Cse In News

New Delhi: The COP29 climate negotiations opened in Baku on Monday with proceedings stalled for hours over disagreements on key matters on the agenda, but countries later approved new UN standards for international carbon markets in a key step towards allowing countries to trade credits to meet climate targets. Among the early deadlock was including the scope of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dialogue on finance under the global stocktake (GST): Whether dialogue will be limited to finance or cover all issues under GST? The opening plenary, scheduled for Monday afternoon following addresses by COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev and UN Climate head Simon Stiell, could resume only hours after intense negotiations. Some observers said requests for the agenda to also include unilateral trade measures held up talks. Later, however, UN climate negotiations gavelled through guidelines for carbon removals — the carbon market aspect — under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement without debate or public scrutiny. Myriam Douo, Oil Change International’s false solutions expert, said: “This is a bad process and a worse outcome. By trying to ram through loose standards for dangerous carbon crediting mechanisms behind closed doors, the Supervisory Board is handing Big Oil a gift and setting course for climate disaster.” According to observers, the key issue that held up discussions was earlier related to the global stocktake, which in simpler terms refers to the world’s first collective climate action report card, which was formalised for the first time in UAE last year. “EU and the Umbrella group (consisting of Canada, Iceland, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Norway, Ukraine and the United States among others) have concerns with agenda on dialogue related to finance under GST,” said a negotiator, who asked not to be named. A compromise was eventually reached through a footnote on the UAE dialogue, stating its placement wouldn’t prejudge scope beyond finance discussions. The delay came shortly after UN climate chief Simon Stiell delivered a forceful message to wealthy nations about climate finance. “Now is the time to show that global cooperation is not down for the count,” Stiell told delegates, warning rich countries to “dispense with any idea that climate finance is charity”. “An ambitious new climate finance goal is entirely in the self-interest of every nation, including the largest and wealthiest,” he emphasised, addressing the central challenge facing the conference — establishing a new climate funding framework for developing nations. The shadow of Donald Trump’s election victory loomed large over the proceedings, prompting US climate envoy John Podesta to offer reassurances about America’s continued commitment to climate action. Babayev outlined the presidency’s priorities, emphasising the need for a “fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance”. The divide over climate finance remains stark. India has called for developed countries to provide at least $1 trillion annually, while Brazil, speaking for several South American nations, has estimated developing country needs at $5.8-5.9 trillion for the pre-2030 period. The Arab group proposed $1.1tn in transfers from developed to developing countries. The NCQG is meant to succeed the previous climate financing mechanism, which required rich nations to deliver $100bn annually to developing countries. This arrangement reflected the principle that nations with historically higher emissions and greater resources should contribute more than poorer countries with lower historical emissions. According to the Centre for Science and Environment, COP29 represents the most significant climate conference since Paris in 2015, given the crucial role of financial support in helping developing countries achieve climate goals. The think tank suggests spending less than 1% of global GDP annually (about $1tn ) could meet developing countries’ immediate climate needs. Stiell emphasised the urgency of reaching an agreement, stating, “We cannot leave Baku without a substantial outcome. Appreciating the importance of this moment, Parties need to act accordingly. Show determination and ingenuity here at COP29.” The conference has already seen diminished high-level participation, with major powers including the US, China, and India not seeking speaking slots for their heads of state.

Sustainable Habitat

Manage construction and demolition (C&D) waste better to fight air pollution, says new CSE assessment

CSE assesses 16 C&D waste recycling plants; finds most of them underutilised or economically unviable Ecosystem of waste management and market linkages for recycled products not working efficiently Aligned efforts by construction companies, municipalities and recycling plants needed for a self-sustaining recycling infrastructure Current concessionaire agreements between municipality and plant operators needs to efficiently incorporate third-party agreements, incentives for small waste generators and source segregation Estimation and characterisation of the C&D waste needs to improve for more realistic planning of recycling capacity and its utilisation With India’s construction industry booming, the country’s cities are all set to see a marked increase in the generation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. This expected growth in the C&D waste stream is all the more alarming as it will add to the problem of air pollution that Indian cities have been struggling with. “The existing operational C&D waste sector is projected to more than double in the coming years. If not fully recovered and recycled, construction waste can turn into a major polluter choking our cities. Though progressive steps are underway to set up C&D processing plants in cities, these have been marred by complaints of underutilisation and unviability due to inefficient waste management and market linkages,” says a new study by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) that was released here today. Debris Dilemma: Promoting self-sufficiency – as the study is titled – presents a detailed review of 16 C&D waste recycling plants spread across India. Releasing the report in a national stakeholder conference held in New Delhi, Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE, said: “C&D waste management and construction dust mitigation are integral to all clean air action plans of the 131 non-attainment cities (NACs) under the National Clean Air Programme of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Cities are mandated to set up recycling plants to process waste to produce value-added products such as recycled aggregates, paver blocks etc, that can be brought back as a resource to the construction industry itself.” Roychowdhury added: “Recycling of C&D waste enables full recovery of resources and adds economic value to the waste, creates livelihood and jobs. But their utilisation and economic viability are compromised due to weak waste management system in cities and poor market uptake of the recycled products by the construction agencies.” The CSE study Of the more than 35 new C&D waste recycling plants that are being set up in India, CSE has investigated and assessed the performance of 16 plants to understand the current gaps and the requisite policy pathways to make them scalable and effective. The field investigation has evaluated the multifaceted processes and technologies that are applied in a C&D recycling plant, the product range produced from waste, effectiveness of waste management in sustaining waste feed to the plants, market uptake of the recycled products, and the overall economic viability of these plants. Says Rajneesh Sareen, director of CSE’s sustainable buildings and habitat programme: “What we have found is that despite making huge investments, most recycling plants are struggling economically. These plants continue to rely heavily on support from municipalities. Without a viable financial model and market integration, expanding such facilities will face difficulties and this can further weaken the overall waste management ecosystem.” India’s building space is projected to more than double in the next 20 years. There is enormous demand for sand and gravel, which increases the environmental footprints of mining. This rising demand has led to a six-fold increase in sand trade over the past 20 years, and to environmental issues like erosion, biodiversity loss and water salination. As a result, imports of sand have gone up. Says Sareen: “Recycling of C&D waste can help substitute and reduce the demand for virgin material as approximately 80-90 per cent of C&D waste can be repurposed for various applications such as landscaping, earthworks and civil engineering projects. Using recycled aggregates causes 40 per cent lesser CO₂ emissions compared to using virgin materials – this is because it helps reduce embodied energy and lowers carbon footprints.” Key findings and areas of concern Municipalities do not have an adequate revenue stream to pay for illegally dumped waste in a city – they are unable to recover the costs from informal and anonymous waste generators. This has often resulted in municipalities under-capitalising the C&D recycling plants to avoid paying for the tipping fees. Plant operators often do not get sufficient C&D waste as feed for the recycling plants owing to inefficient waste collection and leakages in the system – they lose out on the potential revenue that can be generated from the sale of recycled products. This increases their dependency on the tipping fee paid by the municipality for sustenance. This model is unsustainable, and discourages more C&D recycling plants from being set up. The way forward Needed: A more aligned effort by construction companies, municipalities and recycling plants to create a robust ecosystem for efficient waste collection, segregation and transportation to the recycling plants to sustain the feedstock. Municipality needs to support and create a well-structured ecosystem and a smart concessionaire agreement. This will allow the municipality to reduce its own involvement and associated expenses in C&D waste recycling. Policy mandates for uptake of recycled products by construction agencies and plant operators’ own innovative marketing strategy for recycled products needed for ensuring economic viability of the plants. Municipalities often face staffing limitations that make it challenging to fully address illegal dumping. Smarter concessionaire agreements that incorporate third-party enforcement can help to bridge this gap. High disposal fees burdens the small waste generators, leading to illegal dumping. Rationalised fees for small waste generators, with cross-subsidies from bulk waste generators (like the Delhi model), can help them improve the formal disposal methods. A user-friendly system for waste pick-up, accessible collection points and awareness can drive the improvement. Integration of the informal sector for primary waste collection can leverage the widespread network and capabilities of informal waste collection systems and enhance the efficiency of waste collection and transportation. C&D recycling plants can have a successful business model if sales and market uptake of recycled products is efficient. This can also foster competition and encourage more recycling plants in cities. With advancements in recycling technologies recycled aggregates can effectively replace natural material. This, however, requires more updated codes and standards for quality control. Quality concerns limit the market uptake of C&D recycled products in the construction sector. Incorporating material testing labs in new recycling plants can ensure high standards and increase the use of recycled materials.

