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Back in the 1800s, during the Industrial Revolution, pollution darkened tree barks and peppered moths developed darker colours that allowed them to blend in and evade predators. While this controversial case has been debated among scientists at length, new research has provided an intriguing parallel to this classic example of the effect human activity can have on other species. New research from the University of Otago has uncovered a striking example of <keyword id="23684492" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rapid-evolution" source="keywords">rapid evolution</keyword> in New Zealand's native stoneflies, which have changed colour in response to <keyword id="20657663" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="deforestation" source="keywords">deforestation</keyword> caused by human activity. Published in Science, the study is one of the most definitive cases yet of <keyword id="23684494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="animal-evolution" source="keywords">animal evolution</keyword> driven by <keyword id="23684493" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="human-driven-environmental-changes" source="keywords">human-driven environmental changes</keyword>, the researchers believe. Professor Jon Waters, a zoology expert and co-author of the study, explains how deforestation altered the stoneflies' colouring. “In natural, forested regions, one stonefly species has evolved ‘warning’ colours, mimicking the appearance of a poisonous species to deter predators. But with forest removal, the poisonous species disappeared, eliminating the need for mimicry. As a result, the stonefly in deforested areas evolved into a different colour altogether.” Dr Graham McCulloch, another co-author of the study, highlights the adaptability of some native species in the face of these rapid environmental changes. “Our study shows that some species have the resilience to adapt to human-caused changes, even when the shift is abrupt,” says Dr. McCulloch. What was particularly fascinating was that stonefly populations in separate deforested areas independently evolved similar colour changes, suggesting that evolution can be a somewhat predictable process. While this discovery is a hopeful example of adaptation, the research also underscores the intricate and delicate balance in <keyword id="23684495" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ecological-interactions" source="keywords">ecological interactions</keyword> that can be disrupted by deforestation.

New Zealand’s native stoneflies have changed colour in response to human-driven environmental shifts

In the shadow of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, thousands of feral dogs roam the eerie quiet of the <keyword id="24385385" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chernobyl-Exclusion-Zone" source="keywords">Chernobyl Exclusion Zone</keyword> (CEZ), a 1,000-square-mile area abandoned by humans since 1986. These dogs, descendants of pets left behind during the hurried evacuation, are now the focus of a fascinating new study. Scientists are diving deep into their DNA to explore how decades of exposure to radiation might have shaped their genomes — and possibly even sped up evolution. The research analysed the DNA of 302 feral dogs living at the nuclear power plant and compared them to their counterparts just 10 miles away in Chernobyl City. The findings revealed significant genetic differences between the two groups. While this doesn’t definitively prove that radiation is the culprit, it offers tantalising clues about the long-term effects of living in a radioactive environment. So, why study these dogs? According to Elaine Ostrander, a dog genomics expert involved in the research, the goal is to unravel how these animals have genetically adapted to survive and reproduce in such a harsh environment. Ostrander wonders if they possess mutations that allow them to live and breed successfully in this region. However this isn’t the first time scientists have wondered whether radiation could drive evolution. Back in 2016, researchers observed that Eastern tree frogs within the CEZ were more commonly black instead of their usual green. They theorised that the darker pigmentation, linked to a mutation in melanin, helped neutralise radiation. Could the same be true for Chernobyl’s dogs? While the study offers a starting point, proving a direct link between radiation and genetic changes is no easy task. Other factors, like inbreeding or environmental stress, might also explain the differences. As one environmental scientist noted, isolating radiation’s impact from everything else is “incredibly difficult.” Still, the implications of this research stretch far beyond the CEZ. Understanding how organisms adapt to extreme environments could shed light on the impacts of radiation, help refine evolutionary theories, and even inspire new approaches to tackling challenges like climate change. For now, Chernobyl’s wild dogs remain a living puzzle, their resilience offering a unique window into the interplay of genetics, environment, and survival in one of the planet’s most hostile landscapes. The findings of this research have been published in Science Advances.

Could radiation really be making Chernobyl’s wild dogs evolve? A new study suggests so!

Climate Action 15: 2024's top global innovators powering green solutions

According to a new analysis, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> contributed $1.28 billion in <keyword id="20000757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-finance" source="keywords">climate finance</keyword> through <keyword id="20401772" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="multilateral-development-banks" source="keywords">multilateral development banks</keyword> (MDBs) in 2022, surpassing the contributions of many developed countries. The study, conducted by the UK-based think tank ODI and the <keyword id="23038658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zurich-Climate-Resilience-Alliance" source="Orion">Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance</keyword>, comes amid a renewed push by some developed countries to broaden the donor base for climate finance to include developing countries like China and <keyword id="50996" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Saudi-Arabia" source="Orion">Saudi Arabia</keyword>. The report reveals that only 12 developed countries provided their fair share of international climate finance in 2022. These countries are -- Norway, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Japan, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium and Finland. Researchers noted that the significant gap in climate finance is largely due to the United States failing to contribute its fair share. Australia, Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom also performed relatively poorly in this regard. The analysis has identified the top 30 non-Annex II countries that provided substantial climate finance to developing countries in 2022 through multilateral contributions to development banks and climate funds. This group includes former economies in transition like Poland and Russia, countries that have achieved high-income status since 1992, such as Chile, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and South Korea, and middle-income countries with large populations, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines and Pakistan. India provided $1.287 billion in climate finance to other developing countries through MDBs in 2022, a sum larger than what was contributed by some developed countries like Greece ($0.23 billion), Portugal ($0.23 billion), Ireland ($0.3 billion) and New Zealand ($0.27 billion). China provided $ 2.52 billion in climate finance through MDBs in 2022, Brazil gave $ 1.135 billion, South Korea gave $1.13 billion and Argentina gave $1.01 billion. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (<keyword id="21931277" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UNFCCC" source="keywords">UNFCCC</keyword>), adopted in 1992, high-income, industrialised countries (referred to as Annex-II countries) are responsible for providing finance and technology to help developing countries combat and adapt to climate change. These countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and European Union (EU) member states, such as Germany, France and the UK, have historically benefitted from industrialisation and contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions. At COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009, these developed countries pledged to jointly provide $100 billion each year by 2020 to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change. However, this target has not been fully met, leading to a significant finance gap. This shortfall has eroded trust and hindered climate action in developing countries. In May, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (<keyword id="19916574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OECD" source="keywords">OECD</keyword>) claimed that developed countries had met the long-standing $ 100 billion-a-year promise by providing nearly $ 116 billion in climate finance to developing countries in 2022, with nearly 70 % of the money given in the form of loans. The ODI researchers pointed out that many developed countries, despite performing well in terms of climate-finance contributions, would make "markedly less progress towards meeting their fair share if the finance provided was accounted for on grant-equivalence terms" -- in other words, if it reflected their real fiscal effort. The report calls for the inclusion of a "burden-sharing mechanism" in the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to provide clarity on each country's obligations and hold countries accountable. The NCQG refers to the new, larger amount that developed nations must mobilise annually, starting 2025, to support climate action in developing countries. Countries are expected to finalise the NCQG at this year's UN climate conference -- <keyword id="20082972" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COP29" source="keywords">COP29</keyword> -- in Baku, Azerbaijan in November. The current $100 billion annual climate-finance goal is a collective commitment by developed countries. Its collective nature has meant that individual developed countries are not accountable for specific sums of money, potentially reducing the overall amount of climate finance provided due to the lack of individual scrutiny. The inclusion of a burden-sharing arrangement among developed countries could potentially strengthen the NCQG by fostering greater accountability and trust among parties, according to the ODI researchers. Many developing countries, including India, have recently advocated for such an arrangement to enhance accountability among developed countries.

