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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

# climate change

Positive Reads

How Agricultural Studies Are Changing to Reflect Sustainability and Climate Change

Inclusivity At Best ~ One of the most important aspects of agricultural studies is the inclusion of climate change consequences and remedies in agricultural curricula. To assist students in comprehending how temperature fluctuations, extreme weather events, and changing weather patterns affect agriculture, universities and colleges are introducing climate science into their curricula. With more than 50% of the workforce employed in the country, agriculture is the foundation of the Indian economy. Climate change, which has an impact on crop yields, water availability, and overall agricultural production, presents the industry with substantial problems. As a result, educational establishments are updating their agricultural curricula to incorporate sustainability and climate change adaptation. The goal of this change is to provide upcoming agronomists and farmers with the information and abilities needed to lessen these effects and advance sustainable agricultural methods. Overdrive of Carbon Cycle Presists In India  Due to Heavy Load On Resources At Hand ~  (Source: Googe Images)  One of the most important aspects of agricultural studies is the inclusion of climate change consequences and remedies in agricultural curricula. These include classes on data analysis, forecasting, and climate modeling, which help students anticipate and adapt to changes in the climate.  India, facing significant climate challenges, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to combat climate change and promote sustainability. Some key government efforts in this area are: NAPCC addresses climate change through eight national missions focused on sustainable development. Its core missions are solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and the Himalayan ecosystem Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana's objective is to ensure “More Crop Per Drop” by promoting efficient water management practices National Solar Mission: Encourages solar energy use to reduce fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions Green India Mission: Aim to increase forest and tree cover to restore ecosystems and promote biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services National Water Mission: The objective is to increase water use efficiency by 20% and encourage sustainable water management across sectors FAME India Scheme: Promotes electric and hybrid vehicle adoption to cut vehicular emissions. At the core of the new agricultural curricula is sustainability. Students are being taught by institutions about environmentally friendly and long-term productive sustainable farming methods. These methods include using sustainable energy sources, agroforestry, integrated pest management, and organic farming. The necessity of preserving soil health through techniques like crop rotation, minimal tillage, and the application of organic fertilizers is also emphasized in the curriculum. The newest technical developments, such as precision farming, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), are being included in agricultural curricula in modern times. These technologies support better production forecasting, crop health monitoring, and resource optimization. Students may help create farming systems that are ecologically friendly and productive by studying these techniques. Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices ~  It's Our Sole Custodian to Be More Responsible ~  (Source: Google Images)  Soil Health and Water Conservation Soil Degradation: Unsustainable farming practices have led to soil degradation, which is exacerbated by climate change. Teaching soil health management is crucial to ensure long-term agricultural productivity. Water Scarcity: Efficient water use is vital as water resources become scarce. Educating future farmers on water conservation techniques can help mitigate the impacts of drought and ensure sustainable water use. Building Crop Resilience ~  Diversified Cropping Systems: Encouraging crop diversification can enhance resilience to climate change. By introducing students to diverse cropping systems, they can learn to reduce risk and increase agricultural sustainability. Climate-Resilient Varieties: Developing and adopting climate-resilient crop varieties can safeguard against extreme weather and changing growing conditions. Leveraging Technology and Innovation Advanced Farming Technologies ~  Precision Agriculture: Precision farming technologies, such as GPS and satellite imagery, help optimize resource use and improve crop management. Educating students on these technologies can lead to more efficient and sustainable farming practices. Remote Sensing and GIS: These technologies provide critical data on crop health, soil conditions, and climate patterns, enabling more informed decision-making in agriculture. Digital Agriculture ~ Data-Driven Insights: Big data and analytics can transform agricultural practices by providing insights into weather patterns, soil health, and crop performance. Training students to harness these tools can significantly improve agricultural outcomes. Policy Frameworks and Implementation ~ Agricultural Policies: Understanding the impact of agricultural policies on climate adaptation and sustainability is crucial. Educating students on policy frameworks can help them navigate and influence these policies effectively. Advocacy Skills: Future agricultural professionals must be equipped to advocate for sustainable practices within their communities and at higher policy levels. This includes skills in public speaking, community organizing, and policy analysis. “I’ve starred in a lot of science fiction movies and, let me tell you something, climate change is not science fiction. This is a battle in the real world, it is impacting us right now.” ~ Arnold Schwarzenegger, Actor & Former Governor of California

