The air quality in the national capital took a nosedive on Monday morning, slipping into the 'Very Poor' category as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 306, up from 302 recorded on Sunday afternoon, according to data provided by SAFAR-India.

Delhi's air quality plunges to very poor category, AQI stands at 306

<p>Scientists have made a significant discovery around the Great Barrier Reef, revealing that substantial pollution is infiltrating the reef through underground water sources. This finding has profound implications for policymakers striving to reduce pollution stemming from river catchments.</p>

<p>New research indicates that nearly one-third of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and two-thirds of dissolved inorganic phosphorus in the waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef originate from underground sources, a previously undocumented phenomenon, reported the Guardian.</p>

<h2><strong>Focus on pollution control</strong></h2>

<p>Efforts to control pollution runoff from farms into the reef have been a primary concern for governments and agencies. Scientists assert that improving water quality is essential to enhancing&nbsp;the reef's resilience against bleaching events caused by global heating.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-tiniest-flowering-plant-could-feed-and-oxygenate-astronauts-in-space-643877">Earth's tiniest flowering plant could feed and oxygenate astronauts in space</a></p>

<h2><strong>UN concerns</strong></h2>

<p>United Nations science experts have consistently voiced their concerns about the slow progress in water quality improvement.</p>

<p>Failure to address this issue alongside the climate crisis could jeopardise the Great Barrier Reef's status as a world heritage site.</p>

<p>The groundbreaking research was conducted through a decade-long collaboration between scientists from Southern Cross University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and CSIRO. Their findings have been published in the journal Environmental Science &amp; Technology.</p>

<p>Researchers collected water samples and analysed them for radium isotopes, which serve as markers for pollution. Although the study did not identify the pollution's specific source, it did reveal the pathway it takes to reach the reef.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-crosses-key-15-c-warming-mark-for-record-number-of-days-in-2023-report-643608">World crosses key 1.5ºC warming mark for record number of days in 2023: Report</a></p>

<p>Both state and federal governments have committed substantial financial resources, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, to enhance water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.</p>

<p>Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek welcomed the research, stressing the importance of understanding threats to the Great Barrier Reef for its protection and restoration. She highlighted the government's investment of $1.2 billion to safeguard the reef, including allocating over $232 million to practical projects aimed at improving water quality flowing into the reef.</p>

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Scientists have made a significant discovery around the Great Barrier Reef, revealing that substantial pollution is infiltrating the reef through underground water sources.

Scientists have made a significant discovery around the Great Barrier Reef, revealing that substantial pollution is infiltrating the reef through underground water sources. This finding has profound implications for policymakers striving to reduce pollution stemming from river catchments. New research indicates that nearly one-third of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and two-thirds of dissolved inorganic phosphorus in the waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef originate from underground sources, a previously undocumented phenomenon, reported the Guardian. Focus on pollution control Efforts to control pollution runoff from farms into the reef have been a primary concern for governments and agencies. Scientists assert that improving water quality is essential to enhancing the reef's resilience against bleaching events caused by global heating. Also read | Earth's tiniest flowering plant could feed and oxygenate astronauts in space UN concerns United Nations science experts have consistently voiced their concerns about the slow progress in water quality improvement. Failure to address this issue alongside the climate crisis could jeopardise the Great Barrier Reef's status as a world heritage site. The groundbreaking research was conducted through a decade-long collaboration between scientists from Southern Cross University, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and CSIRO. Their findings have been published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Researchers collected water samples and analysed them for radium isotopes, which serve as markers for pollution. Although the study did not identify the pollution's specific source, it did reveal the pathway it takes to reach the reef. Also read | World crosses key 1.5ºC warming mark for record number of days in 2023: Report Both state and federal governments have committed substantial financial resources, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, to enhance water quality in the Great Barrier Reef. Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek welcomed the research, stressing the importance of understanding threats to the Great Barrier Reef for its protection and restoration. She highlighted the government's investment of $1.2 billion to safeguard the reef, including allocating over $232 million to practical projects aimed at improving water quality flowing into the reef. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Groundwater is a major source of pollution on Great Barrier Reef: Study

India's large and growing population has led to many crucial issues - such as overcrowded cities and environmental pollution. Meanwhile, as companies try to become more an more sustainable, they are putting a premium on green skills but what are they? Watch the video to know.

Mission sustainability: Rise of 'Green Skills' in workforce; Why do they matter? | World News | WION

<p>To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1). GRAP was revised in July 2023 with the aim to&nbsp;strengthen measures against deteriorating air quality.</p>

<p>Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, while speaking on the importance of the implementation of revised GRAP, said, "In view of the possibility of an increase in pollution level in winter, GRAP has been implemented in Delhi from today... Implementation of the GRAP system is our priority under the Winter Action Plan... There are a total of four stages of GRAP. After AQI reaches the poor category, measures will be taken as per the steps of GRAP. Currently, AQI in Delhi is below 200... As the situation would change, the rules of GRAP would get stricter..."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/let-founding-member-and-aide-of-2611-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-gunned-down-in-karachi-report-641468">LeT founding member and aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed gunned down in Karachi: Report</a></p>

<p>One of the major contributors to air pollution in northern India is the practice of stubble burning, primarily seen in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This annual practice exacerbates air quality issues during the winter months.</p>

<h2><strong>Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)</strong></h2>

<p>GRAP is a comprehensive strategy designed to combat air pollution in cities across India. It consists of four stages, each tailored to address specific air quality concerns. The plan's flexibility allows for adjustments based on the severity of pollution and regional differences.</p>

<p>There are four stages of GRAP:</p>

<p>Stage 1 - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300): Initial measures to address deteriorating air quality.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-shivajis-tiger-claw-weapon-is-returning-india-on-loan-for-three-years-641427">Explained | How Shivaji's tiger claw weapon is returning to India 'on loan' for three years</a></p>

<p>Stage 2 - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400): Focused actions and intensified remedial measures in identified hotspots.</p>

<p>Stage 3 - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450): Stricter restrictions on "plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-to-deploy-military-instructors-in-ukraine-to-train-troops-british-defence-minister-641464">UK to deploy military instructors in Ukraine to train troops: British defence minister</a></strong></p>

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<p>Stage 4 - 'Severe +' (AQI &gt;450): The most stringent measures to tackle the worst air quality conditions. "Do not permit Light commercial vehicle (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services," as per Stage 4 restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the revised GRAP now in place, authorities are aiming to respond swiftly and effectively to protect public health and mitigate the impact of air pollution during periods of poor air quality. This proactive approach is essential to ensure cleaner air for residents in the NCR and surrounding areas.</p>

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To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1).

To address the pressing issue of air pollution in India during winter months, the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was officially put into action on Sunday (October 1). GRAP was revised in July 2023 with the aim to strengthen measures against deteriorating air quality. Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, while speaking on the importance of the implementation of revised GRAP, said, "In view of the possibility of an increase in pollution level in winter, GRAP has been implemented in Delhi from today... Implementation of the GRAP system is our priority under the Winter Action Plan... There are a total of four stages of GRAP. After AQI reaches the poor category, measures will be taken as per the steps of GRAP. Currently, AQI in Delhi is below 200... As the situation would change, the rules of GRAP would get stricter..." Also Read | LeT founding member and aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed gunned down in Karachi: Report One of the major contributors to air pollution in northern India is the practice of stubble burning, primarily seen in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. This annual practice exacerbates air quality issues during the winter months. Understanding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) GRAP is a comprehensive strategy designed to combat air pollution in cities across India. It consists of four stages, each tailored to address specific air quality concerns. The plan's flexibility allows for adjustments based on the severity of pollution and regional differences. There are four stages of GRAP: Stage 1 - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300): Initial measures to address deteriorating air quality. Also Read | Explained | How Shivaji's tiger claw weapon is returning to India 'on loan' for three years Stage 2 - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400): Focused actions and intensified remedial measures in identified hotspots. Stage 3 - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450): Stricter restrictions on "plying of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs (4 wheelers) in Delhi and in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar." Watch | UK to deploy military instructors in Ukraine to train troops: British defence minister × Stage 4 - 'Severe +' (AQI >450): The most stringent measures to tackle the worst air quality conditions. "Do not permit Light commercial vehicle (LCVs) registered outside Delhi, other than EVs / CNG / BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities / providing essential services," as per Stage 4 restrictions. With the revised GRAP now in place, authorities are aiming to respond swiftly and effectively to protect public health and mitigate the impact of air pollution during periods of poor air quality. This proactive approach is essential to ensure cleaner air for residents in the NCR and surrounding areas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India: Centre implements revised GRAP to combat air pollution during winters

