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Groundwater is projected to warm by 2-3.5 degrees Celsius before the turn of this century, potentially risking water quality and safety, apart from threatening ecosystems depending on the resource, a new research has found. The "world's first global groundwater temperature model" predicted the highest warming rates in Central Russia, Northern China and parts of North America, and the Amazon rainforest in South America. A team of researchers, led by those from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, said while a lot of focus on climate change concerns weather events and water availability, we also need to think about how it impacts groundwater, critical to life on the planet. Warming of groundwater can adversely impact ecosystems relying on them, they said. "Rivers rely on groundwater to keep flowing during dry times. Warm waters hold less dissolved oxygen," explained study co-author Gabriel Rau from the University of Newcastle, UK. The model also estimated that by 2100, 60-600 million people globally could be living in areas where groundwater exceeds the highest threshold for drinking water temperature guidelines set by any country. According to the World Health Organisation, currently only 18 out of 125 countries have temperature guidelines for drinking water. Warmer groundwater raises the risk of disease-causing microbial growth, thereby, affecting drinking water quality and potentially the lives of people, said Rau. "This is especially concerning in areas where access to clean drinking water is already limited, and in areas where groundwater is consumed without treatment," he added. Based on how heat spreads in water, the researchers modelled current groundwater temperatures and also projected changes between 2000-2100 around the world. Groundwater is present beneath the Earth's surface in pore spaces in rocks and soils. "We show that groundwater at the depth of the water table (excluding permafrost regions) is conservatively projected to warm on average by 2.1 degrees Celsius between 2000 and 2100 under a medium emissions (scenario)," the authors wrote in the study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. Under this scenario, emissions trends do not markedly change from historical patterns. The model, however, showed that under a high-emissions scenario, or fossil fuel-driven development, the groundwater temperature could rise by 3.5 degrees Celsius. The warming of groundwater can be a cause for concern, although it depends on whether the climate change issue can be mitigated by cutting down greenhouse gas emissions, the researchers said. Warmer groundwater can also impact water quality by affecting its chemistry and microbiology, they said. "If temperatures increase, we may see significant impacts to our local aquatic animals, including their spawning processes which will impact industries and communities that are reliant on these ecosystems," said co-author Dylan Irvine, Charles Darwin University, Australia.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Groundwater to get over 3 degrees warmer by century's end, threatening water quality and safety: Study

Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 5 (ANI): Spear Corps of the Indian Army launched a campaign encompassing a series of events focusing on Land Restoration and Drought Resilience under the slogan, "Our Land, Our Future, We are Generation Restoration". The events were conducted at Agartala from May 28 to June 1 this year. On May 28, a children's painting competition was organised with the theme "Painting a Green Future" in which a total of 33 children unleashed their creativity to showcase their messages of "Saving Mother Earth". A special cleanliness event was also conducted in and around the cantonment including 'Amrit Sarovar' lake which drew a huge participation. Indian Army has been actively involved in conducting cleanliness drives as part of their community outreach and social responsibility efforts. In continuation of the campaign, an awareness drive was also organised including the screening of the movie "Learn To Care" on May 30 for military personnel and their dependents. Lectures and demonstrations on segregation of waste, recycling &amp; reuse of materials were also conducted on May 31 and June 1, 2024. Highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability, more than 250 saplings were planted by soldiers, ladies and children on the occasion of World Environment Day. "Spear Corps warriors will continue to conduct such campaigns to increase awareness and contribute to the society and the nation," stated an official release. World Environment Day, observed on June 5, marks the start of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. This year's theme is "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience". The World Environment day has grown into a major campaign involving over 150 countries, with each year focusing on a specific theme to address critical environmental challenges. The day serves as a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to engage in sustainable practices and make positive changes to protect our planet. Activities range from local clean-ups and tree planting to educational events and policy advocacy, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection to the environment and promoting a collective responsibility towards its preservation. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

World Environment Day: Indian Army launches environmental campaign themed "Our land Our future" in Agartala

As the fast-approaching southwest monsoon gradually drowns out the summer, it will also help ease and then erase the memories of a brutal season past. Even then, an unease is expected to continue lingering in the minds of most Indians: something just wasn’t right this year. Studies have already shown time and again that deadly heat is becoming a frequent phenomenon in India. With temperatures expected to touch a scorching 54°C, extreme conditions are rendering an increasing number of places unliveable. This includes India’s highly developed metro cities, which are dealing with their own set of unique heat troubles. Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has shed light on an alarming trend: not only are heatwaves are becoming deadlier in India’s major cities, temperatures aren’t dropping enough to provide sufficient respite at night either. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Deadlier heatwaves" comment="subhead" text="Deadlier heatwaves">Deadlier heatwaves</cmsannotation> Spanning over 23 years from January 2001 to April 2024, the study meticulously analysed data from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. While their air temperatures haven’t witnessed a dramatic rise during the specified period, these areas have continued to witness an increase in their relative humidity. The researchers think that this may also be heightening the heat stress — a measure combining air and land temperatures along with relative humidity — and intensifying the discomfort and health risks for the city’s inhabitants. Another of the main culprits behind the discomfort in Indian metros may be due to the way urban sprawl has spread massively in the past few years. The CSE study found that the rapid expansion of urban areas has led to a significant reduction in green cover, coupled with a surge in concrete surfaces. In cities like Chennai, green spaces have dwindled by nearly 14% over the past two decades, while concrete infrastructure has doubled. Even Bengaluru, a city earlier famed for its abundance of garden-like spaces, has only 7% green cover left, an earlier IISc study had found. This transformation contributes to the "urban heat island effect," where concrete-trapped heat is making urban regions notably warmer than their rural counterparts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Minimums on the rise" comment="subhead" text="Minimums on the rise">Minimums on the rise</cmsannotation> However, what’s particularly concerning is the decline in nighttime cooling. Historically, cities would cool down considerably at night, providing much-needed relief from the daytime heat. However, the study reveals that this cooling effect has substantially decreased, exposing residents to prolonged periods of high temperatures without respite. The continuous exposure to heat, compounded by high humidity, exacerbates health risks, making heat stress and related illnesses more prevalent and potentially deadly at lower temperatures. The health implications are dire. The study observed an increase in the number of days with a heat index — what the weather “feels like” — surpassing 41°C in cities such as Kolkata and Chennai. Furthermore, the monsoon season, once a period of relief, now brings hotter and more humid conditions in some cities compared to the pre-monsoon months. As most might know, high humidity undermines the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, increasing the risk of heat stress and related illnesses In response to these findings, CSE Executive Director Anumita Roychowdhury highlighted the necessity for in-depth assessments of heat trends, relative humidity, land surface temperatures, and diurnal temperature variations. These assessments are crucial for developing effective heat management plans that extend beyond emergency responses to encompass long-term strategies, such as expanding green spaces, enhancing water bodies, and improving thermal comfort in buildings. The study also called for reversing detrimental land use patterns and implementing scientifically grounded measures to monitor and mitigate urban heat stress. The time for action is now, as the repercussions of inaction could be devastating for millions residing in India's rapidly growing urban centers. The CSE report can be found <a href="https://www.cseindia.org/content/downloadreports/12191" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Feeling like nights are getting too uncomfortable? New report confirms that nighttime temperatures aren’t dipping enough

India and other tropical nations are bracing for exceptionally high temperatures and humidity levels, as indicated by a recent study. This study, which analysed heat and humidity extremes spanning 45 years, warns of a 70% likelihood of unprecedented heatwaves and humidity levels in tropical regions, including India. The concerning forecast is attributed to the interaction between El Niño and global warming. El Niño, characterised by warmer-than-average sea temperatures in the Pacific, influences weather patterns worldwide. During these events, heat and moisture are injected into the upper atmosphere, elevating temperatures and humidity in tropical areas like India. The study suggests that the peak of these upper-level temperatures typically occurs five months after the El Niño peak. The recent occurrence of a Super El Niño in December 2023 has already impacted winter and forthcoming summer seasons, but its full effect is anticipated in the upcoming summer months. The projected rise in wet bulb temperatures to 26.2°C carries a 68% chance of breaking existing records. Wet bulb temperature, factoring in heat and humidity alongside evaporation's cooling effect, is crucial in gauging human discomfort and assessing heat-related risks. Tropical regions with wet bulb temperatures exceeding 30°C can pose severe health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups. Northern India, known for its humid heat stress, faces a 50% likelihood of record-breaking heat and humidity this summer. Similarly, the Sahel region in Africa also faces heightened risks, with a 35% chance of record humid heat. While natural occurrences like volcanic eruptions or shifts to cooler La Niña conditions may influence predictions, the study underscores the importance of long-term planning to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat events aggravated by climate change and El Niño. Proactive measures such as enhancing heatwave early warning systems, upgrading infrastructure, and implementing public health initiatives are vital for bolstering resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. The findings of this research have been published in Geophysical Research Letters and can be accessed <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL106990" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months