23 May 2024
Positive Reads

Why the Use of Geothermal Energy Isn’t Mainstream

Geothermal energy, which harnesses the heat from within the earth to generate electricity, has long been considered a clean and renewable energy source. However, despite its potential, the use of geothermal energy is not yet mainstream. There are several reasons for this, including high costs, lack of infrastructure, and limited availability. One of the biggest challenges facing the use of geothermal energy is the high cost of installation and maintenance. Unlike other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, geothermal energy requires drilling deep into the earth to access the heat source. This is a costly and complex process, and the initial investment is often too high for many individuals or businesses. Additionally, the maintenance and upkeep of geothermal systems can be expensive, further adding to the cost of using this energy source. Another issue is the lack of infrastructure in place to support the use of geothermal energy. The technology is still relatively new and developing, meaning that there are few power plants and infrastructure in place to support it. This lack of infrastructure makes it difficult for individuals and businesses to access and use geothermal energy, even if they are willing to invest in it. Finally, the availability of geothermal energy is limited by the location of the heat source. Geothermal energy can only be generated in specific areas, such as near tectonic plates or volcanic regions. This means that not all areas of the world are suitable for geothermal energy, and those that are may not have the resources to tap into it. Despite these challenges, geothermal energy is still a promising energy source. With further investment and development, it may become more mainstream in the future. However, for now, the high costs, lack of infrastructure, and limited availability mean that it remains a niche energy source.

10 Jan 2023
Positive Reads

Good News

A Revolutionary Step: Indian Researchers Offer Solutions for Global Warming and Plastic Pollution Problem

  A system that potentially addresses two of the major environmental issues, greenhouse gases and plastic waste, was created by two Indian researchers at Cambridge University. The researchers, Motiar Rahaman and Subhajit Bhattacharjee developed a reactor that transformed greenhouse gases and plastic waste into sustainable fuels and other useful goods. Their study was published in the journal, Nature Synthesis. The researchers' solar-powered reactor makes use of a perovskite-based light absorber, which is seen as a less expensive alternative to silicon for solar cell production. According to NDTV, co-author of the study Rahaman highlighted that by converting carbon dioxide and plastic trash, the reactor can help manufacture goods like syngas, formic acid, and glycolic acid. Formic acid is utilized in the production of leather and textiles, whereas syngas is used to create liquid fuels. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is used in the pharmaceutical industry.  Global warming and climate change are brought on by greenhouse gases. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, disasters caused by climate change already cause developing countries to experience three times more economic losses than affluent countries. Therefore, this breakthrough innovation that converts harmful greenhouse gases into sustainable fuels is indeed a groundbreaking one.

25 Jan 2023
Good News

India’s First Green Taxi Fleet Launched in Kerala

It is the need of the hour to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint to combat climate change. The use of electric vehicles is a great step towards achieving this end. So when the country's first green taxi fleet was launched by MGS in Kerala, it did spell good news. Dr Shashi Tharoor inaugurated the green taxi service by taking the first ride. MGS is one of the largest travel operators in Kerala and it launched the country’s green taxi service by adding 10 Tata XPRES-T electric cars to its 400+ fleet. MGS has plans to further increase its fleet of green taxis to 100 in a year. Managing Director of MGS, M S Anilkumar said that it has become imperative now to usher in the green revolution and they are happy to have launched India’s first fleet of green taxis.  Currently, the company’s operations of its fleet are based at four international airports and four information technology parks. The best thing about green taxis is that apart from reducing operating costs, it also contributes to the environment by decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels and reducing pollution levels. Let's hope that this green initiative catches up with the rest of India.

26 Dec 2022
Good News

Soil – The Basis of All Life!

Today, the world celebrates World Soil Day. This year’s theme is "Soils: Where Food Begins.” The campaign seeks to address expanding soil management concerns, raise awareness, and motivate societies to enhance soil health. According to soil scientists, 52% of agricultural soils are already degraded. In other words, the soil that enriches and nourishes us is dying. That is a cause for concern as soil fulfills 95% of our food needs. Soil supplies 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants. The world population continues to soar and in order to meet the global food demand in 2050, agricultural production will have to increase by 60 percent. Sustainable soil management could produce up to 58 percent more food. How do we save soil from extinction? The need of the hour is to raise our voice for the soil so that the governments of the world take notice and frame necessary policies for the regeneration of soil. Soil can be regenerated by increasing the organic content as much as possible. Soil is a living entity and comprises millions of microbes and tiny creatures which are largely not visible to our naked eye. This living soil feeds on organic content like dead leaves or animal waste that helps it to thrive and get enriched.  The green revolution and the need to produce crops on a large scale to feed the Earth’s growing population have led to the rampant use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides. This has gradually transformed the soil into sand and ripped the soil off its organic content and richness. All we need to do to increase the organic content of the soil is to keep the soil covered with dead leaves and animal /plant waste. By addressing the growing challenges in soil management, raising soil awareness, and enticing societies to improve soil health, World Soil Day 2022(#WorldSoilDay) and its campaign "Soils: Where food begins" seek to increase awareness of the significance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being. We need to save our soil now to prevent an impending catastrophe. Join savesoil.org and play a part in this phenomenal global movement to save soil for future generations.  

