information is unlikely to help many. &nbsp;

Doctors are also falling victim to the toxic air.&nbsp;

Sohrab Noori, head of the ICU at Wazir Akbar Khan hospital — where the number of admissions for respiratory-related problems has increased — said he had developed a "winter cough" for the first time.&nbsp;

"I think it's an allergic reaction to the air pollution," Noori said as he walked past patients hooked up to oxygen cylinders.&nbsp;

"If it (air pollution) continues in the long term, in two to three months we might have a big health crisis."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kabul residents have long run the gauntlet of suicide attacks and bombs. This winter, however, they face another deadly threat, air pollution. For weeks a thick layer of toxic smog has blanketed the sprawling city as cold air traps pollution caused by people burning coal, wood, car tyres and even garbage to stay warm.

Kabul residents have long run the gauntlet of suicide attacks and bombs. This winter, however, they face another deadly threat, air pollution. For weeks a thick layer of toxic smog has blanketed the sprawling city as cold air traps pollution caused by people burning coal, wood, car tyres and even garbage to stay warm. The choking contamination peaks in evenings and early mornings when temperature plunge below zero. Dangerous particulate matter, including toxins like sulphate and black carbon, hang in the air like a thick curtain, reducing visibility and making breathing difficult. Residents complain the air is getting worse — a view supported by doctors who report a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. "In previous years 30 to 40 per cent of our patients were suffering from acute respiratory infections, but this year it has jumped to 70 or 80 per cent," said Akbar Iqbal, a doctor in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Indira Gandhi children's hospital in Kabul. "I believe the cold and pollution are the main causes." A seasonal lack of rain and snow in Kabul, coupled with a fast-growing population, fume-belching vehicles, and proliferation of diesel-fuelled generators, are contributing to the deteriorating air quality. A former official at the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) described this winter's pollution as "deadly". "This can cause stunting and mental development problems in children as well as miscarriages and can lead to many forms of cancer," said Abdul Hadi Zhemen, who until recently was the spokesman for NEPA. Kabul's air pollution exceeds the World Health Organisation's (WHO) safe levels on any given day in winter. Recently the city of five million people has ranked among the most polluted in the world, according to the AirVisual network. The air quality index reading is often above 300, while at night it can top 600. Recent snow and rain offered some respite, but readings still remain well above the WHO's limits. Any reading over 100 is considered unhealthy. Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses, WHO said. Authorities have turned to media to educate people on air pollution and encourage the use of face masks, even though they often provide poor protection. "On the most polluted days we advise people to stay indoors... when the pollution level is at its highest," said Mohammad Kazem Homayoun, NEPA's chief for Kabul. In a country where most people are illiterate and healthcare is limited, the information is unlikely to help many. Doctors are also falling victim to the toxic air. Sohrab Noori, head of the ICU at Wazir Akbar Khan hospital — where the number of admissions for respiratory-related problems has increased — said he had developed a "winter cough" for the first time. "I think it's an allergic reaction to the air pollution," Noori said as he walked past patients hooked up to oxygen cylinders. "If it (air pollution) continues in the long term, in two to three months we might have a big health crisis."

Afghanistan: Kabul chokes on dirty air as temperature plunge

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-shows-slight-improvement-with-increased-wind-speed-188257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjkn5TO8vbfAhUMvY8KHbhRA6IQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0HBuHcjn0QzgcA7ptciQMX">Central Pollution Control Board</a> has asked Reliance industries why a fine of Rs 1 crore should not be slapped on it and prosecution not initiated over non-compliance of National Green Tribunal order on installation of anti-pollution "vapour recovery" systems (VRS) at fuel stations.

The CPCB had earlier slapped a fine of Rs 1 crore each on three public sector oil companies for their failure to install VRS systems at fuel stations.

The CPCB said that the National Green Tribunal had on September 28 directed oil companies to ensure installation of VRS in petrol pumps selling more than 300 kilolitres per month (KL/M) but the Reliance industries informed that there is no such retail outlet. It also said that there are two retail outlets selling less than 300 KL/M and VRS will be installed by December 31, 2018.

In a letter dated January 8, the CPCB said Reliance industries informed it that installation of VRS stage II at retail outlets selling less than 300 KL/month has been completed but no compliance status was submitted with respect to installation of VRS IB at these stations.

Vapour recovery system IB is used to control the vapour released during the offloading of fuel at distribution centres. Vapour recovery system Stage 2 is used to control the vapour while the fuel is transferred from holding tanks to vehicles.

"The above status indicates non-compliance of NGT order and therefore, in view of above, a notice is hereby served to show cause as to why environment compensation of Rs one crore shall not be levied and prosecution not initiated against Reliance industries for non-compliance of NGT order," CPCB chairperson S P S Parihar said in the notice.

Vapour recovery device is an instrument to capture displaced vapours that emerge from inside a vehicle's fuel tank while filling petrol or diesel in it. 
&nbsp; 
In December, the CPCB had imposed fine on public sector oil firms Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Central Pollution Control Board has asked Reliance industries why a fine of Rs 1 crore should not be slapped on it and prosecution not initiated over non-compliance of National Green Tribunal order on installation of anti-pollution "vapour recovery" systems (VRS) at fuel stations.

The Central Pollution Control Board has asked Reliance industries why a fine of Rs 1 crore should not be slapped on it and prosecution not initiated over non-compliance of National Green Tribunal order on installation of anti-pollution "vapour recovery" systems (VRS) at fuel stations. The CPCB had earlier slapped a fine of Rs 1 crore each on three public sector oil companies for their failure to install VRS systems at fuel stations. The CPCB said that the National Green Tribunal had on September 28 directed oil companies to ensure installation of VRS in petrol pumps selling more than 300 kilolitres per month (KL/M) but the Reliance industries informed that there is no such retail outlet. It also said that there are two retail outlets selling less than 300 KL/M and VRS will be installed by December 31, 2018. In a letter dated January 8, the CPCB said Reliance industries informed it that installation of VRS stage II at retail outlets selling less than 300 KL/month has been completed but no compliance status was submitted with respect to installation of VRS IB at these stations. Vapour recovery system IB is used to control the vapour released during the offloading of fuel at distribution centres. Vapour recovery system Stage 2 is used to control the vapour while the fuel is transferred from holding tanks to vehicles. "The above status indicates non-compliance of NGT order and therefore, in view of above, a notice is hereby served to show cause as to why environment compensation of Rs one crore shall not be levied and prosecution not initiated against Reliance industries for non-compliance of NGT order," CPCB chairperson S P S Parihar said in the notice. Vapour recovery device is an instrument to capture displaced vapours that emerge from inside a vehicle's fuel tank while filling petrol or diesel in it. In December, the CPCB had imposed fine on public sector oil firms Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

Why Rs 1 crore fine not be slapped over non-compliance of NGT order: CPCB to Reliance industries

Last month, Gaja cyclone battered Tamil Nadu leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. At least 63 people are believed to have died due to the cyclone, which damaged over 33.41 lakh houses. Over 2.5 lakh people were evacuated by the administration.

For relief and rehabilitation, the state government has sought an assistance of Rs 15,000 crore from the Centre, which has approved release of Rs 353.70 crore.

According to an analysis by the Down To Earth, 14 depressions have already formed over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea this year, thereby breaking "a 26-year-old record for the most depressions in a single year". Gaja cyclone is the third to hit the Indian mainland this year.

As compared to the western coast, India's eastern coast is more prone to cyclones. For instance, between 1891 and 2000, over 308 cyclones hit the eastern coast, whereas the western coast braved 48.The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) recent 'Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degree Celsius' has warned that the North Indian Ocean over the Arabian Sea will witness an increase in the frequency of extremely severe cyclonic storms owing to anthropogenic warming.

Climate scientists warn that storms are expected to have higher wind speed with more rainfall because warmer oceans/waters feed water vapour to the cyclones.

But, increasing cyclonic activity is just one part of the impact of climate change on Tamil Nadu, which has the second longest coastline in the country —- 15 percent of the total Indian coastline is spread across it's 13 coastal districts. There are 591 fishing villages along the state's coastline.

A research study, 'Climate change projections for Tamil Nadu, India: deriving high-resolution climate data by a downscaling approach using PRECIS', by the Centre for Climate Change &amp; Adaptation Research at Anna University, Chennai, has forecasted an average temperature increase of 3.1 degree C by the end of the century along with an overall decline of 4 percent in annual rainfall in the state [as compared to baseline of 1970-2000].

According to A Ramachandran, a climate scientist who is part of the study, interior parts of Tamil Nadu will have reduced rainfall whereas coastal districts will face an increase in rains with Kanyakumari district being the most vulnerable.