Down To Earth

India bears the brunt

With over 3,200 fatalities, extensive crop damage across 3.2 million hectares, and 2.3 lakh buildings destroyed in the first nine months of 2024 alone, the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events is undeniable. These findings of the ‘India Climate Report 2024’ from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) give a shocking picture of the impact of climate change on the country. The report underscores that 93 per cent of the days between January and September were marked by extreme weather, a clear indication that climate-related disasters are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. The report’s findings reveal a staggering increase in extreme weather events. In 2024, India faced climate extremes on 255 out of 274 days, a record when compared to previous years. Notably, over 35 of the 36 states and union territories experienced such events, with states like Karnataka, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh witnessing over 40 additional days of climate extremes compared to 2023. The grim statistics point to a significant toll on human life and livelihoods. Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Assam were the hardest-hit states in terms of fatalities, while Andhra Pradesh saw the greatest destruction of homes, and Maharashtra experienced the largest crop damage. Among the notable phenomena in 2024 were prolonged heatwaves and an unprecedented number of warm nights. Besides, the monsoon season was particularly disastrous, with heavy rains, floods and landslides occurring every single day from June through September. Assam, for example, faced extreme weather on 111 days out of 122, highlighting the relentless impact of intense rainfall and flooding. The 2024 India Climate Report also points to a significant data gap. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has made strides in tracking events like warm nights, it lacks absolute temperature benchmarks, which many other countries use to enhance climate data accuracy. The lack of comprehensive, real-time data on climate-related damages impedes effective planning and resource allocation, especially in vulnerable regions. Several factors have contributed to India’s vulnerability which must be addressed. The lopsided development, scant regard to the climate impact and allowing reckless construction in hills must stop. This pattern of ‘bad development’ worsens the impact of natural disasters, transforming regions with poor infrastructure or unplanned urban sprawl into high-risk areas. As the world approaches the dangerous threshold of 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, India’s situation signals the urgent need for effective climate policies, mitigation strategies and public awareness. The ‘India Climate Report 2024’ serves as a somber reminder of the escalating costs of climate inaction. A collective and urgent response is needed, one that includes better data collection, sustainable urban planning and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Only then can India hope to protect its people and environment.

