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Cities Unite to Combat Extreme Heat
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21 Mar 2025 - 3 min read
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Environment and Ecology05-Nov-2025
Cloud-Seeding Trials for Rain Induction
**Exam-Focused Summary on Cloud Seeding Trials in India** 1. **Historical Context of Cloud Seeding**: - First experiments in cloud-seeding in India mentioned by P. Koteswaram (IMD) in January 1970, who conducted initial trials in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. - The first structured cloud-seeding initiative was noted in a 1968 scheme by the Union Ministry of Food and Agriculture, which projected a 20% increase in rainfall through intensive, aircraft-based experiments using a budget of ₹1 crore. 2. **Significant Trials and Findings**: - Tamil Nadu conducted cloud-seeding initiatives during significant drought conditions in the 1970s and 1980s: - 1973 trials around Tiruvallur showed no definitive results due to insufficient data. - The 1975 project led by a Canadian firm aimed at Chennai and Nilgiris, costing ₹12 lakh. Reports indicated a modest increase in precipitation, though IMD DG Y.P. Rao advised against quick evaluations of success. - In 1983, under M.G. Ramachandran's government, a four-member American team reported moderate outcomes after trials. - Concerns were raised in 1987 about procurement processes and operational efficiency regarding cloud-seeding aircraft. 3. **Judicial and Government Oversight**: - The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) criticized the acquisition process of an aircraft for cloud-seeding operations due to lack of transparency and accountability. - Scientific consensus established that increases in rainfall were generally capped at 20% above normal. 4. **Current Developments**: - Recent cloud-seeding trials conducted by the Delhi government on October 23 and 29 aimed to mitigate pollution rather than address water shortages. - Past attempts in Tamil Nadu have seen less emphasis due to improved water supply conditions, including the incorporation of Krishna water and the construction of desalination plants. 5. **Constitutional and Policy Framework**: - No direct constitutional reference relating to cloud seeding operations; however, they intersect with water rights and management under Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) aimed at promoting the welfare of citizens, particularly in drought mitigation. - Policies and schemes that enhance water conservation and management are covered under the broader context of environmental protection. 6. **Economic Data and Impact**: - Financial implications of cloud-seeding projects often exceed initial estimates, leading to debates about cost effectiveness and governance. - Operations throughout the years included various budgets from ₹1 crore in 1975 to ₹26 lakh in 1983, highlighting significant state investment in weather modification. 7. **International Context**: - Collaboration with foreign experts (Canadian and American teams) indicated international interest and reliance on external technology and expertise in cloud-seeding initiatives. - Historical comparisons drawn with cloud-seeding efforts abroad, such as in the USA and Africa. 8. **Technological and Scientific Developments**: - The use of aircraft and radar technology for weather modification has evolved but faces scrutiny regarding scientific validity and environmental ethics. - Efforts in research and development within meteorological institutions continue towards improving effectiveness and understanding of artificial precipitation. In summary, cloud-seeding has a complex history of trials in India, with evolving governmental policies, varying success rates, and a mix of both domestic and international involvement. This spans decades of efforts aimed at managing acute water shortages, particularly in drought-stricken regions.
