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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.<br /><br />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 <em>Science</em>, 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.<br /><br />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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br />

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

In the face of an escalating climate crisis, scientists are exploring increasingly unconventional ideas to cool the planet. One of the more intriguing — and surprising — proposals is the use of <keyword id="23626780" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="diamond-dust" source="keywords">diamond dust</keyword> injected into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce global temperatures. A team of climatologists, meteorologists, and <keyword id="19912640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="earth" source="keywords">Earth</keyword> scientists found that injecting synthetic diamond particles might be the most effective way to combat <keyword id="19942740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-warming" source="keywords">global warming</keyword>.<br /><h2>Just chill, chill</h2>Global temperatures are rising rapidly, and scientists warn that we may have already reached a tipping point. Simply reducing <keyword id="19951337" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="carbon-emissions" source="keywords">carbon emissions</keyword> may no longer be enough. Some experts argue that we need active measures to cool the planet and prevent further catastrophic changes to global weather patterns. One potential solution? <keyword id="23626781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-geoengineering" source="keywords">Solar geoengineering</keyword> — a method that involves injecting <keyword id="23626782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reflective-particles" source="keywords">reflective particles</keyword>, or aerosols, into the atmosphere to bounce sunlight back into space.<br /><br />Historically, sulphur dioxide has been the leading candidate for this approach. Released naturally by volcanic eruptions, sulphur dioxide is known to have a cooling effect on the Earth by reflecting sunlight. However, the downside of injecting it artificially is significant: it could lead to acid rain, damage the ozone layer, and disrupt weather patterns.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114118159" title="Delhi vs. air pollution: Minister pushes for ‘artificial rains’ in city ahead of Diwali as AQI remains worse than ever" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The new study aimed to find a better alternative by modelling the impact of seven different materials: calcite, diamond, aluminium, silicon carbide, anatase, rutile, and sulphur dioxide. Their 3D <keyword id="19912529" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-models" source="keywords">climate models</keyword> factored in light reflection, how long the particles would stay in the atmosphere, and whether they would clump together — something that could diminish their effectiveness.<br /><h2>Why diamonds?</h2>The surprising result of the research was that diamond dust emerged as the most promising candidate. Tiny synthetic diamond particles proved to be highly effective at reflecting both sunlight and heat, while also remaining suspended in the atmosphere for a sufficient period. Unlike sulphur dioxide, diamonds are chemically inert, meaning they would not react with other atmospheric elements to cause harmful side effects like acid rain.<br /><br />The models suggested that injecting 5 million tons of synthetic diamond dust into the atmosphere annually could reduce global temperatures by 1.6°C over the course of 45 years. This kind of cooling would be enough to counteract some of the most severe effects of <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and potentially buy time for other long-term solutions.<br /><h2>The cost conundrum</h2>Despite the effectiveness of diamond dust in the simulations, the practical challenge of this approach lies in its cost. Producing and distributing the necessary amount of <keyword id="20001023" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="synthetic-diamonds" source="keywords">synthetic diamonds</keyword> would come with an astronomical price tag — an estimated $200 trillion. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly double the size of the global economy in 2023. While the benefits of <keyword id="23626783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cooling-the-planet" source="keywords">cooling the planet</keyword> are clear, such a high cost makes this solution far from feasible in the immediate future.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="97766424" title="A new climate solution involves shooting moon dust into space to create a &amp;#39;solar shield&amp;#39; around Earth, but scientists say it&amp;#39;s a risky last resort" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>While the diamond dust concept is still in the research phase, the study underscores the urgency of exploring all possible solutions to cool the planet. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, unconventional ideas like this could play a role in the global effort to mitigate climate change.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in <em>Geophysical Research Letters</em> and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024GL110575">here</a>.

Diamonds in the Sky: Scientists want to inject diamonds into our atmosphere to cool the planet!