<p>As India grapples with the sweltering heat of its summers, a less visible but equally menacing threat looms in the air: surface ozone pollution. While the nation's bustling cities and industries have been associated with the haze of particulate matter, ground-level ozone has been silently making its presence felt.</p>

<p>India, unfortunately, is home to numerous highly polluted cities in the world. While particulate matter often dominates headlines, the menace of ozone pollution has been lurking in the shadows.</p>

<p>According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Air Quality Index, ozone levels in parts of Delhi and other metropolitan cities is on a rising trend. Recent data shows ozone levels spiking to hazardous levels in major metros as temperatures climb.</p>

<p>Yet national air quality standards and plans remain heavily focussed on particulate matter (PM2.5) alone. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was launched by the government in 2019, India's primary initiative against air pollution, has been predominantly targeting PM2.5 particles.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-india-feels-the-heat-what-happens-if-the-current-warming-trend-continues-600497">Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues?</a></p>

<p>These minuscule particles, less than 2.5 micrometres&nbsp;in diameter, can infiltrate our lungs, posing grave health risks. However, our preoccupation with particulates might be overshadowing other equally pressing threats.</p>

<p>R Suresh, Area Convener in The Energy and Resources Institute explained unlike other pollutants, ozone is not directly emitted from any source. It forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) react in the presence of sunlight and high temperatures.</p>

<p>This reaction is influenced by the relative concentrations of VOCs and NOx, creating what scientists refer to as "ozone isopleths." Vehicle exhaust, fossil fuel combustion, gasoline vapours, chemical solvents and natural sources release NOx and VOCs into the air - the essential ingredients for ozone formation.</p>

<p>At optimum temperatures and ultraviolet radiation intensity, these hydrocarbons undergo complex photochemical reactions to form ozone pollution that builds up strongly during the day but can persist late into the night. Of particular concern are NOx emissions from transportation - diesel and petrol vehicles are the largest source of ozone-forming NOx across urban India. As NOx emissions have not fallen in proportion to PM2.5, ozone levels keep creeping upwards every summer.</p>

<p>He gave an example that, China offers a cautionary tale in this regard. Vigorous emission controls reduced PM2.5 concentrations significantly. However, this led to a surge in ozone levels. Data from 2017 to 2019 in China's Northern Central Plains indicates a 15 per cent decrease in PM2.5, potentially driving the continued anthropogenic increase in ozone, coupled with unmitigated VOC emissions. This scenario mirrors the current trajectory in India, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to air quality management.</p>

<p>Ozone can wreak havoc once inhaled into the lungs. According to the WHO's Regional Office for Europe, ozone causes breathing problems, asthma attacks, lung inflammation, coughing, chest pain and throat irritation. It reduces lung function and harms the respiratory system.</p>

<p>Numerous studies conducted globally over decades have linked both short and long-term ozone exposure to increased hospitalisations and premature deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular causes.</p>

<p>Ozone likely even weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to respiratory infections - a grave concern in the post-COVID era. A study done by scientists from University of Leeds, UK, says that by 2050, projections suggest that 1.6 million deaths in India could be attributed to ozone pollution.</p>

<p>But the ramifications of ozone pollution extend beyond human health. Ozone can damage crops, reducing yields and affecting food security. Ozone also cripples crop yields and harms food security. As this pollutant enters leaves through pores called stomata,&nbsp;it damages plant tissues, accelerates ageing, slows photosynthesis, stunts growth and eventually slashes crop yields. A study published in the American Geophysical Union’s Journal highlighted that the present-day ozone-induced damage to wheat and rice in India is sufficient to feed roughly 35 per cent of the nation's poor.</p>

<p>Models suggest wheat production losses of 26-35 million metric tonnes globally due to ozone pollution. Studies conducted locally at Indian Agriculture Research Institute and other institutes show ozone exposure during peak crop growth results in 10-15 per cent&nbsp;yield loss for grains like rice, wheat and soybean across parts of India.</p>

<p>With extreme heat, erratic rainfall and other climate change effects already shrinking farm incomes, unchecked ozone pollution poses a significant risk to India's agriculture sector and self-sufficiency goals.</p>

<p>Ozone isn't just toxic to humans and plants - it degrades materials as well. As a strong oxidising agent, ozone accelerates corrosion of metals, degrades polymers and erodes building materials over time. Studies estimate it causes between 3-5 per cent&nbsp;additional economic losses due to reduced service life of rubber, textiles, dyes and paints. India's prized monuments like the Taj Mahal face enhanced degradation from rising ozone pollution in urban centres&nbsp;like Agra. The economic toll from ozone's infrastructure damage will only rise over time if left unaddressed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Over a billion sea creatures died off US, Canada coast in 2021</strong></p>

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<p>Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires a comprehensive strategy. Transitioning to electric vehicles can significantly curtail NOx emissions. Promoting public transportation, carpooling, and implementing stricter emission norms can further help. But it's not just about reactive measures. Proactive monitoring, understanding the interplay of different pollutants, and public awareness campaigns are equally crucial. While PM2.5 has been the poster child of India's air pollution narrative, it's time to broaden the discourse. A myriad of pollutants, each with its unique challenges and health implications, contribute to the air we breathe. Our goal should be unequivocal: safeguard public health. Achieving this necessitates a comprehensive approach to air quality management.</p>

<p>The urgency to address ozone pollution in India is palpable. With awareness, collective responsibility, and actionable strategies, we can pave the way for cleaner air. It's not merely an environmental concern; it's about our health, our future, and the legacy we leave for subsequent generations. As India strides forward, ensuring that every breath we take is a step towards a brighter, healthier future should be paramount.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>

<p>You can now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>


As India grapples with the sweltering heat of its summers, a less visible but equally menacing threat looms in the air: surface ozone pollution. While the nation's bustling cities and industries have been associated with the haze of particulate matter, ground-level ozone has been silently making its presence felt.