India provided more climate finance in 2022 than many rich nations, noted recent report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Scientists predicted how climate hazards will worsen in nearly 1,000 major cities by 2100.</li><li>Heat waves, energy demand, and mosquito-borne diseases will spike as global temperatures rise.</li></ul>Monthlong heat waves. Skyrocketing energy demand. Greater risks of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/west-nile-triple-e-mosquito-virus-diseases-us-2024-9">mosquito-borne diseases</a>.These are the climate hazards that people living in nearly 1,000 of the world's largest cities will continue to face as global average temperatures rise through the end of the century, a new analysis by the World Resources Institute, an environmental-research group, found. And the impacts won't be felt equally. People living in low-income cities in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Indonesia face the greatest threats.The findings come as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/copernicus-summer-2024-hottest-record-globally-and-europe">2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record</a>, and billions of people are expected to move into urban areas in the coming decades. More than half the world's population, or 4.4 billion people, lives in cities. By 2050, city dwellers are forecast to make up two-thirds of humanity, with the vast majority of that growth in Africa and Asia. Some 2 billion people currently live in the cities that WRI studied, from Seattle and Rio de Janeiro to Johannesburg and Bengaluru, India."Most climate modeling looks at hazards, exposure, and risks at a national scale because that's where a lot of policymaking and international agreements are focused," Eric Mackres, the senior manager of data and tools at the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities and a coauthor of the study, said. "But that's disconnected from where people live. We wanted to put more localized information in the hands of those decision-makers so they're informed about the risks that they are likely to experience."<h2 id="c108ac2f-66b9-4462-bb7a-b51785a2b482">Local climate hazards</h2>To make predictions at a city level, Mackres said WRI built on global climate modeling done by hundreds of other researchers. These models contain daily information — both historical data and projections through 2100 — on air temperature, humidity, and precipitation. WRI used that data to make its own projections about the length and frequency of heat waves, how often people will need to cool their homes and workplaces, and the number of days with optimal temperatures for mosquitoes in cities with at least half a million people. WRI compared how those local hazards are expected to change as global average temperatures rise from 1.5 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels — a threshold scientists say the world is likely to cross by 2100.The world has warmed by about 1.2 degrees so far compared with mid-1800s levels, and the consequences are playing out around the world.<div type="image" title="A graph shows how long heat waves will last in seven regions around the world under 1.5 degrees of global warming compared to preindustrial levels." height="1080" width="1080" msid="113493288" hostid="261" sizebytes="66672"></div>In Bengaluru, India's fifth-most-populous city, extreme heat has caused severe water shortages and surging energy demand. Under 1.5 degrees of warming, heat waves could last about 13 days on average and stretch to nearly 38 days as global temperatures rise, WRI found. Bengaluru last year <a target="_blank" href="https://wri-india.org/news/release-bengalurus-first-ever-climate-action-plan-launched">launched its first climate-action plan</a>, which includes planting trees and expanding green spaces to help cool down urban centers.An enormous outbreak of dengue fever is underway in Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, peak days for transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses could increase from 69 to 118 a year, WRI found. The city is investing in vaccines, and community health workers are hunting down places that help mosquitoes breed, including standing water, to reduce risks.Meanwhile, places that haven't had to consider cooling strategies are now being forced to, including the US Pacific Northwest. Seattle was once the least-air-conditioned city. Now it ranks second behind San Francisco after a series of deadly heat waves prompted residents to install AC. The trend is playing out in cities that are already hot, too, like Tehran, Iran, and Marrakech, Morocco, and spiking energy demand along the way. If that demand is met with fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal, it could exacerbate the climate crisis, WRI said.WRI noted that there are limitations to its research, in part because there are a lot of unknowns about the future. National governments and cities can slow the climate crisis and protect people from its impacts, including by shifting away from fossil fuels and investing in infrastructure that's more resilient to heat and storms."Our findings are not a foregone conclusion," Mackres said. "These are choices we have between 1.5 and 3 degrees of warming, and none are out of the realm of possibility. It's really important that national decision-makers understand the impacts on cities and the actions that cities can take to both reduce climate change and to adapt to what's coming."<a target="_blank" href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/19141193/">You can explore the data for your city here.</a>

