Pope Francis has said that the Earth will become uninhabitable if there is no concrete action taken on climate change. He further asserted the complexity of the ecological crisis.

Pope Francis talks about climate change, pollution and development

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season.

"People of Delhi can register complaints regarding 10 kinds of pollution via Green Delhi App throughout this winter season (ie from October to February). Our 21 member team will work actively during this time," he said while launching the 24X7 Green War Room.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-jal-jeevan-mission-app-rashtriya-jal-jeevan-kosh-today-417578">PM Modi launches Jal Jeevan Mission app, Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh today</a>

The room is permanent which will look into the problem related to waste, bio-mass burning, industrial pollution, construction or demolition related pollution, waste on roads, pollution emitting vehicles, noise pollution, among others, Rai added.

"Green War Room is a joint platform of 27 departments of Delhi and Central government and the Municipal Corporation. Complaints received via Green Delhi App are resolved with the help of the joint action plan of these departments. Every department will have a nodal point and nearly 2,500 people have been trained in batches for the proper implementation of the plan," he said.

The Green Delhi App was launched in 2020 to enable Delhi residents to register complaints about violations of anti-pollution guidelines. However, the app was only available on Android phones then.

"From now on, the app is also available for iOS users," Rai said, adding that the Delhi government had received 27,000 complaints, out of which over 23,000 have already been resolved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-index-india-worlds-second-most-polluted-country-415692">Air Quality Index: India world’s second most polluted country</a>

"The 150 pollution hotspots that we have come to know about via the app will be continuously monitored in this room," he said.

A team of 70 Green Marshals have been set up who will work as a task force to ensure whether the registered complaints have actually been solved or not.

The minister also said that the process for recruitment of 50 engineers has already been started by Delhi Pollution Control Committee to fill vacancies.

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season.

To address environmental issues in the national capital, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday launched an advanced Green War Room and Green App that will look into the problems pertaining to 10 kinds of pollution throughout the winter season. "People of Delhi can register complaints regarding 10 kinds of pollution via Green Delhi App throughout this winter season (ie from October to February). Our 21 member team will work actively during this time," he said while launching the 24X7 Green War Room. Also Read | PM Modi launches Jal Jeevan Mission app, Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh today The room is permanent which will look into the problem related to waste, bio-mass burning, industrial pollution, construction or demolition related pollution, waste on roads, pollution emitting vehicles, noise pollution, among others, Rai added. "Green War Room is a joint platform of 27 departments of Delhi and Central government and the Municipal Corporation. Complaints received via Green Delhi App are resolved with the help of the joint action plan of these departments. Every department will have a nodal point and nearly 2,500 people have been trained in batches for the proper implementation of the plan," he said. The Green Delhi App was launched in 2020 to enable Delhi residents to register complaints about violations of anti-pollution guidelines. However, the app was only available on Android phones then. "From now on, the app is also available for iOS users," Rai said, adding that the Delhi government had received 27,000 complaints, out of which over 23,000 have already been resolved. Also read | Air Quality Index: India world’s second most polluted country "The 150 pollution hotspots that we have come to know about via the app will be continuously monitored in this room," he said. A team of 70 Green Marshals have been set up who will work as a task force to ensure whether the registered complaints have actually been solved or not. The minister also said that the process for recruitment of 50 engineers has already been started by Delhi Pollution Control Committee to fill vacancies.

Delhi government launches advanced Green War Room app to address 10 kinds of pollution

Rapid developments in tourism have taken a toll on Europe's oldest lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. With different groups battling for their interests, the lake's preservation has been put at stake. The lake is polluted to the utmost level.

Rapid developments in tourism take toll on Europe's oldest lake, Ohrid

32 Indonesians have won a lawsuit against their President Joko Widodo. A court in Jakarta has found Widodo & 7 other govt officials guilty of negligence over air pollution. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: 32 Indonesians win lawsuit against Joko Widodo

Despite scientists' warnings that dramatic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions are needed now, none of the world's biggest economies — including the whole G20 — have a climate strategy that matches their requirements under the 2015 Paris Agreement, according to an analysis published Wednesday.&nbsp;

The watchdog Climate Action Tracker (CAT) examined the policies of 36 nations and the 27-nation European Union, concluding that all major economies were failing to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels.

Countries are responsible for 80% of global emissions.

The Gambia was the only country out of 37 that was "1.5 compliant," according to the study, which included some low-emission countries. 
 
The G20 is made up of the majority of the world's greatest economies, both developed and developing.

The group accounts for around 90% of global gross domestic product (GDP), 75-80% of international trade, two-thirds of the world's population, and roughly half of the planet's land area. 
&nbsp;

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Because the study only looked at a few smaller emitters, it's possible that additional emerging countries will follow suit.&nbsp;

The research comes less than two months before the COP26 international climate meetings in Glasgow, which are mediated by the United Nations.

The event's chairman, British MP Alok Sharma, has expressed his desire to "keep 1.5 alive" as a global warming limit.

After scores of world leaders made bold new promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions during US President Joe Biden's meeting, CAT claimed that progress had stalled.

In April, the Climate Leaders Summit will be held.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a new Pew Research Center poll of 17 advanced economies throughout North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific indicates broad worry about the personal consequences of global climate change.

Most residents indicate they are willing to adjust at least some aspects of their lives and work to prevent the effects of global warming, but it is unclear whether their efforts will have an impact.&nbsp;

Concern about climate change appears to be accompanied by a desire to mitigate its impacts through human actions.

To address the threat posed by global warming, majorities in each of the advanced economies surveyed indicate they are willing to make at least some changes in how they live and work.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

Despite scientists' warnings that dramatic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions are needed now, none of the world's biggest economies — including the whole G20 — have a climate strategy that matches their requirements under the 2015 Paris Agreement, according to an analysis published Wednesday.

Despite scientists' warnings that dramatic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions are needed now, none of the world's biggest economies — including the whole G20 — have a climate strategy that matches their requirements under the 2015 Paris Agreement, according to an analysis published Wednesday. The watchdog Climate Action Tracker (CAT) examined the policies of 36 nations and the 27-nation European Union, concluding that all major economies were failing to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels. Countries are responsible for 80% of global emissions. The Gambia was the only country out of 37 that was "1.5 compliant," according to the study, which included some low-emission countries. The G20 is made up of the majority of the world's greatest economies, both developed and developing. The group accounts for around 90% of global gross domestic product (GDP), 75-80% of international trade, two-thirds of the world's population, and roughly half of the planet's land area. × Because the study only looked at a few smaller emitters, it's possible that additional emerging countries will follow suit. The research comes less than two months before the COP26 international climate meetings in Glasgow, which are mediated by the United Nations. The event's chairman, British MP Alok Sharma, has expressed his desire to "keep 1.5 alive" as a global warming limit. After scores of world leaders made bold new promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions during US President Joe Biden's meeting, CAT claimed that progress had stalled. In April, the Climate Leaders Summit will be held. Meanwhile, a new Pew Research Center poll of 17 advanced economies throughout North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific indicates broad worry about the personal consequences of global climate change. Most residents indicate they are willing to adjust at least some aspects of their lives and work to prevent the effects of global warming, but it is unclear whether their efforts will have an impact. Concern about climate change appears to be accompanied by a desire to mitigate its impacts through human actions. To address the threat posed by global warming, majorities in each of the advanced economies surveyed indicate they are willing to make at least some changes in how they live and work. (With input from agencies)

World's largest economies are not in line with the Paris Agreement on climate

The number of disasters, such as floods and heatwaves, driven by climate change have increased fivefold over the past 50 years, killing more than 2 million people and costing $3.64 trillion in total losses, a UN agency said on Wednesday.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says its "Atlas" is the most comprehensive review of mortality and economic losses from weather, water and climate extremes ever produced.

It surveys some 11,000 disasters occurring between 1979-2019, including major catastrophes such as Ethiopia's 1983 drought, which was the single most fatal event with 300,000 deaths, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that was the most costly, with losses of $163.61 billion.

The report showed an accelerating trend, with the number of disasters increasing nearly fivefold from the 1970s to the most recent decade, adding to signs that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to global warming.

The WMO attributed the growing frequency to both climate change and improved disaster reporting.

Costs from the events also surged from $175.4 billion in the 1970s to $1.38 trillion in the 2010s when storms such as Harvey, Maria and Irma ripped through the United States.

"Economic losses are mounting as exposure increases," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas in a foreword.

But while hazards became more costly and frequent, the annual death toll has fallen from more than 50,000 in the 1970s to around 18,000 in the 2010s, suggesting that better planning was paying off.

"Improved multi-hazard early warning systems have led to a significant reduction in mortality," Taalas added.

The WMO hopes the report, which gives a detailed regional breakdown, will be used to help governments develop policies to better protect people.

More than 91% of the 2 million deaths occurred in developing countries, the report said, noting that only half of the WMO's 193 members have multi-hazard early warning systems.

It also said that "severe gaps" in weather observations, especially in Africa, were undermining the accuracy of early warning systems.

The number of disasters, such as floods and heatwaves, driven by climate change have increased fivefold over the past 50 years, killing more than 2 million people and costing $3.

The number of disasters, such as floods and heatwaves, driven by climate change have increased fivefold over the past 50 years, killing more than 2 million people and costing $3.64 trillion in total losses, a UN agency said on Wednesday. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says its "Atlas" is the most comprehensive review of mortality and economic losses from weather, water and climate extremes ever produced. It surveys some 11,000 disasters occurring between 1979-2019, including major catastrophes such as Ethiopia's 1983 drought, which was the single most fatal event with 300,000 deaths, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that was the most costly, with losses of $163.61 billion. The report showed an accelerating trend, with the number of disasters increasing nearly fivefold from the 1970s to the most recent decade, adding to signs that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to global warming. The WMO attributed the growing frequency to both climate change and improved disaster reporting. Costs from the events also surged from $175.4 billion in the 1970s to $1.38 trillion in the 2010s when storms such as Harvey, Maria and Irma ripped through the United States. "Economic losses are mounting as exposure increases," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas in a foreword. But while hazards became more costly and frequent, the annual death toll has fallen from more than 50,000 in the 1970s to around 18,000 in the 2010s, suggesting that better planning was paying off. "Improved multi-hazard early warning systems have led to a significant reduction in mortality," Taalas added. The WMO hopes the report, which gives a detailed regional breakdown, will be used to help governments develop policies to better protect people. More than 91% of the 2 million deaths occurred in developing countries, the report said, noting that only half of the WMO's 193 members have multi-hazard early warning systems. It also said that "severe gaps" in weather observations, especially in Africa, were undermining the accuracy of early warning systems.

Over 2 million people dead, $3 trillion lost due to weather disasters in 50 years, says UN agency

The use of leaded petrol has been eradicated from the globe, a milestone that will prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths and save world economies over $2.4 trillion annually, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said Monday.