Environment and Ecology05-Nov-2025
EAT-Lancet Calls for Sustainable Food Reform
### Exam-Focused Notes on EAT-Lancet Commission Report (2025) #### Overview - The **EAT-Lancet Commission on Healthy, Sustainable and Just Food Systems** emphasizes the need for justice to be central in food system transformations due to their significant impact on planetary boundaries. #### Planetary Boundaries - **Concept**: Defines limits to human activities affecting Earth's systems; crossing these limits hinders environmental self-regulation. - **Boundaries Identified**: - Climate change - Ocean acidification - Stratospheric ozone depletion - Biogeochemical flows (nitrogen cycle) - Excess freshwater use - Land system change - Erosion of biosphere integrity - Chemical pollution - Atmospheric aerosol loading #### Findings and Data - Food systems contribute to **30% of total global greenhouse gas emissions**. - The report indicates that **less than 1%** of the global population lives in a “safe and just space” with met rights and food needs. - India demonstrated poor performance in: - **Nitrogen overloading** - High pesticide pollution - India’s current food trend: Increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods leading to health issues such as obesity and anemia. #### Dietary Recommendations - **Planetary Health Diet (PHD)**: - Composed of **75% plant-based foods**: fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains. - Remaining intake: Moderate amounts of animal-source foods, reduced sugars, saturated fats, and salt. #### Socio-Economic Implications - The wealthiest **30% generate 70% of food-related environmental impacts**. - The report advocates for policies that consider: - **Fair livelihoods** in agricultural practices. - Assessment of trade policies based on impacts on producer welfare. - Enhanced corporate accountability focusing on decent work and transparent supply chains. #### Policy Recommendations - Embed **social justice** in agricultural and trade policies. - Use policy tools such as: - **Subsidies** for healthy food options. - **Taxes** on unhealthy foods. - **Restrictions on marketing** harmful food products. - Ensure access and affordability of the PHD for all communities. #### Implications for Health Equity - Highlighting food systems’ role emphasizes the need to address health inequalities, particularly as they disproportionately affect poorer populations. ### Conclusion - The EAT-Lancet Commission's report calls for urgent action in transforming food systems globally, ensuring sustainability, health, and justice are prioritized in agricultural and food policies.
Environment and Ecology05-Nov-2025
Typhoon Kalmaegi Devastates Central Philippines
**Typhoon Kalmaegi Overview (November 2025)** **Casualties and Impact:** - Death toll: At least 52 confirmed dead, 13 missing. - Central Philippines, particularly Cebu province, suffered extensive flooding causing fatalities and displacements. - Cebu province declared a state of calamity enabling the expedited release of emergency funds. **Additional Incidents:** - Philippine Air Force helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur resulted in 6 deaths while conducting humanitarian aid operations post-Kalmaegi. **Typhoon Details:** - Last observed on November 5, 2025, near Linapacan, Palawan. - Sustained winds: 120 kph (75 mph); gusts: up to 150 kph (93 mph). - Forecast to move towards the South China Sea. **Rescue Operations:** - The Philippine Red Cross received numerous calls for help from residents trapped on roofs due to flooding. - Efforts to rescue individuals delayed until flood risks decreased. **Evacuations:** - Over 387,000 individuals evacuated prior to landfall in eastern and central provinces. - Increased storm surge risk: Predicted surges of up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet). - Interisland ferry and fishing boat operations suspended; over 3,500 passengers stranded. **Economic and Geological Context:** - Cebu province with a population of 2.4 million was already recovering from a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on September 30, which caused significant damage and displaced many residents. - The Philippines experiences approximately 20 typhoons annually and is one of the most disaster-prone nations due to its geological features, including high seismic activity and active volcanoes. **Environmental and Disaster Management:** - The Philippine government has established systems for disaster response, including rapid fund releases during declared states of calamity. - The need for robust infrastructure and preparedness is underscored by repeated natural disasters. **Conclusion:** Typhoon Kalmaegi exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in the Philippines, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilience strategies in a nation prone to frequent natural calamities.