As India grapples with the sweltering heat of its summers, a less visible but equally menacing threat looms in the air: surface ozone pollution. While the nation's bustling cities and industries have been associated with the haze of particulate matter, ground-level ozone has been silently making its presence felt. India, unfortunately, is home to numerous highly polluted cities in the world. While particulate matter often dominates headlines, the menace of ozone pollution has been lurking in the shadows. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Air Quality Index, ozone levels in parts of Delhi and other metropolitan cities is on a rising trend. Recent data shows ozone levels spiking to hazardous levels in major metros as temperatures climb. Yet national air quality standards and plans remain heavily focussed on particulate matter (PM2.5) alone. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was launched by the government in 2019, India's primary initiative against air pollution, has been predominantly targeting PM2.5 particles. Also read | Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues? These minuscule particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, can infiltrate our lungs, posing grave health risks. However, our preoccupation with particulates might be overshadowing other equally pressing threats. R Suresh, Area Convener in The Energy and Resources Institute explained unlike other pollutants, ozone is not directly emitted from any source. It forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) react in the presence of sunlight and high temperatures. This reaction is influenced by the relative concentrations of VOCs and NOx, creating what scientists refer to as "ozone isopleths." Vehicle exhaust, fossil fuel combustion, gasoline vapours, chemical solvents and natural sources release NOx and VOCs into the air - the essential ingredients for ozone formation. At optimum temperatures and ultraviolet radiation intensity, these hydrocarbons undergo complex photochemical reactions to form ozone pollution that builds up strongly during the day but can persist late into the night. Of particular concern are NOx emissions from transportation - diesel and petrol vehicles are the largest source of ozone-forming NOx across urban India. As NOx emissions have not fallen in proportion to PM2.5, ozone levels keep creeping upwards every summer. He gave an example that, China offers a cautionary tale in this regard. Vigorous emission controls reduced PM2.5 concentrations significantly. However, this led to a surge in ozone levels. Data from 2017 to 2019 in China's Northern Central Plains indicates a 15 per cent decrease in PM2.5, potentially driving the continued anthropogenic increase in ozone, coupled with unmitigated VOC emissions. This scenario mirrors the current trajectory in India, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to air quality management. Ozone can wreak havoc once inhaled into the lungs. According to the WHO's Regional Office for Europe, ozone causes breathing problems, asthma attacks, lung inflammation, coughing, chest pain and throat irritation. It reduces lung function and harms the respiratory system. Numerous studies conducted globally over decades have linked both short and long-term ozone exposure to increased hospitalisations and premature deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular causes. Ozone likely even weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to respiratory infections - a grave concern in the post-COVID era. A study done by scientists from University of Leeds, UK, says that by 2050, projections suggest that 1.6 million deaths in India could be attributed to ozone pollution. But the ramifications of ozone pollution extend beyond human health. Ozone can damage crops, reducing yields and affecting food security. Ozone also cripples crop yields and harms food security. As this pollutant enters leaves through pores called stomata, it damages plant tissues, accelerates ageing, slows photosynthesis, stunts growth and eventually slashes crop yields. A study published in the American Geophysical Union’s Journal highlighted that the present-day ozone-induced damage to wheat and rice in India is sufficient to feed roughly 35 per cent of the nation's poor. Models suggest wheat production losses of 26-35 million metric tonnes globally due to ozone pollution. Studies conducted locally at Indian Agriculture Research Institute and other institutes show ozone exposure during peak crop growth results in 10-15 per cent yield loss for grains like rice, wheat and soybean across parts of India. With extreme heat, erratic rainfall and other climate change effects already shrinking farm incomes, unchecked ozone pollution poses a significant risk to India's agriculture sector and self-sufficiency goals. Ozone isn't just toxic to humans and plants - it degrades materials as well. As a strong oxidising agent, ozone accelerates corrosion of metals, degrades polymers and erodes building materials over time. Studies estimate it causes between 3-5 per cent additional economic losses due to reduced service life of rubber, textiles, dyes and paints. India's prized monuments like the Taj Mahal face enhanced degradation from rising ozone pollution in urban centres like Agra. The economic toll from ozone's infrastructure damage will only rise over time if left unaddressed. Also watch | Over a billion sea creatures died off US, Canada coast in 2021 Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires a comprehensive strategy. Transitioning to electric vehicles can significantly curtail NOx emissions. Promoting public transportation, carpooling, and implementing stricter emission norms can further help. But it's not just about reactive measures. Proactive monitoring, understanding the interplay of different pollutants, and public awareness campaigns are equally crucial. While PM2.5 has been the poster child of India's air pollution narrative, it's time to broaden the discourse. A myriad of pollutants, each with its unique challenges and health implications, contribute to the air we breathe. Our goal should be unequivocal: safeguard public health. Achieving this necessitates a comprehensive approach to air quality management. The urgency to address ozone pollution in India is palpable. With awareness, collective responsibility, and actionable strategies, we can pave the way for cleaner air. It's not merely an environmental concern; it's about our health, our future, and the legacy we leave for subsequent generations. As India strides forward, ensuring that every breath we take is a step towards a brighter, healthier future should be paramount. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hidden danger in the air? What you need to know about rising ozone pollution

Why the northern part of India is fast becoming the pollution capital of the world? Join Vikram Chandra as he decodes this critical problem with experts, Dr. GC Khilnani, chairman, of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, New Delhi and Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director of Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi and explores the steps that can be taken to combat the airpocalypse that Delhi and the entire indo-gangetic plains grapple with every winter.

India's killer air-pollution wake-up call

Delhi air pollution cuts life expectancy by 11.9 years by average

Air pollution is hardly a new phenomenon in Jakarta. But experts are pointing out that its effects this year have been particularly worse. IQAir, a Swiss-based monitor, said the Indonesian capital faced its worst air pollution last month.

Breathless Indonesians irate over pollution crisis

Delhiites breathed the cleanest air of the year on Sunday as the city witnessed the first 'good air' day since October last year, thanks to rain and various restrictions imposed due to the G20 summit.

India: Rain, traffic curbs help Delhi log year's first good air day

<p>Antarctica, an icy expanse of land often hailed as one of the world's last pristine places, hides a 'dirty' secret. Recent research published in PLOS One in August has revealed that portions of the seafloor near Australia's Casey research station are as polluted as some urban waterways.</p>

<p>What's more is that the contamination is likely to be widespread across older research stations in Antarctica, warns study co-author Jonathan Stark as per Nature.</p>

<h2><strong>Pollution findings</strong></h2>

<p>Stark, who is a marine ecologist from the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart, cautioned that these pollutants "accumulate over long time frames and don't just go away".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-researchers-develop-vegan-leather-that-can-repair-itself-630940">UK: Researchers develop vegan leather that can repair itself</a></strong></p>

<p>His team found high concentrations of hydrocarbons — which are typically found in fuels, as well as heavy metals like lead, copper, and zinc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many of the samples also contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are extremely carcinogenic chemical compounds that were banned internationally in 2001.</p>

<p>The team compared these samples to data from the World Harbour Project, an international initiative tracking large urban waterways. They found that some samples actually contained the same levels of lead, copper, and zinc as those recorded in parts of Sydney Harbour and Rio de Janeiro over the past two decades.</p>

<h2><strong>Widespread pollution across Antarctica</strong></h2>

<p>Ceisha Poirot, manager of policy, environment, and safety at Antarctica New Zealand in Christchurch, says that this pollution issue isn't unique to the Casey research station. She says that "All national programmes are dealing with this issue".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-cosmic-body-just-collided-with-jupiter-heres-what-happened-631171">A cosmic body bigger than the Earth just collided with Jupiter. Here's what happened</a></strong></p>

<p>As per her, with the Earth warming up, historical contamination is coming to the surface. "Things that were once frozen in the soil are now becoming more mobile," she said.</p>

<p>Historically, poor waste management is the primary source of Antarctica's contamination, says Terence Palmer, a marine scientist at Texas A&amp;M University–Corpus Christi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier studies of which Stark was a part have shown that polluted areas in Antarctica have&nbsp;less biodiversity as compared to&nbsp;control locations. These areas also have some resilient species emerging as&nbsp;dominant. "It will be interesting to see if these effects have persisted — or gotten worse — or if communities have adapted in any way,"&nbsp;asserts Stark.</p>

<p>As Antarctica becomes more crowded with over 100 research stations and national facilities, future pollution is a growing concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Antarctica, an icy expanse of land often hailed as one of the world's last pristine places, hides a 'dirty' secret. Recent research published in PLOS One in August has revealed that portions of the seafloor near Australia's Casey research station are as polluted as some urban waterways.

Antarctica, an icy expanse of land often hailed as one of the world's last pristine places, hides a 'dirty' secret. Recent research published in PLOS One in August has revealed that portions of the seafloor near Australia's Casey research station are as polluted as some urban waterways. What's more is that the contamination is likely to be widespread across older research stations in Antarctica, warns study co-author Jonathan Stark as per Nature. Pollution findings Stark, who is a marine ecologist from the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart, cautioned that these pollutants "accumulate over long time frames and don't just go away". Also read | UK: Researchers develop vegan leather that can repair itself His team found high concentrations of hydrocarbons — which are typically found in fuels, as well as heavy metals like lead, copper, and zinc. Many of the samples also contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are extremely carcinogenic chemical compounds that were banned internationally in 2001. The team compared these samples to data from the World Harbour Project, an international initiative tracking large urban waterways. They found that some samples actually contained the same levels of lead, copper, and zinc as those recorded in parts of Sydney Harbour and Rio de Janeiro over the past two decades. Widespread pollution across Antarctica Ceisha Poirot, manager of policy, environment, and safety at Antarctica New Zealand in Christchurch, says that this pollution issue isn't unique to the Casey research station. She says that "All national programmes are dealing with this issue". Also read | A cosmic body bigger than the Earth just collided with Jupiter. Here's what happened As per her, with the Earth warming up, historical contamination is coming to the surface. "Things that were once frozen in the soil are now becoming more mobile," she said. Historically, poor waste management is the primary source of Antarctica's contamination, says Terence Palmer, a marine scientist at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Earlier studies of which Stark was a part have shown that polluted areas in Antarctica have less biodiversity as compared to control locations. These areas also have some resilient species emerging as dominant. "It will be interesting to see if these effects have persisted — or gotten worse — or if communities have adapted in any way," asserts Stark. As Antarctica becomes more crowded with over 100 research stations and national facilities, future pollution is a growing concern. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pristine Antarctica is hiding a 'dirty' secret, says study

There might be less plastic in the sea than we thought. A new study has some good news, but there’s a problem: Ocean pollution appears to be growing fast.