Director General Office

Talks focus on helping poor nations

A complex international two-week-long game of climate change poker is convening. The stakes? Just the fate of an ever-warming world. Curbing and coping with climate change’s worsening heat, floods, droughts and storms will cost trillions of dollars and poor nations just don’t have it, numerous reports and experts calculate. As United Nations climate negotiations started Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, the chief issue is who must ante up to help poor nations and especially how much. The numbers are enormous. The floor in negotiations is the $100 billion a year that poor nations — based on a categorization made in the 1990s — now get as part of a 2009 agreement that was barely met. Several experts and poorer nations say the need is $1 trillion a year or more. “It’s a game with high stakes,” said Climate Analytics CEO Bill Hare, a physicist. “Right now the fate of the planet depends very much on what we’re able to pull off in the next five or 10 years.” But this year’s talks, known as COP29, won’t be as high-profile as last year’s, with 48 fewer heads of state scheduled to speak. The leaders of the top two carbon polluting countries — China and the United States — will be absent. But if money negotiations fail in Baku, it will handicap 2025’s make-or-break climate negotiations, experts say. Not only is dealing with money always a touchy subject, but two of the rich countries that are expected to donate money to poor nations — the United States and Germany — are in the midst of dramatic government changes. Even though the United States delegation will be from Biden Administration, the reelection of Donald Trump, who downplays climate change and dislikes foreign aid, makes U.S. pledges unlikely to be fulfilled. The overarching issue is climate finance. Without it, experts say the world can’t get a handle on fighting warming, nor can most of the nations achieve their current carbon pollution-cutting goals or the new ones they will submit next year. “If we don’t solve the finance problem, then definitely we will not solve the climate problem,” said former Colombian deputy climate minister Pablo Vieira, who heads the support unit at NDC Partnership, which helps nations with emissions-cutting goals. Nations can’t cut carbon pollution if they can’t afford to eliminate coal, oil and gas, Vieira and several other experts said. Poor nations are frustrated that they are being told to do more to fight climate change when they cannot afford it, he said. And the 47 poorest nations only created 4% of the heat-trapping gases in the air, according to the U.N. About 77% of the heat-trapping gas in the atmosphere now comes from the G20 rich nations, many of whom are now cutting back on their pollution, something that is not happening in most poor nations or China. “The countries that are rich today have become rich by polluting the Earth,” said Ani Dasgupta, president of World Resources Institute. The money being discussed is for three things: Helping poor nations switch from dirty fossil fuels to clean energy; helping them adapt to the impacts of a warming world such as sea level rise and worsening storms; and compensating vulnerable poor nations for climate change damage. “Should the global community fail to reach a (finance) goal, this is really just signing the death warrant of many developing countries,” said Chukwumerije Okereke, director of the Center for Climate Change and Development in Nigeria. Michael Wilkins, a business professor who heads Imperial College’s Centre for Climate Finance and Investment in the U.K., said since 2022 total climate finance has been nearly $1.5 trillion. But only 3% of that is actually geared toward the least developed countries, he said. “The Global South has been repeatedly let down by unmet pledges and commitments,” said Sunita Narain, director general of New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment. “Finance is really the key component that compels all types of climate action,” said Bahamian climate scientist Adelle Thomas, adaptation director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Without that finance, there’s simply not much that developing countries in particular can do.” It’s an issue of both self-interest and justice, Thomas and others said. It’s not charity to help poor nations decarbonize because rich nations benefit when all countries cut emissions. After all, a warming world hurts everyone. Compensating for climate damage and helping nations prepare for future harm is a matter of justice, Thomas said. Even though they didn’t create the problem, poor nations — especially small island nations — are particularly vulnerable to climate change’s rising seas and extreme weather. Thomas mentioned how 2019’s Hurricane Dorian smacked her grandparents home and “the only thing left standing was one toilet.” The trillion-dollar figure on the table is about half of what the world spends annually on the military. Others say global fossil fuel subsidies could be redirected to climate finance; estimates of those subsidies range from the International Energy Agency’s $616 billion a year to the International Monetary Fund’s $7 trillion a year. “When we need more for other things, including conflict, we seem to find it,” United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen said. “Well, this is probably the largest conflict of all.” A U.N. climate finance committee report looked at the need from 98 countries and estimated it as ranging from $455 billion to $584 billion per year. The money isn’t just direct government aid from one nation to another. Some of it comes from multinational development finance banks, like the World Bank. There’s also private investment that will be considered a large chunk. Developing nations are seeking relief from their $29 trillion global debt. Andersen said at least a sixfold increase in investment would be required to get on the path to limit future warming to just another two-tenths of a degree Celsius (0.4 degrees Fahrenheit) from now, which is the overarching goal the world adopted in 2015. Andersen’s agency calculated that with nations’ current emissions-curbing targets, the difference between well-financed and current efforts translates to half a degree Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit) less future warming. Experts say stepped-up efforts that could reduce future warming even more also costs more. Who will pay is another sticking point. Climate talks for decades have used 1992 standards to categorize two groups of nations, essentially rich and poor, deciding that rich nations like the U.S. are the ones to financially help poor ones. Financial circumstances have changed. China, the world’s top carbon polluter, has increased its per capita GDP by more than 30 times since then. But neither China nor some rich oil nations are obligated to help in climate finance. Developed nations want those countries that couldn’t afford to give before, but now can, included in the next round of donors. But those nations don’t want those obligations, said E3G analyst Alden Meyer, a climate negotiations veteran. “It’s a very fraught landscape to think about huge scale-up of existing climate finance,” Meyer said. Volunteers wade through a flooded road in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian to rescue families near the Causarina bridge in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, on Sept. 3, 2019. AP

Climate Change and Green Economy

Amid weather extremes, India demands West up climate funding

India is expected to reiterate its call for adequate climate finance from developed nations, including contributions running into trillions of dollars annually, as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) began in Baku on Monday against the backdrop of unprecedented weather extremes that have battered India as well as the world, and new signs that the globe is on track for more devastation. The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), which is meant to replace the Global North’s current annual commitment of $100 billion after 2025, tops the conference agenda, but this crucial climate financing domain has been marked by extreme divides. “India will continue to be vocal about the need for adequate finance for the Global South,” a senior environment ministry official told HT, outlining the country’s position ahead of the crucial negotiations in Azerbaijan’s capital. The official emphasised that India’s approach would focus on national priorities for sustainable development, energy security, and climate actions while upholding the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). Experts have described COP29 as one of the most consequential meetings for keeping alive the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to hold global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. The talks face significant challenges, including growing polarisation between developed and developing nations. While the African group has called for $1.3 trillion annually by 2030 and the Arab group expects $1.1 trillion annually from 2025, the United States has avoided specifying numbers, describing the NCQG as “voluntary” during recent preparatory talks. The recent American presidential election results have also thrown up a fresh cloud of concern given president-elect Donald Trump’s positions that could significantly imperil collective action. In its February submission to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India had demanded “at least USD 1 trillion per year, composed primarily of grants and concessional finance” from developed nations. The submission emphasised this could be “scaled up in proportion to the rise in the needs of developing countries.” India expects the COP29 to maintain balance in climate finance discussions, which currently focus heavily on mitigation actions. Officials said the conference must highlight the urgency of addressing adaptation needs, particularly for vulnerable communities in developing countries, while ensuring climate finance is “adequate, predictable, accessible, grant-based, low-interest, and long-term.” On energy transition, India wants COP29 to ensure it is achieved in a nationally determined manner. As a country highly vulnerable to climate impacts such as floods, droughts, and extreme heat, India also expects enhanced support for adaptation targets, particularly in agriculture, water resources, and urban infrastructure. The country has consistently called for addressing loss and damage related to climate impacts and expects additional commitments for financing mechanisms at COP29. India also hopes to conclude work on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement regarding carbon markets, pushing for clear rules that don’t create unfair barriers to trade or development. Kirti Vardhan Singh, minister of state for environment, will lead India’s inter-ministerial delegation at COP29. Union environment ministry secretary Leena Nandan will be the deputy leader of the delegation. Additional secretary Naresh Pal Gangwar will be India’s lead negotiator, and joint secretary Neelesh Sah the deputy negotiator. “India must use its diplomatic clout and strong relationships to advance the demands of the G77 and China bloc, to help developing countries present a united front and achieve an ambitious NCQG outcome in Baku,” said Avantika Goswami, programme manager, Climate Change, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). These positions emerge against a backdrop of intensifying climate impacts. The country recorded its warmest October in 123 years, following unprecedented night-time temperatures in July, August and September. Regional analysis shows Central India faced the highest frequency of extreme events with 218 days, followed by the Northwest at 213 days. The Central region recorded the highest deaths at 1,001, followed by the Southern Peninsula with 762 deaths.