The onset of a strong El Niño event led to an unusual winter season, with summer-like conditions arriving prematurely as early as February this year. Although the El Niño phenomenon has now moderated and is transitioning towards a neutral phase, the country must prepare for an exceptionally harsh summer ahead. If you've been struggling with the heat already, the news isn't comforting. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning for the upcoming summer season spanning from April to June, anticipating scorching temperatures and prolonged heatwaves across most regions of the country. Expect both daytime and nighttime temperatures to remain higher than usual in many areas, except for parts of northeast and northwest India. Extended periods of intense heatwaves are forecasted to affect South, Central, and East India, as well as the northwestern plains, throughout April, May, and June. Moreover, there's a significant likelihood of heatwaves lasting 10-20 days, surpassing the typical duration of 4-8 days. Central and western regions, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, are anticipated to experience the brunt of these extreme heatwaves. In terms of pre-monsoon rainfall, April is expected to see normal rains, with increased precipitation predicted for May and June in Northwest, Central, North Peninsular, East, and Northeast India. However, coastal areas in both the East and West, as well as West-central India, can expect below-normal rainfall, offering little relief from the sweltering conditions. Heatwaves pose serious risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with health issues, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Additionally, extreme heat can strain power grids, transportation, and other infrastructure. To mitigate these risks, proactive measures such as establishing cooling centres, issuing heat advisories, and implementing strategies to reduce urban heat buildup are crucial. Furthermore, this period of intense heat coincides with the Lok Sabha elections (April 19th - June 1st), where nearly a billion people are expected to participate. Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasised the need for India to prepare adequately due to its large population and extreme weather conditions. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a heatwave advisory for the elections, urging electoral bodies to work with states to prevent heat-related incidents during public gatherings. In summary, India is bracing for a challenging summer characterised by above-normal temperatures and prolonged heatwaves. Remaining informed and taking necessary precautions will be vital for navigating this period safely. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

India in for brutal heatwave conditions from April to June; likely to have sizzling impact on Lok Sabha elections

Ice melting in Greenland and Antarctica, driven by global warming, is affecting timekeeping the world over by slowing down the Earth's rotating speed, according to a new research. As a result, a second might need to be deducted from the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) three years later than otherwise, it found. The study author, Duncan Agnew, explained that because the Earth doesn't always rotate at the same speed, the UTC consists of discontinuities. Since 1972, all discontinuities have required that a 'leap second' be added, because many networked activities like computing and financial markets require the consistent, standardised and precise timescale provided by the UTC, he said. Agnew is a geophysicist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, US. Using mathematical modelling, Agnew showed that the rate at which the Earth's liquid core rotates — angular velocity — has been slowing down. To compensate for this, the rotating speed of the solid Earth has steadily increased. The compensatory effect comes from the fact that for a closed system such as the Earth, angular momentum — the rate at which rotating speed changes — is a conserved quantity and doesn't change, he explained. His study has been published in the journal Nature. He found that the effect of the solid Earth rotating faster has resulted in fewer leap seconds being needed to be added to the UTC in recent decades. When extrapolated to the future, he predicted that a leap second will need to be deducted from the global primary standard of timekeeping as early as the year 2026. However, Agnew also found that the increased melting of ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica has slowed down the Earth's rotation more rapidly than ever before and therefore, he estimated that the leap second will not need to be deducted until the year 2029. The ice melting was measured by satellite gravity. The findings suggested a possible problem for computer network timing, and thus, changes in the policy of aligning UTC to the Earth's rotation may need to be made earlier than currently planned, Agnew said. He noted that if the melting of polar ice caps had not recently accelerated, the turning back of the UTC by a leap second would be required three years earlier — in 2026. He also said that global warming and global timekeeping have become "inextricably linked" and may become more so in the future.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Ice melt in Antarctica and Greenland is slowing Earth's rotation, affecting timekeeping: Study

Climate anxiety is at an all-time high in today's world, especially among the younger generation, which shares a deep sense of urgency and fear about the environmental challenges ahead. Icons like Greta Thunberg have emerged as symbols of this generational concern, inspiring millions worldwide to demand action from policymakers and businesses. Recent research from Curtin University shed light on similar anxieties and their significant implications on the lives and futures of young Australians. Yet, amid these prevalent concerns, the study also unveils a stark reality: a mere fraction of this demographic is taking proactive steps to address them. The study surveyed Australian university students belonging to Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010, revealing that climate change ranked as their top environmental concern. Over 80% expressed being "concerned" or "very concerned" about the issue, with many admitting to feeling anxious about its consequences. Climate anxiety was found to manifest itself as disturbing thoughts and overwhelming distress about future climate disasters and the fate of humanity, leading to feelings of fear, insecurity, anger, exhaustion, powerlessness and sadness. According to Curtin Professor of Sustainability Dora Marinova, climate anxiety is contributing to Gen Z's overall sense of unease towards the future, potentially influencing their life choices and decisions. The lack of concrete action to address climate change further exacerbates their concerns, impacting not only their mental health but also shaping their spending habits, career choices and family planning. Despite their deep concerns, however, the study found that only 35% of Gen Z regularly engage in traditional climate activism, such as fundraising or participating in marches. Instead, many prefer to voice their concerns and seek information through social media platforms. Dr. Diana Bogueva, a Curtin Research Fellow, opines that while online activism is essential, Gen Z must explore other avenues to alleviate climate anxiety and drive meaningful change. This could include exploring ways to contribute to the solution in their personal lives, such as choosing careers with a positive impact or making adjustments to the products and food they consume. “While the challenges of climate change can be scary, it is not too late for Gen Z to make a difference fighting for a sustainable future,” Dr Bogueva reinforced. This study was published in Sustainable Earth Reviews and can be accessed <a href="https://sustainableearthreviews.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42055-024-00075-w" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Gen Z rates climate change as its top concern, but only one-third engages in activism: Study

