Cse In News

Down To Earth

Darjeeling among fragile Himalayan cities at high risk from climate change

CSE’s State of India’s Environment 2024 report attributes 44 per cent of India’s disasters between 2013 and 2022 to Himalayan climate change Darjeeling, Bengal’s much-loved hill town, has become increasingly vulnerable over the last two decades because of rapid “development”. Close to half of India’s disasters between 2013 and 2022 occurred in the Himalayas with floods, landslides and thunderstorms making up the most, according to the State of India’s Environment 2024 released by Centre for Science and Environment at its Nimli complex on Wednesday. “Between 2013 and 2022, the Himalayan region in India accounted for 44 per cent of all national disasters. Floods, landslides and thunderstorms – 192 in all – constituted the bulk of these incidents,” says the annual report released every year by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down to Earth magazine.

Down To Earth

Record-breaking global warming grips Earth: An urgent call for action

NIMLI: At the annual Anil Agarwal Dialogue of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), environmental experts revealed that 2023 has been recorded as the warmest year in Earth's history. The global temperature rose 1.48 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial average of 1850-1900, with a concerning increase in the number of days experiencing temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius. Presenting findings from the State of India’s Environment 2024 report, economist Nitin Desai, veteran journalist T N Ninan, and CSE director general Sunita Narain highlighted the catastrophic impact of extreme weather events. The report, curated and published by CSE, revealed that 109 nations faced severe weather catastrophes in 2023, with Africa, Europe, and West Asia being the most affected. Indonesia had the highest number of affected individuals, nearly 19 million, and Libya witnessed the most fatalities. In India, 2023 was notable for its scorching August and September, the hottest in 122 years. The nation experienced 318 out of 365 days with some form of calamity, resulting in 3,287 casualties, 2.21 million hectares of cropland destruction, 86,432 homes ravaged, and 124,813 animal deaths. Every region in India faced nature's fury, with Himachal Pradesh having the highest number of extreme weather events, followed closely by Madhya Pradesh. Kerala and Uttar Pradesh also dealt with their share of calamitous days. The breakdown of events highlighted heavy rains, floods, landslides for 208 days, followed by lightning and storms for 202 days. Additionally, heatwaves, coldwaves, cloudbursts, snowfalls, and cyclones wreaked havoc. Bihar had the highest casualties, with 642 lives lost, Haryana faced the most damaged crops, Gujarat had the highest count of demolished homes, and Punjab mourned the highest animal fatalities. In her keynote address, Sunita Narain stressed the urgent need for a paradigm shift in environmental management, terming 2023-24 as a year of 'polycrisis.' She emphasized the importance of reinventing the narrative surrounding environmental stewardship and strengthening regulatory institutions to combat the multifaceted challenges facing humanity. As the world grapples with the grim realities of climate change, the call for concerted action has never been more pressing.

Down To Earth

Every state, UT saw extreme weather ev least 1 day in 2023: Report

India recorded extreme weather events on 318 of with all states and Union territories experiencing s according to a new report released on Wednesday. These extreme weather events resulted in 3,287 hu deaths, and damage to 2.21 million hectares of crop think tank the Centre for Science and Environmen 2024" said. Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest number of days with extreme weather at 149, follo 141, and Kerala and Uttar Pradesh with 119 each. Eight states recorded more than 100 days of extreme weather, the report said. Heavy rains, floods and landslides were recorded on 208 days in 2023. Lightning and storms occurred on 202 days, heatwaves on 49 days, cold waves on 29 days India experienced extreme weather events for 123 consecutive days between June and Sep