Less plastic litter in oceans than estimated: Study

A new environmental report reveals that air pollution is now a major risk to life expectancy in south Asia. Well, south Asia accounts for more than half of the total life years lost globally to pollution.

Study: Air pollution reduces life expectancy in South Asia

<p>Environmental activists have sued the South African environment minister and the national air-quality officer and a regional unit of ArcelorMittal South Africa for failing to take action against the company over its air pollution, according to a report by Bloomberg.</p>

<p>According to a statement sent through email on Tuesday, the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance and groundWork filed the lawsuit&nbsp;at the South African High Court. They assert that the government has not taken any action to reduce emissions from ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited’s largest steel plant, located in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg.</p>

<p>The lawsuit is similar to one that was filed against the government in 2022 and won by activists including groundWork because of air pollution from coal-fired plants run by Eskom Holdings SOC Limited and Sasol Limited.</p>

<p>Judge Colleen Collis of the South African High Court concluded in that in the 2022 case,the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy was required by the Constitution to adopt and enforce laws to promote cleaner air.</p>

<p>Presently, the activists claim that Arcelor’s South African branch has failed to reduce air pollution for years, even after installing technology to control emissions. The parties filing the action assert that the government acted leniently and lowered emission restrictions for the company.</p>

<p>“The minister, instead of bringing industries into compliance, continues to allow for weaker limits,” Bloomberg quoted the activists as saying in the court papers. “This erodes the rights of the people living in the area, who are breathing dangerous levels of pollution.”</p>

<p>The southern and eastern regions of Johannesburg have the highest concentration of coal-burning enterprises, contribution to severe air pollution. Coal being the primary fuel for manufacturing petrochemicals, steel, and ferroalloys, provides more than 80 per cent of South Africa’s electricity, has also played a role in the economic development of the continent’s most industrialised country.</p>

<p>A request for comment was not answered by the environment agency or ArcelorMittal South Africa.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Environmental activists have sued the South African environment minister and the national air-quality officer and a regional unit of ArcelorMittal South Africa for failing to take action against the company over its air pollution, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Environmental activists have sued the South African environment minister and the national air-quality officer and a regional unit of ArcelorMittal South Africa for failing to take action against the company over its air pollution, according to a report by Bloomberg. According to a statement sent through email on Tuesday, the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance and groundWork filed the lawsuit at the South African High Court. They assert that the government has not taken any action to reduce emissions from ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited’s largest steel plant, located in Vanderbijlpark, south of Johannesburg. The lawsuit is similar to one that was filed against the government in 2022 and won by activists including groundWork because of air pollution from coal-fired plants run by Eskom Holdings SOC Limited and Sasol Limited. Judge Colleen Collis of the South African High Court concluded in that in the 2022 case,the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy was required by the Constitution to adopt and enforce laws to promote cleaner air. Presently, the activists claim that Arcelor’s South African branch has failed to reduce air pollution for years, even after installing technology to control emissions. The parties filing the action assert that the government acted leniently and lowered emission restrictions for the company. “The minister, instead of bringing industries into compliance, continues to allow for weaker limits,” Bloomberg quoted the activists as saying in the court papers. “This erodes the rights of the people living in the area, who are breathing dangerous levels of pollution.” The southern and eastern regions of Johannesburg have the highest concentration of coal-burning enterprises, contribution to severe air pollution. Coal being the primary fuel for manufacturing petrochemicals, steel, and ferroalloys, provides more than 80 per cent of South Africa’s electricity, has also played a role in the economic development of the continent’s most industrialised country. A request for comment was not answered by the environment agency or ArcelorMittal South Africa. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

South African environment authorities sued over Arcelor pollution: Report

<p>We all know about water pollution. We know about tiny fraction of total water on Earth that's actually drinkable. We know that wastewater from factories affects river, lakes and seas. But we take a mental escape when we read that the wastewater was 'treated' before it was released into the natural water bodies. The words 'treated wastewater' suddenly makes the entire affair environmentally safe and morally passable.</p>

<p>But now Goethe University Frankfurt has demonstrated that even treated wastewater has harmful effect for natural water bodies and organisms that live in it. As per a report&nbsp;by Science Daily, the university has found that even the treated wastewater has an impact on 'species composition of invertebrates'.</p>

<p>So are wasterwater treatment plants useless?</p>

<p>Not quite. It is true that wastewater treatment takes some fangs out of the pollutants and lessen their impact on surface water. The ability of wastewater treatment plants to completely remove micropolutants from the wastewater is reportedly mostly limited. Micropollutants may include active ingredients from pharamceutical compunds and personal care products, pesticides and more sythetic substances. This puts additional burden on river systems.</p>

<p>Studies prior to this one have mostly focussed on single wasterwater treatment plants, says Science Daily. But this one has extensively studied how wastewater from 170 wastewater treatment plants in the German city of Hesse had an impact on species composition of invertebrates.</p>

<p>The researchers found an interesting phenomenon. They found that some species were especially affected by treated effluents such as stonefly and caddisfly larvae. These reportedly disappeared entirely in some places. Other organisms like worms and crustaceans were found to be benefitting from addition of the treated water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, it was found that mixing of treated wastewater changed the composition of species in the natural water bodies. In any case, it does not free us from the responsibility of trying to prevent water pollution.</p>

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We all know about water pollution. We know about tiny fraction of total water on Earth that's actually drinkable. We know that wastewater from factories affects river, lakes and seas.

We all know about water pollution. We know about tiny fraction of total water on Earth that's actually drinkable. We know that wastewater from factories affects river, lakes and seas. But we take a mental escape when we read that the wastewater was 'treated' before it was released into the natural water bodies. The words 'treated wastewater' suddenly makes the entire affair environmentally safe and morally passable. But now Goethe University Frankfurt has demonstrated that even treated wastewater has harmful effect for natural water bodies and organisms that live in it. As per a report by Science Daily, the university has found that even the treated wastewater has an impact on 'species composition of invertebrates'. So are wasterwater treatment plants useless? Not quite. It is true that wastewater treatment takes some fangs out of the pollutants and lessen their impact on surface water. The ability of wastewater treatment plants to completely remove micropolutants from the wastewater is reportedly mostly limited. Micropollutants may include active ingredients from pharamceutical compunds and personal care products, pesticides and more sythetic substances. This puts additional burden on river systems. Studies prior to this one have mostly focussed on single wasterwater treatment plants, says Science Daily. But this one has extensively studied how wastewater from 170 wastewater treatment plants in the German city of Hesse had an impact on species composition of invertebrates. The researchers found an interesting phenomenon. They found that some species were especially affected by treated effluents such as stonefly and caddisfly larvae. These reportedly disappeared entirely in some places. Other organisms like worms and crustaceans were found to be benefitting from addition of the treated water. Overall, it was found that mixing of treated wastewater changed the composition of species in the natural water bodies. In any case, it does not free us from the responsibility of trying to prevent water pollution. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Treated wastewater? It'll still affect our rivers

Indonesia's capital Jakarta has topped the charts, as the world's most polluted city. This is as per data released by Swiss air-tech company I-q-air. With a population of over 10 million, Jakarta registers high air pollution levels nearly every day.