Imagine a future where your grocery bill climbs higher each year, not because of lavish spending or macroeconomic fluctuations, but because of the changing climate. Sounds far-fetched? A recent study conducted by German scientists suggests otherwise, indicating that as climate change escalates, so will food prices and overall inflation rates. Notably, the study reveals that inflationary pressures are more pronounced in hotter areas and seasons. Consequently, regions in the Global South, including India, may face more severe economic repercussions compared to Europe and North America. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="A one-way surge in climate-induced inflation" comment="subhead" text="A one-way surge in climate-induced inflation">A one-way surge in climate-induced inflation</cmsannotation> Published in the reputed journal Nature, the study analysed monthly price fluctuations of food and various commodities, alongside temperature trends and other climate factors across 121 nations since 1996. The researchers projected that weather and climate shocks could lead to a 1.5 to 1.8 percentage point annual increase in food costs within the next decade, with even steeper hikes expected in regions like the Middle East, where temperatures are already soaring. These percentage points signify the anticipated rise in prices. By 2035, this could translate to an uptick in overall inflation rates by 0.8 to 0.9 percentage points, solely attributable to climate change and extreme weather events. While these numbers don’t look that significant on their own, when combined with other factors affecting inflation, climate change can compound the overall impact drastically. The cascading impact of climate-induced price hikes will pose notable challenges for entities like the U.S. Federal Reserve or the Reserve Bank of India, which actively combat inflation, forcing them to consider climate change as a crucial aspect of economic policy. Looking ahead to 2060, the study predicts a further surge in climate-induced inflation, with global food prices forecasted to climb by 2.2 to 4.3 percentage points annually, resulting in a corresponding 1.1 to 2.2 percentage point surge in overall inflation rates. This aptly illustrates the enduring influence that climate change is poised to exert on inflationary pressures. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The tangible impacts of ‘climateflation’" comment="subhead" text="The tangible impacts of ‘climateflation’">The tangible impacts of ‘climateflation’</cmsannotation> Climate economist Gernot Wagner from Columbia University's business school, commenting on the findings, termed this phenomenon as "climateflation", emphasising its tangible impact and compelling numbers. Moreover, the economists at the European Central Bank analysed over 20,000 data points to establish a tangible causal relationship between extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves, and the escalation of prices. Their projections for future climate change scenarios indicate alarming implications for inflation. While discussions on inflation and climate change often revolve around surging energy costs due to mitigation efforts, the study highlights a broader spectrum of challenges, including productivity shocks and reduced agricultural output resulting from climate-induced weather patterns. The analysis underscores the repercussions witnessed during Europe's 2022 heatwave, where food supplies were adversely affected, leading to a two-thirds of a percentage point rise in food prices and a one-third of a percentage point spike in overall inflation. Certain regions like Romania, Hungary and southern Europe experienced even sharper price hikes. As these findings highlight the formidable challenge posed by the looming climate-driven inflation, they also underscore the need for policymakers, economists and environmental advocates to develop resilient strategies that safeguard against future disruptions and ensure a sustainable path forward for our global economy. The study was recently published in the journal Nature and can be accessed <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01173-x">here</a>.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Brace for ‘climateflation’: Study predicts rise in food price inflation amid worsening climate change

As exhilarating as urban life may seem, it comes with evident and inescapable drawbacks. While it offers opportunities to meet diverse people and engage in varied experiences, the accompanying high living costs, congested traffic, and polluted air often prompt city dwellers to yearn for retirement in rural villages elsewhere. Another significant issue is the prevalence of rodents. Rats and other disease-carrying rodents thrive in cities, particularly in bustling ones. Researchers suggest that the conditions in cities were so favourable for rats that thousands, if not millions, of them may have perished due to food shortages during the COVID-19 lockdown. Additionally, as governments worldwide strive to increase urban greenery, these creatures could benefit greatly from such environmental changes, potentially creating a haven for diseases transmitted by animals. The concept of urban greening has gained momentum as a means to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanisation on the environment and human health. However, recent studies have revealed a potential unintended consequence: an increased risk of diseases transmitted by rodents. Zoonotic diseases, which are infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans (such as the coronavirus), present significant public health challenges globally. Wild rodents, in particular, act as reservoirs for various zoonotic pathogens. When these rodents inhabit urban environments, especially those undergoing greening initiatives, the risk of pathogen transmission to humans rises. Although urban greening offers numerous benefits, such as improved air quality and biodiversity, it may inadvertently amplify the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, as explained in the study. The research focused on major Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, revealing that areas with higher levels of urban greenery tended to harbour more wild rodents. Furthermore, these green spaces create favourable conditions for the proliferation of vectors like ticks and fleas, which are essential for transmitting vector-borne zoonotic pathogens. In natural settings, higher predators could help control rodent populations. However, humans, as the primary apex predators in cities, view rats as unclean and refrain from hunting them for food, allowing city rodent populations to proliferate unchecked. The study's author, Marieke de Cock, notes that both the extent of urban greenery and food-related factors are positively correlated with the abundance of wild rats. Moreover, the absence of predators is more critical than the degree of greenery for the abundance of small mammals, including rats and mice. As the number of city rodents increases, so does the prevalence of disease-causing pathogens among them. More infected rodents, ticks, and fleas heighten the risk of such diseases spreading to humans. Although greener spaces facilitate rat proliferation, further research is needed to understand the impact of human-rat exposure on disease risk. As cities continue to embrace urban greening initiatives, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that considers both the ecological benefits and potential health risks. By comprehending the complex interplay between environmental factors, rodent populations, and disease transmission dynamics, public health authorities can develop targeted interventions to protect human health. The research findings have been published by Wageningen University. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Expanding citywide green cover could also lead to an increase in zoonotic diseases: study

The saga of Bengaluru’s infrastructural challenges has been widely discussed for some time now. This year, the city is facing a severe water shortage — a recurring problem that arises every few years. Urbanisation, depletion of green spaces such as water bodies and vegetation, and unpredictable weather patterns are cited as contributing factors by experts. The question arises: how much greenery does the 'garden city' still possess? A recent study by IISc indicates not much. Utilising a new public information system — BuiS (Bangalore Information System) and BLIS (Bangalore Lakes Information System) — researchers have revealed the detrimental impact of unplanned urbanisation on Bengaluru. Examining the city's development over the past five decades, scientists have made alarming discoveries. Bengaluru's urbanised area has expanded by a staggering 1055% since 1973, from a mere 8% to 93.3% in 2023. Consequently, there has been an 88% reduction in vegetation. Presently, Bengaluru has only 1.5 million trees for a population of 9.5 million, equating to just one tree for every seven individuals. This insufficient green cover fails to meet the daily respiratory carbon sequestration needs, as outlined by Professor TV Ramachandra from IISc's Centre for Ecological Sciences. The decline in greenery has resulted in heightened air pollution and temperatures. Additionally, the reduction in water bodies has exacerbated the city's water crisis. Bengaluru's water spread area has dwindled from 2,324 hectares in 1973 to a mere 696 hectares in 2023 due to unchecked urbanisation. Furthermore, 98% of lakes are encroached upon, with 90% being contaminated by untreated sewage and industrial waste, severely impacting groundwater replenishment. BuIS provides a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers, facilitating the assessment of Bengaluru's ecological health on a ward-wise basis, including tree distribution and water bodies. It also identifies ecologically sensitive zones. This study underscores the perils of unplanned urbanisation. Professor Ramachandra warns of a cascade effect, leading to pollution, resource disparities, traffic congestion, and increased reliance on fossil fuels. Bengaluru's plight serves as a cautionary tale for other rapidly growing cities. Prioritising sustainable development and environmental preservation is crucial to ensure a healthy and sustainable future. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Garden city to concrete jungle: Bengaluru city has just 7% green cover left, reveals IISc study

The recently concluded winter of 2023-24 was a particularly dry one for North India. The region barely witnessed any snowfall until the end of January, painting an unusual picture marked by the absence of pristine white landscapes that typically cloak the majestic Himalayas. This dry spell was down to the delayed arrival of winter storms — an ongoing trend that is raising concerns over dwindling water resources and potential flooding for millions of Indians! <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Beyond the Season: Winter Storms' Delayed Summer Appearance" comment="subhead" text="Beyond the Season: Winter Storms' Delayed Summer Appearance">Beyond the Season: Winter Storms' Delayed Summer Appearance</cmsannotation> Winter storms, technically known as western disturbances, are warm, moisture-laden winds that begin their journey over the Mediterranean Sea. As they waltz across continents, gathering moisture from the seas they encounter, they eventually reach the mighty Himalayas. There, amidst the towering peaks, they unleash the payloads and shower the land below with a mix of rain and snow. Traditionally, these winter storms have graced the Himalayas with abundant snow from December to March, ensuring a steady flow of water supply downstream. However, new research has unveiled a shift in these patterns, with western disturbances now arriving fashionably late compared to seven decades ago. Published in the journal Weather and Climate Dynamics, the study highlights a surge in western disturbances during India's summer months. Over the past 70 years, these unexpected guests have increased in frequency by 60% from April to July, reducing snowfall and increasing the risk of heavy flooding reminiscent of the calamities we saw in Uttarakhand in 2013 and around Delhi in 2023. The research team attributes this seasonal shift to changes in the subtropical jet stream, a high-altitude air current steering western disturbances. The warming of the Tibetan Plateau, a vast expanse at the crossroads of Central, South and East Asia, is amplifying temperature contrast with surrounding areas, creating a stronger jet stream that powers more frequent and intense storms. In tandem, global warming is weakening the temperature difference between the equator and poles, disrupting the traditional northward migration of the jet stream in summer. As a result, the jet stream is increasingly lingering at southerly latitudes later into spring and summer, allowing more storms to strike North India after the typical winter snow season has passed. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Precipitation Perils: The Dual Challenge of Dwindling Snowmelt and Flooding" comment="subhead" text="Precipitation Perils: The Dual Challenge of Dwindling Snowmelt and Flooding">Precipitation Perils: The Dual Challenge of Dwindling Snowmelt and Flooding</cmsannotation> As the regular occurrence of these late-season storms coincides with the setting-in of pre-monsoon heat, North India is likely to be lashed by torrential rainfall rather than snowfall. This shift in precipitation patterns poses a heightened risk of severe flooding, which could lead to devastation for communities and ecosystems alike. Concurrently, the decline in winter snowfall mirrors the warming trend in the region, jeopardising vital spring water supplies. With less snow accumulating in the mountains during winter, there is a diminished reserve of meltwater to replenish rivers and streams come springtime. This threatens agricultural activities and water availability for households, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems that rely on seasonal water flow as well as the traditional rhythms of life and livelihoods in the region. Study author Dr. Kieran Hunt of the University of Reading adds: “Some areas of Kashmir saw no snow at all in December or January. This is a serious concern for the 750 million people in the Indus and upper Ganges basins who rely on these winter snows for water supplies. He describes the loss of winter snow and the increasing late-season storms as a “one-two punch” that underscores the urgent need to respond to the far-reaching impacts of climate change in this sensitive region. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