A new tool shows what the climate crisis could feel like in your city

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> requires an investment support of USD 1.4 trillion — an average of USD 28 billion per year — to become a net-zero economy by 2070 and raising <keyword id="20260327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-resources" source="keywords">financial resources</keyword> for adaptation and mitigation action of this scale is an "unprecedented challenge", according to the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Economic-Survey" source="keywords">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-24 tabled in Parliament on Monday. Reaching net zero means achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of these gases removed from the atmosphere by either natural processes, such as photosynthesis, or by other methods of carbon capture and storage. The consolidated report on the state of the economy in the previous year said India's climate action has been largely financed through domestic resources and the flow of international finance has been "very limited". Citing the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) data, the report said bridging the "substantial funding gap" necessitates allocating 2.5 per cent of India's annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to <keyword id="20018880" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-finance" source="keywords">green finance</keyword>. "Preliminary estimates indicate that the aggregate investment support required by India to achieve its 2070 net-zero target will be USD 1.4 trillion at an average of USD 28 billion per year. Raising financial resources for <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> adaptation and mitigation actions of this scale is an unprecedented challenge," the document read. A 2022 report by the Climate Policy Initiative found that domestic sources accounted for the majority of green finance in India, at 87 per cent and 83 per cent in financial years 2019 and 2020 respectively. While international sources are increasing (from 13 per cent in FY 2019 to 17 per cent in FY 2020), the economic survey said they are still insufficient to meet India's net-zero target. "Mobilising substantial capital from traditional sources presents multifaceted challenges in emerging economies like India. The perceived sovereign risks associated with emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) and the capital-intensive nature of such projects, coupled with lengthy gestation periods and evolving regulatory frameworks, can create misalignment between investor expectations and project timelines," the government said. The economic survey also noted that the flows of global capital to <keyword id="20200084" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="developing-countries" source="keywords">developing countries</keyword> have been impeded by high costs of capital. Despite securing a good rating on its green-bond framework, Indian sovereign <keyword id="20177085" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-bonds" source="keywords">green bonds</keyword> have hardly received any "greenium" from private investors. It is more a "wall of capital" than a "flood of capital" that is waiting to fund energy transition in EMDEs. It is just not mobile. All of these together have severely hampered the flow of finance for green-transition projects, the survey said. "Greenium" or green premium refers to the savings an issuer of a green bond realises on the associated coupon payment because the bond is green. Financial support to help middle-income and poor countries fight climate change will be at the centre of this year's UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the world will reach the deadline to agree on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) -- the new amount developed nations must mobilise every year starting 2025 to support climate action in developing countries. But achieving consensus will not be easy, given the disappointing progress made on major conflict points at the mid-year UN climate talks in Bonn, Germany. At the 2009 UN climate conference in Copenhagen, rich nations pledged to provide USD 100 billion annually from 2020 to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change. However, delays in achieving this goal have eroded trust between developed and developing nations and have been a continual source of contention during annual climate negotiations. In May, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) claimed that developed countries had met the long-standing USD 100 billion-a-year promise by providing nearly USD 116 billion in <keyword id="20000757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-finance" source="keywords">climate finance</keyword> to developing countries in 2022, with nearly 70 per cent of the money given in the form of loans. However, international non-profit organisation Oxfam last week said climate finance provided by rich countries in 2022 totalled no more than USD 35 billion. Developing nations argue that they cannot be expected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions faster if developed countries -- historically responsible for climate change -- do not provide enhanced financial support. Rich countries are now expected to raise more than USD 100 billion, with developing countries, including India, demanding trillions of dollars to tackle climate change.

Raising massive financial resources for net-zero goal unprecedented challenge: Economic Survey

A recent study by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (<keyword id="22661207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CSTEP" source="keywords">CSTEP</keyword>) has sounded alarm bells about the escalating threat of <keyword id="21236365" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sea-level-rise" source="keywords">sea level rise</keyword> to India's <keyword id="20010174" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="coastal-cities" source="keywords">coastal cities</keyword>. The data is stark: <keyword id="19895282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbai" source="keywords">Mumbai</keyword> has experienced the most significant rise in sea levels among 15 major coastal cities in recent decades, a worrying trend that is set to worsen. Mumbai saw a rise of 4.44 cm between 1987 and 2021. Following Mumbai, Haldia recorded a rise of 2.726 cm, Visakhapatnam 2.381 cm, Kochi 2.213 cm, Paradip 0.717 cm, and <keyword id="19895758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chennai" source="keywords">Chennai</keyword> 0.679 cm. To make matters worse, the study forecasts that sea levels will continue to rise until the end of the century, with Mumbai expected to face the highest increase. By 2100, projections indicate that sea levels will rise by 76.2 cm in Mumbai, 75.5 cm in Panaji, 75.3 cm in Udupi, 75.2 cm in Mangalore, 75.1 cm in Kozhikode, 74.9 cm in Kochi, 74.7 cm in Thiruvananthapuram, and 74.7 cm in Kanyakumari, even under a medium-emission scenario. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110502066" title="Feeling like nights are getting too uncomfortable? New report confirms that nighttime temperatures aren’t dipping enough" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The study also explores potential inundation areas in these cities under the Intergovernmental Panel on <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">Climate Change</keyword>’s (IPCC’s) medium- and high-emission Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP) scenarios for 2040, 2060, 2080, and 2100. These scenarios consider how socio-economic factors such as population, education, and urbanisation might affect greenhouse gas emissions, impacting climate change. The report categorises the cities into Tier-I (Chennai and Mumbai), Tier-II (Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Mangaluru, Visakhapatnam, Kozhikode, and Haldia), and towns (Kanyakumari, Panaji, Puri, Udupi, Paradip, <keyword id="19898995" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thoothukudi" source="keywords">Thoothukudi</keyword>, and Yanam). By 2040, more than 10% of the land in Mumbai, Yanam, and Thoothukudi, 5%-10% in Panaji and Chennai, and 1%-5% in Kochi, Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, Haldia, Udupi, Paradip, and Puri are predicted to be submerged due to <keyword id="21682268" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="rising-sea-levels" source="keywords">rising sea levels</keyword>. The percentage is expected to increase by 2100, with higher risks in Mangalore, Haldia, Paradip, Thoothukudi, and Yanam compared to Mumbai and Chennai under a high-emission scenario. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="107632251" title="Why is everyone concerned about the Earth being 1.5°C warmer for 12 months in a row?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Dr. Anushiya J, a Research Scientist at CSTEP and the lead author of the report, emphasised the far-reaching implications of rising sea levels. "Climate change brought on by fossil-fuel burning and greenhouse gas emissions has led to a steady increase in global temperatures. As a result, sea surface temperatures and glacier melting have increased, eventually rising sea levels and posing a major threat to coastal cities worldwide, including Indian coastal cities," she stated. She highlighted that many Indian coastal cities are major economic hubs with natural ports, cultural centres, biodiversity hotspots, and religious monuments. The continuing sea level rise necessitates immediate action to frame suitable adaptation and risk mitigation strategies. The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels. The sectors most vulnerable include water, agriculture, forest and biodiversity, and health. The beaches, backwaters, and mangrove forests, which are crucial for biodiversity and tourism, are particularly at risk.

