In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration.&nbsp;

This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic. Despite opposition, the plan received 80 affirmative votes and only 20 dissenting voices.

<h2>Norway takes a step towards becoming a significant mineral producer</h2>

With this, Norway, a leader in oil and gas production in Western Europe, ventures into the uncharted realms of ocean floor mining — which can potentially transform it into a formidable mineral producer, reports AFP.

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The decision follows a comprehensive report unveiled by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, which in 2023, identified resources nestled beneath the ocean's surface—riches encompassing minerals such as copper, zinc, and cobalt.

Championed by a Labour-led coalition minority government, in a bid to lead the green transition, this ambitious proposal advocates the exploration of the Arctic seabed.&nbsp;

In an impassioned plea, policymakers underscored the importance of these minerals in developing fuel cells, solar panels, electric cars, and mobile technology.&nbsp;

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<h2>Dissenting voices</h2>

Yet, this stride into the deep sea has provoked disquiet among environmentalists and scientists who warn that the venture threatens marine ecosystems. They caution that disruptive noise may also affect the ocean's carbon absorption capacity and that the tranquillity of marine life will be severely affected.

Countries like France and the UK have sounded the clarion call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. In response to the concerns, the Norwegian plan asserts that each step will be taken keeping in mind "environmental considerations." However, organisations like Norway's Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Polar Institute have pointed out that there exists a lack of essential knowledge to assess the environmental impact of deep sea mining.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration. This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic.

In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration. This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic. Despite opposition, the plan received 80 affirmative votes and only 20 dissenting voices. Norway takes a step towards becoming a significant mineral producer With this, Norway, a leader in oil and gas production in Western Europe, ventures into the uncharted realms of ocean floor mining — which can potentially transform it into a formidable mineral producer, reports AFP. Also read | 'Clearly unacceptable': India condemns Israel-Hamas war's rising civilian death toll, calls for de-escalation The decision follows a comprehensive report unveiled by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, which in 2023, identified resources nestled beneath the ocean's surface—riches encompassing minerals such as copper, zinc, and cobalt. Championed by a Labour-led coalition minority government, in a bid to lead the green transition, this ambitious proposal advocates the exploration of the Arctic seabed. In an impassioned plea, policymakers underscored the importance of these minerals in developing fuel cells, solar panels, electric cars, and mobile technology. Also read | Melania Trump's mother Amalija Knavs passes away after long illness Dissenting voices Yet, this stride into the deep sea has provoked disquiet among environmentalists and scientists who warn that the venture threatens marine ecosystems. They caution that disruptive noise may also affect the ocean's carbon absorption capacity and that the tranquillity of marine life will be severely affected. Countries like France and the UK have sounded the clarion call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. In response to the concerns, the Norwegian plan asserts that each step will be taken keeping in mind "environmental considerations." However, organisations like Norway's Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Polar Institute have pointed out that there exists a lack of essential knowledge to assess the environmental impact of deep sea mining. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway’s Parliament approves deep-sea mineral exploration, ignites environmental debate

A new global framework has been adopted to reduce environmental risks from chemicals and waste. At a UN conference, countries set concrete targets to prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals and phase out the most harmful ones. The new framework was agreed upon at the fifth international conference on chemicals management in Bonn, Germany.

Global framework for chemicals and waste

A cleansing programme being run by the University of California Riverside is helping California get rid of industrial waste with the help of plants and fungi. The plants, referred to as solar-powered vacuum cleaners by experts, have an extraordinary ability to suck out heavy metals from soil and rid it completely of all forms of pollutants.&nbsp;

One such plant employed in the process is California buckwheat, whose beautiful pink and white flowers have this special ability to detoxify the soil. "That's the miracle of life," Kreigh Hampel, a 68-year-old volunteer was quoted as saying by the Phys.org website.

<h2>How does the detoxification process work?</h2>

Several California plants and fungi such as the telegraph weed, the California bush sunflower and Oyster mushrooms have the ability to suck up heavy metals and help decompose pollutants. They suck up metals like lead into their bodies. And later, when these plants are uprooted from the site, the soil gets effectively sanitised.

“When we pull out the plants, we've removed the lead from the soil," says Danielle Stevenson, a mycologist and the leader of the programme. She says that lead recovered from plants then can be recycled and reused.

Watch:&nbsp;In soaked California, only 2% residents insured against flood

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Similarly, Oyster mushrooms are good at sucking up diesel from the soil. "Those same fungi that in nature would eat a dead tree will also recognize diesel oil, for example, as a food source. The reason is, it's basically the same thing. A lot of our fossil fuels are just dead stuff that got compressed over long periods of time," observes Stevenson.