Nearly a century after doctors first issued warnings about the toxic effects of leaded petrol, Algeria, the last country to use it, exhausted its supplies last month, UNEP said, calling the news a landmark win in the fight for cleaner air.

"The successful enforcement of the ban on leaded petrol is a huge milestone for global health and our environment," said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP, which is headquartered in Nairobi.

Even as recently as two decades ago, more than 100 countries around the world were still using leaded petrol, despite studies linking it to premature deaths, poor health and soil and air pollution.

Concerns were raised as early as 1924, when dozens of workers were hospitalised and five declared dead after suffering convulsions at a refinery run by US giant Standard Oil, nicknamed the "looney gas building" by staff.

Nevertheless, until the 1970s, almost all the gasoline sold across the globe contained lead.

When UNEP launched its campaign in 2002, many major powers had already stopped using the fuel, including the United States, China and India. But the situation in lower-income nations remained dire.

Urgent action is needed

By 2016, after North Korea, Myanmar and Afghanistan stopped selling leaded petrol, only a handful of countries were still operating service stations providing the fuel, with Algeria finally following Iraq and Yemen in ending its reliance on the pollutant.

UNEP said in a statement that the eradication of leaded petrol would "prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths per year, increase IQ points among children, save $2.44 trillion for the global economy, and decrease crime rates".

It warned that fossil fuel use in general must still be drastically reduced to stave off the frightening effects of climate change.

Vehicle sales are set to climb globally exponentially, particularly in emerging markets.

"The transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions and is set to grow to one third by 2050," UNEP said, adding that 1.2 billion new vehicles will hit the streets in the coming decades.

"This includes millions of poor-quality used vehicles exported from Europe, the United States, and Japan, to mid- and low-income countries.

"This contributes to global warming and air pollution, and (is) bound to cause accidents," the global body said.

Earlier this month, a bombshell report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that the Earth's average temperature would be 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer around 2030 -- a decade earlier than projected, raising alarm bells about the use of fossil fuels.

The use of leaded petrol has been eradicated from the globe, a milestone that will prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths and save world economies over $2.

The use of leaded petrol has been eradicated from the globe, a milestone that will prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths and save world economies over $2.4 trillion annually, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said Monday. Nearly a century after doctors first issued warnings about the toxic effects of leaded petrol, Algeria, the last country to use it, exhausted its supplies last month, UNEP said, calling the news a landmark win in the fight for cleaner air. "The successful enforcement of the ban on leaded petrol is a huge milestone for global health and our environment," said Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP, which is headquartered in Nairobi. Even as recently as two decades ago, more than 100 countries around the world were still using leaded petrol, despite studies linking it to premature deaths, poor health and soil and air pollution. Concerns were raised as early as 1924, when dozens of workers were hospitalised and five declared dead after suffering convulsions at a refinery run by US giant Standard Oil, nicknamed the "looney gas building" by staff. Nevertheless, until the 1970s, almost all the gasoline sold across the globe contained lead. When UNEP launched its campaign in 2002, many major powers had already stopped using the fuel, including the United States, China and India. But the situation in lower-income nations remained dire. Urgent action is needed By 2016, after North Korea, Myanmar and Afghanistan stopped selling leaded petrol, only a handful of countries were still operating service stations providing the fuel, with Algeria finally following Iraq and Yemen in ending its reliance on the pollutant. UNEP said in a statement that the eradication of leaded petrol would "prevent more than 1.2 million premature deaths per year, increase IQ points among children, save $2.44 trillion for the global economy, and decrease crime rates". It warned that fossil fuel use in general must still be drastically reduced to stave off the frightening effects of climate change. Vehicle sales are set to climb globally exponentially, particularly in emerging markets. "The transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions and is set to grow to one third by 2050," UNEP said, adding that 1.2 billion new vehicles will hit the streets in the coming decades. "This includes millions of poor-quality used vehicles exported from Europe, the United States, and Japan, to mid- and low-income countries. "This contributes to global warming and air pollution, and (is) bound to cause accidents," the global body said. Earlier this month, a bombshell report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that the Earth's average temperature would be 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer around 2030 -- a decade earlier than projected, raising alarm bells about the use of fossil fuels.

Leaded petrol use eradicated globally, will prevent 1.2 million premature deaths: UN

The UK is set to ban all single-use plastic in a bid to reduce the pollution being spread by these cutlery items.<o:p></o:p>

As per orders, all single-use plastic plates, cups, cutlery items and the polystyrene cups will now be completely banned in the UK. <o:p></o:p>

The decision was taken after experts stated that an average person uses 18 throwaway plastic plates and 37 single-use knives, forks and spoons annually, as per ministers. However, the plastic products are made with better durability. Due to this, millions of birds and more than 100,000 sea mammals and turtles die every year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-leads-to-increased-mental-illness-and-decreases-intelligence-study-408854" hreflang="en">Air pollution leads to increased mental illness and decreases intelligence: Study</a>

"We've all seen the damage that plastic does to our environment,"&nbsp;said the environment secretary,&nbsp;George Eustice. "It is right that we put in place measures that will tackle the plastic carelessly strewn across our parks and green spaces and washed up on beaches. We have made progress to turn the tide on plastic, now we are looking to go a step further."<o:p></o:p>

Keeping in mind the negative impact caused by plastic items, the government has decided to impose a plastic packaging tax, starting from April 2022. The UK government will charge £200 per tonne of plastic that would have 30 per cent recycled content. This will, as per the government, encourage usage of recycled items.

<o:p></o:p>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/female-hummingbirds-that-look-like-males-face-less-social-harassment-study-408873">Female hummingbirds that look like males face less social harassment: Study</a>

The plastic bag charge has led to a decline of nearly 95 per cent of plastic packings in the British supermarkets since 2015.<o:p></o:p>

However, not everyone is content with this decision as many believe that the government is fighting this evil at a 'snail speed'. <o:p></o:p>

"Banning throwaway plastic items like plates and cutlery is a welcome move, but the UK government is simply playing catch up with the EU. After years of talking about being a global leader in this field, the UK government has managed to crack down on a grand total of four single-use plastic items and microplastics. This snail-paced, piecemeal approach isn’t leadership," Will McCallum, at Greenpeace UK was quoted saying by the Guardian.<o:p></o:p>

The UK is set to ban all single-use plastic in a bid to reduce the pollution being spread by these cutlery items. As per orders, all single-use plastic plates, cups, cutlery items and the polystyrene cups will now be completely banned in the UK.

The UK is set to ban all single-use plastic in a bid to reduce the pollution being spread by these cutlery items. As per orders, all single-use plastic plates, cups, cutlery items and the polystyrene cups will now be completely banned in the UK. The decision was taken after experts stated that an average person uses 18 throwaway plastic plates and 37 single-use knives, forks and spoons annually, as per ministers. However, the plastic products are made with better durability. Due to this, millions of birds and more than 100,000 sea mammals and turtles die every year. Also read | Air pollution leads to increased mental illness and decreases intelligence: Study "We've all seen the damage that plastic does to our environment," said the environment secretary, George Eustice. "It is right that we put in place measures that will tackle the plastic carelessly strewn across our parks and green spaces and washed up on beaches. We have made progress to turn the tide on plastic, now we are looking to go a step further." Keeping in mind the negative impact caused by plastic items, the government has decided to impose a plastic packaging tax, starting from April 2022. The UK government will charge £200 per tonne of plastic that would have 30 per cent recycled content. This will, as per the government, encourage usage of recycled items. Also read | Female hummingbirds that look like males face less social harassment: Study The plastic bag charge has led to a decline of nearly 95 per cent of plastic packings in the British supermarkets since 2015. However, not everyone is content with this decision as many believe that the government is fighting this evil at a 'snail speed'. "Banning throwaway plastic items like plates and cutlery is a welcome move, but the UK government is simply playing catch up with the EU. After years of talking about being a global leader in this field, the UK government has managed to crack down on a grand total of four single-use plastic items and microplastics. This snail-paced, piecemeal approach isn’t leadership," Will McCallum, at Greenpeace UK was quoted saying by the Guardian.

UK set to ban single-use plastic permanently soon

Hundreds of firefighters battled Thursday to contain new flare-ups in wildfire-ravaged areas of Greece, where summer infernos have caused what the prime minister described as the country's "greatest ecological disaster in decades".

However, rain overnight in some areas and falling temperatures appeared to have eased the situation after two weeks of devastating blazes, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said "we can be more optimistic today" than previous days.

Greece's most severe heatwave in decades has fanned blazes that have destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of forests and farmland, the country's worst wildfire damage since 2007, the European Forest Fire Information System said Thursday.

The fires have left three dead, hundreds homeless, forced thousands to flee, and caused economic and environmental devastation.

Greece is just one of a number of countries in the Mediterranean region that have been hit by a savage fire season which authorities have blamed on climate change.

Mitsotakis on Thursday described the "mega fires" as Greece's "greatest ecological disaster in decades".

"Climate crisis is here... and it tells us that everything must change," he told reporters, pointing to other devastating fires in Turkey, Italy and Algeria.

The prime minister said firefighters, volunteers and locals had saved "countless" homes and businesses, but dozens of properties had been lost nonetheless.

Mitsotakis said that 150 homes have been lost in greater Athens over the last week, while the count is ongoing on the island of Evia, which accounts for more than half of the area burned nationwide.

'Can't take it anymore'

A fire service official told AFP on Thursday that "the fire fronts are still active" on Evia and in the Arcadia region of the Peloponnese peninsula and "fires are constantly flaring up" in both areas.

In the north of Evia, where hundreds have been evacuated by boat, 858 firefighters including reinforcements from Ukraine, Romania and Serbia, were battling the flames.

And there was fresh concern in Athens after a new fire broke out on Thursday morning in the industrial zone of Aspropyrgos, 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of the capital.

At the height of the fires in early August, the flames had reached the gates of Athens, filling the sky of the city of four million inhabitants with grey smoke.

But after weeks of punishing temperatures often well over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), a lower 33 degrees Celsius was forecast for Thursday.

The falling temperatures and overnight rain in Evia, the Peloponnese and central Greece had helped improve the situation, said Stathis Koulis, the mayor of Gortynia.

The village of Gortynia in a mountainous area of Arcadia 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Athens has become the primary focus in the Peloponnese, with deep ravines posing a challenge to firefighters.

Twenty villages have been evacuated in the area over the past few days and 680 firefighters, including more than a hundred sent to help from France, and five water-dropping aircraft have been relentlessly battling the flames.

"I can't take it anymore," said farmer Kostis Angelou as he wandered between the corpses of his goats, all 372 of them burnt by a fire that devoured forests on Evia.

The 44-year-old managed to survive by spending hours under an irrigation water pipe, surrounded by flames.

"A saint saved me," he said.