Down To Earth

Himachal and MP experienced highest number of Extreme weather events in 2023

In 2023, India faced extreme weather almost every day of the year, with all states and Union territories experiencing these harsh conditions at least once, India endured extreme weather conditions on 318 of the 365 days in 2023, affecting every state and Union territory, according to findings from the Centre for Science and Environment’s “State of Environment 2024” report. 3,287 human lives were lost, alongside 1.24 lakh animal fatalities. The agricultural sector, a lifeline for millions, suffered with 2.21 million hectares of crops ravaged. Himachal Pradesh experienced the highest frequency of extreme weather, with 149 days affected, followed closely by Madhya Pradesh with 141 days, and both Kerala and Uttar Pradesh with 119. The types of extreme weather varied, with heavy rains, floods, and landslides occurring on 208 days, and lightning and storms on 202 days. Heatwaves scorched the land on 49 days, while cold waves chilled it for 29 days, and cloudbursts brought sudden devastation on nine occasions. The winter months of January and February experienced extreme weather on 28 of the 59 days, affecting 21 states and Union Territories. Punjab and Haryana were most affected, with extreme weather reported on 15 days each. These two months were also warmer than the average temperatures recorded between 1981-2010, with February’s daytime and mean temperatures being 1.86°C and 1.36°C warmer, respectively. Additionally, the period was drier than usual, exacerbating the impact of the extreme conditions. Seasonal Breakdown Winter: The year commenced with a winter that saw 28 of 59 days marked by extreme weather, affecting 21 states and Union Territories. Punjab and Haryana topped the list with 15 days of severe conditions. Pre-Monsoon: The pre-monsoon period was no less forgiving, with 85 of 92 days experiencing extreme weather across 33 states and UTs. Maharashtra faced the highest number, with 41 days of tumultuous weather. Monsoon: The monsoon season, typically a respite, turned treacherous with all 122 days marred by extreme conditions, spreading across all states and UTs. Also Read: Snow disrupts life in Himachal and J&K, more snow, rainfall expected The pre-monsoon season, spanning March to May, was marked by extreme weather on 85 of the 92 days, impacting 33 states and Union Territories. Maharashtra experienced the highest frequency of such events, with 41 days of extreme weather, followed by Rajasthan with 32 days. Despite near-normal temperatures, the season was characterized by higher rainfall and an unusually high incidence of lightning and storms, particularly hailstorms, which were reported across almost the entire country. The monsoon season, which typically brings relief in the form of rain, instead brought its own set of challenges. All 122 days of the monsoon were marked by extreme weather, affecting every state and Union Territory. The monsoon arrived seven days late and progressed slowly, eventually covering the entire country by June 30. This delay, combined with the influence of Western Disturbances, led to extreme rainfall events that caused widespread destruction.

Down To Earth

India bears brunt of climate change wrath

The year 2023 brought forth a concerning reality for India, as every State and Union Territory experienced extreme weather events at least once, disrupting life, livelihoods, and the economy as resources were diverted to tackle flooding or extreme heat, volatile conditions driven by climate change. These occurrences were not sporadic; rather, they persisted for approximately 318 out of 365 days, revealing a disturbingly recurrent pattern of climatic disruptions. In what should be considered a climate change warning to India, the toll on human life was grave, with 3,287 recorded deaths attributed to these extreme weather events. Additionally, the devastation extended to the animal kingdom, with a staggering 1.24 lakh animal deaths reported. The agricultural sector, vital for the nation’s food security, bore a heavy brunt, with 2.21 million hectares of crop area suffering damage, leading to significant economic losses. This widespread impact, detailed in the independent think tank Centre for Science and Environment’s “State of Environment 2024” report, underscores the severity of the challenges posed by climate change. The report said the climate-vulnerable country experienced extreme weather on 86 percent of days from January to September. State-wise, Himachal Pradesh emerged as the most heavily affected zone, enduring extreme weather conditions for 149 days, closely followed by Madhya Pradesh with 141 days. Kerala and Uttar Pradesh also faced prolonged periods of extreme weather, each recording 119 days of such events. The widespread nature of these occurrences is further underscored by the fact that eight States experienced over 100 days of extreme weather. The temperature increase was driven by human-caused climate change and boosted by the natural El Niño weather phenomenon. The types of extreme weather varied, with heavy rains, floods, and landslides occurring on 208 days, while lightning and storms were prevalent for 202 days. Heatwaves persisted for 49 days, cold waves for 29 days, and cloudbursts were recorded on nine days, contributing to localised instances of intense precipitation. Of particular concern was the duration of these extreme weather events, with India enduring 123 consecutive days of such conditions between June and September 2023. This prolonged exposure underscores the significant long-term implications for infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystem resilience. The detailed analysis provided by the report offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of extreme weather events in India in 2023, emphasising the critical need for proactive measures to address their impacts and build a more resilient society in the face of ongoing climate change. Climate experts warn that it has now been confirmed that global warming exceeded 1.5°C across the 12-month period between February 2023 and January 2024. This followed 2023 being declared the warmest year on record. The United Nations also sounded an alarm that 2023 is set to be the hottest ever recorded. It demanded urgent action to rein in global warming and stem the havoc following in its wake. The UN’s World Meteorological Organisation pointed out that 2023 had shattered a whole host of climate records, with extreme weather leaving “a trail of devastation and despair”. “It’s a deafening cacophony of broken records,” said WMO chief Petteri Taalas. “Greenhouse gas levels are at a record high. Global temperatures are at a record high. Sea level rise is at a record high. Antarctic sea ice is at a record low,” he said. In light of these findings, urgent action is imperative. Comprehensive climate adaptation and disaster management strategies are needed to mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and protect vulnerable communities.