Environment and Ecology04-Nov-2025
India's Renewable Energy Challenges Ahead
### Notes on India's Energy Transition and Carbon Emissions #### Current Energy Landscape - **Installed Capacity**: As of June 2025, non-fossil fuel sources constitute about 50% of India's total installed electricity capacity. - **Grid Emission Factor (GEF)**: Increased from 0.703 tCO₂/MWh (2020-21) to 0.727 tCO₂/MWh (2023-24) according to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). - **Electricity Generation**: In 2023-24, renewables (including hydro) contributed only 22% of total electricity generated; the remainder is primarily from fossil fuels, especially coal. #### Capacity and Generation Disparity - Renewables run at 15-25% capacity utilization compared to coal and nuclear, which run at 65-90%. - India’s growing electricity demand is predominantly met by coal, particularly during peak usage times when renewables are insufficient. #### Importance of Energy Efficiency - Energy efficiency is termed as the "first fuel", which helps reduce overall demand and reliance on coal. - The Bureau of Energy Efficiency reported a savings of approximately 200 Million Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (Mtoe) of final energy from FY2017-18 to FY2022-23, translating to around 1.29 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent savings and close to ₹760,000 crore in financial savings. - Effective scaling of energy-efficient appliances and processes is essential for reducing coal consumption and improving the integration of renewable energy. #### Recommendations for Energy Transition 1. **Battery Integration**: Enable homes and offices to connect batteries as virtual power plants to manage peak demand. 2. **Appliance Standards**: Accelerate the implementation of higher appliance efficiency standards and promote market shift towards high-efficiency products (4- and 5-star rating). 3. **Support SMEs**: Aid small and medium enterprises to adopt efficient technologies, including motors and pumps. 4. **Flexible Pricing**: Implement tariff structures that incentivize consumers to adjust usage in alignment with renewable availability. 5. **Scrappage Incentives**: Introduce incentives for replacing old, energy-inefficient appliances. 6. **Electricity Services Procurement**: Allow distribution companies to procure green cooling services that use RTC (Round-the-Clock) clean power. #### Future Projections - The Central Electricity Authority's National Electricity Plan anticipates a reduction in GEF to 0.548 by 2026-27 and further to 0.430 by 2031-32, necessitating a system-wide flexible approach focusing on energy efficiency. #### Emission Intensity Reduction - From 2005 to 2019, India managed to cut emissions intensity by 33%, as reported in its Fourth Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC. - Continued and balanced efforts are essential to sustain this trend, combining renewable energy expansion with efficiency improvements across various sectors. ### Conclusion To achieve a decarbonized grid, prioritizing energy efficiency is crucial, along with leveraging flexible energy systems that reduce dependency on fossil fuels while optimizing the use of renewables.
Environment and Ecology04-Nov-2025
Supreme Court Urges Action on Pollution
**Supreme Court of India on Air Pollution Control Measures** - **Supreme Court Directive**: The Supreme Court is urging proactive measures to reduce air pollution in the national capital, specifically asking the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit an affidavit detailing clear data and an action plan to combat pollution levels. - **Judicial Concern**: Chief Justice B.R. Gavai expressed that authorities should prevent pollution from reaching 'severe' levels, emphasizing the urgency of action. - **Air Quality Monitoring Issues**: During the Deepavali festival, it was reported that several air quality monitoring stations in Delhi were non-functional. Only 9 out of 37 monitoring stations operated continuously during this period, hampering effective pollution management. - **Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)**: The Supreme Court highlighted the need for functioning monitoring stations to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) effectively, which is vital for responding to varying levels of air pollution. - **Sale of Green Firecrackers**: On October 15, the Supreme Court allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Deepavali under specific conditions, aiming to balance cultural traditions with environmental health concerns. Firecracker sales were permitted from October 18 to 20, with usage restricted to certain hours. - **Government Responsibility**: Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati assured the court that concerned agencies would furnish the necessary reports to adhere to judicial orders and improve air quality monitoring. **Key Takeaways**: 1. **Supreme Court Engagement**: The need for judicial involvement to address air quality issues. 2. **Monitoring Station Performance**: Highlighting the critical role of functioning environmental monitoring systems. 3. **Legal Framework and Air Quality Management**: Reference to GRAP as a key component in tackling air pollution episodes. **Constitutional Reference**: While no specific articles were directly cited in this context, the issue of public health and the right to a clean environment could invoke Articles 21 (Right to Life) and 47 (Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living) of the Indian Constitution. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges related to air quality management in urban India, alongside the judicial commitment to enforce government accountability in environmental issues.