Climate 'code red'

The latest extreme weather events come after a "code red" report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was published on Monday warning that the world is warming far faster than previously feared.

The Mediterranean has been singled out as a "climate change hotspot", with increasing temperatures and aridity lengthening fire seasons and doubling the areas potential burnt, according to draft IPCC assessment seen exclusively by AFP.

Algeria announced three days of national mourning starting Thursday for the 69 dead killed in blazes there.

Five have died in fires in Italy, where what is believed to be a new European record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 Fahrenheit) was registered in Sicily on Wednesday -- beating the previous high recorded in Greece in 1977.

Eight people were killed in fires in Turkey's south earlier in the month, while in the north the death count rose to five on Thursday from flash floods that have swept across several Black Sea regions.

Hundreds of firefighters battled Thursday to contain new flare-ups in wildfire-ravaged areas of Greece, where summer infernos have caused what the prime minister described as the country's "greatest ecological disaster in decades".

Hundreds of firefighters battled Thursday to contain new flare-ups in wildfire-ravaged areas of Greece, where summer infernos have caused what the prime minister described as the country's "greatest ecological disaster in decades". However, rain overnight in some areas and falling temperatures appeared to have eased the situation after two weeks of devastating blazes, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said "we can be more optimistic today" than previous days. Greece's most severe heatwave in decades has fanned blazes that have destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of forests and farmland, the country's worst wildfire damage since 2007, the European Forest Fire Information System said Thursday. The fires have left three dead, hundreds homeless, forced thousands to flee, and caused economic and environmental devastation. Greece is just one of a number of countries in the Mediterranean region that have been hit by a savage fire season which authorities have blamed on climate change. Mitsotakis on Thursday described the "mega fires" as Greece's "greatest ecological disaster in decades". "Climate crisis is here... and it tells us that everything must change," he told reporters, pointing to other devastating fires in Turkey, Italy and Algeria. The prime minister said firefighters, volunteers and locals had saved "countless" homes and businesses, but dozens of properties had been lost nonetheless. Mitsotakis said that 150 homes have been lost in greater Athens over the last week, while the count is ongoing on the island of Evia, which accounts for more than half of the area burned nationwide. 'Can't take it anymore' A fire service official told AFP on Thursday that "the fire fronts are still active" on Evia and in the Arcadia region of the Peloponnese peninsula and "fires are constantly flaring up" in both areas. In the north of Evia, where hundreds have been evacuated by boat, 858 firefighters including reinforcements from Ukraine, Romania and Serbia, were battling the flames. And there was fresh concern in Athens after a new fire broke out on Thursday morning in the industrial zone of Aspropyrgos, 20 kilometres (12 miles) northwest of the capital. At the height of the fires in early August, the flames had reached the gates of Athens, filling the sky of the city of four million inhabitants with grey smoke. But after weeks of punishing temperatures often well over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), a lower 33 degrees Celsius was forecast for Thursday. The falling temperatures and overnight rain in Evia, the Peloponnese and central Greece had helped improve the situation, said Stathis Koulis, the mayor of Gortynia. The village of Gortynia in a mountainous area of Arcadia 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of Athens has become the primary focus in the Peloponnese, with deep ravines posing a challenge to firefighters. Twenty villages have been evacuated in the area over the past few days and 680 firefighters, including more than a hundred sent to help from France, and five water-dropping aircraft have been relentlessly battling the flames. "I can't take it anymore," said farmer Kostis Angelou as he wandered between the corpses of his goats, all 372 of them burnt by a fire that devoured forests on Evia. The 44-year-old managed to survive by spending hours under an irrigation water pipe, surrounded by flames. "A saint saved me," he said. Climate 'code red' The latest extreme weather events come after a "code red" report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was published on Monday warning that the world is warming far faster than previously feared. The Mediterranean has been singled out as a "climate change hotspot", with increasing temperatures and aridity lengthening fire seasons and doubling the areas potential burnt, according to draft IPCC assessment seen exclusively by AFP. Algeria announced three days of national mourning starting Thursday for the 69 dead killed in blazes there. Five have died in fires in Italy, where what is believed to be a new European record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 Fahrenheit) was registered in Sicily on Wednesday -- beating the previous high recorded in Greece in 1977. Eight people were killed in fires in Turkey's south earlier in the month, while in the north the death count rose to five on Thursday from flash floods that have swept across several Black Sea regions.

Over 100,000 hectares burned as Greece faces ‘ecological disaster’ from wildfires

A recent report prepared by British company HouseFresh has revealed that Bangladesh was the most polluted country across the world in 2020, followed by Pakistan, India and Mongolia.&nbsp;

Out of the 50 'most polluted cities' in the world, the Indian city Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh has been given the second spot. 
Ghaziabad provided an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 2.5 particulate matter (PM) in 106.6µg/m3.&nbsp;

China's Hotan province is the most polluted city in the world. &nbsp;

China recorded PM2.5 of 110.2µg/m3. As per the report, it was mostly due to sandstorms resulting from its closeness to the Taklimakan Desert.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamaican-athlete-thanks-tokyo-2020-volunteer-who-paid-his-taxi-money-404958">Also read |&nbsp;Jamaican athlete thanks Tokyo 2020 volunteer who paid his taxi money</a>

The Taklimakan Desert is the largest shifting sand desert in the world.

Bangladesh’s Manikganj is in the third position on the list of the world’s most polluted cities with a PM2.5 of 80.2µg/m3.&nbsp;

“As one of the fastest developing countries around the world, with its industrial sector growing at a rate of 13% per year, vehicles and industrial emissions are the major contributors to air pollution in this country of 165 million people,” the author said.

According to another report by Swiss Air Quality expert IQAir, as many as 22 Indian cities have secured a place in the top 30 most polluted list. Under the 'unhealthy' parameter, cities like Bulandshahr, Bhiwandi, Noida, Greater Noida, Kanpur, Lucknow, Delhi, Faridabad and Meerut have remained in the top position.

A recent report prepared by British company HouseFresh has revealed that Bangladesh was the most polluted country across the world in 2020, followed by Pakistan, India and Mongolia.

A recent report prepared by British company HouseFresh has revealed that Bangladesh was the most polluted country across the world in 2020, followed by Pakistan, India and Mongolia. Out of the 50 'most polluted cities' in the world, the Indian city Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh has been given the second spot. Ghaziabad provided an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 2.5 particulate matter (PM) in 106.6µg/m3. China's Hotan province is the most polluted city in the world. China recorded PM2.5 of 110.2µg/m3. As per the report, it was mostly due to sandstorms resulting from its closeness to the Taklimakan Desert. Also read | Jamaican athlete thanks Tokyo 2020 volunteer who paid his taxi money The Taklimakan Desert is the largest shifting sand desert in the world. Bangladesh’s Manikganj is in the third position on the list of the world’s most polluted cities with a PM2.5 of 80.2µg/m3. “As one of the fastest developing countries around the world, with its industrial sector growing at a rate of 13% per year, vehicles and industrial emissions are the major contributors to air pollution in this country of 165 million people,” the author said. According to another report by Swiss Air Quality expert IQAir, as many as 22 Indian cities have secured a place in the top 30 most polluted list. Under the 'unhealthy' parameter, cities like Bulandshahr, Bhiwandi, Noida, Greater Noida, Kanpur, Lucknow, Delhi, Faridabad and Meerut have remained in the top position.

Ghaziabad second most polluted city in 2020; China's Hotan at first

In the wake of wildfires in numerous countries, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "devastating flames" had damaged many people's lives in recent weeks.&nbsp;

"If we continue business as usual, the risks posed by climate change could dwarf those of any single disease. We will end the COVID-19 pandemic, but there's no vaccine for the climate crisis," he tweeted.

According to the WHO, "Over 90% of people breathe unhealthy levels of Air Pollution, largely resulting from burning fossil fuels driving Climate Change. Ending the burning of fossil fuels drastically reduces pollution &amp; offers immediate benefits for society &amp; the economy."

"20% of the world's carbon emissions are from transportation. Each of us can help reduce the emissions by walking Person walking‍ and cycling ‍more for your health and the health of the planet. The value of health gains from reducing carbon emissions would be approximately double the global cost of implementing carbon mitigation measures," WHO report said. 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateChange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateChange</a> puts the 🌏🌍🌎 at risk from 
 
🔸air pollution 
🔸disease 
🔸extreme weather 
🔸forced displacement 
🔸food insecurity 
🔸pressures on mental health 
 
Around 1⃣3⃣ million people die each year due to environmental factors. <a href="https://t.co/UXzW1qHXbu">pic.twitter.com/UXzW1qHXbu</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1424742689170407425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of wildfires in numerous countries, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "devastating flames" had damaged many people's lives in recent weeks.

In the wake of wildfires in numerous countries, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "devastating flames" had damaged many people's lives in recent weeks. "If we continue business as usual, the risks posed by climate change could dwarf those of any single disease. We will end the COVID-19 pandemic, but there's no vaccine for the climate crisis," he tweeted. According to the WHO, "Over 90% of people breathe unhealthy levels of Air Pollution, largely resulting from burning fossil fuels driving Climate Change. Ending the burning of fossil fuels drastically reduces pollution & offers immediate benefits for society & the economy." "20% of the world's carbon emissions are from transportation. Each of us can help reduce the emissions by walking Person walking‍ and cycling ‍more for your health and the health of the planet. The value of health gains from reducing carbon emissions would be approximately double the global cost of implementing carbon mitigation measures," WHO report said. #ClimateChange puts the 🌏🌍🌎 at risk from 🔸air pollution 🔸disease 🔸extreme weather 🔸forced displacement 🔸food insecurity 🔸pressures on mental health Around 1⃣3⃣ million people die each year due to environmental factors. pic.twitter.com/UXzW1qHXbu — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) August 9, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

There's no vaccine for climate crisis: WHO chief on wildfires in several countries

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;and parts of the eastern United States and Canada were shrouded in a gray smoky haze Tuesday from fires burning in western United States and Canada.

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;state's environmental protection services issued an air quality advisory, which is automatically triggered when fine particle matter is expected to rise above 35 micrograms per cubic metre of air.

An expert from the agency said it is not uncommon for smoke from fires in the west of the country to reach the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;area, but they usually remain high enough to not affect air quality.&nbsp;This time, the smoke was lower than usual, the expert said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-of-mourning-death-toll-from-flooding-in-western-europe-hits-200-399331">Also read |&nbsp;'Day of mourning': Death toll from flooding in western Europe hits 200</a>

The phenomenon was set to dissipate on Wednesday with the arrival of a cold front in the&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;region, said a spokesperson for the US National Weather Service.

Several large fires have ravaged the western United States in recent days -- notably in California, Nevada and Oregon, where the dangerous Bootleg Fire is still raging, even though the fire season has only just begun.&nbsp;

In Canada, more than 2,000 people have been evacuated in recent days in the province of Ontario, the most populous in the country, and more than 200 fires were active in the province and neighboring Manitoba, according to official figures Tuesday.