An evaluation of the India Meteorological Department's data between 1970 and 2000 reveals a rise in temperature in the state and a decline in its annual mean rainfall.

Ramachandran and the team's study have projected an increase of 1.0 degree C, 2.2 degree C and 3.1 degree C in maximum temperature and an increase in minimum temperature of 1.1 degree C, 2.4 degree C and 3.5 degree C for the periods 2020s (2005-2035), 2050s (2035-2065) and 2080s (2065-2095) in Tamil Nadu.

The researchers have also analysed and projected rainfall trends in the state, with an overall decrease in rainfall of about 2-7 per cent, 1-4 per cent and 4-9 per cent in the same periods.

But, significant exceptions have been noticed over some pockets of western hilly and high rainfall areas in the state where it is expected to increase. "There are also indications of increasing heavy rainfall events during the northeast monsoon season and a slight decrease during the southwest monsoon season," reads the research paper published in the Journal of Theoretical and Applied Climatology.

Authors of the study warn that "future projections clearly indicate an increased probability of extreme temperature spells that would be expected to be very detrimental for public health… Decrease in rainfall over the Tamil Nadu state … may cause severe damage to the agriculture sector with respect to crop productions, water insecurities, species extinctions, etc."

Apart from rising temperature and declining rainfall, scientists are also warning of sea-level rise along the state's coastline, which will directly impact coastal communities and the fishers, and turn coastal lands saline. As per some estimates, over 1.2 million hectare coastal land in India has already turned saline.

Tide gauge reading from four Indian ports shows a sea-level rise of 4.8 cm between 1993 and 2012. The Anna University study has projected sea-level rise between 4.51 cm and 4.94 cm along the Tamil Nadu's coastline by 2025. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-brace-up-for-rise-in-cyclonic-storms-high-temperatures-on-the-tamil-nadu-coast-2694352">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Last month, Gaja cyclone battered Tamil Nadu leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. At least 63 people are believed to have died due to the cyclone, which damaged over 33.

Last month, Gaja cyclone battered Tamil Nadu leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. At least 63 people are believed to have died due to the cyclone, which damaged over 33.41 lakh houses. Over 2.5 lakh people were evacuated by the administration. For relief and rehabilitation, the state government has sought an assistance of Rs 15,000 crore from the Centre, which has approved release of Rs 353.70 crore. According to an analysis by the Down To Earth, 14 depressions have already formed over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea this year, thereby breaking "a 26-year-old record for the most depressions in a single year". Gaja cyclone is the third to hit the Indian mainland this year. As compared to the western coast, India's eastern coast is more prone to cyclones. For instance, between 1891 and 2000, over 308 cyclones hit the eastern coast, whereas the western coast braved 48.The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) recent 'Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 degree Celsius' has warned that the North Indian Ocean over the Arabian Sea will witness an increase in the frequency of extremely severe cyclonic storms owing to anthropogenic warming. Climate scientists warn that storms are expected to have higher wind speed with more rainfall because warmer oceans/waters feed water vapour to the cyclones. But, increasing cyclonic activity is just one part of the impact of climate change on Tamil Nadu, which has the second longest coastline in the country —- 15 percent of the total Indian coastline is spread across it's 13 coastal districts. There are 591 fishing villages along the state's coastline. A research study, 'Climate change projections for Tamil Nadu, India: deriving high-resolution climate data by a downscaling approach using PRECIS', by the Centre for Climate Change & Adaptation Research at Anna University, Chennai, has forecasted an average temperature increase of 3.1 degree C by the end of the century along with an overall decline of 4 percent in annual rainfall in the state [as compared to baseline of 1970-2000]. According to A Ramachandran, a climate scientist who is part of the study, interior parts of Tamil Nadu will have reduced rainfall whereas coastal districts will face an increase in rains with Kanyakumari district being the most vulnerable. An evaluation of the India Meteorological Department's data between 1970 and 2000 reveals a rise in temperature in the state and a decline in its annual mean rainfall. Ramachandran and the team's study have projected an increase of 1.0 degree C, 2.2 degree C and 3.1 degree C in maximum temperature and an increase in minimum temperature of 1.1 degree C, 2.4 degree C and 3.5 degree C for the periods 2020s (2005-2035), 2050s (2035-2065) and 2080s (2065-2095) in Tamil Nadu. The researchers have also analysed and projected rainfall trends in the state, with an overall decrease in rainfall of about 2-7 per cent, 1-4 per cent and 4-9 per cent in the same periods. But, significant exceptions have been noticed over some pockets of western hilly and high rainfall areas in the state where it is expected to increase. "There are also indications of increasing heavy rainfall events during the northeast monsoon season and a slight decrease during the southwest monsoon season," reads the research paper published in the Journal of Theoretical and Applied Climatology. Authors of the study warn that "future projections clearly indicate an increased probability of extreme temperature spells that would be expected to be very detrimental for public health… Decrease in rainfall over the Tamil Nadu state … may cause severe damage to the agriculture sector with respect to crop productions, water insecurities, species extinctions, etc." Apart from rising temperature and declining rainfall, scientists are also warning of sea-level rise along the state's coastline, which will directly impact coastal communities and the fishers, and turn coastal lands saline. As per some estimates, over 1.2 million hectare coastal land in India has already turned saline. Tide gauge reading from four Indian ports shows a sea-level rise of 4.8 cm between 1993 and 2012. The Anna University study has projected sea-level rise between 4.51 cm and 4.94 cm along the Tamil Nadu's coastline by 2025. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Brace up for rise in cyclonic storms, high temperatures on the Tamil Nadu coast

By Henry D Jacoby and Jennifer Morris

A mounting sense of urgency will greet negotiators as they arrive at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland. In 2015, after 20 years of trying and failing to reach a global accord on climate-changing emissions, 195 nations hammered out a deal, the Paris Agreement, that all of them could accept.

Three years on, it’s becoming increasingly clear that national decisions about climate action, which country negotiators will convey in Poland and over the next two years, will determine whether the breakthrough Paris pact succeeds both on a political and emissions reduction front.

As scholars at the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, we have closely followed the global climate change agreements and studied their implications. Based on our analysis of nations’ commitments to cut emissions, getting the world on track to achieve the agreement’s signature goal – to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius – will require far more ambitious climate action than what countries have pledged so far. This action must begin sooner rather than later to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, from severe droughts to extreme flooding.

Climate change won’t wait for humanity’s response

Climate change is the type of problem where delay is especially costly. It is not like other pollution such as dirty urban air or a putrid stream. For these, people might clean up a polluted area this year, but if they put off the task, there will probably still be the same opportunity to get it done the following year.

Not so with greenhouse gases, which hang around for decades to centuries. So if societies delay revising our current practices – burning fossil fuels, chopping down forests, planting more polluting crops like rice, as well as raising cows – the total amount in the atmosphere will grow. The goals for limiting global warming will get steadily more difficult to achieve.

In addition, as the nations’ representatives gather in Poland to pursue their effort to gain control of this process, a crucial decision point is rapidly approaching.

Brutal timing

In the Paris Agreement, each nation is to make a pledge (what the agreement calls a Nationally Determined Contribution) to achieve a level of emissions control by a target date. For most countries, this is the year 2030. They will also submit to a review of whether they did what they said they would do every two years.

Our analysis shows that, fortunately, meeting these Paris pledges will halt emissions growth at least to 2030, though without additional action growth will resume thereafter. This voluntary system of pledge and review represents real progress on this difficult issue. Experts in international affairs argue that it is perhaps the best deal possible for a 195-nation agreement.

The pledges for 2030 are just the first step, however. Getting the globe onto a path to the 2°C Paris goal, much less to meet its stretch objective of 1.5°C, will require stronger action beyond 2030.

How tough the emissions restrictions must be in the next decade or two depends on the pace of reduction that may be feasible later in the century – and here emerging technology could possibly play a role. For example, a significant effort is underway to develop techniques to suck carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the air and store it underground. If we could count on this option becoming available and affordable in the future, participating nations in the Paris Agreement could relax their emissions controls a bit now and the temperature goal could potentially still be met.

We take the view, however, that it is not wise to bet the planet on the chance of a late-century technical fix. To avoid this risky bet, our analysis shows that meeting the Paris 2°C goal requires a dramatic turnaround in emissions in the very near future.

Why 2020 is a crucial date 
 
The Paris Agreement sets up a five-year cycle of updates and specifies that in 2020 nations should revise their pledges for 2030, increasing ambition if possible. Also in 2020, nations are to pledge emissions reductions to be made by the next target date, likely to be 2035.