Indonesians mask-up as Jakarta tops world's most polluted city list

<p>A comprehensive global study has unveiled a disturbing association between air pollution and the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance, posing a serious threat to human health worldwide.</p>

<p>Analysing data from over 100 countries spanning nearly two decades, the research demonstrates a direct link between increased air pollution levels and the surge in antibiotic resistance across continents, reported the Guardian.</p>

<p>Antibiotic resistance remains a rapidly escalating global health crisis, indiscriminately affecting people of all ages and nations, claiming an estimated 1.3 million lives annually.</p>

<h2>What is the link?</h2>

<p>While the primary drivers of antibiotic resistance are the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in treating infections, the study points to air pollution as an exacerbating factor.</p>

<p>Although the science behind the connection has not been fully explored, evidence suggests that particulate matter PM2.5, containing antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, might be transferred and inhaled by humans.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-gasping-for-breath-what-is-india-doing-about-its-air-pollution-crisis-598066">Data Lab | Gasping for breath: What is India doing about its air pollution crisis?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Air pollution: A lethal environmental hazard</strong></h2>

<p>Air pollution already poses the largest environmental risk to public health, contributing to chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, and lung cancer, ultimately reducing life expectancy.</p>

<p>The immediate effects of short-term exposure include coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks, leading to increased hospital and GP visits worldwide.</p>

<p>The groundbreaking study highlights the potential twofold benefits of controlling air pollution. Not only can it mitigate the harmful consequences of poor air quality, but it could also play a pivotal role in battling the rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.</p>

<p>The findings suggest that addressing air pollution may significantly reduce both the mortality and economic burden of antibiotic-resistant infections.</p>

<p>Air serves as a direct conduit for disseminating antibiotic resistance, with possible pathways including hospitals, farms, and sewage-treatment facilities releasing and spreading antibiotic-resistant particles over vast distances.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Air pollution causes serious health issues, but not enough being done to mitigate it</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Alarming findings</strong></h2>

<p>The study reveals a concerning correlation, with each 10 per cent increase in air pollution linked to a 1.1 per cent&nbsp;rise in antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the link between air pollution and antibiotic resistance has strengthened over time, leading to more significant increases in recent years.</p>

<p>In 2018 alone, antibiotic resistance stemming from air pollution was linked to an estimated 480,000 premature deaths.</p>

<h2><strong>Additional findings: Impact on mental health</strong></h2>

<p>A separate study published in BMJ Mental Health highlights the detrimental impact of relatively high air pollution levels on people with dementia. Focusing on a densely trafficked area of London, the long-term study revealed increased usage of community mental health services by individuals exposed to such pollution.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A comprehensive global study has unveiled a disturbing association between air pollution and the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance, posing a serious threat to human health worldwide.

A comprehensive global study has unveiled a disturbing association between air pollution and the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance, posing a serious threat to human health worldwide. Analysing data from over 100 countries spanning nearly two decades, the research demonstrates a direct link between increased air pollution levels and the surge in antibiotic resistance across continents, reported the Guardian. Antibiotic resistance remains a rapidly escalating global health crisis, indiscriminately affecting people of all ages and nations, claiming an estimated 1.3 million lives annually. What is the link? While the primary drivers of antibiotic resistance are the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in treating infections, the study points to air pollution as an exacerbating factor. Although the science behind the connection has not been fully explored, evidence suggests that particulate matter PM2.5, containing antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, might be transferred and inhaled by humans. Also read | Data Lab | Gasping for breath: What is India doing about its air pollution crisis? Air pollution: A lethal environmental hazard Air pollution already poses the largest environmental risk to public health, contributing to chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, and lung cancer, ultimately reducing life expectancy. The immediate effects of short-term exposure include coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks, leading to increased hospital and GP visits worldwide. The groundbreaking study highlights the potential twofold benefits of controlling air pollution. Not only can it mitigate the harmful consequences of poor air quality, but it could also play a pivotal role in battling the rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The findings suggest that addressing air pollution may significantly reduce both the mortality and economic burden of antibiotic-resistant infections. Air serves as a direct conduit for disseminating antibiotic resistance, with possible pathways including hospitals, farms, and sewage-treatment facilities releasing and spreading antibiotic-resistant particles over vast distances. Also watch | Air pollution causes serious health issues, but not enough being done to mitigate it Alarming findings The study reveals a concerning correlation, with each 10 per cent increase in air pollution linked to a 1.1 per cent rise in antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the link between air pollution and antibiotic resistance has strengthened over time, leading to more significant increases in recent years. In 2018 alone, antibiotic resistance stemming from air pollution was linked to an estimated 480,000 premature deaths. Additional findings: Impact on mental health A separate study published in BMJ Mental Health highlights the detrimental impact of relatively high air pollution levels on people with dementia. Focusing on a densely trafficked area of London, the long-term study revealed increased usage of community mental health services by individuals exposed to such pollution. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pollution-fuelled antibiotic resistance threatens human health: Study

<p>A 40 metres (130 feet) long "super sewer" is being constructed in London, which is likely to end the pollution blight of the River Thames. For seven years, the construction workers have been creating the biggest-ever upgrade to the 19th-century sewers of the city, AFP reported.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The existing sewage network of London dates back to the second half of the 1800s when it was built in response to the infamous "Great Stink" and was designed by civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette.<br />
<br />
In the year 1858, a combination of a sewerage system which emptied straight into the River Thames and increasing temperatures resulted in London getting engulfed in a cloud of putrid air. The unbearable stench forced the construction of the sewerage system that is currently being used.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-major-measles-outbreak-in-london-warns-uk-health-security-agency-616005">Risk of major measles outbreak in London, warns UK Health Security Agency</a></p>

<p>However, in recent decades, the growing population of London has led to the overflowing of the sewerage system and led to a flow of raw sewage once again into the river.<br />
<br />
Bazalgette's network, which is considered an engineering wonder of the 19th century, used the same pipes for transporting rainwater and sewage, which results in effluent often spilling because of lack of capacity.</p>

<h2><strong>Mushrooming population accelerating sewage issues</strong></h2>

<p>Taylor Geall, who works at construction firm Tideway which is carrying out the project, speaking to AFP said, "Any time it rains, even a light drizzle, the sewers fill up and pour directly into the river. At the moment, in an average year 40 million tonnes of sewage spills into the Thames completely untreated.”<br />
<br />
Even though the old brick-lined sewers, which were constructed between 1859 and 1875, are still in "pristine condition" they are just not big enough in size. "The issue is capacity," Geall added.<br />
<br />
The officials had constructed the network when the population of London was just four million compared to today's nine million. Since the size of the population is bound to swell, the need for an upgrade worth £4.3-billion ($5.6-billion) has become critical.</p>

<p><strong>Watch here:</strong></p>

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<br />
The new "super sewer" which is 25-kilometre (15-mile) long and 7.2 metres in diameter moves from west to east, following the river's curves. When the sewer will be made operational, it will carry sewage only when existing sewers will overflow due to rains.<br />
<br />
Overflow points will make it possible for the sewage, which would otherwise have gone into the Thames, to get diverted into the new tunnel, AFP reported.<br />
<br />
Around 10,000 people have been working on the sewage project which contains six tunnel-boring machines forged through three distinct geologies - chalk in the east, gravel in the centre and clay in the west of the city.</div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A 40 metres (130 feet) long "super sewer" is being constructed in London, which is likely to end the pollution blight of the River Thames. For seven years, the construction workers have been creating the biggest-ever upgrade to the 19th-century sewers of the city, AFP reported.