New York and parts of the eastern United States and Canada were shrouded in a gray smoky haze Tuesday from fires burning in western United States and Canada. New York state's environmental protection services issued an air quality advisory, which is automatically triggered when fine particle matter is expected to rise above 35 micrograms per cubic metre of air.

New York and parts of the eastern United States and Canada were shrouded in a gray smoky haze Tuesday from fires burning in western United States and Canada. New York state's environmental protection services issued an air quality advisory, which is automatically triggered when fine particle matter is expected to rise above 35 micrograms per cubic metre of air. An expert from the agency said it is not uncommon for smoke from fires in the west of the country to reach the New York area, but they usually remain high enough to not affect air quality. This time, the smoke was lower than usual, the expert said. Also read | 'Day of mourning': Death toll from flooding in western Europe hits 200 The phenomenon was set to dissipate on Wednesday with the arrival of a cold front in the New York region, said a spokesperson for the US National Weather Service. Several large fires have ravaged the western United States in recent days -- notably in California, Nevada and Oregon, where the dangerous Bootleg Fire is still raging, even though the fire season has only just begun. In Canada, more than 2,000 people have been evacuated in recent days in the province of Ontario, the most populous in the country, and more than 200 fires were active in the province and neighboring Manitoba, according to official figures Tuesday.

New York issues pollution alert amid smoke from wildfires in west and Canada

The foul-smelling foam and sea-water appearing to be polluted along the Rameswaram coast is the result of an algal bloom owing to prevailing weather conditions, a senior Scientist confirmed to Zee Media. This confirmation comes at a time when there were apprehensions among sections of fishermen about the foam being caused by the sinking of a chemical-laden ship off Colombo, almost 240kms away.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Dr Jayakumar, Principal Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute(CMFRI), Mandapam said that the foaming was a result of the southwest monsoon and the blooming of algae - Trichodesmium erythraeum.

Speaking of the weather-related factors, he said, “There is an increased nutrient level in the water, whereas wind action and the water current is low, but the water temperature is fairly high. The brown looking foam has been washing ashore, but it has subsided”.

When asked about the possibility of the chemicals from the sunken ship had reached the Southern Indian coast, he said that routine sample collection by their teams and the surveillance by Coast Guard, Navy did not indicate any such pollution travelling to or having reached the Indian side. He also added that the stretch of nearly 200kms between Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram districts are being monitored by field staff.&nbsp;

Regarding the nature of chemicals and their ability to travel over 240km kilometres across the ocean, he said that nitric acid (reported to be one of the cargo)would dissolve in the seawater and would show an increased nitrate level. He added that only jelly and plastic materials tended to travel and drift with the current.

Mentioning the scenario on the Sri Lankan Coast, he said that the death of turtles, dolphins and plastic granules in fish gills was noticed. However, nothing of this kind was observed along the Indian coast, which they have been monitoring for over a month.&nbsp;

Zee media had earlier reported on the foaming phenomenon, based on the versions of fishermen and images, videos from the Rameswaram region. Their fear, (which has now been allayed by the scientists) pointed towards the chemical-laden ship MV X-Press Pearl, which sunk off the Sri Lankan Coast(between Colombo and Negombo). The ship caught fire around the last week of May and sunk in the first week of June. Among other chemicals, the ship’s cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads.

The foul-smelling foam and sea-water appearing to be polluted along the Rameswaram coast is the result of an algal bloom owing to prevailing weather conditions, a senior Scientist confirmed to Zee Media.

The foul-smelling foam and sea-water appearing to be polluted along the Rameswaram coast is the result of an algal bloom owing to prevailing weather conditions, a senior Scientist confirmed to Zee Media. This confirmation comes at a time when there were apprehensions among sections of fishermen about the foam being caused by the sinking of a chemical-laden ship off Colombo, almost 240kms away. Speaking to WION, Dr Jayakumar, Principal Scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute(CMFRI), Mandapam said that the foaming was a result of the southwest monsoon and the blooming of algae - Trichodesmium erythraeum. Speaking of the weather-related factors, he said, “There is an increased nutrient level in the water, whereas wind action and the water current is low, but the water temperature is fairly high. The brown looking foam has been washing ashore, but it has subsided”. When asked about the possibility of the chemicals from the sunken ship had reached the Southern Indian coast, he said that routine sample collection by their teams and the surveillance by Coast Guard, Navy did not indicate any such pollution travelling to or having reached the Indian side. He also added that the stretch of nearly 200kms between Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram districts are being monitored by field staff. Regarding the nature of chemicals and their ability to travel over 240km kilometres across the ocean, he said that nitric acid (reported to be one of the cargo)would dissolve in the seawater and would show an increased nitrate level. He added that only jelly and plastic materials tended to travel and drift with the current. Mentioning the scenario on the Sri Lankan Coast, he said that the death of turtles, dolphins and plastic granules in fish gills was noticed. However, nothing of this kind was observed along the Indian coast, which they have been monitoring for over a month. Zee media had earlier reported on the foaming phenomenon, based on the versions of fishermen and images, videos from the Rameswaram region. Their fear, (which has now been allayed by the scientists) pointed towards the chemical-laden ship MV X-Press Pearl, which sunk off the Sri Lankan Coast(between Colombo and Negombo). The ship caught fire around the last week of May and sunk in the first week of June. Among other chemicals, the ship’s cargo consisted of highly inflammable Nitric Acid, Methanol, Methyl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide and Polystyrene beads.

Smelly foam near Indian coast is algal layer, no traces of pollution from shipwreck: Scientist

In a disturbing revelation, plastic from take-out and convenience food is littering rivers and oceans, as per a new study. The team of scientists analyzed global inventories cataloguing more than 12 million pieces of litter found in and around rivers, oceans, shorelines, and the seafloor, concluding that 8 out of 10 items listed were made of plastic.

In a disturbing revelation, plastic from take-out and convenience food is littering rivers and oceans, as per a new study. The team of scientists analyzed global inventories cataloguing more than 12 million pieces of litter found in and around rivers, oceans, shorelines, and the seafloor, concluding that 8 out of 10 items listed were made of plastic. BBC quoted study leader Dr. Carmen Morales of the University of Cadiz saying, "It was shocking to find out that bags, bottles, food containers and cutlery together with wrappers account for almost half of the human-made objects on a global scale". He further said, "We found them in rivers, on the deep seabed, on shorelines and floating off our coasts". A total of 44 percent of the plastic litter is related to take-out food and drinks. This includes single-use bottles, food containers and wrappers, and plastic bags. As per the researchers, measures to cut down on plastic pollution are welcome. However, they also recommend eradicating plastic from take-out food and drink. Also Read | Plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040: Study The researchers have suggested three possible strategies for tackling the problem. First, by replacing plastic in take-out food and drink with more-easily degradable materials. Second, by bringing in regulatory bans on plastic that is not necessary. Third, considering deposit-refund schemes. This can be done to encourage shoppers to return take-out products. Published in the journal Nature Sustainability, the study also highlights the problem of litter from fishing gear. This involves substances like plastic nets and ropes, which was the biggest problem in the open ocean. As per the researchers, dumped and discarded nets and lines can be a threat for marine wildlife. Earlier, a 2020 study highlighted that the amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean and killing marine life could triple in the next 20 years. It can only be stopped if companies and governments 'drastically' reduce plastic production. Winnie Lau, co-author of the study said, "Plastic pollution is something that affects everyone. It isn’t a ‘your problem and not my problem’. It’s not one country’s problem. It’s everyone’s problem. It’s going to get worse if we don’t do anything".

Plastic coming from take-out and convenience food littering the ocean: Study

Five individuals in Poland are taking the government to court over its alleged failure to protect them from the impact of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/climate-change">climate change</a>, the first such litigation in the coal-reliant country, legal charity ClientEarth said on Thursday.

Poland plans huge investments in offshore wind power and wants to build its first nuclear power plant to cut carbon emissions, but activists have criticised Warsaw for being slow to phase out coal and improve air quality.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/carbon-dioxide-in-atmosphere-hits-record-high-despite-pandemic-dip-390148">Carbon dioxide in atmosphere hits record high despite pandemic dip</a>

It was the only European Union member state not to pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 when the bloc set the target in 2019. Poland's conservative government has long courted political support from interests in the coal industry, which provides around 70 per cent&nbsp;of the country's energy.

"I can see climate change...There are three ponds on my farm, all three are practically dry already," said Piotr Romanowski, a farmer from Poland's northeast and one of the five litigants.

"I am filing this lawsuit because the&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;government is doing nothing to prevent this situation, to prevent climate change," he said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-failing-to-fund-climate-change-adaptation-measures-says-united-nations-357335">Countries failing to fund climate change adaptation measures, says United Nations</a>

The other litigants are an ecotourism business owner, parents from different families, and a young climate campaigner. Three of the cases were filed on Thursday with a further two to be filed later this month in regional courts.

The five will ask the courts to rule that Poland must commit to a 61 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030, and climate neutrality by 2043.

"(These five) cases are the first to expose the emerging effects of climate change on people living in Poland," ClimateEarth said in a statement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/archaeologists-fear-climate-change-slowly-erasing-worlds-oldest-cave-painting-in-indonesia-390674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Officials at Poland's climate ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

Earlier this week local authorities said that the lignite-fired Belchatow power plant in central Poland, the worst single polluter of its kind in Europe, would be closed by 2036.

Poland has also been sued by the neighbouring Czech Republic at Europe's highest court over the current expansion of the&nbsp;Polish&nbsp;Turow open-pit brown coal mine near the two countries' border.

Five individuals in Poland are taking the government to court over its alleged failure to protect them from the impact of climate change, the first such litigation in the coal-reliant country, legal charity ClientEarth said on Thursday.

Five individuals in Poland are taking the government to court over its alleged failure to protect them from the impact of climate change, the first such litigation in the coal-reliant country, legal charity ClientEarth said on Thursday. Poland plans huge investments in offshore wind power and wants to build its first nuclear power plant to cut carbon emissions, but activists have criticised Warsaw for being slow to phase out coal and improve air quality. Also read | Carbon dioxide in atmosphere hits record high despite pandemic dip It was the only European Union member state not to pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 when the bloc set the target in 2019. Poland's conservative government has long courted political support from interests in the coal industry, which provides around 70 per cent of the country's energy. "I can see climate change...There are three ponds on my farm, all three are practically dry already," said Piotr Romanowski, a farmer from Poland's northeast and one of the five litigants. "I am filing this lawsuit because the Polish government is doing nothing to prevent this situation, to prevent climate change," he said in a statement. Also read | Countries failing to fund climate change adaptation measures, says United Nations The other litigants are an ecotourism business owner, parents from different families, and a young climate campaigner. Three of the cases were filed on Thursday with a further two to be filed later this month in regional courts. The five will ask the courts to rule that Poland must commit to a 61 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030, and climate neutrality by 2043. "(These five) cases are the first to expose the emerging effects of climate change on people living in Poland," ClimateEarth said in a statement. Officials at Poland's climate ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment. Earlier this week local authorities said that the lignite-fired Belchatow power plant in central Poland, the worst single polluter of its kind in Europe, would be closed by 2036. Poland has also been sued by the neighbouring Czech Republic at Europe's highest court over the current expansion of the Polish Turow open-pit brown coal mine near the two countries' border.