Down To Earth

Himachal saw max extreme weather events in 23’: Report

Bathinda: As 2023 became the warmest year in recorded weather history, the northwest region faced its impact. Himachal Pradesh got the maximum extreme weather events — on 149 days — the largest affected crop area was in Haryana, while Punjab lost most livestock. Private think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shared these figures in its State of India Environment report 2024, which it released on Wednesday during its annual Anil Agarwal Dialogue (AAD) at Nimli in Rajasthan. It claimed 2023 to be 1.48 degrees Celsius warmer than the pre-industrial period average, and with highest number of days with global mean temperatures above 1.5°C. Economist Nitin Desai, journalist T N Ninan, and CSE director general Sunita Narain released the report. In 2023 India faced its warmest-ever August and September in 122 years and recorded extreme weather events on 318 days, which claimed 3,287 lives, affected 22.1 lakh hectare (ha) of crop area, damaged 86,432 houses, and killed almost 1.25 lakh animals. All 36 states and Union Territories were affected. Madhya Pradesh had the second most extreme weather days at 141, followed by Kerala and Uttar Pradesh (119 each). Out of the events, heavy rain, flood, and landslide were recorded on 208 days, lightning and storm on 202 days, heatwave on 49 days, cold wave on 29 days, and cloudburst on 9 days. Bihar lost most people (642) due to extreme weather events, while Gujarat had maximum damaged houses. Sunita Narain claimed that the year 2023-24 is of ‘polycrisis’, a period of multiple conflicts, lost battles with nature, war among humans (Ukraine and Gaza), and fight for control of minerals and technology (with China a big role player). She said: “We should reinvent the environmental management narrative. Technological fixes won’t suffice, we need to strengthen our regulatory institutions.”

Down To Earth

Every state, UT saw extreme weather event on at least 1 day in 2023: Report

India recorded extreme weather events on 318 of the 365 days in the year 2023, with all states and Union territories experiencing such events on at least one day, according to a new report released on Wednesday. These extreme weather events resulted in 3,287 human deaths, 1.24 lakh animal deaths, and damage to 2.21 million hectares of crop area, a report by independent think tank the Centre for Science and Environment's "State of Environment 2024" said. Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest number of days with extreme weather at 149, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 141, and Kerala and Uttar Pradesh with 119 each. Eight states recorded more than 100 days of extreme weather, the report said. Heavy rains, floods and landslides were recorded on 208 days in 2023. Lightning and storms occurred on 202 days, heatwaves on 49 days, cold waves on 29 days and cloudbursts on nine days. India experienced extreme weather events for 123 consecutive days between June and September 2023, the report said.

Down To Earth

Every state, UT saw extreme weather event on at least 1 day in 2023: Report

India recorded extreme weather events on 318 of the 365 days in the year 2023, with all states and Union territories experiencing such events on at least one day, according to a new report released on Wednesday. These extreme weather events resulted in 3,287 human deaths, 1.24 lakh animal deaths, and damage to 2.21 million hectares of crop area, a report by independent think tank the Centre for Science and Environment’s “State of Environment 2024” said. Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest number of days with extreme weather at 149, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 141, and Kerala and Uttar Pradesh with 119 each. Lightning and storms occurred on 202 days, heatwaves on 49 days, cold waves on 29 days and cloudbursts on nine days. India experienced extreme weather events for 123 consecutive days between June and September 2023, the report said.