Whether there is financial aid for less-wealthy countries could have a big effect on the outcome. For 2030, and likely for future target dates, the pledges of many developing nations assume aid will be provided to help with the task. The richer countries have agreed to provide it, but the flow of funds thus far has been small in relation to the need.

This assistance will be increasingly important in the future because a growing share of global emissions will come from rapidly growing developing countries. We project these countries to represent over three-quarters of global emissions by 2030, and to continue to grow after that.

Failure to achieve substantial increases in ambition in these 2020 declarations, and the financial assistance to support them, would be bad news for the climate. Delay in starting the turn-down of emissions suggested in our analysis will further add to the collection of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As their concentration grows, the path of reduction leading to a 2°C outcome will become steeper, and thus more costly, potentially putting temperature goals out of reach.

All this means that a wimpy response by participating nations in 2020 will threaten the credibility of the hard-won Paris Agreement. The willingness of nations to participate in such a volunteer control effort depends on confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of the global effort. Are others doing their part? Is the overall regime working? If countries don’t meet their Paris Agreement commitments to cut emissions and then, further, don’t ratchet up their ambitions, the entire agreement risks unravelling.

Time pressure

The current absence of the US in global climate talks doesn’t help, but fortunately, most other nations recognise the global risk and are making a serious effort to ensure that the agreement succeeds.

And all negotiators recognise that substantial new pledges in 2020 will help build confidence in the effort, besides encouraging everybody to make sure they meet their 2030 goals. There is great time pressure between now and 2020, given all that needs to be done. But this is nonetheless a time of great opportunity. Negotiated deals and national decisions made in these few months may determine whether or not the world’s nations will get on track to meeting this global challenge.

(Henry D Jacoby is Professor of Management, MIT Sloan School of Management;&nbsp;Jennifer Morris is Research Scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

(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)

By Henry D Jacoby and Jennifer Morris A mounting sense of urgency will greet negotiators as they arrive at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland.

By Henry D Jacoby and Jennifer Morris A mounting sense of urgency will greet negotiators as they arrive at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland. In 2015, after 20 years of trying and failing to reach a global accord on climate-changing emissions, 195 nations hammered out a deal, the Paris Agreement, that all of them could accept. Three years on, it’s becoming increasingly clear that national decisions about climate action, which country negotiators will convey in Poland and over the next two years, will determine whether the breakthrough Paris pact succeeds both on a political and emissions reduction front. As scholars at the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, we have closely followed the global climate change agreements and studied their implications. Based on our analysis of nations’ commitments to cut emissions, getting the world on track to achieve the agreement’s signature goal – to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius – will require far more ambitious climate action than what countries have pledged so far. This action must begin sooner rather than later to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, from severe droughts to extreme flooding. Climate change won’t wait for humanity’s response Climate change is the type of problem where delay is especially costly. It is not like other pollution such as dirty urban air or a putrid stream. For these, people might clean up a polluted area this year, but if they put off the task, there will probably still be the same opportunity to get it done the following year. Not so with greenhouse gases, which hang around for decades to centuries. So if societies delay revising our current practices – burning fossil fuels, chopping down forests, planting more polluting crops like rice, as well as raising cows – the total amount in the atmosphere will grow. The goals for limiting global warming will get steadily more difficult to achieve. In addition, as the nations’ representatives gather in Poland to pursue their effort to gain control of this process, a crucial decision point is rapidly approaching. Brutal timing In the Paris Agreement, each nation is to make a pledge (what the agreement calls a Nationally Determined Contribution) to achieve a level of emissions control by a target date. For most countries, this is the year 2030. They will also submit to a review of whether they did what they said they would do every two years. Our analysis shows that, fortunately, meeting these Paris pledges will halt emissions growth at least to 2030, though without additional action growth will resume thereafter. This voluntary system of pledge and review represents real progress on this difficult issue. Experts in international affairs argue that it is perhaps the best deal possible for a 195-nation agreement. The pledges for 2030 are just the first step, however. Getting the globe onto a path to the 2°C Paris goal, much less to meet its stretch objective of 1.5°C, will require stronger action beyond 2030. How tough the emissions restrictions must be in the next decade or two depends on the pace of reduction that may be feasible later in the century – and here emerging technology could possibly play a role. For example, a significant effort is underway to develop techniques to suck carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the air and store it underground. If we could count on this option becoming available and affordable in the future, participating nations in the Paris Agreement could relax their emissions controls a bit now and the temperature goal could potentially still be met. We take the view, however, that it is not wise to bet the planet on the chance of a late-century technical fix. To avoid this risky bet, our analysis shows that meeting the Paris 2°C goal requires a dramatic turnaround in emissions in the very near future. Why 2020 is a crucial date The Paris Agreement sets up a five-year cycle of updates and specifies that in 2020 nations should revise their pledges for 2030, increasing ambition if possible. Also in 2020, nations are to pledge emissions reductions to be made by the next target date, likely to be 2035. Whether there is financial aid for less-wealthy countries could have a big effect on the outcome. For 2030, and likely for future target dates, the pledges of many developing nations assume aid will be provided to help with the task. The richer countries have agreed to provide it, but the flow of funds thus far has been small in relation to the need. This assistance will be increasingly important in the future because a growing share of global emissions will come from rapidly growing developing countries. We project these countries to represent over three-quarters of global emissions by 2030, and to continue to grow after that. Failure to achieve substantial increases in ambition in these 2020 declarations, and the financial assistance to support them, would be bad news for the climate. Delay in starting the turn-down of emissions suggested in our analysis will further add to the collection of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As their concentration grows, the path of reduction leading to a 2°C outcome will become steeper, and thus more costly, potentially putting temperature goals out of reach. All this means that a wimpy response by participating nations in 2020 will threaten the credibility of the hard-won Paris Agreement. The willingness of nations to participate in such a volunteer control effort depends on confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of the global effort. Are others doing their part? Is the overall regime working? If countries don’t meet their Paris Agreement commitments to cut emissions and then, further, don’t ratchet up their ambitions, the entire agreement risks unravelling. Time pressure The current absence of the US in global climate talks doesn’t help, but fortunately, most other nations recognise the global risk and are making a serious effort to ensure that the agreement succeeds. And all negotiators recognise that substantial new pledges in 2020 will help build confidence in the effort, besides encouraging everybody to make sure they meet their 2030 goals. There is great time pressure between now and 2020, given all that needs to be done. But this is nonetheless a time of great opportunity. Negotiated deals and national decisions made in these few months may determine whether or not the world’s nations will get on track to meeting this global challenge. (Henry D Jacoby is Professor of Management, MIT Sloan School of Management; Jennifer Morris is Research Scientist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology) (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 the next two years are critical for the Paris climate deal’s survival

By Michel Pimbert and Colin Anderson

It is widely agreed that today’s global agriculture system is a social and environmental failure. Business, as usual, is no longer an option: biodiversity loss and nitrogen pollution are exceeding planetary limits, and catastrophic risks of climate change demand immediate action.

Most concede that there is an urgent need to radically transform our food systems. But the proposed innovations for more sustainable food systems are drastically different. Which we choose will have long-lasting effects on human society and the planet.

Suggested innovations in food systems can be broadly understood as either seeking to conform with – or to transform – the status quo.

A technological future

Some want to keep the agriculture industry as close to existing practices as possible. This is true of the increasing number of corporate and financial actors who seek to solve the food crisis by developing new technologies. These technologies are envisaged as being part of what is being called the “fourth industrial revolution” (4IR). The “answer” here is thought to lie in a fusion of technologies that blurs the lines between physical, digital and biological domains.

For example, the World Economic Forum is currently supporting agricultural transitions in 21 countries through its “New Vision for Agriculture” initiative. This initiative supports “innovation ecosystems” to re-engineer food systems based on “12 transforming technologies”. In this imagined future, next-generation biotechnologies will re-engineer plants and animals. Precision farming will optimise the use of water and pesticides. Global food systems will rely on smart robots, blockchain and the internet of things to manufacture synthetic foods for personalised nutrition.

Like previous green revolution technologies in agriculture, this effort is designed by and for powerful agricultural giants. These technological innovations reinforce the concentration of political and economic power in the hands of a small number of corporations. Indeed, the latter has a growing monopoly control over the “12 transforming technologies” protected by patents.

Most notably, the spread of these technologies will expand the technosphere at the expense of the biosphere. Flying robots will pollinate crops instead of living bees. Automated machines will replace farmers’ work on soil preparation, seeding, weeding, fertility, pest control and harvesting of crops.

These hi-tech innovations radically depart from most farming practices. They are moving us towards an increasingly people-less food system. Yet they show a remarkable continuity with the logic of capitalist accumulation – hence their staying power despite their significant risks.