In a massive move for the country’s growing climate woes, India is aiming to control weather phenomena like rainfall, lightning, and hail within five years. Dubbed "<keyword id="23131560" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-Mausam" source="keywords">Mission Mausam</keyword>," this government-backed initiative includes the development of <keyword id="23148975" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mausam-GPT" source="keywords">Mausam GPT</keyword>, a weather AI model designed to enhance prediction accuracy and even manipulate the weather. This would make India one of the first countries to experiment with <keyword id="21369368" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="weather-modification" source="keywords">weather modification</keyword> on a significant scale.<br /><h2>Mission Mausam</h2>India’s "Mission Mausam" aims to reshape the future of weather management by using technology to control rain. Over the next 18 months, the government will start with lab simulations to either enhance or suppress rainfall. The ultimate goal, as outlined by Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran, is to roll out full-scale weather modification within five years. He stated that the initiative could even target events like Independence Day, where “one can think about suppressing rain.”<br /><br />By deploying <keyword id="20644540" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cloud-seeding" source="keywords">cloud seeding</keyword> techniques alongside AI-driven weather prediction tools like "Mausam GPT," the mission seeks to significantly improve India’s ability to manage extreme weather conditions. A key aspect of the plan involves building a robust system of advanced radars, supercomputers, satellites with high-performance sensors, and GIS-based decision support systems. This cutting-edge tech is expected to boost India’s short- and medium-range weather forecasting accuracy by 5-10%, ensuring no event — such as cloudbursts — goes undetected.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113251187" title="India braces for an intensely harsh winter as La Niña takes hold" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>India is not new to weather manipulation efforts. The government has been running pilot projects, such as the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) in Maharashtra, to study cloud properties and enhance rainfall.<br /><h2>Why is weather manipulation necessary and is it safe?</h2>Extreme weather events in India, like deadly floods, droughts, and hailstorms, have noticeably increased in frequency due to <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword>. Mission Mausam could potentially give India an edge in combating these disasters. For example, imagine preventing a flood by suppressing rain or creating artificial rain during a drought. India’s investment of Rs 2,000 crore over two years certainly reflects the seriousness of the mission, which is expected to expand further as research progresses.<br /><br />However, weather modification, including cloud seeding, is not without controversy. Globally, cloud seeding has had limited success, with countries like the US, Russia, and China also experimenting with these methods but facing inconsistent results. Even former MoES Secretary Madhavan Rajeevan has noted that “the technology is complex” and still in its developmental stages.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112825937" title="Shivaji Maharaj Statue collapse: Identifying 5 reasons behind the accident" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Further, the potential downsides can't be ignored. While controlling the weather could save lives, meddling with natural processes is risky. Weather manipulation might have unintended ecological consequences, like shifting rainfall patterns that could harm ecosystems and agriculture. It may also pose geopolitical risks, as neighbouring countries could accuse India of altering weather systems that affect their own climates.<br /><br />Ultimately, while the idea of managing the weather may seem appealing, it opens up a Pandora’s box of environmental and ethical challenges that need careful consideration.<br />

The Indian government is taking steps to control rainfall and weather within five years — is it too risky of a move?