Mumbai, Chennai to lose 10% and 7% of their land to rising sea levels in just 15 years, says study

The Union Budget for 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, places significant emphasis on <keyword id="19941381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-security" source="keywords">energy security</keyword> and sustainability. As per the government, the current strategy will focus on ensuring that energy resources are readily available, making energy affordable for all citizens and keeping energy costs low to prevent economic strain on consumers. Here's a breakdown of the key initiatives announced: <h2>PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana</h2>One of the standout initiatives is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This program aims to install <keyword id="20366573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rooftop-solar-plants" source="keywords">rooftop solar plants</keyword> across 1 crore households, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month. As per the FM, the scheme has already seen significant interest, with over 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications. <h2>Pumped Storage Policy</h2>To enhance electricity storage capabilities and integrate more <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> into the grid, the government will introduce a policy promoting pumped storage projects. These projects are crucial for balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111956035" title="Union Budget 2024: What FM Nirmala took from your pocket, what she gave you" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Development of <keyword id="20876045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nuclear-energy" source="keywords">Nuclear Energy</keyword></h2>Recognising the importance of nuclear energy in India's future energy mix, the government plans to invest in new nuclear technologies. The announcement also mentioned partnering with the private sector to develop and set up Bharat <keyword id="20260886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Small-Modular-Reactors" source="keywords">Small Modular Reactors</keyword>. Boasting up to a 300 MW capacity, Small Modular Reactors are mobile, flexible in design and require a smaller footprint. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that need to be built on-site, SMRs can be factory-built. These advantages can add up to significant savings in cost and construction time. <h2>Advanced Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plants</h2>The Budget highlights the completion of indigenous technology development for Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) thermal power plants. These plants boast higher efficiency and will be established through a joint venture between the National Thermal Power Corporation and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. The initiative includes government support for fiscal needs and aims to boost local production of high-grade steel and advanced metallurgical materials. <h2>Roadmap for Hard-to-Abate Industries</h2>A significant shift is planned for industries that are difficult to decarbonise. The government will move these industries from energy efficiency targets to emission reduction targets. This transition will be regulated through the Indian Carbon Market, replacing the current 'Perform, Achieve and Trade' mode. <h2>Support for Traditional Micro and Small Industries</h2>To promote cleaner energy usage and efficiency, the government will conduct energy audits in 60 clusters of traditional micro and small industries, including brass and ceramics. Financial support will be provided to help these industries switch to cleaner energy forms and implement energy efficiency measures. This initiative will be expanded to 100 more clusters in the next phase. As per Sameer Jain, Managing Director at Primus Partners, MSMEs consume approximately 50% of the nation's power needs while generating over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, additional support — such as climate financing — will be crucial to ensure that the MSME sector adapts well to the green revolution, especially with how the budget has committed support to MSMEs to grow and compete globally. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111953230" title="Union Budget 2024-25: Mobile Phones to get cheaper, as FM Nirmala Sitharaman reduces basic customs duty to 15%" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2><keyword id="22521154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-resilient-crops" source="keywords">Climate-Resilient Crops</keyword></h2>The government will release 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops for cultivation by farmers. With the provision of research funding, including for the private sector, this move is part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity while adapting to climate change. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111957080" title="What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Minerals for Green Technologies</h2>To support the growing demand for minerals used in green technologies, such as cobalt and lithium, the budget proposes exemptions from custom duties for 25 critical minerals and reduction on basic customs duty for two other essential metals. This move aims to bolster the domestic manufacturing of batteries and other components crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. <h2>Development of Climate Taxonomy</h2>A new climate taxonomy will be developed to guide the green transition, ensuring that investments and policies are aligned with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. All in all, the Union Budget 2024-25 sets a promising course for India's energy and sustainability sector. With substantial investments and new initiatives, it aims to accelerate the transition to a greener future, and hopefully take us a step further towards India's net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Free solar electricity to mobile nuclear plants — major sustainability initiatives announced in Budget 2024!