The spread of automated, de-localised and digitalised production and commercialisation of food is part of the “financialisation” of the global food system. Financial markets play an increasing role in controlling food systems from a distance. This generates huge social and human risks. For example, the significant growth in the sale and purchase of financial products linked to food commodities was one of the determining factors in the 2008 world food crisis.

Another option

But there is an alternative to this future. Agroecology involves the application of ecological principles for the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems. Our research on agroecology focuses on how it can contribute to food sovereignty, which emphasises the democratisation of food systems. Agroecology’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals is now recognised.

In contrast to the technological vision described above, agroecological innovations promote circular systems that involve recycling, reuse and combining resources to reduce dependency on external inputs, in particular, fossil fuels. They mimic natural cycles and the functional diversity of natural ecosystems.

Farming systems are designed in a way that is based on beneficial interactions between plants, animals and environments. Trees and shrubs might be planted amongst or around crops, say. Or two or more crops might be grown in proximity. Agroecology reduces the dependence of food producers on expensive external inputs, distant commodity markets and patented technologies. This is achieved by relying on appropriate biodiversity to ward off pests and increase farm yields.

At broader scales, agroecology involves circular systems that combine food and energy production with water and waste management. Pollution is minimised and synergies achieved by carefully clustering industries into functional wholes. The re-localisation of production and consumption within territories enhances local economic regeneration and sustainability.

Agroecological innovations in transitions to sustainable food systems are being driven largely from the bottom up by civil society, social movements and allied researchers. In this context, priorities for innovations are ones that increase citizen control for food sovereignty and decentralise power. This is in direct contrast to the monopoly control enabled by 4IR technologies.

A democratic debate

Government, civil society and private sector representatives will soon meet in Rome at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation to discuss the future of farming. Who controls the global governance of innovation will be a hotly debated topic.

But given these highly contested views on innovations for food and agriculture, it is vital that everyone is able to exercise their right to have a say on the future of their food supply. Deliberative and inclusive processes such as citizens’ juries, peoples’ assemblies and community-led participatory processes are urgently needed to decide priorities for food and agricultural innovations. This is all the more important in today’s context of rapid global change and uncertainty.

So. Do you want to live in a world in which artificial food is produced by intelligent robots and corporations that put profits before people? Or one where agroecological innovations ensure we can nourish ourselves and our communities in a fair, ecologically regenerative, and culturally rich way?

 
(Michel Pimbert Professor and Director, Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University; &nbsp;Colin Anderson&nbsp;Senior Research Fellow, Coventry University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-battle-for-the-future-of-farming-what-you-need-to-know-106805">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 Michel Pimbert and Colin Anderson It is widely agreed that today’s global agriculture system is a social and environmental failure. Business, as usual, is no longer an option: biodiversity loss and nitrogen pollution are exceeding planetary limits, and catastrophic risks of climate change demand immediate action.

By Michel Pimbert and Colin Anderson It is widely agreed that today’s global agriculture system is a social and environmental failure. Business, as usual, is no longer an option: biodiversity loss and nitrogen pollution are exceeding planetary limits, and catastrophic risks of climate change demand immediate action. Most concede that there is an urgent need to radically transform our food systems. But the proposed innovations for more sustainable food systems are drastically different. Which we choose will have long-lasting effects on human society and the planet. Suggested innovations in food systems can be broadly understood as either seeking to conform with – or to transform – the status quo. A technological future Some want to keep the agriculture industry as close to existing practices as possible. This is true of the increasing number of corporate and financial actors who seek to solve the food crisis by developing new technologies. These technologies are envisaged as being part of what is being called the “fourth industrial revolution” (4IR). The “answer” here is thought to lie in a fusion of technologies that blurs the lines between physical, digital and biological domains. For example, the World Economic Forum is currently supporting agricultural transitions in 21 countries through its “New Vision for Agriculture” initiative. This initiative supports “innovation ecosystems” to re-engineer food systems based on “12 transforming technologies”. In this imagined future, next-generation biotechnologies will re-engineer plants and animals. Precision farming will optimise the use of water and pesticides. Global food systems will rely on smart robots, blockchain and the internet of things to manufacture synthetic foods for personalised nutrition. Like previous green revolution technologies in agriculture, this effort is designed by and for powerful agricultural giants. These technological innovations reinforce the concentration of political and economic power in the hands of a small number of corporations. Indeed, the latter has a growing monopoly control over the “12 transforming technologies” protected by patents. Most notably, the spread of these technologies will expand the technosphere at the expense of the biosphere. Flying robots will pollinate crops instead of living bees. Automated machines will replace farmers’ work on soil preparation, seeding, weeding, fertility, pest control and harvesting of crops. These hi-tech innovations radically depart from most farming practices. They are moving us towards an increasingly people-less food system. Yet they show a remarkable continuity with the logic of capitalist accumulation – hence their staying power despite their significant risks. The spread of automated, de-localised and digitalised production and commercialisation of food is part of the “financialisation” of the global food system. Financial markets play an increasing role in controlling food systems from a distance. This generates huge social and human risks. For example, the significant growth in the sale and purchase of financial products linked to food commodities was one of the determining factors in the 2008 world food crisis. Another option But there is an alternative to this future. Agroecology involves the application of ecological principles for the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems. Our research on agroecology focuses on how it can contribute to food sovereignty, which emphasises the democratisation of food systems. Agroecology’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals is now recognised. In contrast to the technological vision described above, agroecological innovations promote circular systems that involve recycling, reuse and combining resources to reduce dependency on external inputs, in particular, fossil fuels. They mimic natural cycles and the functional diversity of natural ecosystems. Farming systems are designed in a way that is based on beneficial interactions between plants, animals and environments. Trees and shrubs might be planted amongst or around crops, say. Or two or more crops might be grown in proximity. Agroecology reduces the dependence of food producers on expensive external inputs, distant commodity markets and patented technologies. This is achieved by relying on appropriate biodiversity to ward off pests and increase farm yields. At broader scales, agroecology involves circular systems that combine food and energy production with water and waste management. Pollution is minimised and synergies achieved by carefully clustering industries into functional wholes. The re-localisation of production and consumption within territories enhances local economic regeneration and sustainability. Agroecological innovations in transitions to sustainable food systems are being driven largely from the bottom up by civil society, social movements and allied researchers. In this context, priorities for innovations are ones that increase citizen control for food sovereignty and decentralise power. This is in direct contrast to the monopoly control enabled by 4IR technologies. A democratic debate Government, civil society and private sector representatives will soon meet in Rome at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation to discuss the future of farming. Who controls the global governance of innovation will be a hotly debated topic. But given these highly contested views on innovations for food and agriculture, it is vital that everyone is able to exercise their right to have a say on the future of their food supply. Deliberative and inclusive processes such as citizens’ juries, peoples’ assemblies and community-led participatory processes are urgently needed to decide priorities for food and agricultural innovations. This is all the more important in today’s context of rapid global change and uncertainty. So. Do you want to live in a world in which artificial food is produced by intelligent robots and corporations that put profits before people? Or one where agroecological innovations ensure we can nourish ourselves and our communities in a fair, ecologically regenerative, and culturally rich way? (Michel Pimbert Professor and Director, Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University; Colin Anderson Senior Research Fellow, Coventry 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)

The battle for the future of farming: What you need to know

"Single-use" was named the Collins Dictionary word of the year on Wednesday, following a four-fold increase in usage since 2013 in a reflection of increased concerns about sustainability.

It edged out "MeToo" and "whitewash" to top the list of 10 new and notable words that "reflect an ever-evolving culture and the preoccupations of those who use it", Collins said.

The wider 10 words of the year include ones inspired by Brexit, environmental concerns and the 2018 football World Cup.

"Single-use" describes items "whose unchecked proliferation are blamed for damaging the environment and affecting the food chain", said Collins.

It said public awareness of plastic adrift in the oceans had led to a global campaign to reduce the use of once-only items.

Another environment-related word on the list was plogging: a Scandinavian fitness craze that combines jogging with picking up litter.

"Vegan", a person who refrains from using any animal products, has become an increasingly mainstream lifestyle choice in recent years and so gets on the list.

"This has been a year where awareness and often anger over a variety of issues has led to the rise of new words and the revitalisation and adaptation of old ones," said Helen Newstead, Collins' head of language content.

"It's clear from this year's words of the year list that changes to our language are dictated as much by public concern as they are by sport, politics, and playground fads."

Fancy flossing with gammon?&nbsp;

"MeToo", the movement seeking to expose and eradicate sexual harassment, makes the top 10.

Brexit, the 2016 word of the year, has inspired two new words on this year's list: "backstop" and "gammon".

"Backstop" is defined as a system that may be used if no other arrangement is made.