5 Dec 2022
Good News

Know Which Indian City Won the World Green City Award 2022

It is a matter of great pride for India that Hyderabad bagged the World City Green Award this year at the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) forum, beating cities like Paris, Bogota, Mexico City, Montreal, and Fortaleza in Brazil. The city also earned the "Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth" award at the International Association of Horticulture Producers conference (AIPH 2022) in Jeju, South Korea.  Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of AIPH, stated that Hyderabad is a world leader in nature-oriented approaches to city design, form, and function. He added that the innovation, ambition, and inspiring action demonstrated in the city’s entry leaves a powerful legacy for other cities from around the world to aspire to. Other cities that won AIPH honors in various categories are listed below: Living Green for Biodiversity: Reverdecer Bogotá, Bogota D.C, Colombia Living Green for Climate Change: Mexico City’s Environmental and Climate Change Program, Mexico City, Mexico Living Green for Health and Wellbeing: Transforming degraded land into Urban Micro Parks, City of Fortaleza, Brazil Living Green for Water: The Phytotechnology Stations at the Montréal Botanical Garden / Space for Life, City of Montreal, Canada Living Green for Social Cohesion: OASIS Schoolyard Project, City of Paris, France Living Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth: Green Garland to the State of Telangana, City of Hyderabad Expressing his happiness over the city bagging this prestigious award, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said that these international awards are proof that the state government is strongly implementing the Haritaharam and urban development programs thus giving green fruits to the country.  

3 Nov 2022
Good News

Global News

Selling Fresh Air to Travelers: Dusit Kachai’s Unique Business Venture in Thailand

Pollution in cities is getting worse day by day due to the release of gases from industrial waste or automobiles. Therefore, urban citizens frequently venture outside of the city to breathe some fresh air. But did you know that a man in Thailand has utilized this opportunity to make money? Dusit Kachai, a 52-year-old farmer in Thailand, offers travelers a unique opportunity to purchase fresh air. For the initial hour, visitors pay 1,000 Thai baht (approximately Rs. 2500), after which they are given food and camping without cost.  Situated close to Phu Laen Kha National Park, which is known for its clean air and lush scenery, Kachai's farm is said to have particularly pure air. In addition to his air-selling enterprise, Kachai is also the founder of Asian Life, an environmental group in the northeast of the country.  Kachai warns visitors to be mindful of their actions, as he is a strong advocate for protecting the environment from the effects of climate change. Thailand is facing a growing issue of air pollution, which is putting the lives of many people in danger. Air quality in Thailand has been a problem. Bangkok's air is often polluted with dust as a result of a lack of breeze and airflow. According to the country's Environment Department, the capital's lack of breeze eventually locks pollution in the city.

24 Jan 2023
Global News

How AI Is Saving the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest often referred to as the "lungs of the earth," is a vital component of the global ecosystem, providing numerous environmental and economic benefits. However, the rainforest has been under threat for decades due to deforestation, illegal logging, and fires. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping to save the Amazon in a number of ways. One way AI is being utilized is through the development of machine learning algorithms that can detect illegal logging and deforestation. These algorithms analyze satellite imagery to identify changes in the forest canopy, such as clearings or the appearance of roads, which can indicate illegal activity. This information can then be used by authorities and conservation organizations to take action and halt the destruction. Another way technology is helping is through the use of drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles can fly over the rainforest, capturing high-resolution images and collecting data on the health of the forest and its wildlife. AI algorithms can then analyze this data to identify areas in need of conservation efforts or to monitor the success of those efforts. AI is also being used to predict and prevent fires in the Amazon. By analyzing historical data on fire patterns and weather conditions, AI algorithms can predict where and when fires are most likely to occur. This information can be used by authorities to deploy firefighting resources to high-risk areas and prevent fires from spreading. Surely AI is helping us in our venture to save mother earth, but that doesn't mean we should loosen our shoulders. The use of AI should only act as an inspiration for us to do more for the environment. As Niels Wielaard, CEO of Satelligence – one of the tech’s leading users for forest monitoring – puts it: “AI is not a magic wand. It can’t save the planet on its own. But humans can.