Cities in the Global South are equipped with only about 70% of the "<keyword id="23012235" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cooling-capacity" source="keywords">cooling capacity</keyword>" provided by <keyword id="22415441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-greenery" source="keywords">urban greenery</keyword> in cities in the Global North and are, therefore, more vulnerable to extreme heat, new research has found. As the planet warms, researchers said that rising temperatures, along with '<keyword id="21394968" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="urban-heat-island" source="keywords">urban heat island</keyword>' effects, make cities hotter than rural areas. As a result, <keyword id="21187686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heat-related-illness" source="keywords">heat-related illness</keyword> and deaths in these areas are becoming more common. <br /><br /> An international team, including researchers from the University of Exeter, UK, analysed satellite data on 500 of the world's largest cities to assess 'cooling capacity' -- how much do the urban green spaces cool down a city's <keyword id="21031051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="surface-temperatures" source="keywords">surface temperatures</keyword>? <br /><br /> "Our analysis suggests green spaces can cool the surface temperature in the average city by about 3 degrees Celsius during warm seasons -- a vital difference during extreme heat," author Timothy M. Lenton, from the University of Exeter, said. <br /><br /> "However, a concerning disparity is evident; on average <keyword id="23012236" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Global-South-cities" source="keywords">Global South cities</keyword> have only two-thirds the cooling capacity and cooling benefit compared to Global North cities," the authors wrote in the study published in the journal Nature Communications. <br /><br /> The disparity stems from differences in both quantity and quality of urban <keyword id="20897701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-infrastructure" source="keywords">green infrastructure</keyword> among cities, they said. The researchers said that tropical and sub-tropical cities, which are located closer to the equator, tend to have relatively weaker cooling capacities. <br /><br /> "As Global South countries are predominantly located at low latitudes, this pattern leads to a situation in which Global South cities, which tend to be hotter and relatively lower-income, have, on average, approximately two-thirds the cooling capacity of the Global North cities," the authors wrote. <br /><br /> Therefore, they said that the cities that most need to rely on green infrastructure are, at present, those that are least able to do so. Urban green spaces bring a cooling effect by providing shade and causing evaporation of water, the authors explained. <br /><br /> Over 50 Indian cities too were analysed, including Delhi, Pune and Chennai. Previous studies have estimated current climate policies to leave more than a fifth of humanity exposed to dangerously hot temperatures by 2100, with the largest at-risk populations in India and Nigeria, the researchers said. <br /><br /> "Currently, the people dying due to <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> are often in the slums of cities in the Global South, such as the hottest parts of India," Lenton said. The researchers also found that there is "vast potential" to enhance urban cooling in the Global South and reduce inequality. <br /><br /> Mogadishu, a Somalian city, was found to have the lowest cooling capacity, followed by Sana'a in Yemen and Rosario in Argentina.

Global South cities have only 70% of the 'cooling capacity' as that in the Global North one, notes recent study