The derogatory use of the word "gammon" -- a type of cured pork -- has gained popularity as a term of abuse directed at the most reactionary pro-Brexit supporters, who are typically white, male and middle-aged.

"Whitewash" -- casting a white actor as an ethnic minority character" -- also makes the list.

There's a new term for manipulating others, often romantic partners, by continually feeding them false information until they doubt their sanity: "gaslight".

From the World Cup, "VAR", an abbreviation of video assistant referee, makes the list.

The final word on the list is the "floss" dance craze.

"The words in this year's list perhaps highlight a world at extremes -- at one end, serious social and political concerns, and at the other, more light-hearted activities," said Newstead.

The list will join the online version of the dictionary and be considered for inclusion in future print editions.

"Single-use" was named the Collins Dictionary word of the year on Wednesday, following a four-fold increase in usage since 2013 in a reflection of increased concerns about sustainability.

"Single-use" was named the Collins Dictionary word of the year on Wednesday, following a four-fold increase in usage since 2013 in a reflection of increased concerns about sustainability. It edged out "MeToo" and "whitewash" to top the list of 10 new and notable words that "reflect an ever-evolving culture and the preoccupations of those who use it", Collins said. The wider 10 words of the year include ones inspired by Brexit, environmental concerns and the 2018 football World Cup. "Single-use" describes items "whose unchecked proliferation are blamed for damaging the environment and affecting the food chain", said Collins. It said public awareness of plastic adrift in the oceans had led to a global campaign to reduce the use of once-only items. Another environment-related word on the list was plogging: a Scandinavian fitness craze that combines jogging with picking up litter. "Vegan", a person who refrains from using any animal products, has become an increasingly mainstream lifestyle choice in recent years and so gets on the list. "This has been a year where awareness and often anger over a variety of issues has led to the rise of new words and the revitalisation and adaptation of old ones," said Helen Newstead, Collins' head of language content. "It's clear from this year's words of the year list that changes to our language are dictated as much by public concern as they are by sport, politics, and playground fads." Fancy flossing with gammon? "MeToo", the movement seeking to expose and eradicate sexual harassment, makes the top 10. Brexit, the 2016 word of the year, has inspired two new words on this year's list: "backstop" and "gammon". "Backstop" is defined as a system that may be used if no other arrangement is made. The derogatory use of the word "gammon" -- a type of cured pork -- has gained popularity as a term of abuse directed at the most reactionary pro-Brexit supporters, who are typically white, male and middle-aged. "Whitewash" -- casting a white actor as an ethnic minority character" -- also makes the list. There's a new term for manipulating others, often romantic partners, by continually feeding them false information until they doubt their sanity: "gaslight". From the World Cup, "VAR", an abbreviation of video assistant referee, makes the list. The final word on the list is the "floss" dance craze. "The words in this year's list perhaps highlight a world at extremes -- at one end, serious social and political concerns, and at the other, more light-hearted activities," said Newstead. The list will join the online version of the dictionary and be considered for inclusion in future print editions.

Metoo, Brexit are now in the dictionary, 'single-use' is word of the year

Unbridled consumption has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/rising-mercury-levels-in-india-posing-threat-to-indias-wildlife--138386">decimated global wildlife</a>, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-23-asiatic-lions-die-in-gir-forest-five-from-rare-virus-169713">wiped out</a> by human activity, according to WWF's "Living Planet" report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe.

"The situation is really bad, and it keeps getting worse," WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP.

"The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening."

For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period.

Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years.&nbsp;

Depending on which of Earth's lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earth's chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence.

Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest.

The great acceleration

Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. &nbsp;

"The statistics are scary," said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report.

"Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible."

For corals, it may already be too late.

Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life.

Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent.

A 2C world would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month.&nbsp;

Half-a-century of conservation efforts have scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles.

"If we didn't make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse," Lambertini said.

But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitat, pollution, illegal trade and climate change -- all caused by humans -- has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged.&nbsp;

"Scientists call it the 'great acceleration'," he said in a phone interview.&nbsp;

"It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics –- everything."

'New deal' for nature 
The pace of population increase -- long taboo in development and conservation circles -- also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the "gold spike," or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or "age of man".

In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration.

"We need a new global deal for nature," said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty.

"One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears," he said.

Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted -- drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil -- are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year.

"A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life," said Lambertini.

The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible.

The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said.

"The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature."

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday. From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- were wiped out by human activity, according to WWF's "Living Planet" report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe. "The situation is really bad, and it keeps getting worse," WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. "The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening." For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period. Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years. Depending on which of Earth's lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earth's chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence. Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest. The great acceleration Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. "The statistics are scary," said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report. "Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible." For corals, it may already be too late. Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life. Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent. A 2C world would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month. Half-a-century of conservation efforts have scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles. "If we didn't make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse," Lambertini said. But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitat, pollution, illegal trade and climate change -- all caused by humans -- has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged. "Scientists call it the 'great acceleration'," he said in a phone interview. "It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics –- everything." 'New deal' for nature The pace of population increase -- long taboo in development and conservation circles -- also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the "gold spike," or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or "age of man". In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration. "We need a new global deal for nature," said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty. "One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears," he said. Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted -- drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil -- are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year. "A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life," said Lambertini. The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible. The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said. "The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature."

In 44 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF

Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale," the UN said Monday in a landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster.

Earth's surface has warmed one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise.

At current levels of greenhouse gas emissions, we could pass the 1.5C marker as early as 2030, and no later than mid-century, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) reported with "high confidence".

"The next few years are probably the most important in human history," Debra Roberts, head of the Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department in Durban, South Africa, and an IPCC co-chair, told AFP.

A Summary for Policymakers of the 400-page tome underscores how quickly global warming has outstripped humanity's attempt to tame it, and outlines paradigm-shift options for avoiding the worst ravages of a climate-addled future.

Before the Paris Agreement was inked in 2015, nearly a decade of scientific research rested on the assumption that 2C was the guardrail for a climate-safe world.

The IPCC report, however, shows that global warming impacts have come sooner and hit harder than predicted.

Pay now or pay later

"Things that scientists have been saying would happen further in the future are happening now," Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, told AFP.

To have at least a 50/50 chance of staying under the 1.5C cap without overshooting the mark, the world must, by 2050, become "carbon neutral," according to the report.&nbsp;

"That means every tonne of CO2 we put into the atmosphere will have to be balanced by a tonne of CO2 taken out," said lead coordinating author Myles Allen, head of the University of Oxford's Climate Research Programme.

Drawing from more than 6,000 recent scientific studies, the report laid out four "illustrative" pathways to that goal.

The most ambitious would see a radical drawdown in energy consumption coupled with a rapid shift away from fossil fuels and a swift decline in CO2 emissions starting in 2020. It would also avoid an "overshoot" of the 1.5C threshold.

A contrasting "pay later" scenario compensates for a high-consumption lifestyles and continued use of fossil fuels with a temporary breaching of the 1.5C ceiling.&nbsp;

It depends heavily on the use of biofuels. But the scheme would need to plant an area twice the size of India in biofuel crops, and assumes that some 1,200 billion tonnes of CO2 -- 30 years' worth of emissions at current rates -- can be safely socked away underground.

"Is it fair for the next generation to pay to take the CO2 out of the atmosphere that we are now putting into it?", asked Allen. "We have to start having that debate."

'Hail of silver bullets'

The stakes are especially high for small island states, developing nations in the tropics, and countries with densely-populated delta regions already suffering from rising seas.&nbsp;

"We have only the slimmest of opportunities remaining to avoid unthinkable damage to the climate system that supports life as we know it," said Amjad Abdulla, chief negotiator at UN climate talks for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

"Historians will look back at these findings as one of the defining moments in the course of human affairs."

Limiting global warming to 1.5C comes with a hefty price tag: some $2.4 trillion (2.1 trillion euros) of investments in the global energy system every year between 2016 and 2035, or about 2.5 per cent of world GDP.&nbsp;

That amount, however, must be weighed against the even steeper cost of inaction, the report says.

The path to a climate-safe world has become a tightrope, and will require an unprecedented marshalling of human ingenuity, the authors said.

"The problem isn't going to be solved with a silver bullet," Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, director of the University of Queensland's Global Change Institute, told AFP.&nbsp;

"We need a hail of silver bullets."

The IPCC report was timed to feed into the December UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where world leaders will be under pressure to ramp up national carbon-cutting pledges which -- even if fulfilled -- would yield and 3C world.&nbsp;

The week-long meeting in Incheon, South Korea -- already deep into overtime -- deadlocked on Saturday when oil giant Saudi Arabia demanded the deletion of a passage noting the need for global CO2 emissions to decline "well before 2030".