5 Jan 2023
Global News

This De-printer Sucks Ink From Printed Paper

Climate change is real. The world is becoming less inhabitable with each passing day. Amidst all this, it's our duty to make efforts to conserve our environment. One such example is of the De-printer — yes, you heard it right.  De-printer, as the name suggests is not a usual printer; it's a new innovation developed by an Israeli firm, Reep Technologies.  To see what it really does, you just have to put an already printed paper into the tray and you'd see the De-printer stripping off all the ink with the help of laser and giving out a shiny clean sheet on the other side — as if it was never printed. The best part is you can use the same paper up to 10 times. The process makes printed paper reusable, or, re-printable, to be accurate.  The parent company believes that its technology will help save the environment by reducing paper consumption, which in return will minimize deforestation. They have coined a new term for this — circular printing.  We should keep in mind that the paper industry depends on mass deforestation, and to have the desirable crystal clear white sheet, you require a lot of water, which consumes a lot of energy, and that emits greenhouse gases.  De-printing technology seems like a godsend gift in the times we are living in. Let's hope it is adopted by everyone in the market in a mission to save mother Earth! 

29 Dec 2022
Global News

The COP15 Biodiversity Pledge: “A Significant Milestone for the Preservation of Nature”

At the COP15 conference in Montreal, Canada, a historic agreement was reached with countries committing to protect 30% of the earth for nature by the end of the decade. The COP15 biodiversity pledge, also known as the "30 by 30" initiative, aims to protect 30% of the planet for nature by the close of the decade. This pledge is a response to the devastating loss of biodiversity that has occurred over the past few decades, as well as the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change. Protecting 30% of the planet for nature will not only benefit the millions of species that call these areas home, but also the millions of people who rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods and well-being. Ecosystems such as forests, oceans, and wetlands provide vital services such as water purification, climate regulation, and food security. The COP15 biodiversity pledge also recognizes the importance of indigenous communities and traditional knowledge in the conservation and management of these areas. Many indigenous communities have lived in harmony with their natural environments for centuries, and their knowledge and practices are critical for the long-term success of conservation efforts. To achieve the 30 by 30 goal, governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to implement conservation and restoration efforts, as well as support sustainable development practices. This will require significant investment and collaboration, but the benefits will be immeasurable. By protecting 30% of the planet for nature, we can help ensure a healthy and sustainable future for all.

27 Dec 2022
Global News

Know About This Ancient Farming Technique Which Has Become a Lifeline for Bangladeshi Farmers

Bangladesh has been adversely affected by climate change, leading to scarcity of dry land as large areas of land remain inundated due to rising sea levels. As people stared at an impending food scarcity, Bangladeshi farmers resorted to a 200-year-old ancient practice of growing vegetables on rafts. While land continues to remain flooded for 10 months at a stretch, farmers had to adopt the ancient technique of floating farms to secure food. The stems of hyacinth that proliferate on water bodies are woven together to form rafts. This is a tedious process and may take up to two months. Once the rafts are ready, the farmers plant fruit and vegetable seedlings including tomatoes, cucumber, papayas and gourds. According to agricultural officer Digbijoy Hazra, floating farmers take up less space than conventional farming. Another advantage is that pesticides can be done away with.  Tectonic movements, which caused the land below to sink, and upstream dams holding back sediment intended to restore eroding deltas have all contributed to the impact of climate change. In a list of countries most severely impacted by climate change between 2000 and 2019, Bangladesh came in seventh, according to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021. That is the reason why thousands of farmers in Bangladesh are now switching to floating farm techniques for food security.

29 Nov 2022
Global News

Scientists Have Made a Startling Discovery in Antarctica

Scientists have made the astonishing discovery of a major river in Antarctica that was concealed by thick sheets of ice. A team of glaciologists researching how climate change is affecting glaciers came upon the river during a recent airborne radar survey. According to experts, the river extends 460 kilometers beneath the ice, a longer distance than the river Thames, which flows across southern England and through London. The journal Nature Geoscience carries a published article on the study of the waterway and its offshoots. According to glaciologists, the river may have a significant impact on the flow and melting of the glacier ice above it. It is known to scientists that water flows beneath ice sheets. However, this new research demonstrates that rivers are being formed as a result of the melting of ice. As the glacier's base loses stability, it is claimed that these freshwater channels could hasten the ice-melting process. Scientists discovered the river by combining the data from water flow modeling and airborne radar surveys. They studied a sizable area, which included ice from the Antarctic's east and west sheets as well as water flowing into the Weddell Sea. The study's base region has enough ice to increase the sea level worldwide by 4.3 meters. How quickly and how much of this ice melts depends on how slippery the ice base is. According to Martin Siegert, a glaciologist at Imperial College London in the UK and a co-author of the paper, the recently discovered river system "may greatly affect this process."  

23 Nov 2022
Global News

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