A day ahead of the final Budget presentation, India released the <keyword id="20613906" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="economic-survey" source="keywords">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-2024, outlining a plethora of optimistic — and some bittersweet — indicators of the health of the nation’s economy. When you consider the climate-related aspects of the report, there’s a ton of good news: we have achieved massive strides in clean power generation, while cutting out a ton of dirty emissions from our products. However, scroll down to the bottom of the report, and you find a scathing criticism of the “western” approach to climate change. Here's a closer look at why, and what clues do such narratives hold about India's <keyword id="22513472" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-strategy" source="keywords">environmental strategy</keyword> in coming years. <h2>Problems with the “Western way”</h2>The major criticism, as per the survey, is that the Western approach to climate change is far too alarmist. They argue that this “one-size-fits-all” attitude often fails to account for the diverse needs of countries like India. To that end, it also points out that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) promotes "accelerated and equitable mitigation pathways" that don't always align with the developmental priorities of <keyword id="20353838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="developing-nations" source="keywords">developing nations</keyword>. Additionally, the report notes that Western solutions often prioritise market-based strategies to sustain high consumption levels rather than addressing the root issue of overconsumption. The survey emphasises that <keyword id="20224417" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-living" source="keywords">sustainable living</keyword> is deeply ingrained in <keyword id="19983840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-culture" source="keywords">Indian culture</keyword>, which contrasts sharply with the consumption-driven lifestyle prevalent in the West. This focus on high consumption misses the mark, as it doesn't consider the environmental impact of such lifestyles. And for the most part, this bit is true; Indian history is enriched with traditions that emphasise the conservation of nature. As <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2017/3828609">per estimates</a>, religious practices have preserved an estimated 1.5 lakh sacred groves across India, and natural conservation efforts can be traced back to the time of Ashoka. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111925936" title="Economic Survey 2023-24: Where does India stand on the employment, and what&amp;#39;s next?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Therefore, it may not be entirely inaccurate to say that in India, sustainability isn't a new concept; it's a way of life. Traditional Indian practices like using reusable materials, upcycling, and embracing minimalism have always promoted sustainability. The survey highlights that these practices are now threatened by Western capitalist ideals that equate consumption with progress. By returning to these roots, India can offer a model of sustainability that's both practical and culturally relevant. <h2>Fixation on technical solutions</h2>The Economic Survey also critiques the Western obsession with high-tech solutions, such as solar-powered buildings and electric vehicles. These solutions require substantial financial and infrastructural resources that many developing countries simply don't have. Moreover, they often overlook the broader environmental impact and lifecycle costs associated with urban sprawl and high-density living. Instead, the survey suggests that simpler, more holistic solutions might be more effective and sustainable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111774972" title="Economic Survey shows India&amp;#39;s energy needs to grow 2.5x, healthy growth in formal employment" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, this does not mean that India refuses to embrace greener tech. Not only has the country launched various initiatives to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, it also aims to to generate 40% of its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. As per the report, India is the only G20 country on track to meet the 2°C warming commitment under the Paris Agreement, with significant investments in <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword>, particularly solar power. <h2><keyword id="20269618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-LiFE" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Mission LiFE" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Mission LiFE">Mission LiFE</keyword>: A sustainable initiative</h2>In order to help reinforce and rejuvenate the Indian way, the survey highlights Prime Minister Modi's Lifestyle for Environment initiative, or Mission LiFE. This initiative underscores individual responsibility in combating climate change, drawing from ancient Indian philosophy that advocates for a naturally sustainable lifestyle. By focusing on small, individual actions that collectively lead to significant environmental benefits, Mission LiFE contrasts sharply with the Western top-down policy approach. This grassroots strategy could be key to achieving real, lasting change, the report asserts. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111927198" title="On the right track — Economic Survey 2023-24 outlines India’s commendable climate action" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>All in all, the report challenges the dominance of Western policies and offers a pathway that could be more adaptable and relevant for other developing nations facing similar challenges. With its ongoing progress towards climate goals, India is well-placed to lead by example, showcasing a sustainable and culturally attuned approach to environmental stewardship.