The report was approved by consensus as soon as the Saudis backed down, participants to the meeting told AFP.

Concerns that the United States would seek to obstruct the process proved unfounded.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has dismantled emissions reduction policies domestically, and vowed to ditch the Paris treaty.

Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale," the UN said Monday in a landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster.

Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale," the UN said Monday in a landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster. Earth's surface has warmed one degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise. At current levels of greenhouse gas emissions, we could pass the 1.5C marker as early as 2030, and no later than mid-century, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) reported with "high confidence". "The next few years are probably the most important in human history," Debra Roberts, head of the Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department in Durban, South Africa, and an IPCC co-chair, told AFP. A Summary for Policymakers of the 400-page tome underscores how quickly global warming has outstripped humanity's attempt to tame it, and outlines paradigm-shift options for avoiding the worst ravages of a climate-addled future. Before the Paris Agreement was inked in 2015, nearly a decade of scientific research rested on the assumption that 2C was the guardrail for a climate-safe world. The IPCC report, however, shows that global warming impacts have come sooner and hit harder than predicted. Pay now or pay later "Things that scientists have been saying would happen further in the future are happening now," Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, told AFP. To have at least a 50/50 chance of staying under the 1.5C cap without overshooting the mark, the world must, by 2050, become "carbon neutral," according to the report. "That means every tonne of CO2 we put into the atmosphere will have to be balanced by a tonne of CO2 taken out," said lead coordinating author Myles Allen, head of the University of Oxford's Climate Research Programme. Drawing from more than 6,000 recent scientific studies, the report laid out four "illustrative" pathways to that goal. The most ambitious would see a radical drawdown in energy consumption coupled with a rapid shift away from fossil fuels and a swift decline in CO2 emissions starting in 2020. It would also avoid an "overshoot" of the 1.5C threshold. A contrasting "pay later" scenario compensates for a high-consumption lifestyles and continued use of fossil fuels with a temporary breaching of the 1.5C ceiling. It depends heavily on the use of biofuels. But the scheme would need to plant an area twice the size of India in biofuel crops, and assumes that some 1,200 billion tonnes of CO2 -- 30 years' worth of emissions at current rates -- can be safely socked away underground. "Is it fair for the next generation to pay to take the CO2 out of the atmosphere that we are now putting into it?", asked Allen. "We have to start having that debate." 'Hail of silver bullets' The stakes are especially high for small island states, developing nations in the tropics, and countries with densely-populated delta regions already suffering from rising seas. "We have only the slimmest of opportunities remaining to avoid unthinkable damage to the climate system that supports life as we know it," said Amjad Abdulla, chief negotiator at UN climate talks for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). "Historians will look back at these findings as one of the defining moments in the course of human affairs." Limiting global warming to 1.5C comes with a hefty price tag: some $2.4 trillion (2.1 trillion euros) of investments in the global energy system every year between 2016 and 2035, or about 2.5 per cent of world GDP. That amount, however, must be weighed against the even steeper cost of inaction, the report says. The path to a climate-safe world has become a tightrope, and will require an unprecedented marshalling of human ingenuity, the authors said. "The problem isn't going to be solved with a silver bullet," Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, director of the University of Queensland's Global Change Institute, told AFP. "We need a hail of silver bullets." The IPCC report was timed to feed into the December UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where world leaders will be under pressure to ramp up national carbon-cutting pledges which -- even if fulfilled -- would yield and 3C world. The week-long meeting in Incheon, South Korea -- already deep into overtime -- deadlocked on Saturday when oil giant Saudi Arabia demanded the deletion of a passage noting the need for global CO2 emissions to decline "well before 2030". The report was approved by consensus as soon as the Saudis backed down, participants to the meeting told AFP. Concerns that the United States would seek to obstruct the process proved unfounded. The Trump administration has dismantled emissions reduction policies domestically, and vowed to ditch the Paris treaty.

UN warns paradigm shift needed to avert global climate chaos

India could witness deadly heatwaves if the planet's temperature goes up by two degrees Celsius, according to a report released on Monday by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC).

Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale", the IPCC said in the landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster.

"At +1.5 degrees Celsius, twice as many megacities as present such as Lagos in Nigeria and Shanghai in China are likely to become heat stressed, potentially exposing more than 350 million more people to deadly heat stress by 2050.

"At +2&nbsp;degrees Celsius warming, Karachi (Pakistan) and Kolkata (India) could expect annual conditions equivalent to their deadly 2015 heatwaves (medium confidence)," the report said.

The report said regionally differentiated multi-sector risks are already apparent at 1.5 degrees Celsius warming, being more prevalent (where) vulnerable people live, predominantly in South Asia -- mostly Pakistan, India, and China, but these spread to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and East Asia as temperature rises, with the world's poorest disproportionately impacted by 2?C.

The report said that although warming is projected to be the highest in the Northern Hemisphere under 1.5&nbsp;degrees Celsius or 2&nbsp;degrees Celsius of global warming, regions in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere subtropics that are projected to experience the largest impacts on economic growth.

Despite the uncertainties associated with climate change projections and econometrics, it is more likely than not that there will be large differences in economic growth under 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2&nbsp;degrees Celsius of global warming for developing versus developed countries.

"Statistically significant reductions in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita growth are projected across much of the African continent, southeast Asia, India, Brazil and Mexico," the report said.

Coastal flooding by the sea is likely to cost thousands on billions of USD annually, with damage costs under constant protection 0.3-5.0 per cent of global GDP in 2100, it said.

Risks are projected to be highest in south and south-east Asia, assuming there is no upgrade to present protection levels, for all temperatures of climate warming.

"Countries where at least 50 million people exposed to SLR (sea level rise)...Include China, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, United States and Vietnam," it said.

The report said recent projections of the potential impacts of climate change on malaria globally and for Asia, Africa, and South America confirm that weather and climate are among the drivers of the geographic range, intensity of transmission, and seasonality of malaria, and that the relationships are not necessarily linear, resulting in complex patterns of changes in risk with additional warming.

"Projections suggest the burden of malaria could increase with climate change because of a greater geographic range of the anopheles vector, longer season, and increase in the number of people at risk, with larger burdens with greater amounts of warming, with regionally variable patterns."

Vector populations are projected to shift with climate change, with expansions and reductions depending on the degree of local warming, the ecology of the mosquito vector, and other factors, it said.

"Aedes (mosquito vector for dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus) - projections of the geographic distribution of Aedes aegypti and Ae. Albopictus (principal vectors) or of the prevalence of dengue fever generally conclude there will be an increase in the number of mosquitos and a larger geographic range at 2 degrees Celsius than at 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond than at present, and suggest more individuals at risk of dengue fever, with regional differences," the report stated.

Earth's surface has warmed one degree Celsius -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise, the report said.

The IPCC report, however, shows that global warming impacts have come sooner and hit harder than predicted.

The IPCC report was timed to feed into the December UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where world leaders will be under pressure to ramp up national carbon-cutting pledges which -- even if fulfilled -- would yield a 3C world.&nbsp;

India could witness deadly heatwaves if the planet's temperature goes up by two degrees Celsius, according to a report released on Monday by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC).