Poland faces first citizen lawsuits over climate change

Kashmir is known as the crown of India and Dal Lake is said to be its jewel. However, in the past few years, the lake has been shrinking because of encroachments. The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority(LAWDA) has been trying its best to save the lake.

In the last three months, LAWDA has done more than 170 demolitions of illegal structures around the lake. People have been taking advantage of the lockdown and many such encroachments are being reported.

Now, to stop these illegal encroachments, the LAWDA has started installing CCTV cameras all around the lake.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-govt-threatens-hindu-advocacy-body-for-exposing-pakistan-armys-genocide-in-bangladesh-387944">Imran govt threatens Hindu body for exposing Pak’s genocide in Bangladesh</a>

''We have started the process of placing CCTV cameras around Dal Lake. Five cameras have been placed while 15 more are being placed at different locations. We will try to cover the whole lake in a phased manner. The camera's will be of high quality so that number plate recognition is also possible, and if people are seen carrying the construction material, we would get to know through the footage.'' says Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat, VC LAWDA.

The authorities say reporting of events is a bit slow during the lockdown and some people are taking advantage of lockdown by constructing these illegal structures. Thousands of FIRs have also been registered against people for these encroachments. Many vehicles carrying construction material were also seized.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-in-india-one-nurse-delivers-100-babies-of-patients-while-another-vaccinates-6000-people-387770" hreflang="en">Covid in India: One nurse delivers 100 babies of patients while another vaccinates 6,000 people</a>

''In 2020, LAWDA had done more than 463 demolitions around the lake and in the last five years, we have registered 1000 FIRs against people who encroached on the lake and 124 vehicles were seized too,'' Bhat said.

Pollution is one more problem that the LAWDA is facing. While they are able to take out the plastic waste from people living on the lake, they have been&nbsp;time and again requesting people to be responsible and not throw plastic waste into the lake.

''There is a lot of sewage waste that comes out of the lake. Around 1 to 1.5 quintals of plastic is taken out on a daily basis from the people who live on the lake. We are daily taking out plastic waste which people throw while enjoying the beauty of the lake, although throwing waste into the lake has reduced to a lot of extent,'' he reported.

LAWDA has also established control rooms to monitor and supervise the de-weeding of the lake too.

Kashmir is known as the crown of India and Dal Lake is said to be its jewel. However, in the past few years, the lake has been shrinking because of encroachments.

Kashmir is known as the crown of India and Dal Lake is said to be its jewel. However, in the past few years, the lake has been shrinking because of encroachments. The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority(LAWDA) has been trying its best to save the lake. In the last three months, LAWDA has done more than 170 demolitions of illegal structures around the lake. People have been taking advantage of the lockdown and many such encroachments are being reported. Now, to stop these illegal encroachments, the LAWDA has started installing CCTV cameras all around the lake. Also read | Imran govt threatens Hindu body for exposing Pak’s genocide in Bangladesh ''We have started the process of placing CCTV cameras around Dal Lake. Five cameras have been placed while 15 more are being placed at different locations. We will try to cover the whole lake in a phased manner. The camera's will be of high quality so that number plate recognition is also possible, and if people are seen carrying the construction material, we would get to know through the footage.'' says Dr Bashir Ahmad Bhat, VC LAWDA. The authorities say reporting of events is a bit slow during the lockdown and some people are taking advantage of lockdown by constructing these illegal structures. Thousands of FIRs have also been registered against people for these encroachments. Many vehicles carrying construction material were also seized. Also read | Covid in India: One nurse delivers 100 babies of patients while another vaccinates 6,000 people ''In 2020, LAWDA had done more than 463 demolitions around the lake and in the last five years, we have registered 1000 FIRs against people who encroached on the lake and 124 vehicles were seized too,'' Bhat said. Pollution is one more problem that the LAWDA is facing. While they are able to take out the plastic waste from people living on the lake, they have been time and again requesting people to be responsible and not throw plastic waste into the lake. ''There is a lot of sewage waste that comes out of the lake. Around 1 to 1.5 quintals of plastic is taken out on a daily basis from the people who live on the lake. We are daily taking out plastic waste which people throw while enjoying the beauty of the lake, although throwing waste into the lake has reduced to a lot of extent,'' he reported. LAWDA has also established control rooms to monitor and supervise the de-weeding of the lake too.

India: 170 illegal structures demolished, CCTV camera installed to save Dal Lake

Fixing the blame for air pollution is not easy because multiple generations have contributed to it. So have neighbouring countries.

But in Indonesia, the people are clear about who is responsible: Their government.

A court in Jakarta is hearing a lawsuit against the Indonesian president and his ministers. It accuses them of ignoring air pollution and its health impacts.

Jakarta is an urban jungle. The suffocated capital is almost always below the layer of haze and smoke. There are people everywhere. Run-down apartments at every corner. And traffic. Lots of traffic!

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jakarta-residents-sue-government-over-pollution-386379">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jakarta-residents-sue-government-over-pollution-386379/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

For residents here, masks are a pre-pandemic thing. It's a shield against asthma, heart disease and stroke. Children are born into this toxic air. For them, diseases and allergies are never far away.

"I have a daughter who is 10 years old and she is one of the vulnerable children. She has allergies since she was born, and she's developed health issues since she started kindergarten. Everyday, her health condition is threatened by the increasing dirty air quality in Jakarta," says 42-year-old plaintiff and Jakarta resident Khalisah Khalid.

There are hundreds of parents like Khalisah in the city. Two years back, they decided enough was enough.

If the government wasn't hearing their pleas, it was time for a legal nudge. And that's exactly what they did: 32 citizens got together to sue the government.

The lawsuit spares no one, from the president to city council leaders. These citizens are suing their leaders for failing to give them clean air to breathe.

And it's not about striking a deal for compensations. Instead, the lawsuit focusses on fixing accountability.

"Even though we've suffered due to the negligence of the state to protect the rights of the people to live in a healthy and clean environment, we are not demanding compensation through the court. We are not fighting for the hospital costs we'd spent when my child was ill, but we want the government to enact regulations to ensure the people of this country, our children and generations to come, can be well protected from air pollution," says Khalisah Khalid.

Jakarta has been untouched by electric cars and renewable energy. It is very much a city from the 20th century.

There are coal plants for electricity. And diesel for cars.

The court verdict is expected soon. The outcome is anyone's guess. Mainly because such a lawsuit is unprecedented in Indonesia.

But globally, suing the government is common practice. In 2019, the South African government was sued for air pollution. In UK, Downing Street has been sued thrice. In India, a 9-year-old filed a lawsuit at the national green tribunal in 2017.

Most of these cases ended with a public rebuke. Nothing more.

And that's the problem with headline lawsuits. They fix the blame. But without punishment.

Fixing the blame for air pollution is not easy because multiple generations have contributed to it. So have neighbouring countries. But in Indonesia, the people are clear about who is responsible: Their government.

Fixing the blame for air pollution is not easy because multiple generations have contributed to it. So have neighbouring countries. But in Indonesia, the people are clear about who is responsible: Their government. A court in Jakarta is hearing a lawsuit against the Indonesian president and his ministers. It accuses them of ignoring air pollution and its health impacts. Jakarta is an urban jungle. The suffocated capital is almost always below the layer of haze and smoke. There are people everywhere. Run-down apartments at every corner. And traffic. Lots of traffic! Watch | For residents here, masks are a pre-pandemic thing. It's a shield against asthma, heart disease and stroke. Children are born into this toxic air. For them, diseases and allergies are never far away. "I have a daughter who is 10 years old and she is one of the vulnerable children. She has allergies since she was born, and she's developed health issues since she started kindergarten. Everyday, her health condition is threatened by the increasing dirty air quality in Jakarta," says 42-year-old plaintiff and Jakarta resident Khalisah Khalid. There are hundreds of parents like Khalisah in the city. Two years back, they decided enough was enough. If the government wasn't hearing their pleas, it was time for a legal nudge. And that's exactly what they did: 32 citizens got together to sue the government. The lawsuit spares no one, from the president to city council leaders. These citizens are suing their leaders for failing to give them clean air to breathe. And it's not about striking a deal for compensations. Instead, the lawsuit focusses on fixing accountability. "Even though we've suffered due to the negligence of the state to protect the rights of the people to live in a healthy and clean environment, we are not demanding compensation through the court. We are not fighting for the hospital costs we'd spent when my child was ill, but we want the government to enact regulations to ensure the people of this country, our children and generations to come, can be well protected from air pollution," says Khalisah Khalid. Jakarta has been untouched by electric cars and renewable energy. It is very much a city from the 20th century. There are coal plants for electricity. And diesel for cars. The court verdict is expected soon. The outcome is anyone's guess. Mainly because such a lawsuit is unprecedented in Indonesia. But globally, suing the government is common practice. In 2019, the South African government was sued for air pollution. In UK, Downing Street has been sued thrice. In India, a 9-year-old filed a lawsuit at the national green tribunal in 2017. Most of these cases ended with a public rebuke. Nothing more. And that's the problem with headline lawsuits. They fix the blame. But without punishment.

Indonesia: Citizens sue government over air pollution

In Cochabamba, west-central Bolivia, companies have teamed up to offer a completely green delivery service in one of South America's most polluted cities. Bolivian companies Quantium Motors, Targuet, QuraPlanet, and the Kangaroo Go app are working within a pollution-free delivery chain to become the first 100 percent green delivery service in the Andean country.

Goodbye pollution! Bolivian companies team up for fully eco-friendly deliveries

A new study sheds light on the prevalence of pollutants in Indian cities. According to the British study published in the journal called “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics”, hidden air pollutants are increasing in Indian cities.

These pollutants include fine particles known as PM2.5 along with nitrogen dioxide which are both hazardous to health. Scientists used data from satellites to scan the skies of cities everyday. They found that air pollutants are rapidly spreading in Indian cities like Kanpur and Delhi.