Why did the latest Economic Survey of India heavily shun the ‘Western ways’ of climate action?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The climate crisis is affecting business across industries, and the art market is no exception.</li><li>Art investors, collectors, and curators can take steps to build more sustainable portfolios.</li></ul>In an era when the climate crisis is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/extreme-weather-biggest-concern-business-leaders-politicians-world-economic-forum-2024-1">redefining</a> business across industries worldwide, the art market is also faced with the need to adapt to the effects of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/worlds-largest-carbon-removal-plant-iceland-climeworks-2024-5">rising emissions</a>.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/climate-change-migration-where-moved-escape-natural-disasters-extreme-weather">Extreme weather events</a>, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/more-expensive-cool-home-this-summer-extreme-heat-energy-bills-2024-6">temperature fluctuations</a>, and pollution are no longer abstract concerns but tangible threats to the longevity of art collections. Pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, produced from fossil fuel combustion, can <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1506270">cause pigments to degrade more rapidly</a> than in controlled environments. This could reduce both the lifespan and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theeditgallery.com/blog/7-factors-that-determine-the-commercial-value-of-art/">value</a> of artworks.As a result, some investors, collectors, and gallery curators in the art market are placing emphasis on environmental responsibility when assembling their portfolios — part of a practice called "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/companies-still-doing-esg-work-despite-politics-criticism-2023-11">impact investing</a>."Hauser &amp; Wirth, a gallery at the forefront of this movement, has set a new precedent for major galleries by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hauserwirth.com/sustainability/">committing to reduce at least 50%</a> of its greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030 by adopting <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-renewable-energy-transition-solar-electric-vehicles-hit-records-2024-2">renewable energy</a>, reducing freight travel, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hauserwirth.com/resources/36036-industry-collaboration/">collaborating</a> with climate-conscious artists who promote sustainable practices in the industry. The gallery's approach exemplifies how investors in the art world can adapt to and mitigate the effects of the climate crisis when curating their collections.From investing in artists who also prioritize environmental awareness to adopting renewable energy in art facilities, here are four green strategies for building a low-carbon art portfolio.<h2 id="eb55b99a-543e-4bfe-98c5-a5aa201f34dd">Invest in artists who promote environmental awareness</h2>Some artworks that tackle environmental themes have been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.christies.com/about-us/press-archive/details?PressReleaseID=10156">rising in market value</a>, as more collectors and galleries recognize the growing importance of backing artists whose work resonates with the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-climate-jobs-skills-gap-linkedin-2024-6">climate priorities</a> of younger generations.The value of art is often linked with its cultural relevance — aligning a portfolio with social-impact initiatives can elevate its worth by tackling current issues.For instance, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bohnettfoundation.org/david-bohnett-bio/">David Bohnett</a>, a philanthropist and tech entrepreneur, is known for his contemporary art collection focused on social justice and sustainable art. His collection features notable figures like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.haring.com">Keith Haring</a>, an artist who championed LGBTQ+ rights, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/robbieconal/?hl=en">Robbie Conal</a>, known for his street art critiquing societal and environmental injustices. Bohnett's portfolio, estimated to be worth <a target="_blank" href="https://labusinessjournal.com/news/weekly-news/former-internet-executive-social-causes-technology/">$300 million,</a> reflects a broader trend in which a growing demand for civic art, especially in niche markets, can drive value appreciation.<h2 id="c0c53a51-5816-44cd-a0ba-94f9de2cf87b">Reduce carbon emissions in transportation</h2>From public exhibits to private collections, the global transportation of art can significantly increase the carbon footprints of galleries, collectors, and investors — especially when air travel is involved.Our World in Data found that air travel is one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://ourworldindata.org/global-aviation-emissions">most carbon-intensive shipping methods.</a> Exploring transportation alternatives offers collectors an opportunity to make a substantial impact.The art collector <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=92e88559d49ece5eda2f8562277f4b94f913cc23f9e8a016a985b0ef95f48097&amp;postID=66e3163c78044123bec3af96&amp;postSlug=art-investors-collectors-gallery-curators-build-sustainable-climate-portfolio-2024-9&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sothebys.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Feco-revolution">Sibylle Rochat</a> opts for consolidated land transport that combines multiple shipments into one vehicle and sea freights that use fuel-efficient ships for long distances, both of which can significantly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.freightos.com/freight-resources/air-sea-freight-co2-emissions-calculator/#:~:text=How%20Much%20CO%E2%82%82%20Does%20A,ton%20per%20kilometer%20of%20transportation.">reduce</a> carbon emissions.<h2 id="474b1606-7596-45e5-9875-3a6bdb4ce3e9">Transition to renewable energy for art facilities</h2>Art storage facilities are designed to maintain optimal conditions for artworks, ensuring appropriate temperature, humidity, and lighting to prevent deterioration or damage.These sites traditionally rely on energy-intensive climate-control systems powered by fossil fuels. By transitioning to renewable energy sources like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fastest-growing-career-wind-technicians-job-salary-us-2024-6">wind</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solar-careers-in-demand-workforce-shortage-2024-7">solar</a>, upgrading climate-control systems for greater energy efficiency, and adopting LED lighting that can cut energy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting">consumption by up to 75%</a>, collectors and gallery curators can reduce the environmental impact of their art storage.The art collector <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2020/05/29/the-green-debate-how-can-the-international-art-market-recover-sustainably">Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo</a> is known for her philanthropic work in the arts and sustainability. She plans to transform the small Italian island of San Giacomo into an art center with galleries, performances, and educational programming. The island is set to open to the public in 2026 and will be <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=2076c8cb19f6cc35f23092635f451d8381d45772c637e5fbd05ed2e083ce1cfd&amp;postID=66e3163c78044123bec3af96&amp;postSlug=art-investors-collectors-gallery-curators-build-sustainable-climate-portfolio-2024-9&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sothebys.com%2Fen%2Farticles%2Fgulls-gunpowder-and-avant-garde-art-patrizia-sandretto-re-rebaudengos-venetian-dream">fully powered by green energy</a>, Sandretto Re Rebaudengo said.<div type="image" title="Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo standing in front of a red tree sculpture with ornaments hanging from the branches." height="683" width="1024" msid="113607066" hostid="261" sizebytes="42906"></div><h2 id="974da666-4871-4b46-9045-bbd114022b5f">Go digital</h2>The international art circuit consists of global <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/art-basel-unlimited-switzerland-curator-shares-how-exhibit-comes-together-2024-6">exhibitions</a>, events, and art auctions. It has long relied on extensive travel and foot traffic that can increase the industry's carbon footprint.As digital platforms gain widespread adoption, online exhibits present a cost-effective way to diversify investments while reducing transportation and storage needs.The COVID-19 pandemic prompted galleries like <a target="_blank" href="https://deitch.com/archive/deitch-projects">Deitch Projects</a> to adopt digital showcases and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/23/arts/design/los-angeles-galleries-coronavirus.html">online viewing rooms</a>, reducing international travel and reshaping art acquisition practices. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stephenfriedman.com/viewing-room/">Stephen Friedman Gallery</a> is hosting five online viewing room showcases throughout 2024, bringing in-person exhibitions directly to screens at home.Collectors, gallery curators, and investors play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. The assembly of portfolios that prioritize environmental responsibility actively contributes to a greener legacy that will inspire future generations to take action and stand as a testament to art's power to shape a better world.From supporting artists who promote environmental awareness to reducing carbon footprints in operations and embracing digital platforms, collectors, gallery curators, and investors are preserving art and its legacy in their fight to curb the climate crisis.