India could witness deadly heatwaves if the planet's temperature goes up by two degrees Celsius, according to a report released on Monday by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). Avoiding global climate chaos will require a major transformation of society and the world economy that is "unprecedented in scale", the IPCC said in the landmark report that warns time is running out to avert disaster. "At +1.5 degrees Celsius, twice as many megacities as present such as Lagos in Nigeria and Shanghai in China are likely to become heat stressed, potentially exposing more than 350 million more people to deadly heat stress by 2050. "At +2 degrees Celsius warming, Karachi (Pakistan) and Kolkata (India) could expect annual conditions equivalent to their deadly 2015 heatwaves (medium confidence)," the report said. The report said regionally differentiated multi-sector risks are already apparent at 1.5 degrees Celsius warming, being more prevalent (where) vulnerable people live, predominantly in South Asia -- mostly Pakistan, India, and China, but these spread to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and East Asia as temperature rises, with the world's poorest disproportionately impacted by 2?C. The report said that although warming is projected to be the highest in the Northern Hemisphere under 1.5 degrees Celsius or 2 degrees Celsius of global warming, regions in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere subtropics that are projected to experience the largest impacts on economic growth. Despite the uncertainties associated with climate change projections and econometrics, it is more likely than not that there will be large differences in economic growth under 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2 degrees Celsius of global warming for developing versus developed countries. "Statistically significant reductions in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita growth are projected across much of the African continent, southeast Asia, India, Brazil and Mexico," the report said. Coastal flooding by the sea is likely to cost thousands on billions of USD annually, with damage costs under constant protection 0.3-5.0 per cent of global GDP in 2100, it said. Risks are projected to be highest in south and south-east Asia, assuming there is no upgrade to present protection levels, for all temperatures of climate warming. "Countries where at least 50 million people exposed to SLR (sea level rise)...Include China, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, United States and Vietnam," it said. The report said recent projections of the potential impacts of climate change on malaria globally and for Asia, Africa, and South America confirm that weather and climate are among the drivers of the geographic range, intensity of transmission, and seasonality of malaria, and that the relationships are not necessarily linear, resulting in complex patterns of changes in risk with additional warming. "Projections suggest the burden of malaria could increase with climate change because of a greater geographic range of the anopheles vector, longer season, and increase in the number of people at risk, with larger burdens with greater amounts of warming, with regionally variable patterns." Vector populations are projected to shift with climate change, with expansions and reductions depending on the degree of local warming, the ecology of the mosquito vector, and other factors, it said. "Aedes (mosquito vector for dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus) - projections of the geographic distribution of Aedes aegypti and Ae. Albopictus (principal vectors) or of the prevalence of dengue fever generally conclude there will be an increase in the number of mosquitos and a larger geographic range at 2 degrees Celsius than at 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond than at present, and suggest more individuals at risk of dengue fever, with regional differences," the report stated. Earth's surface has warmed one degree Celsius -- enough to lift oceans and unleash a crescendo of deadly storms, floods and droughts -- and is on track toward an unliveable 3C or 4C rise, the report said. The IPCC report, however, shows that global warming impacts have come sooner and hit harder than predicted. The IPCC report was timed to feed into the December UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, where world leaders will be under pressure to ramp up national carbon-cutting pledges which -- even if fulfilled -- would yield a 3C world.

At 2 degree Celsius warming, Kolkata could see deadly heatwaves: IPCC report

Antarctica has lost a staggering three trillion tonnes of ice since 1992, according to a landmark study published Wednesday that suggests the frozen continent could redraw Earth's coastlines if global warming continues unchecked.

Two-fifths of that ice loss occurred in the last five years, a three-fold increase in the pace at which Antarctica is shedding its kilometres-thick casing, a consortium of 84 scientists reported in the journal Nature.

The findings should dispel any lingering doubts that the continent's ice mass is shrinking, the authors said.

They also highlight the existential threat facing low-lying coastal cities and communities home to hundreds of millions of people.

"We now have an unequivocal picture of what's happening in Antarctica," said co-lead author Eric Rignot, a scientist at NASA's Jet propulsion Laboratory who has been tracking Earth's ice sheets for two decades.

"We view these results as another ringing alarm for action to slow the warming of our planet."

Up to now, scientists have struggled in determining whether Antarctica has accumulated more mass through snowfall than it loses in meltwater run-off and ice flows into the ocean. &nbsp;

But more than two decades of satellite data -- the new findings draw from 24 separate space-based surveys -- have finally yielded a more complete picture. &nbsp;

Covering twice the area of the continental United States, Antarctica is blanketed by enough ice pack to lift global oceans by nearly 60 metres (210 feet).&nbsp;

More than 90 per cent of that frozen water sits atop East Antarctica, which has remained mostly stable even as climate change has driven up Earth's average surface temperature by a full degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit).&nbsp;

A step increase

Some studies had suggested a net gain in mass over recent decades.

West Antarctica, however, has proven far more vulnerable to global warming, especially the Antarctic Peninsula, where more than 6,500 square kilometres (2,500 square miles) of ice shelves have sheared off into the sea since 1995.

Already floating, ice shelves breaking off into icebergs do not add to sea level. But massive glaciers on West Antarctica slowly gliding seaward hold enough water to push oceans up by 3.5 metres (11 feet).&nbsp;

Two of these glaciers -- Pine Island and Thwaites -- have accelerated and are today seen as unstable. Together, they act as corks holding back ice mass further inland from falling into the ocean.&nbsp;

Nearly all of the mass shed over the last quarter century has come from West Antarctica, the study found.&nbsp;

Ice loss of 2.7 trillion tonnes since 1992 added about eight millimetres to sea level.&nbsp;

"Whilst there's still considerable uncertainty about East Antarctica mass balance, it is increasingly clear that ice loss from West Antarctica has accelerated," said Kate Hendry, a researcher at the University of Bristol, commenting on the findings.

On current trends, Antarctica could become the single largest source of sea level rise, ahead of runoff from the Greenland ice sheet and mountain glaciers, and the expansion of ocean water as it warms, the study found.&nbsp;

Oceans are currently rising by 3.4 millimetres (0.13 inches) per year. Since 1993, the global ocean watermark has gone up by 84.8 mm (3.3 inches).

By century's end, sea level -- compared to a pre-industrial benchmark -- could increase from a few dozen centimetres to a metre or more, depending in part on efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;

Under any scenario, oceans will continue to rise for several centuries, scientists say.

Deeply concerning

In the two decades prior to 2012, Antarctica lost about 76 billion tonnes annually, according to the new findings. Since then, that figure has jumped, on average, to 219 billion tonnes. &nbsp;

"There has been a step increase in ice losses from Antarctica during the past decade," said Leeds University professor Andrew Shepherd, co-leader of the Ice Sheet Mass Balance Exercise (ISMBE).&nbsp;

"The continent is causing sea levels to rise faster today than at any time in the past 25 years."

Scientists not involved with the study lauded its methodology.

"The power of this research is that it brings together independent methods and results from a collection of different teams throughout the world," noted Twila Moon, a scientist at the US National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado.

They also said governments should take note.

"The outcome is deeply concerning," commented Imperial College London professor Martin Siegert, who did not take part in the study.&nbsp;

"We appear to be on a pathway to substantial ice-sheet loss in the decades ahead, with longer term consequences for enhanced sea level rise.

"If we aren't already alert to the dangers posed by climate change, this should be an enormous wake-up call," he added.

The finding was reported by a consortium of 84 scientists reported in the journal Nature. 'We view these results as another ringing alarm for action to slow the warming of our planet,' they said

Antarctica has lost a staggering three trillion tonnes of ice since 1992, according to a landmark study published Wednesday that suggests the frozen continent could redraw Earth's coastlines if global warming continues unchecked. Two-fifths of that ice loss occurred in the last five years, a three-fold increase in the pace at which Antarctica is shedding its kilometres-thick casing, a consortium of 84 scientists reported in the journal Nature. The findings should dispel any lingering doubts that the continent's ice mass is shrinking, the authors said. They also highlight the existential threat facing low-lying coastal cities and communities home to hundreds of millions of people. "We now have an unequivocal picture of what's happening in Antarctica," said co-lead author Eric Rignot, a scientist at NASA's Jet propulsion Laboratory who has been tracking Earth's ice sheets for two decades. "We view these results as another ringing alarm for action to slow the warming of our planet." Up to now, scientists have struggled in determining whether Antarctica has accumulated more mass through snowfall than it loses in meltwater run-off and ice flows into the ocean. But more than two decades of satellite data -- the new findings draw from 24 separate space-based surveys -- have finally yielded a more complete picture. Covering twice the area of the continental United States, Antarctica is blanketed by enough ice pack to lift global oceans by nearly 60 metres (210 feet). More than 90 per cent of that frozen water sits atop East Antarctica, which has remained mostly stable even as climate change has driven up Earth's average surface temperature by a full degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). A step increase Some studies had suggested a net gain in mass over recent decades. West Antarctica, however, has proven far more vulnerable to global warming, especially the Antarctic Peninsula, where more than 6,500 square kilometres (2,500 square miles) of ice shelves have sheared off into the sea since 1995. Already floating, ice shelves breaking off into icebergs do not add to sea level. But massive glaciers on West Antarctica slowly gliding seaward hold enough water to push oceans up by 3.5 metres (11 feet). Two of these glaciers -- Pine Island and Thwaites -- have accelerated and are today seen as unstable. Together, they act as corks holding back ice mass further inland from falling into the ocean. Nearly all of the mass shed over the last quarter century has come from West Antarctica, the study found. Ice loss of 2.7 trillion tonnes since 1992 added about eight millimetres to sea level. "Whilst there's still considerable uncertainty about East Antarctica mass balance, it is increasingly clear that ice loss from West Antarctica has accelerated," said Kate Hendry, a researcher at the University of Bristol, commenting on the findings. On current trends, Antarctica could become the single largest source of sea level rise, ahead of runoff from the Greenland ice sheet and mountain glaciers, and the expansion of ocean water as it warms, the study found. Oceans are currently rising by 3.4 millimetres (0.13 inches) per year. Since 1993, the global ocean watermark has gone up by 84.8 mm (3.3 inches). By century's end, sea level -- compared to a pre-industrial benchmark -- could increase from a few dozen centimetres to a metre or more, depending in part on efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Under any scenario, oceans will continue to rise for several centuries, scientists say. Deeply concerning In the two decades prior to 2012, Antarctica lost about 76 billion tonnes annually, according to the new findings. Since then, that figure has jumped, on average, to 219 billion tonnes. "There has been a step increase in ice losses from Antarctica during the past decade," said Leeds University professor Andrew Shepherd, co-leader of the Ice Sheet Mass Balance Exercise (ISMBE). "The continent is causing sea levels to rise faster today than at any time in the past 25 years." Scientists not involved with the study lauded its methodology. "The power of this research is that it brings together independent methods and results from a collection of different teams throughout the world," noted Twila Moon, a scientist at the US National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado. They also said governments should take note. "The outcome is deeply concerning," commented Imperial College London professor Martin Siegert, who did not take part in the study. "We appear to be on a pathway to substantial ice-sheet loss in the decades ahead, with longer term consequences for enhanced sea level rise. "If we aren't already alert to the dangers posed by climate change, this should be an enormous wake-up call," he added.