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The trends of pollution between 2005-2018 were taken into account by the researchers, who hailed from the University of Birmingham and UCL, including a team of contributors from Belgium, India, the UK, and Jamaica.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/continuous-exposure-to-pollution-can-cause-mental-illness-in-children-study-381381" hreflang="en">Continuous exposure to pollution can cause mental illness in children: Study</a>

Delhi already grapples with pollution every year as winter sets in the city, with a thick layer of smog covering the city sky year after year. In 2018, the World Health Organization had ranked Kanpur as the world’s most polluted city. According to researchers, the increase in PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels in the country may be attributed to increasing vehicle ownership, industrialisation and the limited number of air pollution policies.

In addition, the scientists also found that the air pollutant formaldehyde was spotted in Delhi and Kanpur, along with London. The researchers juxtaposed data from Indian cities with the data of cities in the United Kingdom.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/light-pollution-from-satellites-space-waste-poses-risk-to-astronomy-374530" hreflang="en">Light pollution from satellites, space waste poses risk to astronomy</a>

"We wanted to demonstrate the utility of satellite observations to monitor city-wide air pollution in the UK where ground-based measurements are in abundance and in India where they are not. Our approach will be able to provide useful information about air quality trends in cities with limited surface monitoring capabilities. This is critical as the WHO estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million deaths a year”, Karan Vohra, study lead author and PhD student at the University of Birmingham was quoted by ANI as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study sheds light on the prevalence of pollutants in Indian cities. According to the British study published in the journal called “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics”, hidden air pollutants are increasing in Indian cities.

A new study sheds light on the prevalence of pollutants in Indian cities. According to the British study published in the journal called “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics”, hidden air pollutants are increasing in Indian cities. These pollutants include fine particles known as PM2.5 along with nitrogen dioxide which are both hazardous to health. Scientists used data from satellites to scan the skies of cities everyday. They found that air pollutants are rapidly spreading in Indian cities like Kanpur and Delhi. The trends of pollution between 2005-2018 were taken into account by the researchers, who hailed from the University of Birmingham and UCL, including a team of contributors from Belgium, India, the UK, and Jamaica. Also read: Continuous exposure to pollution can cause mental illness in children: Study Delhi already grapples with pollution every year as winter sets in the city, with a thick layer of smog covering the city sky year after year. In 2018, the World Health Organization had ranked Kanpur as the world’s most polluted city. According to researchers, the increase in PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels in the country may be attributed to increasing vehicle ownership, industrialisation and the limited number of air pollution policies. In addition, the scientists also found that the air pollutant formaldehyde was spotted in Delhi and Kanpur, along with London. The researchers juxtaposed data from Indian cities with the data of cities in the United Kingdom. Also read: Light pollution from satellites, space waste poses risk to astronomy "We wanted to demonstrate the utility of satellite observations to monitor city-wide air pollution in the UK where ground-based measurements are in abundance and in India where they are not. Our approach will be able to provide useful information about air quality trends in cities with limited surface monitoring capabilities. This is critical as the WHO estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million deaths a year”, Karan Vohra, study lead author and PhD student at the University of Birmingham was quoted by ANI as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Hidden air pollutants rising in Indian cities like Delhi and Kanpur, study finds

A recent study has revealed that higher rates of mental illness are witnessed in children and young individuals, growing up amid heavy traffic-related air pollution. The symptoms generally come to light, by the time these individuals reach the age of 18.

Childhood exposure to nitrogen oxides and particulate matter and the development of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are linked.

Watch |

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These are the findings of a 25-year-long joint British/American study. The study was conducted on 2,039 children from England and Wales, all twins, born in 1994 and 1995. An assessment of their mental health was done at 18.

The authors of this study conclude that "the results collectively suggest that youths persistently exposed to moderate levels of nitrogen oxide air pollution may experience greater overall liability to psychiatric illness by young adulthood," said a report in The Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-pollution-in-india-led-to-17-million-deaths-in-2019-study-351871">Air pollution in India led to 1.7 million deaths in 2019: Study</a>

According to them, the connection between air pollution and the risk of mental illness is "modest" but real. "Individual, family and neighbourhood influences on mental health", such as poverty and/or a family history of mental disorder don't seem to affect this association.

"This study has demonstrated that children growing up in our biggest cities face a greater risk of mental illness due to higher levels of traffic,"&nbsp;said, the study’s co-author, Dr Helen Fisher. "While we might like to think of our towns and cities as green and open spaces, it's clear that there is a hidden danger that many will not have even considered."

The mental health evaluation of participants at the age of 18 was done via an assessment of symptoms for ten of the most common psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, ADHD, and alcohol dependence. This was then used to calculate something known as the psychopathology factor or p-factor, which is a measure of their mental health. Participants with a higher p-factor score displayed more symptoms.

Participants with the highest exposure to nitrogen oxides scored 2.62 points higher p-factor score than their peers in the bottom three quartiles. While those with the most particulate matter exposure scored 2.04 points more.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-may-result-in-irreversible-blindness-study-says-359752">Air pollution may result in irreversible blindness, study says</a>

"We know from research that our mental health is determined by the lives we lead, the environments we’re in and our experiences from our early years onwards. A child’s mental health is influenced by many factors, including their home, school, community and neighbourhood," said, Andy Bell, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health think tank.

"We know that poverty, racism, trauma and exclusion are major risks to mental health.&nbsp;Today’s research shows, our physical environment matters too, and making places safer, cleaner and healthier to live in will have lifelong benefits," he added.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;World Health Organization data, worldwide nine out of ten people are exposed to high pollution levels. Various studies&nbsp;identify pollution as one of the major contributing, aggravating factors for poor heart and lung health and ailments of the central nervous system and risk of mental illness.&nbsp;

While the study does show an interrelation between pollution, traffic fumes and mental ill-health, according to Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, "what they can’t do is to show that it’s the high air pollution that actually causes the poorer mental health."

A recent study has revealed that higher rates of mental illness are witnessed in children and young individuals, growing up amid heavy traffic-related air pollution.

A recent study has revealed that higher rates of mental illness are witnessed in children and young individuals, growing up amid heavy traffic-related air pollution. The symptoms generally come to light, by the time these individuals reach the age of 18. Childhood exposure to nitrogen oxides and particulate matter and the development of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are linked. Watch | These are the findings of a 25-year-long joint British/American study. The study was conducted on 2,039 children from England and Wales, all twins, born in 1994 and 1995. An assessment of their mental health was done at 18. The authors of this study conclude that "the results collectively suggest that youths persistently exposed to moderate levels of nitrogen oxide air pollution may experience greater overall liability to psychiatric illness by young adulthood," said a report in The Guardian. Also read | Air pollution in India led to 1.7 million deaths in 2019: Study According to them, the connection between air pollution and the risk of mental illness is "modest" but real. "Individual, family and neighbourhood influences on mental health", such as poverty and/or a family history of mental disorder don't seem to affect this association. "This study has demonstrated that children growing up in our biggest cities face a greater risk of mental illness due to higher levels of traffic," said, the study’s co-author, Dr Helen Fisher. "While we might like to think of our towns and cities as green and open spaces, it's clear that there is a hidden danger that many will not have even considered." The mental health evaluation of participants at the age of 18 was done via an assessment of symptoms for ten of the most common psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, ADHD, and alcohol dependence. This was then used to calculate something known as the psychopathology factor or p-factor, which is a measure of their mental health. Participants with a higher p-factor score displayed more symptoms. Participants with the highest exposure to nitrogen oxides scored 2.62 points higher p-factor score than their peers in the bottom three quartiles. While those with the most particulate matter exposure scored 2.04 points more. Also read | Air pollution may result in irreversible blindness, study says "We know from research that our mental health is determined by the lives we lead, the environments we’re in and our experiences from our early years onwards. A child’s mental health is influenced by many factors, including their home, school, community and neighbourhood," said, Andy Bell, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health think tank. "We know that poverty, racism, trauma and exclusion are major risks to mental health. Today’s research shows, our physical environment matters too, and making places safer, cleaner and healthier to live in will have lifelong benefits," he added. According to World Health Organization data, worldwide nine out of ten people are exposed to high pollution levels. Various studies identify pollution as one of the major contributing, aggravating factors for poor heart and lung health and ailments of the central nervous system and risk of mental illness. While the study does show an interrelation between pollution, traffic fumes and mental ill-health, according to Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at the Open University, "what they can’t do is to show that it’s the high air pollution that actually causes the poorer mental health."

Continuous exposure to pollution can cause mental illness in children: Study

Sweden is planning to charge air carriers more based on how much they contribute to pollution. The government said that airlines will have to pay more if their aircraft cause more pollution during takeoff and landing.

The new measure will be implemented starting July and is essentially being perceived as a means to phase out planes that run on older technology and produce more waste, paving the way for airlines to commission newer and more efficient aircraft.

According to Sweden’s Ministry of Infrastructure, taking off and landing fees will be higher if a plane's impact on climate is higher, and fees will be reduced if the climate impact is lower.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/exclusive-sweden-congratulates-india-for-being-the-pharmacy-of-the-world-369362" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Sweden congratulates India for being the pharmacy of the world</a>

This marks the first such effort in the world to cut down on pollution caused by aircraft, with other countries expected to follow suit, especially in Europe. The plan is awaiting approval by Swedish parliament and will directly affect planes flying in and out of Arlanda airport in Stockholm, and Landvetter in Gothenburg.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-european-union-are-democratic-superpowers-sweden-pm-368352" hreflang="en">India, European Union are democratic superpowers: Sweden PM</a> 
 
The measure will also include planes that depend on bio fuels. The project is currently being fine-tuned, the government claims. Sweden has witnessed the oddest movement of all - the Flygskam whereby people were ‘shamed’ for flying too often, and urged to stop flying to lower carbon emissions.

Estimates by Swedish Railways posit that a single plane journey between Stockholm and Gothenburg - the country’s two biggest cities generates as much as carbon dioxide as 40,000 train journeys.

Sweden is planning to charge air carriers more based on how much they contribute to pollution. The government said that airlines will have to pay more if their aircraft cause more pollution during takeoff and landing.

Sweden is planning to charge air carriers more based on how much they contribute to pollution. The government said that airlines will have to pay more if their aircraft cause more pollution during takeoff and landing. The new measure will be implemented starting July and is essentially being perceived as a means to phase out planes that run on older technology and produce more waste, paving the way for airlines to commission newer and more efficient aircraft. According to Sweden’s Ministry of Infrastructure, taking off and landing fees will be higher if a plane's impact on climate is higher, and fees will be reduced if the climate impact is lower. Also read: Exclusive: Sweden congratulates India for being the pharmacy of the world This marks the first such effort in the world to cut down on pollution caused by aircraft, with other countries expected to follow suit, especially in Europe. The plan is awaiting approval by Swedish parliament and will directly affect planes flying in and out of Arlanda airport in Stockholm, and Landvetter in Gothenburg. Also read: India, European Union are democratic superpowers: Sweden PM The measure will also include planes that depend on bio fuels. The project is currently being fine-tuned, the government claims. Sweden has witnessed the oddest movement of all - the Flygskam whereby people were ‘shamed’ for flying too often, and urged to stop flying to lower carbon emissions. Estimates by Swedish Railways posit that a single plane journey between Stockholm and Gothenburg - the country’s two biggest cities generates as much as carbon dioxide as 40,000 train journeys.