As winter storms arrive later in the year, North India faces dual threat of water scarcity and flooding

After two straight years of substandard yields, a beacon of bright light finally appeared in mid-January 2024. According to Agricultural Minister Arjun Munda, Indian farmers had sown more wheat than in the previous years this time around, which could help the nation set a new wheat production record during the ongoing 2023-24 crop year. But the weather, it appears, had other plans. You see, wheat is extremely sensitive to high temperatures! Last year, temperature fluctuations played a major role in the overall shortfalls and subsequent food price inflation. However, the expectations of a bumper harvest this year received a boost when the India Meteorological Department (IMD) also predicted that March maximum temperatures were likely to remain normal to below normal in many parts of several wheat-growing states — including Punjab, a major part of India’s “food bowl” states. But just as the farmers were preparing to harvest the yield of their hard labour, disaster struck. Untimely hailstorms and heavy rain lashed some parts of India's wheat-cultivating belt in the last couple of weeks, threatening the dream of a record-breaking crop yield this year. These storms wreaked havoc in Punjab, in particular, damaging around 1,50,000 hectares of wheat and rapeseed crops that now lay slouched over in the fields. Now, farmers anxiously await damage assessments while bracing for potential yield losses due to the severe weather. Further, the downpours and hail, combined with forecasts of above-average temperatures and heatwave days in some other parts of Northwest India in March, could spell more trouble for the upcoming harvest. Wheat is harvested between April and May. According to IMD’s long-range summer forecast, daytime temperatures are likely to be above normal in most of the country from March to May — including in about half of Punjab. In addition, all of the wheat-belt states, including Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, will see more than the usual number of heatwave days this summer season. All of these factors could have an effect on the wheat output this year. However, there is still reason for cautious optimism. The recent hail-affected area represents only a small fraction of India's overall wheat plantings, and some crops are expected to recover. According to a report by the Business Standard, experts explained that some of the hail-bent wheat will revive, and overall, the crop condition appears promising at the moment. It is a crucial time for India in terms of crop output. The farm ministry had predicted a record wheat harvest of 112 million tons in 2024, which would have allowed them to lift 2022’s shipment curbs that had been put in place to ensure food security and control domestic prices in the nation. It remains to be seen if the weather damage forces them to reconsider these plans. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Last-minute patch of intense rain and hail affects wheat harvest across India’s ‘food bowl’ states

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Droughts and pine beetle infestations killed more than 12 million trees in Mississippi last year, the USDA says.</li><li>The state's timber industry is estimated to lose around $96 million.</li></ul>Droughts in 2023 killed more than 12 million pine trees in Mississippi last year. With many of the trees threatening to demolish power lines and homes, people are scratching their heads about how to pay for their removal.A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mfc.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Pine-Mortality-Fact-Sheet.pdf">report from the United States Department of Agriculture</a> and the Mississippi Forestry Commission found that at least 12.5 million trees died in the state after droughts last year. That's nearly 80,000 acres worth of dead trees.Mississippi experienced heavy droughts last year starting in June that were so bad that <a target="_blank" href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/151897/the-mississippi-is-mighty-parched">NASA could see the Mississippi River shrinking from space in September</a>. During the droughts, experts say that pine beetles swept across the state taking out entire patches of decades-old pine trees.The southern pine beetle, native to Mississippi, is "the most destructive beetle in the South," according to the Mississippi Forestry Commission. Trees that are weakened by natural disasters like flooding, windstorms, and especially droughts are susceptible to pine beetle outbreaks, the agency says.On February 29, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-has-endorsed-donald-trump-president-2024-republicans-gop-2023-2">Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith</a>, a Republican of Mississippi <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-introduces-bill-aid-mississippians-hard-hit-pine-beetle-drought">introduced a bill</a> that would give the USDA "additional authorities" to help private landowners, timber businesses, and local municipalities with responding to forest-related natural disasters.Mississippi timber farmers are expected to lose $96 million due to the disaster, according to Hyde-Smith.Timber farming brings $3.3 billion of income to Mississippi a year, <a target="_blank" href="https://timber.mdac.ms.gov/">according to the state government.</a><h2>Property and powerlines are at risk of falling timber</h2>Personal costs for people with dead trees on their property are also likely to climb to thousands of dollars. The Mississippi Forestry Commission says <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mfc.ms.gov/programs/urban-community-forestry/sick-tree-faq/#faq-1">there is no federal or state program to help people remove trees from their property</a>. Trees are considered "part of the maintenance of your property" by the state, according to the agency.Pete Vozzo, operations manager for the city of Madison, a suburb of Jackson, told <a target="_blank" href="https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2024/02/16/madison-mississippi-disaster-declaration-seeks-federal-funds-to-cut-pine-trees/72612719007/">The Clarion Ledger</a> it would cost the city around $12,000 to cut down eight dead trees near the highway."We have talked to dozens of vendors, and it is reasonable to expect that taking a tree down, whether it is in your yard or on the city's right of way, it is going to cost between $800 and $1,500, per tree," Vozzo told the outlet.A representative for McCain Tree Service in Vicksburg, around 60 miles from Madison, told Business Insider that the company is cutting down far more pine trees than it normally would this time of year due to pine beetles.Rates for cutting down the trees vary depending on accessibility factors, like if the tree is near power lines or if it's in an area that is not accessible by truck, McCain told BI.Madison declared a continued state of emergency on February 6 and requested assistance from the state to address the extreme drought, subsequent beetle infestation, and damage resulting from the infestation, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.madisonthecity.com/wp-content/uploads/Minutes-2-6-24.pdf">minutes</a> show. Vozzo said he isn't entirely sure how the county is going to pay for all the trees it needs cut down."We are in a position where we are going to have to do something," Vozzo told The Clarion Ledger. "We just don't know how we are going to fund it."Mississippi's Central Public Service Commissioner, De'Keither Stamps, sent a letter to state Gov. Tate Reeves in January asking him to declare the dead trees a state of emergency but did not hear back, he told The Clarion Ledger."They are going to start falling any day," Stamps told the outlet. "And that impacts us because when these trees start falling, they are going to fall on power lines."Vozzo and Stamps did not immediately return Business Insider's requests for comment.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Droughts killed more than 12 million trees in Mississippi and no one has the money to cut them down

Thiruvananthapuram, As incessant rains continued to lash several parts of Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued "yellow alert" warning isolated heavy rains in seven districts. Heavy rainfall was predicted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts. Northern districts including Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are likely to witness thunderstorms, moderate rains and heavy rains in the coming hours, IMD sources said. "Yellow alert" indicates heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. Incessant rains caused waterlogging and uprooting of trees in high ranges of Kottayam and Idukki districts. Meanwhile, shutters of Peppara Dam here were raised by 10 cm in the wake of increased water level, district authorities said. The District Collector has asked local people to be vigil as the shutters would be raised by another 10 cm later in the day, an official statement said here. Heavy rains lashed hilly areas in Kottayam on Thursday causing landslides in two places and disrupting traffic on various roads, including the one leading to the popular hill station of Vagamon in Idukki. The sudden heavy rains also led to rise in water levels of various streams and rivers, including the Meenachil river, raising concerns of a flood situation in the downstream areas, the district administration had said.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Heavy rainfall predicted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts by IMD