A 40 metres (130 feet) long "super sewer" is being constructed in London, which is likely to end the pollution blight of the River Thames. For seven years, the construction workers have been creating the biggest-ever upgrade to the 19th-century sewers of the city, AFP reported. The existing sewage network of London dates back to the second half of the 1800s when it was built in response to the infamous "Great Stink" and was designed by civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette. In the year 1858, a combination of a sewerage system which emptied straight into the River Thames and increasing temperatures resulted in London getting engulfed in a cloud of putrid air. The unbearable stench forced the construction of the sewerage system that is currently being used. ALSO READ | Risk of major measles outbreak in London, warns UK Health Security Agency However, in recent decades, the growing population of London has led to the overflowing of the sewerage system and led to a flow of raw sewage once again into the river. Bazalgette's network, which is considered an engineering wonder of the 19th century, used the same pipes for transporting rainwater and sewage, which results in effluent often spilling because of lack of capacity. Mushrooming population accelerating sewage issues Taylor Geall, who works at construction firm Tideway which is carrying out the project, speaking to AFP said, "Any time it rains, even a light drizzle, the sewers fill up and pour directly into the river. At the moment, in an average year 40 million tonnes of sewage spills into the Thames completely untreated.” Even though the old brick-lined sewers, which were constructed between 1859 and 1875, are still in "pristine condition" they are just not big enough in size. "The issue is capacity," Geall added. The officials had constructed the network when the population of London was just four million compared to today's nine million. Since the size of the population is bound to swell, the need for an upgrade worth £4.3-billion ($5.6-billion) has become critical. Watch here: The new "super sewer" which is 25-kilometre (15-mile) long and 7.2 metres in diameter moves from west to east, following the river's curves. When the sewer will be made operational, it will carry sewage only when existing sewers will overflow due to rains. Overflow points will make it possible for the sewage, which would otherwise have gone into the Thames, to get diverted into the new tunnel, AFP reported. Around 10,000 people have been working on the sewage project which contains six tunnel-boring machines forged through three distinct geologies - chalk in the east, gravel in the centre and clay in the west of the city. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

London to soon get its new 'super sewer' which will end Thames pollution blight

'Forever chemicals' could be in nearly half of US tap water, a federal study finds. A study released by the US Geological Survey on Wednesday estimates that at least 45% of US tap water could be contaminated with at least one form of PFAS, which could have harmful health effects.

Nearly half of the tap water in the US is contaminated with ‘forever chemicals: Government study

London's anti-air pollution plan is set to expand to the less-connected outer boroughs next month and not everyone is happy about it. So, the plan will face a test in court today... A group of local governments claim the decision to expand it is flawed and unlawful. The existing 'ultra low emission zone' plan is restricted to London's inner roads. The scheme, introduced in 2019, requires more polluting vehicles to pay a 16 dollar toll when they are driven within inner london. The expansion plan, put forward by London mayor Sadiq Khan is to extend the zone to the city's less-connected outer boroughs. This will encompass 5 million extra people, making it the largest such scheme in Europe.

Case against expanding London's ultra low emission zone to outer boroughs

<p>There can be no sea ice left in the Arctic roughly a decade earlier than expected, warned scientists in another sign of the climate crisis accelerating faster than expected as pollution continues to heat the planet.</p>

<p>Journal Nature Communications published a new study on Tuesday which stated that Arctic sea ice is likely to completely disappear during the month of September in the 2030s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists stated that even if planet-heating pollution is significantly reduced, the sea ice in the Arctic may still disappear in summer by the 2050s.</p>

<p>The changes from 1979 to 2019 were analysed by the researchers, as they compared different satellite data and climate models to understand how Arctic sea ice was changing.</p>

<p>It was understood that sea ice was declining largely because of human-caused, planet-heating pollution, and Arctic sea ice melting trends were underestimated by the previous models.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/soviet-era-rocket-makes-re-entry-to-earth-near-the-arctic-564684">Soviet-era rocket launched in 1980 makes re-entry, falls in Arctic region of Russia</a></p>

<p>“We were surprised to find that the ice-free Arctic will be there in summer irrespective of our effort at reducing emissions, which was not expected,” stated Seung-Ki Min, lead author of the study and professor at Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, while speaking to CNN.</p>

<p>During the winter, Arctic ice builds up and then melts in the summer months, generally hitting its lowest levels in September, before the cycle starts again.</p>

<p>"Once Arctic summers become ice-free, the buildup of sea ice in the colder seasons will be much slower," Min stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a ‘higher emissions pathway’, &nbsp;in which fossil fuels continue to be burned and levels of planet-warming pollution continue to increase, the study emphasises on complete loss of sea ice in the Arctic from August until as late as October before the 2080s, said Min.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Study in contrast with the UN’s report&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The findings of the study are in contrast with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2021 state-of-the-science report which stated that the Arctic would be “practically ice-free near mid-century under intermediate and high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.”</p>

<p>Min said that the new study shows that ice-free Arctic can occur 10 years earlier than expected, regardless of emission scenarios.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Arctic is warming quadruple times faster than the world, research tells</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/arctic-is-warming-quadruple-times-faster-than-the-world-research-tells-english-latest-news-wion-584301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Researcher with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the 2022 study's lead author Mika Rantanen said that the study benefited from “novel and state-of-the-art methodology” for predicting when the Arctic will go ice-free.</p>

<p>“The methodology is very careful and brings a high degree of certainty in the attribution,” stated Rantanen, who was not a part of the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The most striking result is not that the sea ice loss is attributed to greenhouse gas increases, which was already largely known, but that they project the ice-free Arctic earlier than previously thought by about a decade," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The ice-free conditions will impact Arctic indigenous communities as their hunting and traveling will be affected. Animals that depend on sea ice will feel the impact.&nbsp;“As Arctic warming is enhanced, permafrost will also melt earlier and many species, including polar bears, walruses and reindeer, will have trouble surviving,” added Min.<br />
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There can be no sea ice left in the Arctic roughly a decade earlier than expected, warned scientists in another sign of the climate crisis accelerating faster than expected as pollution continues to heat the planet.

There can be no sea ice left in the Arctic roughly a decade earlier than expected, warned scientists in another sign of the climate crisis accelerating faster than expected as pollution continues to heat the planet. Journal Nature Communications published a new study on Tuesday which stated that Arctic sea ice is likely to completely disappear during the month of September in the 2030s. The scientists stated that even if planet-heating pollution is significantly reduced, the sea ice in the Arctic may still disappear in summer by the 2050s. The changes from 1979 to 2019 were analysed by the researchers, as they compared different satellite data and climate models to understand how Arctic sea ice was changing. It was understood that sea ice was declining largely because of human-caused, planet-heating pollution, and Arctic sea ice melting trends were underestimated by the previous models. ALSO READ | Soviet-era rocket launched in 1980 makes re-entry, falls in Arctic region of Russia “We were surprised to find that the ice-free Arctic will be there in summer irrespective of our effort at reducing emissions, which was not expected,” stated Seung-Ki Min, lead author of the study and professor at Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea, while speaking to CNN. During the winter, Arctic ice builds up and then melts in the summer months, generally hitting its lowest levels in September, before the cycle starts again. "Once Arctic summers become ice-free, the buildup of sea ice in the colder seasons will be much slower," Min stated. With a ‘higher emissions pathway’, in which fossil fuels continue to be burned and levels of planet-warming pollution continue to increase, the study emphasises on complete loss of sea ice in the Arctic from August until as late as October before the 2080s, said Min. Study in contrast with the UN’s report The findings of the study are in contrast with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2021 state-of-the-science report which stated that the Arctic would be “practically ice-free near mid-century under intermediate and high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.” Min said that the new study shows that ice-free Arctic can occur 10 years earlier than expected, regardless of emission scenarios. WATCH | Arctic is warming quadruple times faster than the world, research tells Researcher with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the 2022 study's lead author Mika Rantanen said that the study benefited from “novel and state-of-the-art methodology” for predicting when the Arctic will go ice-free. “The methodology is very careful and brings a high degree of certainty in the attribution,” stated Rantanen, who was not a part of the study. “The most striking result is not that the sea ice loss is attributed to greenhouse gas increases, which was already largely known, but that they project the ice-free Arctic earlier than previously thought by about a decade," he added. The ice-free conditions will impact Arctic indigenous communities as their hunting and traveling will be affected. Animals that depend on sea ice will feel the impact. “As Arctic warming is enhanced, permafrost will also melt earlier and many species, including polar bears, walruses and reindeer, will have trouble surviving,” added Min. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Arctic could be ice-free in summer by 2030s. Previous models underestimated trends, say experts

The world wants to move towards a greener future where there is less pollution and people lead a better quality of life and solar power is playing a leading role in making it a reality right now.