Sweden to increase airport fees for planes that cause pollution

All Indian cities showed air quality improvements in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 impact compared to 2018, while 63 per cent saw improvements compared to 2019, said the 2020 World Air Quality Report on Tuesday that is based on PM2.5 data from 106 countries. 
 
In 2020, around 84 per cent of all monitored countries observed air quality improvements, largely due to global measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. 
 
Air quality improvements across major cities in 2020 compared to 2019 include Beijing (minus 11 per cent) Chicago (minus 13 per cent), Delhi (minus 15 per cent), London (minus 16 per cent), Paris (minus 17 per cent) and Seoul (minus 16 per cent). 
 
However, India continues to feature prominently at the top of the most polluted cities ranking, with 22 of the top 30 most polluted cities globally. 
 
The report by IQAir said in 2020, 86 per cent of the cities in China experienced cleaner air than the previous year. 
 
Despite this, Chinese residents are still exposed to PM2.5 levels more than three times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual guidelines. Hotan in northwestern China ranks as the world`s most polluted city, largely due to sandstorms exacerbated by climate change. 
 
Only 24 out of 106 monitored countries met the WHO annual guidelines for PM2.5 in 2020. 
 
The report says climate change continues to affect air quality. The year 2020 is tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record. Wildfires and sandstorms fueled by the warming climate led to extremely high pollution levels in California, South America, Siberia and Australia. 
 
South Asia is the most polluted region of the world with Bangladesh, India and Pakistan sharing 42 of the 50 most polluted cities worldwide. 
 
In 2020, about half of all European cities exceed the WHO`s target for annual PM2.5 pollution. The highest levels of PM2.5 pollution was found in Eastern and Southern Europe, with Bosnia Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Bulgaria taking the lead. 
 
"The year 2020 brought an unexpected dip in air pollution. In 2021, we will likely see an increase in air pollution due to human activity, again," said Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir. 
 
"We hope this report will highlight that urgent action is both possible and necessary to combat air pollution, which remains the world`s greatest environmental health threat." 
 
"While many cities recorded temporary improvements in air quality due to lockdowns, the health impact of burning fossil fuels remained severe. Unfortunately, Delhi continued to be the most polluted capital city in the world in 2020. To see real, long-term improvements in air quality, governments must prioritize clean energy sources such as wind and solar and promote low cost, carbon neutral and accessible transport," said Avinash Chanchal, Climate Campaigner, Greenpeace India. 
 
"Many parts of the world experienced unprecedented, but short-lived, improvements in air quality in 2020, as restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a steep drop in fossil fuel consumption," said Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), who also contributed to the report. 
 
"This improved air quality meant tens of thousands of avoided deaths from air pollution. By transitioning to clean energy and clean transport we can realize the same improvements in a sustained way."

All Indian cities showed air quality improvements in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 impact compared to 2018, while 63 per cent saw improvements compared to 2019, said the 2020 World Air Quality Report on Tuesday that is based on PM2.

All Indian cities showed air quality improvements in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 impact compared to 2018, while 63 per cent saw improvements compared to 2019, said the 2020 World Air Quality Report on Tuesday that is based on PM2.5 data from 106 countries. In 2020, around 84 per cent of all monitored countries observed air quality improvements, largely due to global measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Air quality improvements across major cities in 2020 compared to 2019 include Beijing (minus 11 per cent) Chicago (minus 13 per cent), Delhi (minus 15 per cent), London (minus 16 per cent), Paris (minus 17 per cent) and Seoul (minus 16 per cent). However, India continues to feature prominently at the top of the most polluted cities ranking, with 22 of the top 30 most polluted cities globally. The report by IQAir said in 2020, 86 per cent of the cities in China experienced cleaner air than the previous year. Despite this, Chinese residents are still exposed to PM2.5 levels more than three times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual guidelines. Hotan in northwestern China ranks as the world`s most polluted city, largely due to sandstorms exacerbated by climate change. Only 24 out of 106 monitored countries met the WHO annual guidelines for PM2.5 in 2020. The report says climate change continues to affect air quality. The year 2020 is tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record. Wildfires and sandstorms fueled by the warming climate led to extremely high pollution levels in California, South America, Siberia and Australia. South Asia is the most polluted region of the world with Bangladesh, India and Pakistan sharing 42 of the 50 most polluted cities worldwide. In 2020, about half of all European cities exceed the WHO`s target for annual PM2.5 pollution. The highest levels of PM2.5 pollution was found in Eastern and Southern Europe, with Bosnia Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Bulgaria taking the lead. "The year 2020 brought an unexpected dip in air pollution. In 2021, we will likely see an increase in air pollution due to human activity, again," said Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir. "We hope this report will highlight that urgent action is both possible and necessary to combat air pollution, which remains the world`s greatest environmental health threat." "While many cities recorded temporary improvements in air quality due to lockdowns, the health impact of burning fossil fuels remained severe. Unfortunately, Delhi continued to be the most polluted capital city in the world in 2020. To see real, long-term improvements in air quality, governments must prioritize clean energy sources such as wind and solar and promote low cost, carbon neutral and accessible transport," said Avinash Chanchal, Climate Campaigner, Greenpeace India. "Many parts of the world experienced unprecedented, but short-lived, improvements in air quality in 2020, as restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a steep drop in fossil fuel consumption," said Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), who also contributed to the report. "This improved air quality meant tens of thousands of avoided deaths from air pollution. By transitioning to clean energy and clean transport we can realize the same improvements in a sustained way."

India's air quality improved in 2020, claims report

The tragedy is unfolding in Hungary. Some households are finding it hard to make ends meet so they have to make an unfair choice. Since firewood is too expensive many have resorted to burning plastic or rubber to keep warm and Hungary's household pollution levels are rising.

Hungary's household pollution levels are rising; Watch report

A new study has found that long term exposure to polluted air could lead to blindness. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Air pollution could make you blind, study finds

A new study has revealed that air pollution is likely to increase the risk of irreversible sight loss. Researchers have drawn a link between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and air pollution.

Air pollution likely to raise risk of sight loss

This is the 21st century and anything is now possible with the help of technology, and Tesla owner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a> seems to be quite excited to combine technology and a collective mission of 'green Earth'.

Making sure that he can help along with his technologically advanced ideas, Musk has now suggested constructing road tunnels under the busy city US roads.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-responds-to-game-developer-who-prodded-him-with-the-same-tweet-for-22-weeks-357727">Elon Musk responds to game developer who prodded him with the same Tweet for 22 weeks</a>

The birth of this idea took place in a series of exchanged tweets between the tech tycoon Elon Musk and Miami's Mayor.

"Battery cell production is the fundamental rate-limiter slowing down a sustainable energy future. Very important problem," Musk tweeted.

Miami's Mayor Francis Suarez agreed to it, saying, "couldn’t agree more...would love to have you @CityofMiami. City Hall to discuss it and potential solutions for the benefit of our future..."

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> couldn’t agree more...would love to have you <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofMiami?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CityofMiami</a> City Hall to discuss it and potential solutions for the benefit of our future... <a href="https://t.co/KCPifpSqw7">https://t.co/KCPifpSqw7</a>
— Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) <a href="https://twitter.com/FrancisSuarez/status/1351080594940293124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Musk explained that the traffic jams "generate megatons of toxic gases &amp; particulate, but @boringcompany road tunnels under Miami would solve traffic &amp; be an example to the world."

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Cars &amp; trucks stuck in traffic generate megatons of toxic gases &amp; particulate, but <a href="https://twitter.com/boringcompany?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@boringcompany</a> road tunnels under Miami would solve traffic &amp; be an example to the world. 
 
Spoke with <a href="https://twitter.com/RonDeSantisFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonDeSantisFL</a> about tunnels last week. If Governor &amp; Mayor want this done, we will do it.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1351091106805645312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He also added that he has already had a word about this with the Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last week. "If Governor &amp; Mayor want this done, we will do it," Musk tweeted.

While the idea sounds nice, many Floridians are not convinced about the same as they feel it does not sound do-able due to the shallow water table and the heavy expense the construction will incur.

This is the 21st century and anything is now possible with the help of technology, and Tesla owner Elon Musk seems to be quite excited to combine technology and a collective mission of 'green Earth'.

This is the 21st century and anything is now possible with the help of technology, and Tesla owner Elon Musk seems to be quite excited to combine technology and a collective mission of 'green Earth'. Making sure that he can help along with his technologically advanced ideas, Musk has now suggested constructing road tunnels under the busy city US roads. Also read| Elon Musk responds to game developer who prodded him with the same Tweet for 22 weeks The birth of this idea took place in a series of exchanged tweets between the tech tycoon Elon Musk and Miami's Mayor. "Battery cell production is the fundamental rate-limiter slowing down a sustainable energy future. Very important problem," Musk tweeted. Miami's Mayor Francis Suarez agreed to it, saying, "couldn’t agree more...would love to have you @CityofMiami. City Hall to discuss it and potential solutions for the benefit of our future..." .@elonmusk couldn’t agree more...would love to have you @CityofMiami City Hall to discuss it and potential solutions for the benefit of our future... https://t.co/KCPifpSqw7 — Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) January 18, 2021 × Musk explained that the traffic jams "generate megatons of toxic gases & particulate, but @boringcompany road tunnels under Miami would solve traffic & be an example to the world." Cars & trucks stuck in traffic generate megatons of toxic gases & particulate, but @boringcompany road tunnels under Miami would solve traffic & be an example to the world. Spoke with @RonDeSantisFL about tunnels last week. If Governor & Mayor want this done, we will do it. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 18, 2021 × He also added that he has already had a word about this with the Florida Governor Ron DeSantis last week. "If Governor & Mayor want this done, we will do it," Musk tweeted. While the idea sounds nice, many Floridians are not convinced about the same as they feel it does not sound do-able due to the shallow water table and the heavy expense the construction will incur.

Tweet meet: Elon Musk suggests road tunnels for green Earth; Miami Mayor agrees

Delhi's air quality turned 'severe' again on Sunday as high moisture content due to light rains in neighbouring areas made pollutants heavier, weather department officials said.

The city's 24-hour averge air quality index (AQI) was 396, which falls in the "very poor" category. However, it rose to 406 by 10 pm.

The 24-hour average AQI was 337 on Saturday, 357 on Friday, 423 on Thursday, 433 on Wednesday and 418 on Tuesday.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the India Meteorological Department's regional forecasting centre, said light rainfall in neighbouring areas due to a Western Disturbance increased moisture content in the air.

"Water droplets suspended in the air and made pollutants heavier which do not get dispersed easily even with a moderate wind speed," he said.