<h2>Way better than the traditional way of cleaning up sites?</h2>

According to Stevenson, bioremediation techniques are proving to be a highly cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of environmental cleanup.&nbsp;

She explains, "The conventional method of cleaning up sites is just to dig up all the contaminated soil and to dump it somewhere else. That approach doesn't actually solve the problem, right? It just moves it somewhere else." This approach has not only been ineffective in tackling the issue but has also proven to be a financial burden.

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The bioremediation project, undertaken on three sites in the Los Angeles area, has shown immense promise thus far, with a budget of approximately $200,000. Early results have given rise to optimism among experts and stakeholders involved in the field of environmental remediation.&nbsp;

The cost-effectiveness of bioremediation has the potential to revolutionise the cleanup efforts required for numerous commercial sites that have outlived their usefulness and are left abandoned.

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&nbsp;

A cleansing programme being run by the University of California Riverside is helping California get rid of industrial waste with the help of plants and fungi. The plants, referred to as solar-powered vacuum cleaners by experts, have an extraordinary ability to suck out heavy metals from soil and rid it completely of all forms of pollutants.

A cleansing programme being run by the University of California Riverside is helping California get rid of industrial waste with the help of plants and fungi. The plants, referred to as solar-powered vacuum cleaners by experts, have an extraordinary ability to suck out heavy metals from soil and rid it completely of all forms of pollutants. One such plant employed in the process is California buckwheat, whose beautiful pink and white flowers have this special ability to detoxify the soil. "That's the miracle of life," Kreigh Hampel, a 68-year-old volunteer was quoted as saying by the Phys.org website. How does the detoxification process work? Several California plants and fungi such as the telegraph weed, the California bush sunflower and Oyster mushrooms have the ability to suck up heavy metals and help decompose pollutants. They suck up metals like lead into their bodies. And later, when these plants are uprooted from the site, the soil gets effectively sanitised. “When we pull out the plants, we've removed the lead from the soil," says Danielle Stevenson, a mycologist and the leader of the programme. She says that lead recovered from plants then can be recycled and reused. Watch: In soaked California, only 2% residents insured against flood × Similarly, Oyster mushrooms are good at sucking up diesel from the soil. "Those same fungi that in nature would eat a dead tree will also recognize diesel oil, for example, as a food source. The reason is, it's basically the same thing. A lot of our fossil fuels are just dead stuff that got compressed over long periods of time," observes Stevenson. Way better than the traditional way of cleaning up sites? According to Stevenson, bioremediation techniques are proving to be a highly cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of environmental cleanup. She explains, "The conventional method of cleaning up sites is just to dig up all the contaminated soil and to dump it somewhere else. That approach doesn't actually solve the problem, right? It just moves it somewhere else." This approach has not only been ineffective in tackling the issue but has also proven to be a financial burden. Also Read | Tragic! California man killed by car while helping ducks cross road The bioremediation project, undertaken on three sites in the Los Angeles area, has shown immense promise thus far, with a budget of approximately $200,000. Early results have given rise to optimism among experts and stakeholders involved in the field of environmental remediation. The cost-effectiveness of bioremediation has the potential to revolutionise the cleanup efforts required for numerous commercial sites that have outlived their usefulness and are left abandoned. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

California researchers successfully rid soil of industrial waste using plants and fungi

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

Swiss environmentalists demand green reconstruction after coronavirus crisis

Goldman Sachs Group Inc told employees on Wednesday it will no longer carry widely used, throw-away plastic items like water bottles or silverware in its offices and cafeterias as the US bank tries to cut the amount of trash it puts in landfills.

Starting last week, Goldman cafeterias and vending machines globally swapped out plastic soda and water bottles for aluminium cans, glass bottles and compostable cups to be used for fountain drinks, said Cindy Quan, the bank's head of environment, social and governance for real estate.

Throw-away plastic items have been the subject of bans by a growing number of countries and corporations because they often end up littering oceans and waterways.

In December, the European Union agreed to ban by 2021 a list of 10 single-use plastic products, like plates, straws and drink stirrers.

The operator of luxury hotel chain Peninsula Hotels, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, said it will stop using plastic bottles, packaging and bathroom amenities by 2020.

Quan said Goldman is banning single-use plastics because they often ended up in the company's garbage instead of the recycling bin.

The bank has said it is trying to divert 100 per cent of its business waste from landfills by 2020 and is 93 per cent of the way there, Quan said.

This step will reduce the amount of single-use plastics bank employees throw away by 85 per cent or to 6 tons, the bank said.

Goldman has worked with companies and groups with ties to the plastics industry.

Kevin Smith, vice president of the bank's environmental markets group, said that the bank does not discuss matters related to specific clients.