Environment and Ecology04-Nov-2025
Typhoon Kalmaegi Hits Central Philippines
### Summary of Typhoon Kalmaegi Impact in the Philippines **Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally named Tino) Overview:** - Intensification: Made landfall on November 4, 2025, in the central Philippines. - Sustained winds: 150 km/h, with gusts reaching 205 km/h. - Forecast: Expected to move across the Visayas and emerge into the South China Sea by November 5, 2025. **Warnings and Evacuations:** - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed large parts of the Visayas under the second-highest storm warning due to “life-threatening” conditions. - High risk of storm surges exceeding 3 meters in low-lying and coastal areas, particularly affecting parts of Mindanao. - Evacuations were mandated in Southern Leyte for residents in vulnerable areas due to the threat of flooding and storm surges. **Impact on Transportation:** - Over 160 flights to and from the affected regions were cancelled. - Sea vessels instructed to seek safe harbor, highlighting concerns about maritime safety during the typhoon. **Context of Weather Events:** - The Philippines is prone to an average of 20 tropical storms annually, facing multiple recent disasters including severe storms and earthquakes. - Noteworthy event before Kalmaegi: Super Typhoon Ragasa in September 2025 led to widespread shutdowns of government operations and educational institutions in northern Luzon due to severe weather conditions. **Disaster Preparedness and Response:** - The government's immediate response includes the activation of disaster management protocols to assist affected populations. - The Philippine Coast Guard’s involvement indicates active measures taken to safeguard residents and vessels during extreme weather events. ### Environmental Notes: - The Philippines has a history of encountering both tropical storms and seismic events, illustrating the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and natural disaster preparedness. This summary emphasizes the critical data regarding the impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Philippines, including warnings, evacuation measures, and historical context concerning the frequency of natural disasters in the region.
Environment and Ecology03-Nov-2025
Bill Gates on Climate Change Discourse
### Key Highlights on Climate Change Discourse by Bill Gates #### 1. Climate Messaging Evolution - **Past Positioning (2019-2021)**: Gates utilized apocalyptic rhetoric, expressing concerns over climate crises like collapsing ecosystems and mass displacement. - **Current Recalibration**: Recently, he indicated that climate change will have serious effects but won't threaten humanity’s survival; he emphasizes addressing poverty and disease to equip vulnerable populations. #### 2. Impact of Alarmism - **Public Response**: Alarmist rhetoric can lead to immediate mobilization but risks long-term disbelief and political backlash. - **Communication Nuances**: Subtle differences between ‘not apocalyptic’ and ‘not severe’ can be misinterpreted, as tone can overshadow scientific facts. #### 3. Emissions Data and Progress - **Global Emissions Trends**: - Global fossil fuel emissions reached record highs in 2022-2024, although growth slowed from 3% per year in the earlier 2000s to about 0.5% in the last decade. - Emissions from land-use changes have decreased by 28% since the late 1990s, but overall reduction claims are questioned by ongoing growth, particularly in China and India. #### 4. Issues in Emission Accounting - **Data Uncertainty**: Inconsistencies in estimating land-use change emissions due to incomplete data, particularly in tropical regions. - **Cumulative Global Emissions**: Revisions in datasets can shift emissions estimates dramatically, creating uncertainty in progress claims. #### 5. Approach to Climate Adaptation - **Technological Innovation Focus**: Gates emphasizes solutions through technological investments, but risks overshadowing the need for structural changes that address the root causes of climate change. - **Criticism**: His approach may imply that current emissions can continue if immediate issues like health are addressed, which detracts from the urgency of simultaneous climate action. #### 6. Political Reactions - **Donald Trump's Response**: Following Gates's memo, Trump claimed victory over what he termed a "climate change hoax," highlighting how Gates's moderation could be politically misinterpreted. #### 7. Gates’s Influence on Climate Discourse - **Position as Climate Authority**: Gates holds significant sway due to his philanthropy and technological background; his views shape the climate narrative among elites. - **Concerns of Moderation**: Changing from alarmism to moderation may inadvertently support climate denialism by creating confusion regarding the severity of climate risks. #### 8. Broader Implications - **Societal Influence of Wealth**: Gates's status as a tech mogul translates into influence over critical societal issues, thereby underscoring challenges in democratizing climate dialogue. - **Need for Equitable Solutions**: The prioritization of wealth-driven solutions may limit alternate narratives that focus on grassroots alterations to climate policy and practice. ### Conclusion Gates's evolving climate discourse highlights the tension between urgent action against climate change and the perception of risk among the global elite. His substantial financial resources, initiatives promoting technological approaches, and recent emphasis on social metrics like poverty suggest an ongoing re-evaluation of climate strategies. However, ongoing scrutiny of emissions data and the politicization of climate narratives continue to shape public understanding and action.