Solar power is new oil? World pushes for clean energy potential reasons

<p>New Zealand has announced its largest-ever carbon emissions reduction project in history, a move that equals to removing as many as 300,000 cars off the road. The historic plan, which costs the government $140m, includes transitioning from coal to renewable electricity at the country’s major steel plant Glenbrook, as per The Guardian newspaper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gross-interference-china-summons-japanese-envoy-over-g7-communique-594902">'Gross interference': China summons Japanese envoy over G7 communique</a></p>

<p>With this, the coal used at the plant will be cut in half. To achieve this objective, the government is seeking to recycle scrap steel and substitute the generating power with an electric-powered furnace, which is due to be running by 2026-7.&nbsp;About $160m will be contributed by the plant to cover the cost of this carbon reduction project.</p>

<h2><strong>Steel industry: A major pollutor</strong></h2>

<p>At present, the steel industry is responsible for 2% of all emissions in New Zealand. It is due to the extensive coal burning required to transform iron-rich sands into steel products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-at-indias-delhi-cinema-67-people-inside-hall-safely-evacuated-594909">Fire at India's Delhi cinema, 67 people inside hall safely evacuated</a></p>

<p>Instead, a $300 million electric-powered arc furnace will be installed as part of the new project to melt down scrap steel. The national grid of New Zealand, which is predominantly run by wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, will supply that electricity using renewable energy.</p>

<p>As per the official website of the plant, it uses locally sourced iron sand to produce around 670,000 tonnes of steel a year. It is also New Zealand’s sole producer of flat-rolled steel products, which is a key product used in construction and agricultural industries.</p>

<h2><strong>Dwarfs anything done so far: New Zealand PM&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the landmark project “dwarfs anything we have done to date”. “This size of this project demonstrates how serious the government is about reducing New Zealand’s emissions as fast as possible,” he said. “Alone, it will eliminate 1% of the country’s total annual emissions.”</p>

<p>At a time countries are vying to achieve their respective climate goals, this ambitious plan will reduce New Zealand’s emissions by 800,000 tonnes annually, the government said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is equivalent to taking the entire automobile fleet of Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s largest cities, off the road.</p>

<p>“To understand the scale of this project, it reduces more emissions on its own than all the other 66 [government-funded emissions-reduction] projects we have approved to date,” Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: US President Joe Biden vows unwavering support to Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>Climate change expert professor of Victoria University, James Renwick told the Guardian, “It will be the biggest single reduction in national emissions when it comes into play." “1% is of national emissions is great, but we need to reduce 100%,” he said. “We need to do a lot more work,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, country's climate minister James Shaw said the carbon reduction plan “will put New Zealand in a much better position to meet its climate target of net zero carbon by 2050."&nbsp;</p>

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New Zealand has announced its largest-ever carbon emissions reduction project in history, a move that equals to removing as many as 300,000 cars off the road. The historic plan, which costs the government $140m, includes transitioning from coal to renewable electricity at the country’s major steel plant Glenbrook, as per The Guardian newspaper.

New Zealand has announced its largest-ever carbon emissions reduction project in history, a move that equals to removing as many as 300,000 cars off the road. The historic plan, which costs the government $140m, includes transitioning from coal to renewable electricity at the country’s major steel plant Glenbrook, as per The Guardian newspaper. Also Read | 'Gross interference': China summons Japanese envoy over G7 communique With this, the coal used at the plant will be cut in half. To achieve this objective, the government is seeking to recycle scrap steel and substitute the generating power with an electric-powered furnace, which is due to be running by 2026-7. About $160m will be contributed by the plant to cover the cost of this carbon reduction project. Steel industry: A major pollutor At present, the steel industry is responsible for 2% of all emissions in New Zealand. It is due to the extensive coal burning required to transform iron-rich sands into steel products. Also Read | Fire at India's Delhi cinema, 67 people inside hall safely evacuated Instead, a $300 million electric-powered arc furnace will be installed as part of the new project to melt down scrap steel. The national grid of New Zealand, which is predominantly run by wind, hydro, and geothermal energy, will supply that electricity using renewable energy. As per the official website of the plant, it uses locally sourced iron sand to produce around 670,000 tonnes of steel a year. It is also New Zealand’s sole producer of flat-rolled steel products, which is a key product used in construction and agricultural industries. Dwarfs anything done so far: New Zealand PM New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the landmark project “dwarfs anything we have done to date”. “This size of this project demonstrates how serious the government is about reducing New Zealand’s emissions as fast as possible,” he said. “Alone, it will eliminate 1% of the country’s total annual emissions.” At a time countries are vying to achieve their respective climate goals, this ambitious plan will reduce New Zealand’s emissions by 800,000 tonnes annually, the government said. This is equivalent to taking the entire automobile fleet of Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s largest cities, off the road. “To understand the scale of this project, it reduces more emissions on its own than all the other 66 [government-funded emissions-reduction] projects we have approved to date,” Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods said. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: US President Joe Biden vows unwavering support to Ukraine × Climate change expert professor of Victoria University, James Renwick told the Guardian, “It will be the biggest single reduction in national emissions when it comes into play." “1% is of national emissions is great, but we need to reduce 100%,” he said. “We need to do a lot more work,” he added. Meanwhile, country's climate minister James Shaw said the carbon reduction plan “will put New Zealand in a much better position to meet its climate target of net zero carbon by 2050." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Equal to taking 300k cars off the road: New Zealand launches largest emissions reduction

Hundreds of residents gathered in front of Rome's town hall on Wednesday to protest against the recent measures introduced on polluting cars by the mayor to combat air pollution

Rome residents protest restrictions on polluting cars

Trudging along Bangkok's hot and dusty streets, green candidates struggle to canvass support ahead of Thailand's election, with record-breaking pollution failing to spur anything more than political hot air. Rohit Wellington Rajan brings you the report.

Thailand: Green candidates struggle for support in election amid pollution crisis

People exposed to higher levels of air pollution before the pandemic are likely to have lower antibody responses to Covid-19 vaccines, suggests a study. Watch this report to know more.

Pollution increasing Covid-19 cases in India?

EU countries have given the last green flag to the biggest revamp to date of Europe's carbon market. This is set to sharpen the 27-member bloc's tools for cutting down on emissions. EU members agreed to a deal to reform the carbon market to cut the emissions by 62% from 2005 levels by 2030 which is designed to deliver the EU's emissions-cutting targets.

EU green flags biggest revamp of Europe's carbon market | WION Climate Tracker

<p>The EU Environmental Agency (EEA) on Monday said that more than 1,200 premature deaths are recorded every year of those aged under 18 across Europe due to air pollution. It added that pollution is also increasing the risk of these youngsters contracting chronic diseases in later stages of their lives.</p>

<p>Even after improvements made recently, the level of key air pollutants in many European countries "remain stubbornly above" World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, especially in central-eastern Europe and Italy, stated the EEA after carrying out a study in almost 30 countries, which includes 27 members of the European Union.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-increases-speeds-bone-loss-among-postmenopausal-women-says-study-571192">Air pollution speeds up bone loss in postmenopausal women, says study</a></p>

<p>The report did not include the major industrial nations like the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Russia, suggesting that the continent's overall death tolls could be higher.</p>

<p>Last November, the EEA said that 238,000 people died prematurely due to air pollution in 2020. The death toll includes those in the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.</p>

<p>"Air pollution causes over 1,200 premature deaths per year in people under the age of 18 in Europe and significantly increases the risk of disease later in life," the agency stated.</p>

<p>This was the first study conducted by the agency which focused specifically on children.</p>

<p>"Although the number of premature deaths in this age group is low relative to the total for the European population estimated by EEA each year, deaths early in life represent a loss of future potential and come with a significant burden of chronic illness, both in childhood and later in life," said the agency.</p>

<p>The agency appealed to the authorities to focus on the improvisation of air quality around nurseries, sports facilities, schools and mass transport hubs.</p>

<p>"After birth, ambient air pollution increases the risk of several health problems, including asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections and allergies," noted the report.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | 1200 European children die every year due to air pollution</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Seven million children die annually</strong></h2>

<p>Poor quality of air can also "aggravate chronic conditions like asthma, which afflicts nine per cent of children and adolescents in Europe, as well as increasing the risk of some chronic diseases later in adulthood", stated the report.</p>

<p>As per the figures released on Monday, 97 per cent of the urban population was inhaling air that did not meet the standards mentioned in the WHO recommendations in 2021.</p>

<p>Last year, the EEA said that the EU was heading toward its target of reducing the number of premature deaths by 50 per cent by 2030.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The EU Environmental Agency (EEA) on Monday said that more than 1,200 premature deaths are recorded every year of those aged under 18 across Europe due to air pollution.