Solid Waste Management and Circular Economy

'My lungs will die before me': Delhi waste-to-energy plant has ruined our lives, say residents

NEW DELHI: About a kilometre southeast of the waste-to-energy plant in Okhla, which incinerates about 2,000 tonnes of solid waste every day, is Jasola Vihar, home of 78-year-old Dev Kumar Bansal and his family. Like countless others in the area, such as in Sukhdev Vihar, Haji Colony and Jamia Nagar, Bansal suffers from seasonal ailments that don't disappear easily. His chest pains and headaches have become more aggravating in the past few years, as has the air around his home, which remains visibly polluted even during the summer. The septuagenarian moved to the locality in 2012, a place that seemed serene and open. He claims his dream of a comfortable life in Jasola Vihar turned into a nightmare when the WTE plant was commissioned soon after. "Almost everyone here has problems related to breathing, itchy eyes and headaches. Simple fevers last longer and people cough for months," alleged Bansal, who is president of Jasola Vihar's Pocket 1&2 Residents' Welfare Association. "I was a fairly healthy person and didn't have medical problems. Now, the doctor says my lungs will die before me. People get tired quickly. It seems youngsters are ageing fast. We cannot even go for morning walks. We are living proof of the effect of toxins the waste-to-energy plant is emitting. We cannot go for morning walks." The WTE plant, operational since Jan 2012, has allegedly been releasing toxins all these years and it has been officially reprimanded for flouting pollution norms, yet has managed to increase its incinerating capacity. There is a plan now to raise power generation from 23MW to 40MW while burning more garbage, leaving the residents counting on the Supreme Court to deliver them from what they say is the bane of their lives. WTE plant A recent report by The New York Times claimed that the plant was releasing heavy metals and breathable toxins into the air. "The NYT story provides foolproof evidence of the impact of the power plant on residents living in its vicinity," maintained Swati Singh Sambyal, an independent resource management expert. "The WTE plant incinerates about 2,000 tonnes per day of mixed waste, 30-40% of which becomes highly toxic bottom ash, which is being disposed of without proper safety measures. This is contaminating our air, soil and water. We do not need quick fix, silver-bullet solutions for our cities, but holistic, circular resource management options that put people at the centre of it." Complaining that the city's WTE plants aggravated the air quality, Atin Biswas, programme director, municipal solid waste unit, Centre for Science and Environment, claimed, "In India, certain principles are widely flouted by WTE plants. For instance, either wet waste or dry waste is to be used as fuel to produce energy, but these plants collect mixed waste for burning. This has high moisture content and needs extra fuel to incinerate or it won't burn well. Besides, the temperature standard of 850–1,450 degrees Celsius has to be maintained so that there is complete combustion to avoid residual emission." Burning mixed waste, Biswas explained, can produce toxic particles, ranging from carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide due to incomplete combustion. "These particles can cause serious respiratory diseases and also lead to chronic lung problems, such as asthma. People who are residing in the close proximity of the plants are extremely susceptible to health hazards," he said. Biswas added there are apprehensions that the 53 WTE plants operating in the country are consuming more energy than they are producing. Gynaecologist Neeta Misra often advises her pregnant patients to shift from the neighbourhood to other places, perhaps their relatives' houses. Dr Misra, who lives and practises in Sukhdev Vihar and is a consultant at nearby Apollo Hospital, said her patients often visited her with breathing problems, skin issues and migraines and these had increased over the years. Residents "People here have the sensation of a foreign body in their eyes at all times," said Misra, also claiming that her mother, who visited from Agra, a fairly polluted city itself, complained of itchy, red and painful eyes. "So you can imagine the conditions here," she said, adding that in winter, she takes a literal week-long breather in places like Amarkantak or Bengaluru. Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari, who has been leading protests against WTE plants, said, "Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has reached critical levels, waste incineration plants continue to burn thousands of tonnes of unsegregated waste each day, releasing hazardous emissions and worsening the already polluted air. Despite their dangerous impact on public health and the environment, these plants are expanding, threatening the community's right to breathe clean air. To truly address air pollution, Delhi must urgently prioritise sustainable waste management practices and byelaws over incineration, must enforce pollution controls strictly and protect its citizens from the grave health risks posed by toxic air." Kandhari added that with the NYT report revealing toxic levels of heavy metals and chemicals, it was clear that the Okhla WTE plant was endangering people's lives.

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Delhi identifies 57 pollution sources at 13 hot spots

A senior environment department official said the fresh mapping exercise factored in previously identified sources, following checks on whether they were fixed In a fresh mapping of pollution sources at Delhi’s 13 hot spots, the state environment department identified 57 sources of pollution—Mundka and Anand Vihar accounting for the most, at seven each—according to data shared by the department with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). In contrast, 67 sources of pollution were identified at these hot spots last year. A senior environment department official said the fresh mapping exercise factored in previously identified sources, following checks on whether they were fixed. Dust and vehicular emissions remain the key sources of pollution, with new construction sites, such as the RRTS station in Anand Vihar and UER-2 road in Mundka, accounting for most of the newer sources, besides industrial operations. These newer sources have been earmarked for focussed action, the official said. “The new list of sources has been shared with all agencies, including the nodal officer for each hot spot,” the official, not wishing to be named, said. The move comes after a review meeting held by CAQM on November 8 to assess action taken to control pollution, especially at the hot spots. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) identified these hot spots in 2018 based on the annual PM 2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less) concentration of these locations clocking higher readings than Delhi’s mean. The hot spots are Anand Vihar, Mundka, Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Okhla, Bawana, Vivek Vihar, Narela, Ashok Vihar and Dwarka. Of these 13 hot spots, Anand Vihar has recorded the worst air quality index (AQI), at 394—just seven points short of “severe” air—since the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan’s (Grap’s) Stage-2 onOctober 22, according to the information shared with CAQM. After Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri recorded an average AQI of 373, followed by Bawana and Wazirpur, each clocking an AQI of 373. The best performers in this period are Narela and Okhla, both recording an average AQI of 334, the environment department said. What’s ailing the hot spots The main sources of pollution at Anand Vihar comprised road dust from buses commuting to and from the interstate bus terminal (ISBT), a damaged road section outside the ISBT, congestion on Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg and an NCRTC (National Capital Region Transport Corporation) RRTS station construction site. At Mundka, the major sources were the construction site of Urban Extension Road-2 (UER-2), the Mundka industrial area, a DMRC casting yard and the Delhi-Rohtak highway. In an analysis by HT of average PM 2.5 concentrations between October 1 and November 10 period from 2019 to 2024, a majority of the 13 pollution hot spots showed an improvement, but it has generally been below the citywide average of 11.1%. The improvement was greater than the city average only at Mundka (12%), Dwarka (12.4%) and Narela (13%). While data was missing for Ashok Vihar, Jahangirpuri and RK Puram showed a deterioration during this period. There was an increase of 29.1% at RK Puram and 0.7% at Jahangirpuri. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said that although there has been an improvement, which is mostly down to sustained action, more needs to be done. “Even when there has been improvement, the pollution levels at these hot spots are still higher than the concentration of the city’s average. If we control pollution at these locations, the overall average also tends to improve,” she said, pointing to a detailed analysis at both RK Puram and Jahangirpuri.