I'm an artist calling for change in the climate-crisis fight. Here are 4 ways art investors can build greener portfolios.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Over a million species are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/animals-saved-endangered-species-act-passed-eagle-grizzly-wolf-alligator-2023-11">at risk of extinction</a> due to climate change. </li><li>But some animals are more resilient to temperature changes and could thrive in a warming world.</li></ul>In the game of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-trump-climate-policies-ev-subsidies-renewables-fossil-fuel-drilling-2024-7">climate change</a>, there are both winners and losers.Experts predict that one-third of Earth's plants and animals — millions of species — could disappear by 2050 if the current rate of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-microsoft-ai-search-war-will-add-to-carbon-emissions-2023-2">greenhouse gas emissions</a> persists. And some are already disappearing.But other animals are more resilient to temperature changes and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-atlantic-wolffish-is-being-driven-to-extinction-2018-12">habitat disruption</a>. There are a few species that could not only survive but thrive in a warming world.Climate models have shown that "we have a lot of species that might actually benefit from climate change," expanding their ranges into new geographic areas that were previously inhospitable to them, Giovanni Strona, quantitative ecology researcher at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, told Business Insider.Many of these climate change "winners" are hardy, fast-breeding scavengers that already live in some of the most degraded habitats on Earth: cities. They're not all cute and cuddly, and some are considered pests that pose <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reduce-hazardous-forever-chemicals-exposure-pfas-at-home-2022-9">risks to human health</a>.Whether you like them or not, it doesn't look like these four critters are going away any time soon.<h2 id="6e3ccb79-94d3-4f58-b3e8-cfc9daa4ac11">Cockroaches probably won't need to worry about a food shortage</h2><div type="image" title="cockroach" height="667" width="1000" msid="112024671" hostid="261" sizebytes="34886"></div>Roaches are a city-dweller's worst enemy. These indestructible insects can inhabit every corner of their urban environment, from the dredges of subway tunnels to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rupert-murdoch-cuts-price-of-nyc-penthouse-in-half-2024-6">skyrise apartments</a>.And once they've moved in, it's extremely difficult to get rid of them. That's because the humble cockroach has evolved to be one of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/origin-cockroaches-evolution-human-made-environments-study-2024-5">most resilient animals in the world</a>.These ancient arthropods have been around for over 300 million years, surviving every challenge they've faced. They even made it through the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/molting-feathers-help-birds-survive-when-dinosaurs-went-extinct-2023-7">Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction</a>, which eliminated 80% of Earth's animal life.What didn't kill them only made them stronger. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-streamer-powenvy-tiktok-viral-messy-dirty-roaches-bedroom-2023-12">Cockroaches</a> have lived through periods of extreme environmental change, including significant climatic shifts. They prefer hot, humid conditions, and can survive temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.What's more, cockroaches can live for a month without food, and a week without water. When it comes to what they eat, they aren't picky, which means they probably don't have to worry about climate change eliminating their food source.These characteristics and their long history of survival lead scientists to believe that cockroaches will do just fine in a warmer world, and perhaps even <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/animals-that-can-survive-apocalypse-2019-7">outlive humans</a>.<h2 id="8abd8a8d-f358-4fd9-8509-15905483e765">Rats can probably evolve to tackle anything climate change throws their way</h2><div type="image" title="Rats" height="2000" width="3008" msid="112024666" hostid="261" sizebytes="329522"></div>Like cockroaches, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nyc-rat-czar-stop-feeding-pigeons-tactics-2024-4">rats</a> eat pretty much anything and can live almost anywhere. But the real source of their resilience is their adaptability.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nyc-rat-extermination-weapon-rodent-population-takeover-climate-change-2023-11">Rats reproduce in massive numbers</a>. They breed year-round, producing roughly six litters annually. The average litter size is eight to 18 pups, so that's up to 108 rats a year from a single female.Because of how rapidly they reproduce, rats evolve faster than many other mammals, adapting to changes in their environment or climate faster and more effectively.Plus, there's strength in numbers. Having lots and lots of babies means that rats can sustain large population numbers, so when challenges arise, there's a greater chance that at least some individuals will survive.Research has shown that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/climate-extremes-worsen-most-infectious-diseases-from-leprosy-to-covid-2022-8">rising global temperatures</a> will only make it easier for rats to reproduce. Because as winters grow warmer, fewer rats will die from the cold, leaving more rats to reproduce year-round.We're already beginning to see their numbers increase worldwide. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-city-explosive-increase-rats-over-last-65-years-2023-3">New York City's rat population</a> has increased by nearly one million over the last decade, M&amp;M Pest Control <a target="_blank" href="https://mandmpestcontrol.com/there-are-now-3-million-rats-in-new-york-city-study/">estimated</a> in 2023.If climate change is driving a "ratpocalypse," as some evidence <a target="_blank" href="https://mediaengagement.org/blogs/rat-boom-and-leptospirosis-spike-in-nyc-linked-to-climate-change/">suggests</a>, that could have big consequences for human health.Rats can carry diseases that are dangerous to humans, such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/microbiologist-how-to-avoid-food-poisoning-2023-9">salmonella</a>. If they thrive in a warming world, that means these diseases could too.<h2 id="c2a5e096-ef23-4254-9b7d-dcb465a4d7ce">Mosquitos can grow faster in a warming world</h2><div type="image" title="A mosquito crawling on a person's skin against a green background." height="1414" width="2120" msid="112024664" hostid="261" sizebytes="64912"></div>Mosquitos aren't just annoying, they're also a major driver of disease worldwide.These tiny bloodsuckers can carry a whole host of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mosquitos-with-west-nile-virus-becoming-immune-bug-spray-2023-8">viruses and parasites</a>, including malaria, dengue, Zika virus, and more. When transmitted to humans, these illnesses can be fatal. Each year, over one million people around the world die from mosquito-borne illnesses.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/map-shows-west-nile-virus-has-been-detected-us-states-2022-7">Mosquito-borne illness</a> is most prevalent in Africa and tropic regions of southeast Asia and South America. That's because mosquitos thrive in warm, wet climates.But as climate change raises temperatures and alters precipitation trends, their range is expanding and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/marylander-caught-malaria-first-locally-acquired-case-years-2023-8">shifting to new geographic areas</a>. For example, a disease-carrying species of mosquito from South America appeared in Florida in 2021.Additionally, studies have shown warmer temperatures can speed up a mosquito's growth, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/treatments/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquito-bites">biting rates</a>, and the incubation of disease inside them.This means that climate change could cause mosquito-borne illnesses to spread to new places, and increase case numbers worldwide. Some evidence suggests that we're already seeing this happen.In 2023, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/locally-transmitted-florida-malaria-texas-first-time-in-20-years-2023-6">Florida and Texas</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2023/08/mosquito-diseases-move">saw</a> their first cases of locally-transmitted malaria in 20 years. And In Europe, dengue outbreaks <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/increasing-risk-mosquito-borne-diseases-eueea-following-spread-aedes-species">spiked</a> significantly in 2022, largely driven by heat waves and flooding.So, we can expect mosquitoes to stick around for a long time if warming continues.<h2 id="3dfabded-046d-43ca-b390-acecf7c0dd7b">Ticks are staying active year-round now that winters are more mild</h2><div type="image" title="deer tick" height="775" width="1200" msid="112024670" hostid="261" sizebytes="59408"></div>Move over mosquitos, there's another blood-sucking insect taking our warming world by storm.Ticks thrive in warm, humid climates. They typically remain dormant during the winter, but as this season grows milder, they're staying active year-round. They're also emerging earlier and feeding longer throughout the year.Additionally, warmer temperatures are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/asian-longhorned-ticks-kill-cattle-spread-disease-2023-11">expanding their range</a> northward into areas where they were previously uncommon, including northeastern states such as Vermont.That's bad news for human health, because like mosquitos, ticks carry dangerous diseases. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/25-year-old-man-died-misdiagnosed-lyme-disease-infected-heart-2023-2">Lyme disease</a>, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis are just a few examples of tick-borne illnesses. All three of them can become serious if left untreated.In the US, cases of Lyme disease have nearly doubled since 1991, with the Northeast seeing the sharpest rise in cases. Studies suggest climate change has contributed significantly to this increase. And another 2023 study found that ticks are more resilient to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/southwest-airlines-flight-attendants-extreme-heat-safety-exploding-soda-cans-2024-7">extreme temperatures</a> than scientists previously believed.All of this suggests ticks are weathering climate change with little issue and they'll likely stick around as temperatures continue to rise.If you live in an area where ticks are present, it's a good idea to take preventative measures against them year-round. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-10-riskiest-states-for-pet-dog-cat-illness-2024-5">And that goes for your pets too</a>. But you should still be extra vigilant from April to September when ticks are most active.

