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Japan-Russia Co-op in Hydrogen Energy to Fight Climate Change

Japan and Russia have signed a cooperation agreement to work together on Hydrogen production. In a virtual meeting at the Eastern Economic Forum, the two nations agreed to cooperate in R&D and on technology to lower global warming emissions including carbon capture, storage, and utilization.

India switching to Ethanol blended fuel

Vehicular pollution is one of the biggest contributors to air pollution in urban areas of India. Car sales are projected to almost triple in quantity by the year 2025 and of the 15 most polluted cities in the world,13 are in northern India; the contribution of vehicle pollution to the toxicity of air cannot be undermined. Although steps have been taken by auto manufacturers to curb pollution such as changing the exhaust systems of internal combustion engines, switching to electric vehicles, bio fuels and to hydrogen powered vehicles in coming years. The technology however isn't ready, it isn't economically viable for mass production and it will not be affordable for the average consumers in India.

Karnataka: KSPCB to place 50 e-waste collection bins in Bengaluru, 100 more in state

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) will place 50 e-waste collection bins at different locations in Bengaluru, including Vidhana Soudha and the High Court, and at 100 other locations in the other parts of the state. It’s a new approach to tackle E- waste and bring the large portion of the waste under regulated organized waste treatment systems.

Media and its approach to climate change

This article is an interactive discussion with Prof. Arul Aram, head of the department of media studies in Anna University TamilNadu.

Europe’s Nuclear Power Dilemma

Few decades ago nuclear power was hailed as one of the cleanest sources of energy, with a few hiccups caused by the concerns about possible meltdowns and radiation leakage, multiple nuclear plants were set up in developed nations. Although there have been speculations about the sustainability and safety of nuclear plants, most of the scientific community has agreed that they are pretty safe if constructed with proper precautions and with proper safety measures away from population, even the Fukushima disaster is seen as an anomaly. Nuclear power has for long been a source of clean energy before solar power became a popular and economically viable option. And as the world races to eradicate the dependence on fossil based electricity generating systems, the role of nuclear energy cannot be underestimated as it constitutes a large portion of the electric consumption in many countries.

How can India leverage carbon market to meet climate goals?

India, with momentum in its favour, is leveraging every instrument available to pursue a low-carbon path. The latest one being the establishment of carbon credit markets, as per the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which the Lok Sabha passed on August 8.

Pakistan Floods: Issues of Equity and Fairness

Pakistan has been through one of the toughest times in its history since its inception. The devastating floods that have swamped over one-third of Pakistan have received wide media coverage globally. Flooding in Pakistan has killed at least 1,400 people and caused more than $30 billion in damage since June 2022.

COP27 101: A Guide for the Uninitiated

You’re aware of climate change, of course. After all, you read and watch the news. And lately, there has been a lot of fuss about it in the media, ain’t it? Melting glaciers, scorching temperatures, the wildfires, the heatwaves, the flooding, the droughts – all fallouts of climate change, so the scientists claim.

COP27 101: A Guide for the Uninitiated

You’re aware of climate change, of course. After all, you read and watch the news. And lately, there has been a lot of fuss about it in the media, ain’t it? Melting glaciers, scorching temperatures, the wildfires, the heatwaves, the flooding, the droughts – all fallouts of climate change, so the scientists claim.

Sustainable Reverse Supply Chain Creation Requires An “E-Waste Policy”

The Lions Club International and Primus Partners report, titled "The Growing Impact of E-Waste in India," recommended rewarding producers and businesses for providing training programs and certifications to participants in the unofficial sector who take on the duty of fixing, recycling, and reselling electronic products.

Odisha Government to Build India's First Resettlement Colony for Climate Change Displaced Residents

The Odisha government has announced plans to build the country's first resettlement colony for people displaced by climate change. The colony will be located in Bagapatia and will provide housing, drinking water, electricity connections, roads, and other facilities for people affected by coastal erosion in the Satbhaya region of Kendrapada district. The project has been sanctioned by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has allocated Rs 22.5 crore for the colony's first development phase

Offshore wind energy in India: Removing barriers and harnessing the potential

India has set for itself rather ambitious goals and targets on the global climate platform. The third largest emitter of carbon dioxide after China, and the US in 2020, India resolved to achieve the target of Net Zero at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP 26), which translates to reduction in carbon emissions and not contributing to the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. India has further pledged to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources, which amounts to around 500GW. This could lead to 45% reduction of emission intensity of the GDP (amount of GHG emissions for every unit of GDP) by 2030.

Navigating the Nuclear Landscape: A Guide to Understanding the Debate

The global energy landscape is constantly evolving, driven by the search for cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable power sources. Nuclear energy has long been a controversial topic in this quest, with proponents and critics passionately arguing for and against its adoption. Hence, it is crucial for everyone who cares about the climate crisis to understand the nuclear power debate and explore the benefits, drawbacks, and future prospects of this divisive energy source.