A marginal improvement is likely as wind speed picks up during the day, Srivastava said.

He central government's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said the city's ventilation index -- a product of mixing depth and average wind speed was 3,500 metre square per second.

Mixing is the vertical height in which pollutants are suspended in the air. It reduces on cold days with calm wind speed.

A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second, with the average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersal of pollutants.

Delhi's air quality turned 'severe' again on Sunday as high moisture content due to light rains in neighbouring areas made pollutants heavier, weather department officials said.

Delhi's air quality turned 'severe' again on Sunday as high moisture content due to light rains in neighbouring areas made pollutants heavier, weather department officials said. The city's 24-hour averge air quality index (AQI) was 396, which falls in the "very poor" category. However, it rose to 406 by 10 pm. The 24-hour average AQI was 337 on Saturday, 357 on Friday, 423 on Thursday, 433 on Wednesday and 418 on Tuesday. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the India Meteorological Department's regional forecasting centre, said light rainfall in neighbouring areas due to a Western Disturbance increased moisture content in the air. "Water droplets suspended in the air and made pollutants heavier which do not get dispersed easily even with a moderate wind speed," he said. A marginal improvement is likely as wind speed picks up during the day, Srivastava said. He central government's Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said the city's ventilation index -- a product of mixing depth and average wind speed was 3,500 metre square per second. Mixing is the vertical height in which pollutants are suspended in the air. It reduces on cold days with calm wind speed. A ventilation index lower than 6,000 sqm/second, with the average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersal of pollutants.

Delhi's air quality turns 'severe' again

So many people lost their lives due to COVID-19 in India, but the virus which gripped the entire world this year is probably not as deadly as air pollution. According to report, over 1.67 Million people have died last year due to air pollution.

Today Tonight: Rise in deaths due to pollution in India

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days. 
 
“This level of extreme heat would have been almost impossible in the absence of human-caused global warming,” the report said.

Greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high last year, putting us on track for an average temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius. 2020 could be the hottest year yet on record as temperatures continue to soar.

Some extreme weather events, such as heat- and cold-waves, intense precipitation events, and regional droughts, have become more frequent and intense.

COVID-19 lockdowns are likely to result in just a 0.01C reduction in global warming by 2050. However, green investment under government stimulus packages could cut up to 25% off emissions predicted in 2030.

The World Economic Forum also released data to illustrate the potential damage to the planet over the coming decades and stated that by 2030s – Climate change-related illnesses will kill 250,000 people each year.

According to the predictions, Up to 8 per cent of the global population will have seen a severe reduction in water availability. Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand will be threatened by annual floods, sparking mass migration.

By 2050s – temperatures will soar to 60°C and by 2100s – Florida will disappear and south Spain will become a desert.

The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s.&nbsp;

One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days.

A World Economic Forum report has said that the environment could become too hot for human beings in the coming decades and we could live to experience unbearable 60°C days. “This level of extreme heat would have been almost impossible in the absence of human-caused global warming,” the report said. Greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high last year, putting us on track for an average temperature rise of 3 degrees Celsius. 2020 could be the hottest year yet on record as temperatures continue to soar. Some extreme weather events, such as heat- and cold-waves, intense precipitation events, and regional droughts, have become more frequent and intense. COVID-19 lockdowns are likely to result in just a 0.01C reduction in global warming by 2050. However, green investment under government stimulus packages could cut up to 25% off emissions predicted in 2030. The World Economic Forum also released data to illustrate the potential damage to the planet over the coming decades and stated that by 2030s – Climate change-related illnesses will kill 250,000 people each year. According to the predictions, Up to 8 per cent of the global population will have seen a severe reduction in water availability. Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand will be threatened by annual floods, sparking mass migration. By 2050s – temperatures will soar to 60°C and by 2100s – Florida will disappear and south Spain will become a desert. The biggest challenge that our environment faces is climate change. Polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s. Greenland and Antarctica have lost more than 6.4 trillion ice between 1992 and 2017. Sea levels, on average, have risen eight inches since the 1880s. One of the biggest contributors to climate change is pollution. About 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, according to a Carbon Majors report. (With inputs from agencies)

Coming decades will see unbearable 60°C days, warns World Economic Forum

It's a well-established fact that humans take a heavy toll on nature. This has been especially true in the 20th century and ahead. But now there are signs that we may truly be stretching limits of the planet we call home. A study published in Nature magazine says that Human-made materials outweigh Earth's entire biomass.

The meaning of this inference is scary. It means that our plastics, our concrete, electronic waste materials etc along with other things weigh more than plants, animals and other biomass.

The study has examined changes in global biomass and human-made mass from 1900 to present day. The researchers found that at the beginning of the 20th century, the mass of man-made objects was just 3 per cent of world's total biomass.

But now the human-made mass has reached a whopping 1.1 teratonnes.&nbsp;

1 teratonne is 1,000,000,000,000 tonnes.

The amount of plastic alone is more than the mass of land animals and marine creatures combined, said the study.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/outer-space-just-got-a-little-brighter-348678">Outer space just got a little brighter</a>

The study mainly focussed on man-made materials such as concrete, metal, plastic, bricks and asphalt among other things and does not include man-made waste.

However, the reasearchers say that each person in the world is responsible for creation of human-made matter equal to more than his or her body-weight.

The study has been carried out by Ron Milo and his colleagues from Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

It's a well-established fact that humans take a heavy toll on nature. This has been especially true in the 20th century and ahead. But now there are signs that we may truly be stretching limits of the planet we call home.

It's a well-established fact that humans take a heavy toll on nature. This has been especially true in the 20th century and ahead. But now there are signs that we may truly be stretching limits of the planet we call home. A study published in Nature magazine says that Human-made materials outweigh Earth's entire biomass. The meaning of this inference is scary. It means that our plastics, our concrete, electronic waste materials etc along with other things weigh more than plants, animals and other biomass. The study has examined changes in global biomass and human-made mass from 1900 to present day. The researchers found that at the beginning of the 20th century, the mass of man-made objects was just 3 per cent of world's total biomass. But now the human-made mass has reached a whopping 1.1 teratonnes. 1 teratonne is 1,000,000,000,000 tonnes. The amount of plastic alone is more than the mass of land animals and marine creatures combined, said the study. Also Read: Outer space just got a little brighter The study mainly focussed on man-made materials such as concrete, metal, plastic, bricks and asphalt among other things and does not include man-made waste. However, the reasearchers say that each person in the world is responsible for creation of human-made matter equal to more than his or her body-weight. The study has been carried out by Ron Milo and his colleagues from Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.

Human-made materials outweigh Earth's entire biomass now, says study

China must stop building new coal power plants and ramp up its wind and solar capacity if it wants to become carbon neutral by 2060, researchers said Friday.

A new report published by the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air warned that overcapacity of existing plants and new ones being built mean it will be hard for Beijing to meet the much-lauded climate goal promised by President Xi Jinping earlier this year.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/burning-fossil-fuels-helped-drive-earths-most-massive-extinction-344082" hreflang="en">Burning fossil fuels helped drive Earth’s most massive extinction</a>

The research organisation called for the Chinese government to shut down all new coal-fired power plants built from 2020 and double the growth of wind and solar power in the next decade.

The country should aim to whittle its coal fleet down to about 680 gigawatts by 2030 — instead of current plans to expand it to about 1,300 gigawatts, it said.

Without proper policy intervention to retire these surplus plants early and halt the construction of new ones, the researchers claimed the level of carbon dioxide emitted by China would show almost no reduction compared to this year's level.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/greenlands-largest-glaciers-likely-to-melt-faster-than-feared-study-343852" hreflang="en">Greenland's largest glaciers likely to melt faster than feared: Study</a>

"The power section needs to achieve zero emissions as soon as possible," the report said.

"Coal power should be phased out rapidly in a cost-effective manner."

As part of the plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, China also pledged to reach its peak carbon emissions by 2030, which researchers claim needs coal-fired power to start reducing almost immediately.

"As long as coal consumption continues to drop significantly, peaking carbon emissions before 2030 will be a relatively achievable goal," Yuan Jiahai, Professor at North China Electric Power University, said in the report.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/reducing-greenhouse-gas-emission-even-to-zero-wont-stop-global-warming-study-342988" hreflang="en">Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study</a>

One way to reach this target, the report says, is to set a high carbon price in the carbon trading market, in turn incentivising the carbon-emitters to reduce coal-fired power generation.

The report also called for coordination among the Chinese government, think tanks and other NGOs to ensure the visibility and transparency of the process.

China's carbon promise, announced in September in a speech by Xi to the United Nations, came as a surprise as Beijing has relied heavily on coal to spur its economic emergence from poverty to superpower status over the last few decades.

China must stop building new coal power plants and ramp up its wind and solar capacity if it wants to become carbon neutral by 2060, researchers said Friday. A new report published by the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air warned that overcapacity of existing plants and new ones being built mean it will be hard for Beijing to meet the much-lauded climate goal promised by President Xi Jinping earlier this year.

China must stop building new coal power plants and ramp up its wind and solar capacity if it wants to become carbon neutral by 2060, researchers said Friday. A new report published by the Helsinki-based Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air warned that overcapacity of existing plants and new ones being built mean it will be hard for Beijing to meet the much-lauded climate goal promised by President Xi Jinping earlier this year. Also read| Burning fossil fuels helped drive Earth’s most massive extinction The research organisation called for the Chinese government to shut down all new coal-fired power plants built from 2020 and double the growth of wind and solar power in the next decade. The country should aim to whittle its coal fleet down to about 680 gigawatts by 2030 — instead of current plans to expand it to about 1,300 gigawatts, it said. Without proper policy intervention to retire these surplus plants early and halt the construction of new ones, the researchers claimed the level of carbon dioxide emitted by China would show almost no reduction compared to this year's level. Also read| Greenland's largest glaciers likely to melt faster than feared: Study "The power section needs to achieve zero emissions as soon as possible," the report said. "Coal power should be phased out rapidly in a cost-effective manner." As part of the plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, China also pledged to reach its peak carbon emissions by 2030, which researchers claim needs coal-fired power to start reducing almost immediately. "As long as coal consumption continues to drop significantly, peaking carbon emissions before 2030 will be a relatively achievable goal," Yuan Jiahai, Professor at North China Electric Power University, said in the report. Also read| Reducing greenhouse gas emission even to zero won't stop global warming: Study One way to reach this target, the report says, is to set a high carbon price in the carbon trading market, in turn incentivising the carbon-emitters to reduce coal-fired power generation. The report also called for coordination among the Chinese government, think tanks and other NGOs to ensure the visibility and transparency of the process. China's carbon promise, announced in September in a speech by Xi to the United Nations, came as a surprise as Beijing has relied heavily on coal to spur its economic emergence from poverty to superpower status over the last few decades.

China's new coal plants risk 2060 climate target: Researchers

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