Director General Office

COP29 - NCQG म्हणजे का य? या तून कमकुवत समा जघटकां ना का य मि ळेल?

हवा मा न बदला संदर्भा ती ल संयुक्त रा ष्ट्रां ची सर्वां त मो ठी आणि महत्त्वा ची परि षद असलेली COP29 (कॉ न्फरन्स ऑफ पा र्टी ज) आजपा सून अजरबैजा नची रा जधा ना बा कू येथे सुरू झा लेली आहे. या परि षदेत हवा मा न बदला शी लढण्यासा ठी वि कसि त रा ष्ट्रां नी वि कसनशी ल रा ष्ट्रां ना कि ती नि धी द्या यचा , या वर हो णा रा नि र्णय हा कळी चा मुद्दा ठरणा र असल्या ने या परि षदेचा उल्लेख फा यना न्स COP असा केला जा त आहे. पर्या वरण, वन आणि हवा मा न बदल मंत्राला या चे रा ज्यमंत्री कि र्ती वर्धनर्ध सिं गसिं भा रता चे प्रति नि धि त्व करती ल. ग्लो बल सा ऊथ असा उल्लेख हो त असलेल्या दक्षि णेकडी ल अवि कसि त, वि कसनशी ल देशां ची बा जू मां डण्या त भा रता ची भूमि का नेहमी महत्त्वा ची रा हि लेली आहे. त्या मुळे COP29मध्येही भा रता च्या भूमि केकडे 'ग्लो बल सा ऊथ'चे लक्ष असणा र आहे. वि कसि त रा ष्ट्रां ची जबा बदा री ऐति हा सि करी त्या औद्यो गि कदृष्ट्या वि कसि त रा ष्ट्रां चे हरि त वा यू उत्सर्जन जा स्त आहे, आणि हवा मा न बदला सा ठी हे देश मो ठ्या प्रमा णा वर जबा बदा र आहेत. त्या तून Copenhagen Accord 2009मध्ये हवा मा न बदला शी सा मना करण्यासा ठी वि कसि त रा ष्ट्रां नी वि कसनशी ल रा ष्ट्रां ना द्या यच्या नि धी चे उद्दि ष्ट नि श्चि त करण्या त आले. २०२०पर्यंत वि कसि त रा ष्ट्रां नी वि कसनशी ल रा ष्ट्रां ना दरवर्षी १०० अब्ज डॉ लर इतकी वचनबद्धता दा खवली हो ती . २०१५ला पॅरि स करा रा नंतर ही मुदत २०२५ करण्यात आली . हे वचनबद्धता २०२२मध्येच पूर्ण हो ऊ शकली हो ती . आता COP29मध्ये या नि धी चे नवे उद्दि ष्ट ठरवा वे ला गणा र आहे, या ला NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance) असे ना व देण्यात आलेले आहे. COP29 जैसे थे स्थि ती बदलणार? Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) च्या सरसंचा लक सुनि ता ना रा यण म्हणा ल्या , "पॅरि स करा रा नंतर सर्वां त महत्त्वा ची हवा मा न परि षद ठरण्या ची क्षमता COP29 मध्ये आहे, या चे का रण म्हणजे वि कसि त रा ष्ट्रां ना हवमा ना संदर्भा त त्यां चे ध्येय गा ठण्यासा ठी आवश्यक असणा री आर्थि कर्थि मदत हे आहे. जगा च्या उत्तर भा गा ती ल (Global North) देशां नी क्लायमॅट फा यना न्ससा ठी केलेली तरतूद ही अपुरी आहे, हे आपण पा हि लेले आहे. त्या मुळे जगा च्या दक्षि णेकडील देशां चा (Global South) आता पर्यंत भ्रमनि रा स झा लेला आहे. आता असलेली जैसे थे स्थि ती COP29 मुळे बदलू शकेल, अशी अपेक्षा करू." हवा मा न नि धी (Climate Finance) आणि Loss and Damage Fund हे दो न मुद्दे सवि स्तर समजून घेण्या सा ठी CSEच्या प्रो ग्रॅम ऑफि सर सेहर रहेजा यां च्याशी संपर्क सा धला . त्यां नी या दो न मुद्यां चे केलेले वि श्लेषण पुढी ल प्रमा णे आहे. प्रश्न : हवा मा न नि धी आणि Loss And Damage Fundचा कमकुवत घटकां ना कसा ला भ हो ईल?

Director General Office

UN climate talks to focus on money to help poor nations cut carbon pollution

BAKU, Azerbaijan -- A complex international two-week-long game of climate change poker is convening. The stakes? Just the fate of an ever-warming world.Curbing and coping with climate change 's worsening heat, floods, droughts and storms will cost trillions of dollars and poor nations just don't have it, numerous reports and experts calculate. Michael Wilkins, a business professor who heads Imperial College's Centre for Climate Finance and Investment in the UK, said since 2022 total climate finance has been nearly $1.5 trillion. But only three percent of that is actually geared toward the least developed countries, he said.“The Global South has been repeatedly let down by unmet pledges and commitments,” said Sunita Narain, director general of New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment.

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Why Citizens Are Leaving Delhi: Health Crisis of Lethal Air Pollution