Tidal Forces Unleashed: Uncovering the Cause of Accelerated Ice Melting in Greenland

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the rapid ice melting in Greenland. While studying the Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland, the team identified a previously unknown interaction between the ice and the ocean, which could have significant implications for future sea level rise predictions.

Addressing the Global Crisis: Urgent Action Required to Combat Chemical

More than 2,000 representatives from around the globe gathered at the United Nations in Geneva to address the escalating crisis of chemical pollution, which poses grave risks to both human health and the environment.

UN Secretary-General Urges Renewed Commitment to Achieve SDGs by 2030 Deadline

The report revealed that only 12 per cent of the 169 SDG targets are on track, while progress on 50 per cent is insufficient and weak. Alarmingly, progress has either stalled or regressed on more than 30 per cent of the goals. The COVID-19 pandemic and the "triple crisis" of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution have exacerbated the situation. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has also contributed to the challenges. The impact of these crises has resulted in an increase in global poverty and hunger, with hunger levels returning to those seen in 2005. Gender equality is projected to be achieved only in approximately 300 years. Furthermore, record-high inequality and rising greenhouse gas emissions have been observed. Guterres emphasized that many developing countries face challenges in investing in the SDGs due to burdensome debt, and climate finance falls far short of commitments. Wealthier nations have yet to fulfil their promise of providing $100 billion annually in support. He stressed that achieving the 2030 Agenda requires fundamental changes in the global economic order, calling it an agenda of justice, equality, sustainable development, and human rights for all. To address the situation, Guterres called for an SDG Stimulus plan of at least $500 billion per year, as well as deep reforms to the international financial architecture. These recommendations were key points in the progress report. The SDG Stimulus aims to scale up affordable long-term financing, address debt issues, and expand contingency financing. However, Guterres noted that these measures alone will not resolve the fundamental issues of the current unjust and dysfunctional global financial system, which requires comprehensive reforms. Guterres also called for a "new Bretton Woods moment" to ensure greater representation of developing countries in global financial institutions, advocating for a financial system that benefits all by prioritizing the needs of developing countries. The progress report provided additional recommendations, including the call for all UN Member States to reaffirm their commitment to achieving the goals by strengthening the social contract and transitioning to green economies. Governments were urged to set and deliver on national benchmarks for reducing poverty and inequality by 2027 and 2030, focusing on areas such as social protection, employment, education, gender equality, and digital inclusion. The report emphasized the need to end the war on nature and support climate action and biodiversity conservation through the Acceleration Agenda and the Global Biodiversity Framework. Additionally, governments were encouraged to strengthen national institutions, regulatory frameworks, and public digital infrastructure to ensure accountability. Multilateral support for the UN development system and decisive action at the Future Summit, scheduled for next year, was also highlighted. The article concluded by mentioning that world leaders will gather at the UN in September for the SDG Summit. It emphasised the importance of this event as a moment of truth and reckoning, calling for renewed hope and determination to kickstart a new drive towards achieving the SDGs. Guterres emphasized that SDG progress is not just about statistical measurements but tangible improvements in people's lives, such as maternal and child health, quality education, renewable energy, and clean air. He urged collective efforts to embark on the challenging yet necessary journey towards the SDGs for the betterment of all people.

UK Achieves Landmark: Wind Overtakes Gas as Primary Electricity Source

Wind energy has surpassed gas as the primary electricity source in the UK, according to a report by Imperial College London. During the first quarter of this year, wind farms accounted for one-third of the country's electricity generation, marking a significant milestone.

UK Faces Delays in Connecting Renewable Energy Projects, Threatening Climate Targets

According to recent BBC research, the United Kingdom is experiencing significant delays in connecting green energy projects to its electricity system, jeopardizing the nation's climate targets. These delays are primarily caused by a lack of capacity in the grid, preventing the integration of new solar and wind sites. Some renewable energy companies are concerned that these delays will impede the country's progress in achieving its goal of producing 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035.

Barcelona's Beaches at Risk of Disappearing as Authorities Rethink Enhancement Efforts

Barcelona, renowned for its vibrant beachfront, may soon face the loss of its iconic beaches due to rising sea levels and erosion. The city's coastline was extensively bolstered with thousands of tons of sand for the 1992 Olympic Games, transforming it into a popular tourist destination lined with beach bars. However, the current situation indicates a bleak future for these beaches

Controversial Approval: Australian Government Gives Green Light to New Coalmine Despite Climate Concerns

The Australian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tanya Plibersek, has approved a new coalmine development, marking the first such approval since coming to power. The Isaac River coalmine, situated in Queensland's Bowen basin, has been granted the green light. The mine, to be operated by Bowen Coking Coal, is planned to produce approximately 500,000 tonnes of metallurgical coal annually for a five-year period. Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is utilized in the steelmaking industry.