With the one year anniversary of Samsung's release of its mid- to long-term environmental management strategy nearing, the South Korean tech giant has said it was on the path toward achieving net zero companywide by 2050. In September last year, Samsung unveiled the New Environmental Strategy, detailing its road map to achieve net zero at the Device eXperience (DX) division, covering its mobile and home appliances business, by 2030 and at the company level, including its chip Device Solutions (DS) division, by 2050. Samsung has made some progress on the sustainability front to keep its word, its recent report showed. The company's use of renewable energy rose 65 percent last year to reach 8,704 gigawatt hours, according to Samsung's 2023 sustainability report in June, reports Yonhap news agency. The DX division reported the highest transition rate of 93 per cent, while the rate stood at 23 per cent at the DS division and at 31 percent companywide. In 2020, Samsung completed its transition to 100 per cent renewable energy in the United States, Europe and China. Last year, the company did so at all of DX division's business sites in South Korea, and manufacturing sites in Vietnam, India and Brazil, according to the report. Samsung, one of the world's biggest manufacturers of electronic devices and semiconductors, also said it had reduced 10.16 million tons of carbon dioxide compared with business-as-usual, up 59 percent from the previous year. Use of recycled and recyclable materials had increased, with 98,826 tons of plastic with recycled resin being used last year at a utilization rate of 14 percent and collecting 600,502 tons of electronic waste. Samsung planned to expand the use of renewable resins in all its plastic products by 50 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2050. Last year, Samsung joined the RE100, a global corporate initiative aimed at shifting to 100 percent renewable electricity. It vowed to increase the energy efficiency of its seven biggest-selling products, ranging from smartphones and washers to air conditioners, by 30 percent. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/one-cable-to-charge-them-all-what-apples-jump-to-usb-c-means-for-customers/articleshow/103629666.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/one-cable-to-charge-them-all-what-apples-jump-to-usb-c-means-for-customers/articleshow/103629666.cms" target="_blank">One cable to charge them all – What Apple’s jump to USB-C means for customers</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/webstories/how-apple-is-going-green-with-its-material-energy-and-transport/slidelist/103629096.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/webstories/how-apple-is-going-green-with-its-material-energy-and-transport/slidelist/103629096.cms" target="_blank">Recycled watch straps to restoring mangroves – How Apple is pushing for a greener tomorrow</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-15-pro-pro-max-can-record-3d-videos-that-can-be-viewed-on-vision-pro-in-a-magical-way/articleshow/103616220.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-15-pro-pro-max-can-record-3d-videos-that-can-be-viewed-on-vision-pro-in-a-magical-way/articleshow/103616220.cms" target="_blank">iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max can record 3D videos that can be viewed on Vision Pro in a ‘magical way’</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Samsung says on track to achieve net zero by 2050

Plymouth Marine Laboratory Plymouth (UK), Jul 6 (The Conversation) What do the following changes have in common? Some ant species are struggling to follow trails, as warming temperatures cause a certain pheromone they use to communicate to decay. The water fleas Daphnia are finding it harder to evade predators as CO₂ levels rise in the water. And in coral reefs, the colourful and pretty damselfish are losing their ability to learn who their predators are. All have been caused in some way by arguably the biggest change of all: climate change. My colleagues and I have led research which has shown that climate change is also changing chemical communication in marine, freshwater and land-based species, with far-reaching implications for our planet's future and human wellbeing. Chemical communication plays an essential role in well-functioning ecosystems. This "language of life" regulates interactions between organisms and is essential to the environment, and ultimately, all life on Earth. Interactions through so-called "infochemicals" are perhaps the oldest and most widespread form of communication on the planet. Infochemicals provide the basis for the vast majority of ecological processes across the tree of life, in both land and water, by serving as cues or signals that are present on the surface of organisms themselves or released into the surrounding environment. They also help shape natural ecosystems by maintaining their equilibrium and, in doing so, support the provision of many things that are of great importance to humans, including food and clean water. Infochemicals influence a broad range of functions and behaviour such as the relationship between predator and prey. For example, sharks use these chemicals to "sniff" out their prey over mindboggling distances. Bear in mind that any chemical you can smell is probably an infochemical, often intended for a different species. For instance the smell of a pine forest - that is, the presence of certain chemicals - signals something different to a human, a bear or an ant. These chemicals can affect foraging and feeding too. For example, infochemicals are released by some plant species to attract pollinators but repel those that may cause harm. In some cases, a plant under attack may even tell its neighbours of impending doom so they can respond accordingly. Infochemicals can influence habitat selection. They're how barnacle larvae select a suitable surface on which to attach, for example. And infochemicals are also used by species to recognise potential mates and boost their chances of reproducing. For example, some bat species can "sniff" out a mate with the greatest genetic diversity. Changing infochemicals But climate change is altering the production of these info-carrying chemicals such as pheromones. This is having a major impact on a wide variety of species. Scientific research has shown that alterations in temperature, carbon dioxide and pH levels - all part of climate change - can affect every single aspect of the fundamental processes that organisms use to communicate with each other. An example of this is a laboratory experiment that showed how climate change caused a reduction in anti-predator behaviour in some fish species by decreasing their anxiety towards potential predators. Many fish release certain chemicals when they are harmed by a predator or are otherwise in danger. And their fellow fish use the presence of these chemicals, detected through smell, as a warning. But scientists found that when more CO₂ is absorbed in the water and the pH level is reduced, the most commonly researched alarm cue (hypoxanthine-3-N-oxide) is irreversibly changed and fish find it harder to detect. Climate change is not just affecting individual species. A growing number of studies suggest that climate change-associated stressors which modify these chemical interactions are causing info-disruption across whole ecosystems. However, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains scarce. As a next step, colleagues and I are working on how climate change may affect the chemically mediated relationship (or communication) between disease-causing pathogens and the animals that host them. If global warming causes a communication breakdown, we ultimately want to know how that will impact us humans. (The Conversation) PY PY<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Climate change is making it difficult for animals to talk the 'language of life'

Thursday, June 15: Cyclone Biparjoy is ready to touch down over India's west coast today. The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm is expected to make landfall near Gujarat’s Jakhau Port by Thursday evening, and gradually lose steam as it continues to move inland — all while triggering potentially catastrophic torrents of rain in the region. Post-landfall, Biparjoy is expected to continue its northeastward movement until it eventually fizzles out over Rajasthan. But even during its gradual deintensification from a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm to a low-pressure area, the system will carry on dumping an ocean-worth of rain over the desert state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwestern parts of Rajasthan will be in for heavy to very heavy (64.5 mm-224.5 mm) and even extremely heavy downpours (more than 224.5 mm) this Friday and Saturday (June 16-17). The intense precipitation will slowly spill into southeast Rajasthan by Saturday. And while not as intense, some light or moderate showers may also be observed in most parts of the state. In fact, some experts reckon some parts of western and northwestern India may end up accumulating more than the average June rainfall within the next two days! Therefore, it is advisable for the regional residents to keep an umbrella handy this weekend, even if they do not live in areas expected to beat the brunt of the cyclone’s impact. Moreover, squalls winds reaching 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph are likely over South Rajasthan from Friday noon to evening, followed by winds at 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph till Saturday midnight. Given these predictions, the IMD has issued a yellow watch (meaning be updated) over Rajasthan for today, but this will quickly escalate. On Friday, the West Rajasthan subdivision will be placed under a red warning — the highest level of warning that cautions residents to take necessary action against the hazardous weather. Thereafter, the red warning will also spread to East Rajasthan on Saturday. After that, both subdivisions will be downgraded to an orange alert (meaning be prepared) for Sunday before deintensifying back into yellow for Monday. In particular, the following districts within the state will remain on orange alert and red warning in the coming days: Saturday, June 17: Pali and Jalore on red warning; Jaisalmer, Sirohi and Barmer on orange alert Sunday, June 18: Pali and Jalore on red warning; Ajmer, Bhilwara, Rajsamand, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Sirohi and Barmer on orange alert Monday, June 19: Jaipur, Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali and Udaipur on orange alert Further, as East India reels under searing heatwaves, Biparjoy's rainy and windy shenanigans will induce a distinct chill in the west. IMD forecasts that daytime temperatures in Northwest India will likely fall by 2-4°C over the next five days. As the cyclone gradually deintensifies, the frightening conditions will eventually lull out in a few days. But while the tumultuous times persist, it is imperative that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself against any potential danger from the weather behemoth. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Desert state of Rajasthan on red alert: Cyclone Biparjoy to cause extremely heavy rains on June 16-17