Delhi's is an air pollution crisis that becomes not merely an environmental but a public health emergency with very serious social, economic, and cultural implications. More residents seem, now more seriously to think of moving out from the city as a measure of protection against bad health and wellbeing; it is therefore in the clear that this situation needs urgent attention from local as well as the national government. The levels of air pollution in Delhi have reached alarming degrees in recent years, with the resulting health effects often critical and making daily life a rigorous experience for citizens. More and more residents are being forced to flee the city in search of cleaner air environments. In this article, we dive into the reasons behind the exodus, analyzing scientific studies, health statistics, and data that indicate the risks and long-term implications of staying in one of the world’s most polluted cities. Intensity of Air Pollution in Delhi AQI Levels Delhi’s air pollution levels are very commonly well above the safe thresholds set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Air Quality Index in Delhi often exceeds 300, putting it in the “hazardous” category, and peaks during the winter months. For comparison: WHO Threshold for PM2.5: 25 μg/m³ Delhi’s Levels of PM2.5: Regularly between 300-500 μg/m³ at peak pollution times of the year (October to January). Lead Causes of the Pollutants in the Air in Delhi The most common pollutant causing the air quality crisis in Delhi is: Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): These are tiny particles which can penetrate the lungs and eventually come into the bloodstream. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Released from vehicles and other industries NO2 is said to be one of the major causes of respiratory disorders. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Generally, this is an byproduct of industrial production it can irritate respiratory diseases. Carbon Monoxide (CO) : These are a result of vehicle-emission and other fossil fuel combustion CO is highly toxic once inhaled. It has been proven that PM2.5 can take a long time to be in the atmosphere and thus increase the pollutants in cities such as Delhi. Health Hazards Caused by Long-Term Pollution Exposure Health Effects on Lungs and Heart A Lancet report reported several health hazards that have been associated with Delhi’s air pollution. Respiratory Diseases: Asthma, bronchitis, and COPD have surfaced or emerged among the population. Cardiovascular Disorders: Prolonged exposure to air pollution results in risk factors of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. Cancer: Studies conducted by International Agency for Research on Cancer show that long-term exposure to polluted air increases the danger of lung cancer. Impact on Vulnerable Groups Children, elderly, and people with health problems are the most vulnerable. According to a 2021 report released by Centre for Science and Environment, which, apart from many other issues surrounding life in Delhi, presents details regarding: Children residing in Delhi are affected by a lower lung function than children living in cities with cleaner air. Older citizens are more likely to die of other age-related diseases in conjunction with diseases caused by pollution. Why People Are Moving Away? The Awareness Regarding Health Dangers on the Rise With heightened public awareness about the health effects caused by air pollution, residents-specially with young families or health issues-have started reconsidering their choice of place to live. With more reliable information on monitoring the air quality and extensive media coverage of the health crisis, citizens are being forced to be proactive in preserving their health. Seasonal Exodus: A Stopgap Measure? While permanent migration is an option for some residents, others have begun to seek “seasonal exodus” during the peak pollution months that last from October through January. Temporary relocations to cleaner cities or hill stations are now more common, especially in families with young children or elderly relatives. The seasonal shift allows the residents to escape the worst-pollution months but certainly is not a long-term solution to a long-term problem. Scientific Studies on the Impact of Delhi’s Air Pollution A Harvard University study concludes that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution is positively related to cognitive decline and the incidence of dementia in older adults. This is particularly grave for Delhi residents, who experience almost pathological levels of air pollution due to the unrelenting degradation over the past ten years. WHO’s Findings Regarding Life Expectancy and Air Pollution According to the studies, residents of highly polluted cities tend to lose a year or 2-3 years of life expectancy. Cumulative exposure to high PM2.5 levels is said to be the risk factor-a threatening condition to the population of Delhi. Studies on In-Utero Health Risks Recently, the University of California, Berkeley undertook a study that confirmed pregnant women exposed to significant amounts of air pollution were at higher risks of premature births and low birth weight. This is worrisome for Delhi as their population will be exposed to these air pollutants for a longer time. Economic and Social Impact of Exodus Real Estate Trends This move had exerted much pressure on the housing market, bringing changes to the overall dynamics of Delhi’s property market. Properties in less polluted suburbs or in nearby cities, such as Noida and Gurgaon, are more attractive today. Some real estate industries also saw the demand for properties within the central areas of Delhi go slightly down, contributing to the price shift in real estate. Impact to Education and Employment Many families are leaving Delhi, because the health impact of pollution extends to educational institutions and workplaces. Schools are frequently closed when pollution is at its worst, causing students to lose instruction time. Companies are beginning to see higher absenteeism and lost productivity as respiratory diseases and pollution-related illnesses worsen workers’ health. Health Infrastructure Strain It is also causing a strain on health infrastructure in neighboring cities as the people of Delhi go to these places for medical attention while looking for cleaner areas. Healthcare professionals claim that more people from Delhi are coming to these health facilities for treatment of pollution-based health problems. This is overstretching the local healthcare infrastructure. Government Action and Policy Difficulties Existing Policies and Their Gaps To deal with the crisis, Delhi’s government has undertaken steps such as an odd-even vehicle scheme, industrial activity restrictions, and a promotion for electric vehicles. Although these to some extent have created marginal benefits, they are inadequate to totally tackle the root cause of the problem effectively. Long-term solution needed. According to experts, long-term steps in the right direction include reducing dependence on fossil fuel, encouraging renewable energy sources, and increasing foliage. Improved legislation to reduce pollution and proper implementation of stricter regulation on emissions of vehicles and industries should be at the forefront of efforts for more efficient improvement of air quality. Call for Action Delhi’s is an air pollution crisis that becomes not merely an environmental but a public health emergency with very serious social, economic, and cultural implications. More residents seem, now more seriously to think of moving out from the city as a measure of protection against bad health and wellbeing; it is therefore in the clear that this situation needs urgent attention from local as well as the national government. It is clear that without major policy overhaul and collective effort toward reduction of pollution, Delhi may lose not just its inhabitants but also its long-term ability to be a livable city. The out-migration of its citizens is both a wake-up call for cleaner air and sustainable solutions protecting the health and future of the population of Delhi.