Antarctica ice melting three times faster than earlier, could redraw Earth's coastlines

The Government of India is looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from the private sector.&nbsp;

"Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said.&nbsp;

Candidates are expected to be graduates, over 40 years of age, and with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the aforementioned fields.&nbsp;

The 10 applicants who get the jobs will be given three-year contracts, which can be extended up to 5 years.&nbsp;

They will be paid Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month, over and above which they will be given government housing&nbsp;and, if required, a vehicle.&nbsp;

The last date to apply to the posts is July 30.&nbsp;

There is currently a shortage of Joint Secretary-level officers at the Centre and a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) had last year recommended the lateral entry of professionals to make up the shortfall.&nbsp;

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It's an endeavour to get the best from whichever source available. It's motivated with focus on allowing every Indian citizen a fair chance to ensure their growth depending on their potential: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on GoI notification for lateral entry of 10 positions as Jt Secy <a href="https://t.co/5nuFa9egAj">pic.twitter.com/5nuFa9egAj</a>
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The 10 Joint Secretaries will be hired in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce

The Government of India is looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from the private sector. "Government is looking for ten (10) outstanding individuals with expertise in the areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce," a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training said. Candidates are expected to be graduates, over 40 years of age, and with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the aforementioned fields. The 10 applicants who get the jobs will be given three-year contracts, which can be extended up to 5 years. They will be paid Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month, over and above which they will be given government housing and, if required, a vehicle. The last date to apply to the posts is July 30. There is currently a shortage of Joint Secretary-level officers at the Centre and a Committee of Secretaries (CoS) had last year recommended the lateral entry of professionals to make up the shortfall. It's an endeavour to get the best from whichever source available. It's motivated with focus on allowing every Indian citizen a fair chance to ensure their growth depending on their potential: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh on GoI notification for lateral entry of 10 positions as Jt Secy pic.twitter.com/5nuFa9egAj — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 ×

Government of India looking for 10 Joint Secretaries from private sector

People around the world are celebrating Earth Day on Sunday to celebrate and honour Earth.

Various events are being held across the world in order to show their support for environmental issues and encourage each and every individual to take steps towards the environment&nbspprotection.

Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week with an entire week of activities focused on the environmental issues that the world faces. In 2017, the March for Science occurred on Earth day (April 22, 2017) and was followed by the People's Climate Mobilization (April 29, 2017)

Here is everything you want to know about the day!

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and was founded by the United States Senator Gaylor Nelson as an environmental teach-in to encourage make people aware of the environment issues.

Earth Day Network is the organisation who leads Earth Day celebrations worldwide.

The day was first limited to United States only, However, with efforts of a Denis Hayes's organisation launched this event worldwide in 1990. He organised events in 141 nations in a collective coordination.

In 1969 the incident of Santa Barbara oil blowout and protests that were followed prompted the idea of a day dedicated to earth only in which more than three million gallons of oil spewed, killing 10,000 seabirds, dolphines, seals and sea lions.

According to reports currently, more than 1 billion people take part in Earth Day activities every year and put environmental issues on the world stage.

For this year's earth day the theme is 'end plastic pollution' which will be focused on to provide the information and inspiration needed to eventually end plastic pollution. This year various talks will be held to spread awareness regarding the plastic pollution and how recyling it is not enough and what other measure people can take to tackle the global crisis.

 
&nbsp

&nbsp

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and was founded by the United States Senator Gaylor Nelson as an environmental teach-in to encourage make people aware of the environment issues

People around the world are celebrating Earth Day on Sunday to celebrate and honour Earth. Various events are being held across the world in order to show their support for environmental issues and encourage each and every individual to take steps towards the environment&nbspprotection. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week with an entire week of activities focused on the environmental issues that the world faces. In 2017, the March for Science occurred on Earth day (April 22, 2017) and was followed by the People's Climate Mobilization (April 29, 2017) Here is everything you want to know about the day! Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and was founded by the United States Senator Gaylor Nelson as an environmental teach-in to encourage make people aware of the environment issues. Earth Day Network is the organisation who leads Earth Day celebrations worldwide. The day was first limited to United States only, However, with efforts of a Denis Hayes's organisation launched this event worldwide in 1990. He organised events in 141 nations in a collective coordination. In 1969 the incident of Santa Barbara oil blowout and protests that were followed prompted the idea of a day dedicated to earth only in which more than three million gallons of oil spewed, killing 10,000 seabirds, dolphines, seals and sea lions. According to reports currently, more than 1 billion people take part in Earth Day activities every year and put environmental issues on the world stage. For this year's earth day the theme is 'end plastic pollution' which will be focused on to provide the information and inspiration needed to eventually end plastic pollution. This year various talks will be held to spread awareness regarding the plastic pollution and how recyling it is not enough and what other measure people can take to tackle the global crisis.

Earth Day: Everything you want to know

Google Doodle is celebrating Earth Day on Sunday as they put up a video of renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall who delivered a message of hope and planet's future.

The Google doodle is created in partnership with The Goodall Institute and was aimed at bringing personal stories of Goodall's childhood to directly connect with viewers.

In an official statement of Google doodle's site, Goodall said ''It is so important in the world today that we feel hopeful and do our part to protect life on Earth. I am hopeful that this Earth Day Google Doodle will live as a reminder for people across the globe that there is still so much in the world worth fighting for...With all of us working together, I am hopeful that it is not too late to turn things around, if we all do our part for this beautiful planet.”

In a video produced for Earth day doodle, Goodall is talking about the importance for every individual to come forward &nbspwork together for envournment

She says, ''every single individual matters, every single individual makes some impact on the planet every single day, and we have a choice as to what kind of difference we’re going to make”.

Goodall also says that she thinks she was born loving animals, and that her whole childhood was&nbsp''animals, animals, animals.” It was her passion for animals that led Goodall to Gombe, Tanzania where she began studying chimpanzees.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 of every year across the world. It was first celebrated in 1970 and was first proposed by peace activist John McConnel to honour Earth and the concept of peace in 1969.

However, a separate Earth Day was founded by the United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970.

 
&nbsp

Google Doodle is celebrating Earth Day on Sunday as they put up a video of renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall who delivered a message of hope and planet's future

Google Doodle is celebrating Earth Day on Sunday as they put up a video of renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall who delivered a message of hope and planet's future. The Google doodle is created in partnership with The Goodall Institute and was aimed at bringing personal stories of Goodall's childhood to directly connect with viewers. In an official statement of Google doodle's site, Goodall said ''It is so important in the world today that we feel hopeful and do our part to protect life on Earth. I am hopeful that this Earth Day Google Doodle will live as a reminder for people across the globe that there is still so much in the world worth fighting for...With all of us working together, I am hopeful that it is not too late to turn things around, if we all do our part for this beautiful planet.” In a video produced for Earth day doodle, Goodall is talking about the importance for every individual to come forward &nbspwork together for envournment She says, ''every single individual matters, every single individual makes some impact on the planet every single day, and we have a choice as to what kind of difference we’re going to make”. Goodall also says that she thinks she was born loving animals, and that her whole childhood was ''animals, animals, animals.” It was her passion for animals that led Goodall to Gombe, Tanzania where she began studying chimpanzees. Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 of every year across the world. It was first celebrated in 1970 and was first proposed by peace activist John McConnel to honour Earth and the concept of peace in 1969. However, a separate Earth Day was founded by the United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970.

Google Doodle celebrates Earth Day in partnership with ethologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall

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