Rats, roaches, and other creatures are winning against climate change, and it's bad news for humans

India offers huge <keyword id="20009960" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-opportunities" source="keywords">investment opportunities</keyword> worth over <keyword id="20120060" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="USD-500-billion" source="keywords">USD 500 billion</keyword>, particularly in <keyword id="19914923" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="clean-energy" source="keywords">clean energy</keyword> value chain including <keyword id="19955662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewables" source="keywords">renewables</keyword>, <keyword id="19990484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-hydrogen" source="keywords">green hydrogen</keyword> and <keyword id="19931191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="EV" source="keywords">EV</keyword>, by 2030, the <keyword id="19910473" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Commerce-ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Commerce ministry" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Commerce ministry">commerce ministry</keyword> said on Thursday. This was stated by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, who is in Singapore for the two-day meet of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum. The meeting, which started on Wednesday, brought together the region's top investors, clean economy companies, and start-ups to mobilise investments into <keyword id="20900661" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-infrastructure" source="keywords">sustainable infrastructure</keyword>, <keyword id="21246486" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-technology" source="keywords">climate technology</keyword>, and renewable energy projects. The 14-member IPEF bloc was launched jointly by the US and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo. Together, they account for 40 per cent of the world's economic output and 28 per cent of trade. The framework is structured around four pillars relating to trade, supply chains, clean economy and fair economy. India has joined all the pillars except the trade. Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam are members of the bloc. Barthwal, during the inaugural IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum, acknowledged the forum as a unique platform that brought global investors, policy makers, and academia under one roof, which would be instrumental in advancing sustainable infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific Region. The secretary while addressing the forum underlined the huge investment opportunities that "India offers of more than USD 500 billion, particularly in the clean energy value chain including renewables, green hydrogen and EV and its infrastructure transition, by 2030". Barthwal also highlighted key reforms around ease of doing business in India to improve business environment over the last decade. During the two-day event, more than 300 participants from financial institutions, multilateral development banks, venture capital funds, project owners, entrepreneurs and government agencies from IPEF partners actively participated under the sustainable infrastructure and climate tech engagement tracks. In the sustainable infrastructure track, after the screening, "four companies (ReNew Power, Avaada Energy Pvt Ltd, Indusbridge Capital Advisors LLP. Founder, SEIP, and Powerica Ltd) from India were shortlisted for pitching their concepts on energy transition, transport and logistics, and waste management/waste to energy to global investors," the ministry said. Similarly in the climate tech track, 10 Indian startups and companies (BluSmart, Recykal, LOHUM, Sea6 Energy, EVage Ventures, Kabira Mobility, Batx Energies, Newtrace and Alt Mobility, igrenEnergi, Inc.) were selected to pitch their innovative ideas, technologies and solutions that contribute to mitigating or adapting to climate change. Further, the ministry said that the forum resulted in USD 23 billion investment opportunities for sustainable infrastructure projects in the Indo-Pacific. The coalition estimates that its members, taken together, have over USD 25 billion in capital that can be deployed in Indo-Pacific emerging market infrastructure investments in the coming years. DFC's (Development Finance Corporation) Board has also approved an equity investment as part of the USD 900 million Eversource Climate Investment Partners-II fund, which will provide capital, management, and expertise to innovative companies using new and existing capabilities to address climate change in India and Southeast Asia. It added that the IPEF partners and the Private Infrastructure Development Group announced the operational launch of the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund, which would deploy concessional financing, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to expand the pipeline of quality, resilient, and inclusive clean economy infrastructure projects in emerging and upper-middle income economies, for instance, projects in development include a renewable energy platform in India. The fund's founding supporters include Australia, Japan, Korea, and the US, which plan to provide USD 33 million in initial grant to catalyse up to USD 3.3 billion in private investment. "A coalition of investors, including Singapore's Temasek and GIC, have committed to injecting USD 25 billion in infrastructure investments in emerging markets that are part of an economic alliance between the US and several Asia-Pacific countries," it added. The event also witnessed signing of an offtake agreement between Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India, Kyushu Electric and Sojitz for production and export of 200 KTPA (kilotonne per annum) green ammonia from India to Japan. The programme was attended by ministers from Singapore and Japan and Barthwal. The agreement aims to increase production and export of 200 KTPA green ammonia in Phase-I (total 800 KTPA in 4 phases) at Tuticorin Port in India and export to Japan. The project proposed above would further the objective of the National Green Hydrogen Mission implemented by India towards making the country as global hub for production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. During an interaction with Indian companies and startups, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce and India's Chief Negotiator for IPEF Rajesh Agrawal said the forum provides an opportunity for Indian companies and startups to seek funding and collaborate with global investors.

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