Director General Office

UN climate talks to focus on money to help poor nations cut carbon pollution

BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — A complex international two-week-long game of climate change poker is convening. The stakes? Just the fate of an ever-warming world. Curbing and coping with climate change's worsening heat, floods, droughts and storms will cost trillions of dollars and poor nations just don't have it, numerous reports and experts calculate. As United Nations climate negotiations started Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, the chief issue is who must ante up to help poor nations and especially how much. The numbers are enormous. The floor in negotiations is the $100 billion a year that poor nations — based on a categorization made in the 1990s — now get as part of a 2009 agreement that was barely met. Several experts and poorer nations say the need is $1 trillion a year or more. "It's a game with high stakes," said Climate Analytics CEO Bill Hare, a physicist. "Right now the fate of the planet depends very much on what we're able to pull off in the next five or 10 years." But this year's talks, known as COP29, won't be as high-profile as last year's, with 48 fewer heads of state scheduled to speak. The leaders of the top two carbon polluting countries — China and the United States — will be absent. But if money negotiations fail in Baku, it will handicap 2025's make-or-break climate negotiations, experts say. Not only is dealing with money always a touchy subject, but two of the rich countries that are expected to donate money to poor nations — the United States and Germany — are in the midst of dramatic government changes. Even though the United States delegation will be from Biden Administration, the reelection of Donald Trump, who downplays climate change and dislikes foreign aid, makes U.S. pledges unlikely to be fulfilled. The overarching issue is climate finance. Without it, experts say the world can't get a handle on fighting warming, nor can most of the nations achieve their current carbon pollution-cutting goals or the new ones they will submit next year. "If we don't solve the finance problem, then definitely we will not solve the climate problem," said former Colombian deputy climate minister Pablo Vieira, who heads the support unit at NDC Partnership, which helps nations with emissions-cutting goals. Nations can't cut carbon pollution if they can't afford to eliminate coal, oil and gas, Vieira and several other experts said. Poor nations are frustrated that they are being told to do more to fight climate change when they cannot afford it, he said. And the 47 poorest nations only created 4% of the heat-trapping gases in the air, according to the U.N. About 77% of the heat-trapping gas in the atmosphere now comes from the G20 rich nations, many of whom are now cutting back on their pollution, something that is not happening in most poor nations or China. "The countries that are rich today have become rich by polluting the Earth," said Ani Dasgupta, president of World Resources Institute. The money being discussed is for three things: Helping poor nations switch from dirty fossil fuels to clean energy; helping them adapt to the impacts of a warming world such as sea level rise and worsening storms; and compensating vulnerable poor nations for climate change damage. "Should the global community fail to reach a (finance) goal, this is really just signing the death warrant of many developing countries," said Chukwumerije Okereke, director of the Center for Climate Change and Development in Nigeria. Michael Wilkins, a business professor who heads Imperial College's Centre for Climate Finance and Investment in the U.K., said since 2022 total climate finance has been nearly $1.5 trillion. But only 3% of that is actually geared toward the least developed countries, he said. "The Global South has been repeatedly let down by unmet pledges and commitments," said Sunita Narain, director general of New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment. "Finance is really the key component that compels all types of climate action," said Bahamian climate scientist Adelle Thomas, adaptation director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "Without that finance, there's simply not much that developing countries in particular can do." It's an issue of both self-interest and justice, Thomas and others said. It's not charity to help poor nations decarbonize because rich nations benefit when all countries cut emissions. After all, a warming world hurts everyone. Compensating for climate damage and helping nations prepare for future harm is a matter of justice, Thomas said. Even though they didn't create the problem, poor nations — especially small island nations — are particularly vulnerable to climate change's rising seas and extreme weather. Thomas mentioned how 2019's Hurricane Dorian smacked her grandparents home and "the only thing left standing was one toilet." The trillion-dollar figure on the table is about half of what the world spends annually on the military. Others say global fossil fuel subsidies could be redirected to climate finance; estimates of those subsidies range from the International Energy Agency's $616 billion a year to the International Monetary Fund's $7 trillion a year. "When we need more for other things, including conflict, we seem to find it," United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen said. "Well, this is probably the largest conflict of all." A U.N. climate finance committee report looked at the need from 98 countries and estimated it as ranging from $455 billion to $584 billion per year.

Climate Change and Green Economy

Fight Over Including Carbon Border Tax In Agenda Delays Climate Talks On Day One

Developing countries, including China and India, sparred with rich nations over including "unilateral trade measures", such as the European Union's carbon border tax, in the agenda of the UN climate talks, delaying the formal start of the conference on Monday. Agenda disputes are common at UN climate conferences but this one is especially significant as countries have limited time to agree on a new climate finance goal to help developing countries adapt to and fight climate change, the central issue this year. The conference opened with Azerbaijan, the host of this year's UN climate conference, calling on all countries to urgently resolve outstanding issues to agree on a new climate finance goal, which UN climate chief Simon Stiell said is in the self-interest of every nation. The proceedings were then suspended so delegates could negotiate on the agenda. The opening plenary got significantly delayed as developed and developing countries debated whether to make "unilateral trade measures", such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), an agenda item at COP29. China, on behalf of the BASIC group of countries, submitted a proposal to the UN climate body last month requesting that this year's COP address the issue of unilateral trade measures. The CBAM is the EU's proposed tax on energy intensive products, such as iron, steel, cement, fertilisers and aluminium, imported from countries like India and China. The tax is based on carbon emissions generated during the production of these goods. The EU has earlier argued that this mechanism creates a level playing field for domestically manufactured goods, which must adhere to stricter environmental standards and helps curb emissions from imports. However, other nations, particularly developing countries, have pointed out that such a tax could harm their economies and make trade with the EU expensive. They have contended that under the UN climate rules, no nation should impose emission reduction strategies on others. "The BASIC group's proposal reflects the deep concerns of many developing countries, particularly China. It's important to note that this proposal is not only directed against the CBAM, it reflects broader anxieties about the overall direction of industrial policies in the EU and developed countries like the US. "These countries are increasingly restricting their domestic markets to more cost-competitive green products, such as electric vehicles and solar panels manufactured in China. This approach will inevitably delay global climate action, there's no question about it," Li Shuo, Director, China Climate Hub, Asia Society Policy Institute, told PTI. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month termed CBAM "unilateral and arbitrary" and said that such measures could potentially harm India's industries and disrupt the balance in international trade. According to Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), CBAM will impose an additional 25 per cent tax on carbon-intensive goods exported from India to the EU. This tax burden would represent 0.05 per cent of India's GDP. Another contentious agenda item is the focus on climate finance versus discussion on all global stocktake outcomes. LMDC countries, including India and China, along with the African Group, want COP29 to prioritise climate finance, while developed countries including the US, the UK, and the EU want to discuss all stocktake outcomes, including mitigation and transitioning away from fossil fuels. According to Meena Raman from the Third World Network, the dialogue is supposed to focus on finance but developed countries are resisting a primary focus on funding to help developing countries adapt to and combat climate change. "They are saying the dialogue should cover all Global Stocktake outcomes (from COP28) with more emphasis on mitigation," Raman said during a press conference. "They are trying to divert attention from the crucial issue of climate finance," she said.

Climate Change and Green Economy

Fight over including carbon border tax in agenda delays climate talks on day one

Developing countries, including China and India, sparred with rich nations over including "unilateral trade measures", such as the European Union's carbon border tax, in the agenda of the UN climate talks, delaying the formal start of the conference on Monday. Agenda disputes are common at UN climate conferences but this one is especially significant as countries have limited time to agree on a new climate finance goal to help developing countries adapt to and fight climate change, the central issue this year. The conference opened with Azerbaijan, the host of this year's UN climate conference, calling on all countries to urgently resolve outstanding issues to agree on a new climate finance goal, which UN climate chief Simon Stiell said is in the self-interest of every nation. The proceedings were then suspended so delegates could negotiate on the agenda. The opening plenary got significantly delayed as developed and developing countries debated whether to make "unilateral trade measures", such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), an agenda item at COP29. China, on behalf of the BASIC group of countries, submitted a proposal to the UN climate body last month requesting that this year's COP address the issue of unilateral trade measures. The CBAM is the EU's proposed tax on energy intensive products, such as iron, steel, cement, fertilisers and aluminium, imported from countries like India and China. The tax is based on carbon emissions generated during the production of these goods. The EU has earlier argued that this mechanism creates a level playing field for domestically manufactured goods, which must adhere to stricter environmental standards and helps curb emissions from imports. However, other nations, particularly developing countries, have pointed out that such a tax could harm their economies and make trade with the EU expensive. They have contended that under the UN climate rules, no nation should impose emission reduction strategies on others. "The BASIC group's proposal reflects the deep concerns of many developing countries, particularly China. It's important to note that this proposal is not only directed against the CBAM, it reflects broader anxieties about the overall direction of industrial policies in the EU and developed countries like the US. "These countries are increasingly restricting their domestic markets to more cost-competitive green products, such as electric vehicles and solar panels manufactured in China. This approach will inevitably delay global climate action, there's no question about it," Li Shuo, Director, China Climate Hub, Asia Society Policy Institute, told PTI. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month termed CBAM "unilateral and arbitrary" and said that such measures could potentially harm India's industries and disrupt the balance in international trade. According to Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), CBAM will impose an additional 25% tax on carbon-intensive goods exported from India to the EU. This tax burden would represent 0.05% of India's GDP. Another contentious agenda item is the focus on climate finance versus discussion on all global stocktake outcomes.

Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Electric Two-wheelers: The Key To India's Net Zero Goals

As India accelerates its efforts towards achieving net zero emissions, transportation plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s environmental future. Two-wheelers, in particular, represent a crucial segment of India's transportation system, with their widespread use across both rural and urban areas. By transitioning to electric two-wheelers (E2Ws), India can significantly reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and bolster energy security. The Dominance of Two-wheelers in India Two-wheelers are a vital mode of transportation for millions of Indians. Approximately 30-40 per cent of households in the country own a two-wheeler, and in many cases, these are the primary vehicles for daily commuting. Their flexibility, affordability, and ease of maneuvering through congested city streets make them an indispensable part of urban and rural mobility. But there are environmental costs associated with this reliance. According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), two-wheelers contribute nearly 32 per cent of the air pollutants in Indian cities. Conventional motorcycles and scooters emit harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, which not only harm the environment but also pose serious health risks to the population. E2Ws: A Path to Cleaner Transportation It is imperative to electrify two-wheelers to reduce the carbon footprint of India’s transport sector. Electric two-wheelers offer a cleaner, greener alternative by eliminating tailpipe emissions entirely. With electric vehicles (EVs), energy requirements shift from oil to electricity, a transition that can be increasingly supported by renewable energy sources such as solar power. The Role of Renewable Energy To ensure that E2Ws fulfill their potential as a low-carbon solution, it is crucial to integrate renewable energy into their charging infrastructure. The widespread use of solar-powered battery chargers and rooftop microgrids, especially in rural and town areas, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles. With ample rooftop space available in rural regions, solar-powered systems are a practical solution to ensure that electric 2Ws are truly emissions-free. With the evolution of Li-ion battery technology, EV 2Ws can also act as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) by plugging them back into grid during the working/vehicle-idle hours, which offers efficient power distribution by balancing the demand and easing the strain on the system. Building the Ecosystem for E2Ws The successful adoption of electric two-wheelers relies not only on the vehicles themselves but also on the ecosystem that supports them. An efficient network of charging and battery swapping stations, advancements in battery technology with Smart connectivity, and policy incentives are essential to making E2Ws a practical choice for everyday commuters. The government, in partnership with private players, is already working to create the necessary infrastructure. However, more needs to be done to improve the availability of charging/swapping stations, skilled technicians and deeper network of after-sales services to ensure vehicle uptime of 100 per cent, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. The Way Ahead The rise of electric two-wheelers in India represents more than just a technological shift; it symbolises a broader change in lifestyle and thinking. Adopting a future where social well-being, economic efficiency, and environmental responsibility are given top priority is the goal of the shift to sustainable and smarter transportation. The combined efforts of the government, industry stakeholders, and consumers are paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous India. Electric two-wheelers are poised to become a central part of India’s strategy to reach its net zero emissions targets. They offer a solution to some of the country’s most pressing challenges—air pollution, oil dependency, and urban congestion—while contributing to the global fight against climate change. With the right policies and infrastructure in place, the adoption of E2Ws will not only transform the transportation sector but also propel India towards a sustainable future.

Climate Change and Green Economy

Baku Climate Talks: G77 Rejects New Climate Finance Goal Framework

G77 and China reject the framework for a new climate finance goal at the UN climate talks in Baku, demanding USD 1.3 trillion for developing countries. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between developed and developing nations on climate finance. and China, the largest bloc representing around 130 countries at the UN climate talks, on Tuesday rejected the framework for a draft negotiating text on a new climate finance goal -- the central issue at this year's climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. The group has also called for an ambitious climate finance target of USD 1.3 trillion, dedicated exclusively to developing countries and covering adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage. G77 and China rejected the substantive framework for a draft negotiating text prepared by the co-chairs of the Ad-Hoc Work Programme on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), arguing that it does not accurately reflect the concerns raised by developing countries. The group demanded that the newly-appointed co-chairs of the NCQG contact group prepare a new text for consideration at the next session. Other groups of developing countries, including the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Independent Alliance of Latin America and the Caribbean (AILAC), backed G77 and China in this rejection. According to the Loss and Damage Collaboration, an international coalition of climate researchers and activists, G77 and China demanded that the new climate finance package meet their needs and priorities, with a minimum quantum of USD 1.3 trillion, which should support mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage initiatives. The group stressed that the NCQG should not become a global investment goal and it should be a dedicated financial support from developed countries. On the other hand, developed countries want everyone (governments, private companies, investors) to invest in tackling climate change, not to set a strict funding amount that only developed countries need to provide. Developing countries also insist that the new climate finance goal should prioritise public, grant-based and concessional finance, as these types of funding are less burdensome for nations already facing financial challenges. According to the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment, developing countries are also calling for developed nations to provide arrears for the USD 100 billion climate finance goal agreed to in 2009. At COP15 in 2009, developed countries pledged to mobilise USD 100 billion per year to help developing nations adapt to and combat climate change by 2020. However, this target was only met in 2022, with loans accounting for around 70 per cent of the total climate finance provided. Developing countries are also asking that the NCQG impose no conditions on access to climate finance. Among the developed countries, the European Union (EU) has said the amount of public finance depends on several factors, such as funding sources, contributor base and the timeframe of the finance goal. The United States has said the NCQG should be a multi-layered global investment goal applicable to all countries. It has also argued that developing countries already providing substantial climate finance bilaterally should also contribute. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), high-income industrialised nations (referred to as Annex-II countries) are responsible for providing finance and technology to help developing countries address and adapt to climate change. These countries include the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and EU member states, such as Germany and France. Some developed countries, led by the EU and the US, argue that the global economic landscape has shifted significantly since 1992. They suggest that countries that have become wealthier since then, like China and some Gulf states, should also contribute to the new climate finance goal. Developing countries view this as an attempt to shift responsibility from those who have historically benefitted from industrialisation and contributed the most to greenhouse-gas emissions. They argue that expecting them to contribute, especially when many are still grappling with poverty and inadequate infrastructure amid worsening climate impacts, undermines the principle of equity.