World Environment Day: 10 simple things to fight climate crisis

El Nino - All about how it impacts the Indian climate and economy

In Daphne du Maurier's short story, The Birds (1952), a change in bird behaviour is linked to the impact of technological developments after the second world war. Birds, as the 2022 State of the World's Birds report warns, are "barometers for planetary health". Nearly half of global bird species are now in decline. In du Maurier's apocalyptic tale, set in Cornwall, birds launch vicious and unprovoked attacks on humans. Alfred Hitchcock's adaptation, The Birds, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023. Revisiting du Maurier's story of relentless devastation shows how the writer anticipated some of today's most pressing environmental concerns. In her 1989 memoir, Enchanted Cornwall, du Maurier claims that she was inspired by seeing a tractor ploughing a field in Cornwall surrounded by circling "cloud of screaming gulls". This scene is transplanted into The Birds when its narrator, disabled second world war veteran and land worker Nat Hocken, observes some unusual behaviour: "As the tractor traced its path up and down the hills ... the man upon it would be lost momentarily in the great cloud of wheeling, crying birds." Nat acknowledges that birds always followed the plough in autumn: "but not in great flocks like these, nor with such clamour". The tractor - and the birds' engagement with it - is significant, as the vehicle is synonymous with mechanisation and changes in the landscape. In his book Something New Under the Sun, historian J.R. McNeill explains that agricultural ecology changed from the 1950s, with the creation of large fields and elimination of hedgerows in order to facilitate industrial farming. This created a situation in which animal "chances for survival and reproduction were apportioned largely according to compatibility with human action". In du Maurier's story, the birds turn this on its head - quite literally - through their attacks. The unnamed tractor driver tells Nat: "I could scarcely see what I was doing." As the birds attack the eyes, sight becomes a metaphor for humans failing to see the changes in nature. Nat, by contrast, eschews technology in favour of traditional methods (he fixes hedgerows and works with a hoe) and quickly realises that the farm owner's attempt to shoot the birds is futile. Like many environmental campaigners, Nat is ignored. His attentiveness to the birds' rhythms and his traditional modes of working are perceived as strange. The aptly named Farmer Trigg is found dead with his gun, as the birds mimic wartime aerial strategies to overcome modern technologies of war and agriculture. The point is underlined when an RAF fighter plane is later found in the field in which the tractor was ploughing, brought down by birds. Du Maurier observed a world in which humans were becoming increasingly disassociated from their environment. This is shown through her sensitivity to nature's delicate balance and attentiveness to changing technology and society (the council houses of Nat's neighbours cannot withstand the birds' assaults whereas his old cottage, with its thick walls, provides more security). The story unremittingly portrays how the social and economic infrastructures we take for granted are fragile and, ultimately, unsustainable. The Birds was published a decade before conservationist Rachel Carson's Silent Spring (1962), a pioneering book which highlighted the adverse biological effects of pesticides in American farming. Carson drew on the Romantic poet John Keats's La Belle Dame Sans Merci, set in a wasteland where "The sedge has withered from the lake, / And no birds sing", as one of its epigraphs, signalling the value of literature in the articulation of environmental crisis. Carson's scientific text opens with an apocalyptic vision of a: Spring without voices. On the mornings that had once throbbed with the dawn chorus of robins, catbirds, doves, jays, wrens, and scores of other bird voices, there was now no sound; only silence lay over the fields and woods and marsh. The birds are either dying or dead, their plight - both actual and symbolic - indicative of wider environmental damage. Similarly, in The Birds, winter appears overnight and the ground becomes instantly hardened. Carson pioneered an understanding of human biological destruction of nature through her scientific book. Du Maurier articulates the dangers through fiction. In The Birds, du Maurier demonstrates how war - particularly war of the scale that she had witnessed as a civilian - is a destroyer and at the same time a mobiliser of the technologies of mechanisation and chemistry which have wreaked, and continue to wreak, havoc on the planet. The Birds is a pessimistic story. Nat's attempt to warn London of the impeding danger from the birds fails as the woman on the telephone exchange is "laconic, weary" and "impatient", leaving Nat to observe: She doesn't care ... She hopes to go to the pictures tonight. She'll squeeze some fellow's hand, and point up at the sky, and say 'Look at all them birds!' Read today, Nat's comment feels like an ironic observation on the Hollywood interpretations of du Maurier's story, which obscured her original narrative. Modern readers need to "look" at du Maurier's The Birds more closely to see that "something in nature has turned against us". In du Maurier's thriller of altered nature, birds become the violent emissaries of death. She terrorised contemporary readers with a vision of the future, which is now very close to the present. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/top-10-fastest-fifty-in-ipl-till-11th-april-2023/slidelist/99397187.cms">KL Rahul to Nicholas Pooran – here are top ten fastest IPL fifties</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-s23-plus-smartphone-review/articleshow/99302027.cms">Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: The perfect blend of style and substance</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/most-common-passwords-can-be-easily-cracked-by-ai-in-under-a-minute/articleshow/99379900.cms">AI chatbots are cracking the code: How PassGAN can break into 51% of common passwords in under a minute</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Daphne du Maurier's The Birds predicted environmental crisis 70 years ago

<ul><li>Serbia came up with the idea of ‘liquid trees’ to counter the problem of air pollution. </li><li>Technically termed bioreactors, liquid trees are tanks containing six hundred litres of water and microalgae. The microalgae bind carbon dioxide and produce pure oxygen through photosynthesis. </li><li>The bioreactors installed in Serbia double up as benches and even offer power outlets for charging mobile phones.</li></ul>It’s a well-known fact that widespread pollution has significantly lowered the quality of life — especially in urban areas where greenery is limited and often, non-existent. To counter this problem, Serbia has come up with an innovative solution — liquid trees. Earlier this week, liquid trees started trending on social media after the Twitter account Yup They Exist <a href="https://twitter.com/yupthtexists/status/1641102217884098561">shared their image</a>, prompting a conversation on their pros and cons. While many users remarked about technology replacing actual trees, the history behind these liquid trees support their existence. Installed in Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade, the trees look fit to be in a science-fiction film. But in reality, these are devices that help improve and control air quality. Technically termed bioreactors, these are tanks containing six hundred litres of water and microalgae. It works by using microalgae to bind carbon dioxide and produce pure oxygen through photosynthesis. Because of the microalgae, the tanks emit an eerie green colour. These trees are solar-powered and capable of replacing one 10-year-old adult tree, or a full 200 square meter of lawn. Additionally, compared to trees, these bioreactors can be built and installed far more quickly, and start processing polluted air immediately. The bioreactors installed in Serbia double up as benches and even offer power outlets for charging mobile phones. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The history of liquid trees" comment="subhead2" text="The history of liquid trees">The history of liquid trees</cmsannotation> Serbia, especially Belgrade, has one of the worst cases of air pollution in the world. Belgrade is home to large coal plants that further contribute to the city’s severe air pollution. As per <a href="https://www.iqair.com/serbia/central-serbia/belgrade">IQ Air</a>, at the time of writing this article, the PM2.5 concentration in Belgrade was 4.3 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. PM 2.5 pollution refers to the presence of tiny dirt particles in the air. Among other sources, these dirt particles come from power plants, motor vehicles, and agricultural burning. They're considered dangerous because they can penetrate deep into people's lungs because of their small size. As a solution, Dr Ivan Spasojevic, Ph.D. in Biophysical science, developed the liquid tree, also dubbed LIQUID3. The first urban photo-bioreactor was actually installed in Belgrade in September 2021. The team behind the project has shown how the tank can survive in winter and even <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUxvXwsD1og/">documented </a>the tank’s maintenance process on social media. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/top-10-busiest-airports-in-the-world-delhi-airport-also-in-the-list/slidelist/99290647.cms">Delhi Airport is among 10 busiest airports in the world. Here are the others</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-to-use-nearby-share-to-send-and-receive-files-android-smartphone-and-windows-computer/articleshow/99294746.cms">How to use Nearby Share to easily send and receive files between your Android smartphone and Windows computer</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Elixir of life? Belgrade installs liquid trees to combat pollution and this is how they work