Environment and Ecology03-Nov-2025
Delhi Air Quality Concern and Policies
- **Air Quality in Delhi**: The air quality in Delhi has worsened, reaching the upper end of the “very poor” category. This situation has prompted political reactions from leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jairam Ramesh of Congress. - **Cloud Seeding Experiment**: - The Delhi government has spent ₹34 crore on winter cloud-seeding trials aimed at improving air quality. - Congress leaders criticize the cloud-seeding initiative, calling it ineffective and questioning its scientific basis. - Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa defends the experiment, stating it is a necessary step for scientific exploration and may enhance understanding of air quality issues. - **Experts and Efficacy**: Specialized agencies have advised against cloud seeding due to doubts over its efficacy. Minister Sirsa countered that the trials conducted by IIT Kanpur have provided valuable data, indicating a potential reduction in Air Quality Index (AQI) even without rain. - **Public Health Concerns**: - Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlights the urgent need for government intervention to address the smog affecting residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and seniors. - She emphasized the increasing toxicity of air in Delhi and the lack of effective government action over the years. - **Political Accountability**: - The critique of the government's cloud-seeding trials comes amid accusations from AAP that the government is manipulating AQI data to hide the air quality crisis. - Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has rejected these allegations, affirming that air quality data cannot be altered. - **Governmental Actions**: - There is a call for comprehensive action from both central and state governments to tackle the air pollution crisis, with support from opposition parties for immediate measures. - **Key Figures Mentioned**: - Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav are all mentioned in contexts relating to air quality and governmental responses. These notes encapsulate the key facts and political dynamics surrounding air quality issues in Delhi, specifically focusing on the cloud-seeding initiative and the subsequent political responses.
Environment and Ecology03-Nov-2025
Elephant Remains Discovered in Tamil Nadu
**Summary of Facts and Findings Related to the Elephant Incident in Tamil Nadu** 1. **Incident Overview**: - Discovery of remains of a 10-year-old female elephant in Mordhana Extension Reserve Forest, near Aravatla village, Vellore, on the Tamil Nadu - Andhra Pradesh border. 2. **Location Details**: - Mordhana RF is located approximately three kilometers from Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. - The area serves as an important elephant corridor, connecting forests in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. 3. **Investigation Initiatives**: - Forest officials conducted routine checks, leading to the discovery of carcasses, skeletons, and hides near a stream in the forested area. - Key officials involved included: - S. Raghupathy, Forest Range Officer, Pernambut. - B. Ashok Kumar, District Forest Officer, Vellore. - A postmortem was conducted by a team of veterinarians from Hosur, led by Jayachandran. 4. **Possible Cause of Death**: - Initial investigation indicates that the elephant may have slipped from an elevated area into a stream while searching for water, leading to injuries. - The estimated time of death is approximately a month and a half prior to the discovery of remains. 5. **Action Taken**: - Remains were analyzed, and samples were collected for further research. The carcass was subsequently incinerated in the presence of senior forest officials. - An ongoing probe aims to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death. 6. **Environmental Significance**: - The Mordhana region, located alongside a dam, plays a vital role in sustaining the local elephant population that traverses the wildlife corridor. 7. **Wildlife Protection Context**: - The incident underscores challenges faced by elephants in their natural habitat, including risks related to human encroachment and environmental changes. It raises awareness about wildlife conservation efforts and the need for robust protective measures under various wildlife laws. 8. **Constitutional and Legal Framework**: - The protection of wildlife and natural habitats is enshrined under the Indian Constitution, particularly through Article 48A, which directs the State to protect and improve the environment, and Article 51A(g), which outlines the Fundamental Duties of citizens to protect wildlife. 9. **Conclusion**: - Further action will likely focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of wildlife in the region and implementing strategies to minimize human-elephant conflicts.