The move away from single-use plastics, Smith said, is part of the bank's broader environmental strategy, which includes raising capital for green energy projects and underwriting climate-related risks.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc told employees on Wednesday it will no longer carry widely used, throw-away plastic items like water bottles or silverware in its offices and cafeterias as the US bank tries to cut the amount of trash it puts in landfills.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc told employees on Wednesday it will no longer carry widely used, throw-away plastic items like water bottles or silverware in its offices and cafeterias as the US bank tries to cut the amount of trash it puts in landfills. Starting last week, Goldman cafeterias and vending machines globally swapped out plastic soda and water bottles for aluminium cans, glass bottles and compostable cups to be used for fountain drinks, said Cindy Quan, the bank's head of environment, social and governance for real estate. Throw-away plastic items have been the subject of bans by a growing number of countries and corporations because they often end up littering oceans and waterways. In December, the European Union agreed to ban by 2021 a list of 10 single-use plastic products, like plates, straws and drink stirrers. The operator of luxury hotel chain Peninsula Hotels, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, said it will stop using plastic bottles, packaging and bathroom amenities by 2020. Quan said Goldman is banning single-use plastics because they often ended up in the company's garbage instead of the recycling bin. The bank has said it is trying to divert 100 per cent of its business waste from landfills by 2020 and is 93 per cent of the way there, Quan said. This step will reduce the amount of single-use plastics bank employees throw away by 85 per cent or to 6 tons, the bank said. Goldman has worked with companies and groups with ties to the plastics industry. Kevin Smith, vice president of the bank's environmental markets group, said that the bank does not discuss matters related to specific clients. The move away from single-use plastics, Smith said, is part of the bank's broader environmental strategy, which includes raising capital for green energy projects and underwriting climate-related risks.

Goldman Sachs ditches single-use plastic products

India has agreed to work towards joining the Paris Agreement on climate change this year, India and the United States said on Tuesday, pushing the international fight to curb global warming ahead.

President Barack Obama welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;to the White House for their seventh meeting since&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;took office in 2014, underscoring the warm relationship between the leaders and the world&#39;s two largest democracies.&nbsp;

&quot;We discussed how we can, as quickly as possible, bring the Paris Agreement into force,&quot; Obama said. Climate change is a legacy issue for the US president who leaves office in January.India&#39;s potential entrance into the agreement this year would help accelerate its enactment, perhaps years ahead of schedule. India is the world&rsquo;s third-largest greenhouse gas emitter after China and the United States.

Obama and&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;agreed to work together on an &quot;ambitious&quot; amendment to an international pact known as the Montreal Protocol to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),&nbsp;a&nbsp;potent greenhouse gas.

The two countries said India would take steps to join the Paris agreement this year.

&quot;India and the United States recognise the urgency of climate change and share the goal of enabling entry into force of the Paris Agreement as early as possible,&quot; the joint statement said.

&quot;The United States reaffirms its commitment to join the agreement as soon as possible this year. India similarly has begun its processes to work toward this shared objective.&quot;

The agreement, forged in 2015, will take effect when at least 55 countries representing 55 per cent of global emissions ratify it. By late last month 17 small countries had ratified it, according to the United Nations, and many others including the United States and China have pledged to do so in 2016.

Environmental groups had hoped&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;would say that India was ready to ratify the agreement during his Washington trip.

&ldquo;With India now on board, a growing chorus&nbsp;of countries are seeking to bring the Paris Agreement into full effect as soon as possible,&quot;&nbsp;said Andrew Steer, president of the World Resources Institute.&nbsp;

Environmental groups had hoped?Modi?would say that India was ready to ratify the agreement during his Washington trip

India has agreed to work towards joining the Paris Agreement on climate change this year, India and the United States said on Tuesday, pushing the international fight to curb global warming ahead. President Barack Obama welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House for their seventh meeting since Modi took office in 2014, underscoring the warm relationship between the leaders and the world's two largest democracies. "We discussed how we can, as quickly as possible, bring the Paris Agreement into force," Obama said. Climate change is a legacy issue for the US president who leaves office in January.India's potential entrance into the agreement this year would help accelerate its enactment, perhaps years ahead of schedule. India is the world’s third-largest greenhouse gas emitter after China and the United States. Obama and Modi agreed to work together on an "ambitious" amendment to an international pact known as the Montreal Protocol to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a potent greenhouse gas. The two countries said India would take steps to join the Paris agreement this year. "India and the United States recognise the urgency of climate change and share the goal of enabling entry into force of the Paris Agreement as early as possible," the joint statement said. "The United States reaffirms its commitment to join the agreement as soon as possible this year. India similarly has begun its processes to work toward this shared objective." The agreement, forged in 2015, will take effect when at least 55 countries representing 55 per cent of global emissions ratify it. By late last month 17 small countries had ratified it, according to the United Nations, and many others including the United States and China have pledged to do so in 2016. Environmental groups had hoped Modi would say that India was ready to ratify the agreement during his Washington trip. “With India now on board, a growing chorus of countries are seeking to bring the Paris Agreement into full effect as soon as possible," said Andrew Steer, president of the World Resources Institute.

In boost to Paris climate pact, India says it aims to join this year

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