Widespread pollution from the toxic "forever chemicals," known as Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), is contaminating and potentially harming hundreds of species of wildlife around the world, said a new study. The study, released by the Environmental Working Group, an American non-profit environmental group, on Wednesday reveals the global extent of the PFAS pollution problem with a first-of-its-kind map using rigorous data to show the sheer scale of the threat PFAS pose to wildlife, Xinhua news agency reported. Pollution from the "forever chemicals" contaminates polar bears, tigers, monkeys, pandas, dolphins and fish and has been documented in more than 330 other species of wildlife around the world, some endangered or threatened, the study added. Researchers pointed out that hundreds of studies have found PFAS chemicals in a wide variety of other wildlife species globally, including many types of fish, birds, reptiles, frogs and other amphibians, large mammals, like horses, and small mammals, such as cats, otters and squirrels. "From country to country, and across continents, PFAS pollution is everywhere. No matter the location, no matter the species, nearly every time that testing is done we find contamination from these toxic chemicals," said researchers in the study. PFAS are known to cause health problems in humans, and very low doses of PFAS have been linked to suppression of the immune system, said the study, adding that research increasingly suggests wildlife could suffer similar harms when exposed to PFAS. There may be more than 40,000 industrial polluters that may discharge PFAS in the US -- tens of thousands of manufacturing facilities, municipal landfills and wastewater treatment plants, airports, and sites where PFAS-containing firefighting foam has been used are potential sources of PFAS discharges into surface water, according to the study. Researchers noted that national and international regulatory action is urgently needed to protect wildlife from PFAS contamination. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mukesh-ambanis-jiocinema-to-take-on-disney-hotstar-and-amazon-prime-with-free-4k-ipl-streaming/articleshow/98150380.cms">Mukesh Ambani’s JioCinema to take on Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime with free 4K IPL streaming</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/four-out-of-five-wireless-earbuds-sold-in-india-in-2022-were-from-an-indian-company/articleshow/98141414.cms">Four out of five wireless earbuds sold in India in 2022 were from an Indian company</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/how-to-compare-your-tax-liability-in-old-and-new-tax-regimes/articleshow/98116217.cms">How to compare your tax liability in old and new tax regimes</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Hundreds of wildlife species are contaminated with 'forever chemicals': Environmental Working Group

A research conducted by Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow has revealed that mangroves on Indian coasts that act as coastal guards, have considerably shrunken due to climate change. The study claims that by 2070, the Indian mangroves will reduce and shift by around 50 per cent, especially in southern India, due to decline in suitable habitats along the east and west coasts of India. Mangroves in the southwest and southeast of the country that cover four states-- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh will be in the most vulnerable condition. These coastlines will submerge and the mangroves in the area will degrade more, as compared to other areas. Certain regions like Chilika and Sundarbans along the east coast and Dwarka and Porbandar along the west coast of India are likely to see less reduction and landward shift by 2070 due to the differential response to precipitation and sea level change in different parts of the Indian coastline, said the study. A team of five researchers led by BSIP senior scientist Jyoti Srivastava carried out the research on two mangrove species namely Rhizophora mucronata and Avicennia officinalis which are dominating India's coastline. The research has been published in a renowned science journal, Elsevier: Ecological Informatics. "In our study, we took two mangrove species that are dominating the Indian coastline and then we projected and mapped the distribution of these plant species in our country's coastline in past, present and future climate change scenarios," said senior scientist Jyoti Srivastava who led the research. BSIP first collected all the available mangrove fossils records that included a collection of pollen records of the two species from around 6,000 years ago to know how these species survived and what its distribution was. The scientists modelled the distribution of these plants in the past with the help of past climate data and validated it through several techniques. Going through the model projection and past records, they found the two mangrove species had comparatively widespread distribution in the Indian coastline and were flourishing well. Thereafter, the team compared it with present mangrove data that was collected through field surveys in mangrove areas along the Godavari, Kaveri and Mahanadi deltas. After analysing both present and past data in the wake of the climate change situation, the scientific institute found out that at present, there is too much mangrove degradation. Based on it, the team projected the future mangrove distribution using several future climate change scenario data that indicated that under the highest global warming scenario by 2070, around 50 per cent of mangroves will either vanish or shift from the coastline. "Decline in mangroves at present in comparison to the past is due to the rise in temperature with a decline in precipitation. A decline in temperature leads to high saline conditions along the coastlines making mangroves vulnerable," said Srivastava. She said, "We took these two mangrove species for research as they are amongst the most dominant species that protect our coastline from eroding during natural calamities, like cyclones and tsunamis. If they are reduced, the natural infrastructure that protects our coast and villages located on the coast will be washed away." SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/housing-demand-outlook-2023-interest-rates-global-spillovers-to-play-a-key-role/articleshow/96506159.cms">Housing demand outlook 2023: Interest rates, global spillovers to play a key role</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/top-five-billionaires-in-2022-elon-musk-gautam-adani-and-bill-gates/articleshow/96509847.cms">After a round of musical chairs, Musk, Gates and Adani are among 2022’s top 5 billionaires</a> <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