The EU Environmental Agency (EEA) on Monday said that more than 1,200 premature deaths are recorded every year of those aged under 18 across Europe due to air pollution. It added that pollution is also increasing the risk of these youngsters contracting chronic diseases in later stages of their lives. Even after improvements made recently, the level of key air pollutants in many European countries "remain stubbornly above" World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, especially in central-eastern Europe and Italy, stated the EEA after carrying out a study in almost 30 countries, which includes 27 members of the European Union. ALSO READ | Air pollution speeds up bone loss in postmenopausal women, says study The report did not include the major industrial nations like the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Russia, suggesting that the continent's overall death tolls could be higher. Last November, the EEA said that 238,000 people died prematurely due to air pollution in 2020. The death toll includes those in the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. "Air pollution causes over 1,200 premature deaths per year in people under the age of 18 in Europe and significantly increases the risk of disease later in life," the agency stated. This was the first study conducted by the agency which focused specifically on children. "Although the number of premature deaths in this age group is low relative to the total for the European population estimated by EEA each year, deaths early in life represent a loss of future potential and come with a significant burden of chronic illness, both in childhood and later in life," said the agency. The agency appealed to the authorities to focus on the improvisation of air quality around nurseries, sports facilities, schools and mass transport hubs. "After birth, ambient air pollution increases the risk of several health problems, including asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections and allergies," noted the report. WATCH | 1200 European children die every year due to air pollution Seven million children die annually Poor quality of air can also "aggravate chronic conditions like asthma, which afflicts nine per cent of children and adolescents in Europe, as well as increasing the risk of some chronic diseases later in adulthood", stated the report. As per the figures released on Monday, 97 per cent of the urban population was inhaling air that did not meet the standards mentioned in the WHO recommendations in 2021. Last year, the EEA said that the EU was heading toward its target of reducing the number of premature deaths by 50 per cent by 2030. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

More than 1,200 children die every year due to air pollution in Europe, says report

<p>Despite its pledge to reduce emissions from fossil fuels, China as per Greenland has this year approved a major surge in coal power. The jump in approval of coal-powered power plants has sparked concerns that China, which happens to be the world's second-largest economy and also globally the biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, will backtrack on its climate goals.</p>

<p>China has pledged that it will reach peak emissions between 2026 and 2030 and that by 2060 it will become carbon-neutral.</p>

<p>However, as per Greenpeace, in the first three months of 2023, local governments in&nbsp;"energy-hungry" Chinese provinces have approved at least 20.45 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power.</p>

<p>This, according to AFP, is more than double the 8.63 GW which Greenpeace reported for the same time period last year&nbsp;and surpasses the 18.55 GW approved for the entirety of 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-worlds-largest-polluter-approved-record-coal-power-plants-in-2022-report-566321">China, world's largest polluter, approved record coal power plants in 2022: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Most of the newly approved coal projects, as per AFP, are in provinces that, during the last two years, have suffered "punishing power shortages" due to record heatwaves. Others are in the southwest part of the country where last year, a record drought significantly cut down the hydropower output.</p>

<p>In February, the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) released a study according to&nbsp;which last year China approved the largest expansion of coal-fired power plants since 2015.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-burnt-more-coal-when-it-needed-to-cut-emissions-report-579855">World burnt more coal when it needed to cut emissions: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>As per Greenpeace campaigner Xie Wenwen, China's push for more coal plants "risks climate disasters... and locking us into a high-carbon pathway."</p>

<p>"The 2022 coal boom has clearly continued into this year."</p>

<p>Last year, China reportedly relied on coal for nearly 60 per cent of its electricity needs.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China approves biggest expansion in new coal power plants</strong></p>

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<p>Greenpeace experts cautioned that investing in additional fossil-fuel plants to cope with the surge in air conditioning would generate a vicious cycle: higher greenhouse gas emissions from the coal plants would accelerate global warming, leading to more frequent extreme weather events like the heat waves China experienced in the past couple of years.</p>

<p>Beijing is also the world's largest and fastest-growing producer of renewable energy. Xie says that the nation's power sector can still peak emissions by 2025, but that emissions released today will continue to linger in the atmosphere for decades.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Despite its pledge to reduce emissions from fossil fuels, China as per Greenland has this year approved a major surge in coal power. The jump in approval of coal-powered power plants has sparked concerns that China, which happens to be the world's second-largest economy and also globally the biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, will backtrack on its climate goals.

Despite its pledge to reduce emissions from fossil fuels, China as per Greenland has this year approved a major surge in coal power. The jump in approval of coal-powered power plants has sparked concerns that China, which happens to be the world's second-largest economy and also globally the biggest emitter of the greenhouse gases driving climate change, will backtrack on its climate goals. China has pledged that it will reach peak emissions between 2026 and 2030 and that by 2060 it will become carbon-neutral. However, as per Greenpeace, in the first three months of 2023, local governments in "energy-hungry" Chinese provinces have approved at least 20.45 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired power. This, according to AFP, is more than double the 8.63 GW which Greenpeace reported for the same time period last year and surpasses the 18.55 GW approved for the entirety of 2021. Also read | China, world's largest polluter, approved record coal power plants in 2022: Report Most of the newly approved coal projects, as per AFP, are in provinces that, during the last two years, have suffered "punishing power shortages" due to record heatwaves. Others are in the southwest part of the country where last year, a record drought significantly cut down the hydropower output. In February, the Global Energy Monitor (GEM) released a study according to which last year China approved the largest expansion of coal-fired power plants since 2015. Also read | World burnt more coal when it needed to cut emissions: Report As per Greenpeace campaigner Xie Wenwen, China's push for more coal plants "risks climate disasters... and locking us into a high-carbon pathway." "The 2022 coal boom has clearly continued into this year." Last year, China reportedly relied on coal for nearly 60 per cent of its electricity needs. Watch | China approves biggest expansion in new coal power plants Greenpeace experts cautioned that investing in additional fossil-fuel plants to cope with the surge in air conditioning would generate a vicious cycle: higher greenhouse gas emissions from the coal plants would accelerate global warming, leading to more frequent extreme weather events like the heat waves China experienced in the past couple of years. Beijing is also the world's largest and fastest-growing producer of renewable energy. Xie says that the nation's power sector can still peak emissions by 2025, but that emissions released today will continue to linger in the atmosphere for decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Three months into 2023, China approves record coal burning plants despite pledge to reduce emissions

'Trees' are the source of life. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen for breathing. They also combat air pollution by purifying the air we breathe. They are essential in sustaining life on earth. Usually, the first visual that crosses our mind when we hear 'Tree' is a large bushy plant with a trunk. A tree requires a large space to grow, which is a hefty task to find in dense bustling city streets. A recent innovation, however, solves this issue while giving some respite from air pollution.

Serbian scientists create liquid trees to take on urban pollution

Once an island of rich farmland that was teeming with fish is now a stench-like putrid flesh that hangs heavy in the air. Eloor smells like it is dying. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

As Indians try to save Periyar river, officials deny problems

Breakthrough climate laws were passed by Australia on Thursday that will target the nation's worst polluters forcing coal mines and oil refineries to curb emissions by about five percent each year. Erik Njoka brings you the report.

Australian parliament approves caps on big polluters

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