It’s one thing to read about <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and <keyword id="19951337" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="carbon-emissions" source="keywords">carbon emissions</keyword> in an article, and quite another to <em>see </em>the toxic fumes engulfing your entire country — swirling over it like a certain menacing doom.<br /><br /><keyword id="19935155" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NASA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NASA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NASA">NASA</keyword> recently unveiled a groundbreaking visualisation tool that offers an unprecedented look at how carbon dioxide (CO2) moves around our planet. This high-resolution model provides a stunning, animated map of <keyword id="22576003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-CO2-concentrations" source="keywords">global CO2 concentrations</keyword>, revealing the complex patterns of this crucial <keyword id="20719964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenhouse-gas" source="keywords">greenhouse gas</keyword>.<br />   <div type="Youtube" id="zZ-lMDtiI-k" title="Model Behavior: Visualizing Global Carbon Dioxide" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zZ-lMDtiI-k/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ-lMDtiI-k]]></url></div>By combining billions of data points from satellites and ground observations, NASA scientists created a dynamic picture of how CO2 is emitted, transported, and absorbed across the globe. This interactive map showcases <keyword id="22576002" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CO2-concentrations" source="keywords">CO2 concentrations</keyword> as they shifted through Earth's atmosphere from January to March 2020, influenced by wind patterns and atmospheric circulation. With its exceptional detail, you can zoom in to pinpoint CO2 emissions rising from power plants, fires, and urban areas, as they spread across continents and oceans.<br /><br />Over India, you can see the greenhouse gas blowing over from neighbouring continents and also originating from the subcontinent. The pulsating oranges indicate CO2 concentrations of 420-460 ppm over India.<br /><h2>The sources of CO2<br /></h2>One of the most striking features of the map is its ability to zoom in on specific regions, allowing viewers to see CO2 emissions rising from individual cities and industrial complexes. This level of detail provides a clear and compelling picture of human activities' impact on the environment.<br /><br />The map highlights distinct emission patterns across different regions. In China, the United States, and South Asia, power plants, industrial facilities, and vehicles were the primary contributors to CO2 emissions. Conversely, in Africa and South America, fires ignited by land management practices, agricultural burning, and deforestation, along with the combustion of oil and coal, were the main sources.<br /><br /><h2>Pulsating gases</h2>The map also highlights the role of natural systems in the carbon cycle. Forests, oceans, and other ecosystems absorb vast amounts of CO2, acting as vital carbon sinks. However, the visualisation also reveals how human activities are overwhelming these natural systems, leading to a buildup of CO2 in the atmosphere.<br /><br />Further, the map exhibits a pulsating appearance. This is because, firstly, fires typically intensify during daylight hours and subside at night, creating a diurnal pattern. Secondly, the absorption and release of CO2 by plants during photosynthesis and respiration contribute to the fluctuations. This pulsing effect is particularly noticeable in regions with abundant vegetation, such as mid- to high-latitude forests and tropical areas.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112021374" title="Scientists found a groundbreaking new reason to plant more trees" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>“This map is a powerful tool for understanding the scale and complexity of the climate crisis,” said [Quote from NASA scientist]. “It shows us where the biggest problems are and where we need to focus our efforts to reduce emissions.”<br /><br />The data behind the map comes from NASA's <keyword id="22576004" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="goddard-earth-observing-system" source="keywords">Goddard Earth Observing System</keyword> (GEOS), a sophisticated model that simulates Earth's atmosphere with incredible detail. By applying this model to CO2, scientists have gained new insights into the gas's behaviour and its impact on the planet.<br /><br />As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, tools like this are essential for informing policy decisions, tracking progress, and inspiring action. NASA’s CO2 map is a remarkable achievement that offers a glimpse into the urgent need to transition to a low-carbon future.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111566431" title="June warmest on record; every month since July 2023 breached 1.5 deg C threshold" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