BSIP Study: Mangroves shrinking in India due to climate change

A study that combines temperature data with fossil records of large mammals that existed across Africa during the previous 4 million years calls into question a long-held theory that periodic fluctuations in climate were important drivers of evolutionary change in mammals, including human ancestors. The study, which was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides an African continent-wide synthesis of environmental variability during the Plio-Pleistocene, a period in Earth's history spanning roughly the last 5 million years and including the last ice age about 20,000 years ago. The study finds that environmental variability during that time mirrors changes in the Earth's orbit and orientation with respect to the sun, as predicted by a natural phenomenon known as Milankovic cycles. These cycles expose our planet to varying intensity of solar radiation, resulting in well-documented, cyclical effects on Earth's climate at various frequencies. The researchers observed a long-term trend of increasing environmental variability across Africa attributable to variations in global ice volume and ocean temperature. The results did not, however, yield a significant correlation between environmental variation and rates of species origination or extinction, suggesting that environmental variability and species turnover may not be closely related, a notion that has been widely debated in the scientific community. The idea that long-term trends toward a wetter or drier climate may have been a driver of human evolution goes back to the time of Charles Darwin, according to the paper's first author, Andrew Cohen, a University Distinguished Professor in the University of Arizona Department of Geosciences and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. A major change came in the late 1990s, with the introduction in the scientific community of the influential variability selection hypothesis. "The idea here is that it's not just the direction of climate change that was important as a driver for evolutionary novelty in the hominin lineage, but the variability in the environmental and climate conditions," Cohen explained. "As our ancestors faced rapidly shifting conditions, this hypothesis suggests they had to be more resourceful and capable of dealing with many different contingencies, which, in turn, led to new species appearing while others went extinct." In the current study, researchers analyzed samples taken from sediment cores from lakebeds, ocean floors and terrestrial outcrops from 17 locations throughout the African continent and surrounding areas. The environmental data was sourced by analyzing records from pollen, fossilized algae, dust, leaf waxes, soil isotopes and other physical properties that provide clues about the types of vegetation and environmental conditions at the site where they were deposited. To combine data from these very different types of records and tease out the underlying pattern of climatic variability, Cohen said the team had to overcome a major challenge: how to quantify variability and compare it from one sampling location to another. "This isn't trivial because you have records on the one hand of things like fossil pollen telling you about how variable the vegetation was, others telling you about changing lake levels, still others telling you about dust blowing out onto the ocean," he said. "We needed a way to not just look at one record but stack all these different types of reference that allows us to tease apart the rhythm of variability." To do this, the researchers developed statistical methods that allowed them to "compare apples and oranges," Cohen explained, and assigned the climate record datapoints to "bins" of time periods comprising 20,000, 100,000 and 400,000 years. Once the individual datasets of variability scores in each bin had been standardized, the team could then "stack" them and calculate an averaged amount of variability for each time period. The climate data were then directly compared with the fossil record of large mammals - primarily bovids, a family that includes antelopes and other large herbivores - from eastern Africa. The researchers focused on large herbivores primarily because fossils from human ancestors are too rare to be useful in such an approach. "I won't say you could fit all of (the hominin fossils) in a shoebox anymore, but they're still not that common," Cohen said, "so we decided to look at other organisms with a better fossil record, because there's no reason to think that only our closest relatives, our hominin ancestors, should be affected by climate change and variability. "If climate variability is a significant driver in evolution, it ought to be a driver and evolution of other large mammals, too," he added. "Think, for example, of polar bears and how they are affected by current climate change." The authors used a method borrowed from modern wildlife population biology to account for a bias that has long plagued paleontologists: the inherent incompleteness of the fossil record, which the study's second author, Andrew Du, illustrates with a block of Swiss cheese. If one were to drill a core sample through cheese, it would have gaps from where the core hit a hole in the cheese. Similarly, the fossil record of a species has gaps - time periods when no fossils have been found - interspersed with periods when there are fossils. This makes it very difficult to establish exactly when a species originated in the fossil record and when it went extinct. To circumvent this limitation, Du applied a technique known as capture, mark and recapture, which is frequently used by wildlife biologists when they survey animal populations: After an animal is caught, it is tagged for identification and released back into the wild. During a later survey, scientists compare the proportion of tagged to untagged animals. Applying statistics, this allows them to get an idea of the size and structure of the population at large. Du, an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology &amp; Geography at Colorado State University, explained how the technique works in fossil systems. "Let's say we see the appearance of a new species in the fossil record in time period one, then we find a different fossil from the same species in time period two, we miss it in time period three, but we see it again in time period four," he said. "What this tells us is that even though we didn't see the species in time period three, we know it was around. This gives us an idea about the quality of the fossil record during certain time periods, and we can account for this quality when estimating speciation and extinction rates." Putting all these datasets together allowed the researchers to compare patterns of environmental variability and its relationship to mammal species origination and extinction rates. "Overall, there has been a long-term trend over the last 3.5 million years of increasing variability in the environment," he said. "That trend tracks rising variability in global ice volume and sea surface temperatures around Africa. Superimposed on that, we found another trend: Once we get into the ice ages, we see more ups and downs; the wiggles get bigger and bigger and bigger, reflecting the waxing and waning of the ice sheets, and that variability tracks the 400,000-year Milankovic cycles." All the while, the fossil record of species origination and extinction among the large herbivores, and also hominin fossils, appears to be disconnected from these climatic variability trends. While the authors acknowledge that the variability selection hypothesis could still be correct but operating at different scales, they hope to encourage the scientific community to think about the variability selection hypothesis in a more critical way, "rather than just accepting it as an underlying principle of how we look at the fossil record in Africa, and especially the human fossil record," Cohen said. "We don't say that environmental variability is not important for human evolution, but the data we have currently compiled is very inconsistent with that idea," he said. "If environmental variability was as important as it has been made out to be, we would expect to see that long-term trend of increasing variability mirrored in evolutionary turnover in all kinds of species, including hominins, but we just don't see that."<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Study reveals Climatic change doesn't necessarily bring evolution in species

<ul><li>The central sector of the Indian Sundarban biosphere reserve is hyper-saline.</li><li>No freshwater discharge is coming from the upstream area and this part is receiving only the tidal water of the Bay of Bengal.</li><li>The salinity in the water of the area is increasing since the early 1980s.</li></ul> Bibhas Mondal, a farmer of West Bengal's Hasnabad gram panchayat, stopped agricultural work two years ago as Cyclone Aamphan of 2020 inundated the area in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve with saline water making land unfit for cultivation. Shikha Mondal, another resident of Khapukur village, purchases drinking water from a local treatment plant as tube wells only lift saline water for the same reason. The salinity of the underground water they get from tube wells is 5 PSU (Practical Salinity Unit) while the ideal should be zero PSU, marine scientist Prof Abhijit Mitra told PTI. Many people like Bibhas Mondal and Shikha Mondal who are facing the problems have raised these issues with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee when she visited their village in North 24 Parganas district last week. Banerjee directed the district authorities to address their problems. Her government also has plans to create a new district, Sundarbans, and the affected area will be included in it. "We have no drinking water. There is also no (proper) water to cultivate our land. All land has been damaged by the saline water following Cyclone Aamphan in 2020. We want Mamata Banerjee to solve these problems.... We do not want anything else," Sikha Mondal told PTI. The cyclone barrelled through the coastal districts of the state on May 21 two years ago, killing at least 12 people, uprooting thousands of trees, blowing up shanties and swamping low-lying areas. The villagers also have to buy 20 litres of water for Rs 10 from the treatment plant and a family has to shell out around Rs 1,500 a month for drinking water. "The amount is high for us... it is not affordable. We want the administration to address this issue," Sikha Mondal said. Some people in the village are forced to drink saline water. Consumption of such water for a long time is likely to bring a number of health issues. As the land has become unfit for agriculture in Hasnabad, Bhowanipur and Barunhat blocks under Basirhat sub-division, many people are now trying their hand at shrimp farming for a living. "We have no work now. The land has been spoiled by the saline water and we are now trying to earn by shrimp cultivation," Bibhas Mondal said. Villagers stated that they have informed the matter to the local MLA, but there has been no help. Mihir Adhikary, a local leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress, also talked about these problems faced by the people. "We have been requesting the leaders to give us some respite, but there has been no response from anybody. The district administration has been doing nothing. Now, we have told Mamata Banerjee, and she has assured us of help," Bibhas Mondal told PTI. "I've heard about your water-related problems. We are trying to solve it. We will connect all households in West Bengal with tap water by 2024," the chief minister said. Banerjee who distributed saris and blankets among the villagers also said that the state government is working on a masterplan for the overall development of Sunderbans. Some of the women even expressed unhappiness with Banerjee's gift of saris. "What will I do with this sari? We need proper water to drink and cultivate the land. These are affecting our lives," a homemaker who did not wish to be identified told PTI. Expressing concern over the issue, marine scientist Dr Abhijit Mitra said that the salinity in the water of the area is increasing since the early 1980s, especially in the central part of the Indian Sundarbans region. The central sector of the Indian Sundarban biosphere reserve is hyper-saline. No freshwater discharge is coming from the upstream area and this part is receiving only the tidal water of the Bay of Bengal, the Calcutta University teacher said. "The salinity in water in this zone has been increasing but the rise gained momentum since 2009 after Cyclone Aila hit West Bengal. Now, there is around 20gm of salt in one litre of water which is unthinkable for agriculture," he said. However, the situation in the eastern sector of the biosphere, in which the village falls, is not so bad. Talking on condition of anonymity, a senior state government official said that the administration is working hard to address every issue in that area. "Things are not that bad as it has been said. We are working very hard for the overall development of the Sundarbans and its surrounding area," the bureaucrat said. Septuagenarian villager Sushil Mondal is keeping his fingers crossed. "The chief minister has assured us of ending our water problems. Something will definitely happen," he said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/deepika-padukone-signed-as-brand-ambassador-of-furnishing-retailer-pottery-barn/articleshow/96104849.cms">Pottery Barn signs Deepika Padukone as its brand ambassador</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/snapdeal-drops-1250-crore-ipo-plan-citing-prevailing-market-conditions/articleshow/96104961.cms">Snapdeal drops ₹1,250 crore IPO plan citing 'prevailing market conditions'</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/article/top-10-funded-business-models-in-2022-in-india/slidelist/96103212.cms">Online test prep to food delivery, Tracxn lists top 10 funded business models in 2022</a><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

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Groundwater to get over 3 degrees warmer by century's end, threatening water quality and safety: Study