WATCH: A NASA animation shows gigantic plumes of carbon dioxide emissions swirling over India

Last week, visitors to Uttarakhand’s <keyword id="20923317" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Om-Parvat" source="keywords">Om Parvat</keyword> were met with an unprecedented sight — the revered peak, known for its perpetual snow cover forming the sacred "Om" symbol, was completely devoid of snow for the first time in recorded history. This alarming phenomenon has sparked concerns among locals, tourists, and environmental experts alike.<br /><br />Experts have attributed the <keyword id="22948698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="snow-disappearance" source="keywords">snow disappearance</keyword> to a combination of factors, including scanty rainfall and irregular snowfall in the upper <keyword id="20128077" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Himalayan-region" source="keywords">Himalayan region</keyword> over the past five years, escalating vehicular pollution, and the broader impacts of <keyword id="19942740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-warming" source="keywords">global warming</keyword>. The cumulative effect of these environmental stressors has led to a dramatic change in Om Parvat’s snow cover, which melted completely this year, a stark departure from its usual 95-99% snow retention rate.<br /><h2>Implications on Uttarakhand’s tourism and ecology</h2>Local officials expressed concerns that the absence of snow could negatively impact tourism, which is a vital part of the region’s economy. Hordes of pilgrims visit the Om Parvat due to the the profound significance of the “Om” symbol, to meditate and bask in the spiritual vibrations of the mystical place.<br /><br />Om Parvat, situated at an altitude of approximately 14,000 feet in the Vyas Valley, is not only a popular tourist destination but also holds spiritual significance due to the natural "Om" formation on its snow-clad peak. The recent <keyword id="22950379" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="snowless-period" source="keywords">snowless period</keyword> left visitors and residents alike unsettled.<br /><br />Spiritual importance aise, the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat are also home to a diverse flora and fauna that contribute to the Himalayan biodiversity. Local communities living in the mountains’ surrounding regions are similarly reliant on the Om Parvat to preserve their age-old traditions and customs. These already fragile ecosystems are further endangered by the impacts of <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword>.<br /><h2>The return of snow</h2>Dhan Singh Bisht, who has served at the base camp of Adi Kailash yatra in Dharchula for over two decades, noted that this is the first time in his tenure that he witnessed Om Parvat completely devoid of snow, NDTV reported. The viral photos of the snowless peak even caught district administration officials off guard.<br /><br />However, they could heave a collective sigh of relief after fresh snowfall on Monday night. Momentarily alleviating fears about the hill’s future, forecasts indicate that wet conditions are expected to continue over <keyword id="20396441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pithoragarh" source="keywords">Pithoragarh</keyword> — where Om Parvat is situated.<br /><h2>Cause for concern<br /></h2>The loss of snow on Om Parvat can be interpreted as a momentary warning. Environmental experts like Sunil Nautiyal, Director of GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, have underscored the need to address the root causes of this issue. Rising temperatures in the Himalayan region, fueled by increased vehicular emissions and global warming, are contributing to the rapid melting of snow. Nautiyal also highlighted the damaging effects of rampant forest fires, which release carbon that further harms these sensitive ecological zones.<br /><br />The surge in tourist footfall following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jolingkong last October is also being scrutinised as a possible contributor to the environmental changes observed in the region. <br /><br />The disappearance and subsequent return of snow to Om Parvat serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and environmental sustainability in the Himalayan region. As experts and locals continue to monitor the situation, the hope remains that proactive measures can prevent a repeat of this year’s alarming snowless period.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110460525" title="Kalpa unveiled: Everything you need to know about this beautiful village" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />

Snow has returned to the Om Parvat in Uttarakhand after completely disappearing from the peak for the first time

<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. <br /><br />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". <br /><br />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>. <br /><br />"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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />"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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />"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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />However, international non-profit organisation Oxfam last week said climate finance provided by rich countries in 2022 totalled no more than USD 35 billion. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><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><br />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.<br /><br />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).<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><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><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br />

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

As the global urgency to combat <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> intensifies, all eyes are on India's <keyword id="19955368" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Budget-2024" source="keywords">Budget 2024</keyword>, as there’s no better way to walk the talk than allocating funds. Speculation is rife about the potential measures the government may introduce to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future — a move that is supremely necessary after the slew of deadly climate catastrophes that we saw last year.<br /><br />India’s Union Budget 2024 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a couple of days, and is expected to reflect the nation’s commitment to achieving <keyword id="21280854" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="net-zero-carbon-emissions" source="keywords">net-zero carbon emissions</keyword> by 2070. Here are some of the key initiatives from the interim budget that was presented in February earlier this year, along with their anticipated impacts!<br /><h2>Rooftop Solarisation</h2>One of the most talked-about initiatives is the ambitious rooftop solar programme, which aims to provide free electricity up to 300 units per month to one crore households. If implemented, this move will help in not only cutting down energy bills — a godsend for the middle- and lower-income folks — but will also give households a chance to generate and even sell their surplus power.<br /><h2>Electric Vehicle (EV) Ecosystem</h2>Charging up the electric vehicle movement, the interim budget included measures to expand EV manufacturing and infrastructure in the country. The move aimed to accelerate the adoption of <keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">electric vehicles</keyword>, reducing emissions from the transport sector and making your commute cleaner and greener. Additionally, the government seemed keen on encouraging the adoption of electric buses to make urban travel more eco-friendly.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111855546" title="Budget 2024: How will budget affect India’s position in the global space race?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h2><keyword id="20495045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="offshore-wind-energy" source="keywords">Offshore Wind Energy</keyword></h2>Riding the winds of change, the interim budget introduced a viability gap funding for 1 GW of offshore wind energy. As per the Finance Ministry, this initiative aims to harness the power of India’s vast coastline, pushing the envelope on <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> and reducing our fossil fuel dependency.<br /><h2><keyword id="22499996" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-green-hydrogen" source="keywords">National Green Hydrogen</keyword> Mission</h2>The interim budget also supercharged the National Green Hydrogen Mission with a massive boost to Rs 600 crore from last year’s Rs 297 crore. The government has continually insisted that Green Hydrogen is set to become the fuel of the future, and this announcement supports its development and adoption, paving the way for cleaner industrial processes.<br /><h2>Coal Gasification and Liquefaction</h2>Switching up the coal game, the interim budget plans to set up coal gasification and liquefaction projects that will be able to process 100 metric tonnes by 2030. These projects aim to make the most out of coal in a cleaner way, especially by reducing our reliance on imported natural gas and slashing emissions.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111827903" title="Union Budget 2024 for Railways: Expectations focused on improving passenger safety, experience, infrastructure" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br /><h2>Bioenergy and Biomass Aggregation</h2>Turning waste into wealth, the interim budget has also promised additional financial assistance for biomass aggregation. This, they explain, will help in creating a sustainable model for managing agricultural waste, promoting bioenergy production and giving farmers a new revenue stream.<br /><h2>Research and Development (R&amp;D)</h2>In a nod to innovation, the interim budget allocated a whopping Rs 1 lakh crore for interest-free financing in “sunrise” R&amp;D for emerging <keyword id="19931192" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="green-technologies" source="keywords">green technologies</keyword>. If the government follows through on this promise, the funding could catapult a wave of innovation, supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.<br /><br />By focusing on renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting green technologies, India’s initial budget allocations seem to be taking significant strides towards its net-zero goal. Whether this will ultimately pan out to become a greener and more resilient future for its citizens remains to be seen.<br />

Budget 2024: Key sustainability and energy initiatives that Indian government plans to implement this year

<keyword id="20025308" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="groundwater" source="keywords">Groundwater</keyword>, the Earth's largest source of unfrozen freshwater, is under threat. As our planet heats up, so too does the water hidden beneath our feet. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology predict that by 2100, <keyword id="22348281" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="groundwater-temperatures" source="Orion">groundwater temperatures</keyword> could rise significantly, exceeding safe <keyword id="19905383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="drinking-water" source="keywords">drinking water</keyword> standards in many regions.<br /><br />The culprit? <keyword id="20649149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="greenhouse-gases" source="keywords">Greenhouse gases</keyword>. Their build-up in the atmosphere traps heat, warming not just the air but also the ground and the water it holds. The study used two climate scenarios, one moderate and one extreme, to estimate the impact. In both cases, the results were concerning.<br /><br />Under the more moderate scenario, groundwater temperatures are projected to rise by 2.1°C by 2100. This may not seem like much, but it's enough to push millions over the edge. Currently, around 30 million people already live in areas where groundwater exceeds safe drinking limits. With rising temperatures, this number could balloon to 77 to 188 million by 2100.<br /><br />Extreme scenarios paint an even bleaker picture. Here, groundwater temperatures could soar by 3.5°C, potentially impacting a staggering 59 to 588 million people. The vast range reflects regional variations in <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword> and population growth.<br /><br />The consequences of this hidden warming are far-reaching. Warmer groundwater can harbour harmful substances like arsenic and manganese, threatening human health. It can also disrupt delicate ecosystems and even impact geothermal energy potential. Fish, particularly those that rely on cool groundwater for spawning, could face reproductive issues.<br /><br />This isn't just an environmental concern; it's a public health crisis in the making. We need to act now to protect our precious groundwater resources. Sustainable practices, coupled with efforts to combat climate change, are crucial to ensure a future where clean drinking water remains a right, not a privilege.<br /><br />The findings of this study have been detailed in <em>Nature Geoscience</em> and can be accessed <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01453-x">here</a>.<br />

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