Down To Earth

Gone With The Wind! Feb AQI Lowest Since 2016

This Feb, Delhi’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was 220 till Monday, making this the lowest since 2016, shows data of Central Pollution Control Board. Although the average AQI was less than previous years, the air quality was still in the “poor” category. Experts said meteorological conditions, including rain and strong winds, prevented the AQI from rising on most days. An analysis of the CPCB data, which started calculating AQI from April 2015 onwards, shows that the average air quality reading in Feb was 293 in 2016, 267 in 2017, 243 in 2018, 242 in 2019, 241 in 2020, 288 in 2021, 225 in 2022 and 237 in 2023. The comparatively lower AQI, however, never led to a single “good” or “satisfactory” day in Feb, when AQI is below 101. Air quality mostly stayed “moderate” or “poor”. However, a streak of four consecutive “very poor” days, when AQI is between 301 and 400, was also recorded this month. Wednesday’s AQI was 141 in the “moderate” range. Experts said that as strong winds blew in the city on most days during the daytime, it aided in the dispersion of pollutants. The city also recorded excess rain this Feb, and rain helps in settling down the pollutants. India Meteorological Department’s data shows that the city logged 32.5 mm rainfall in Feb this year, which is an excess of 53%. Anumita Roychowdhury, the executive director for research and advocacy at Centre for Science and Environment, said: “We are now virtually out of the winter season with improved ventilation and stronger wind speed. This is helping in dissipating the ambient concentration. We need to watch this trend closely to understand the local and regional impacts of air pollution and to what extent the action is contributing to clean up the air.” Jan was the most polluted since 2016 with an average AQI of 354. Dec 2023 was the most polluted in the past five years. Nov 2023 was the worst ever with AQI staying in the near severe category (an AQI of 390 and above) for 17 days. CPCB classifies an AQI from 0 -50 as “good”, 51-100 “satisfactory”, 101-200 “moderate”, 201-300 as “poor”, 301-400 as “very poor” and over 400 as “severe”.

Industrial Pollution

Revolutionizing Metal Industries: CSE and Uttar Pradesh Govt Tackle Air Pollution in Indo-Gangetic Plains

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Delhi, in partnership with the Department of Environment, Government of Uttar Pradesh, is spearheading a significant initiative to combat air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. This collaboration focuses on the metal-based sector in Aligarh, Moradabad, and Saharanpur, areas known for their environmental challenges due to inefficient industrial practices. Identifying the Core Issues The metal industries in these districts are notorious for their reliance on polluting fuels, the use of inefficient furnaces, and the absence of effective air pollution control mechanisms. Moradabad, labeled as critically polluted, and Aligarh, deemed severely polluted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), are at the heart of this study. The project aims not only to identify but also implement sustainable and economically viable technological solutions to reduce the ecological footprint of these industries. Engaging Stakeholders for Sustainable Solutions A collaborative effort is underway, involving the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), industry representatives, and research organizations. The goal is to develop a comprehensive plan for technological upgrades that will improve working conditions, enhance environmental outcomes, and be financially feasible. A critical aspect of this project is the upcoming stakeholder meeting on March 4, 2024, which aims to galvanize support and initiate the activities planned under this initiative. Mapping the Path Forward The project underscores the importance of technology in mitigating environmental harm. By drawing on the expertise of various stakeholders, it seeks to create a roadmap that includes not only the upgrade of technology but also strategies for financing these improvements. This approach is integral to the broader multisectoral air quality management strategy of the State, aiming to introduce new technologies to reduce emissions and pollution, thereby ensuring a healthier environment for future generations. This initiative represents a pivotal step towards addressing the environmental challenges posed by the metal-based sector in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. By prioritizing technological innovation and stakeholder engagement, it sets a precedent for collaborative environmental governance, highlighting the critical role of sustainable industrial practices in the fight against pollution and climate change.

Down To Earth

India Experienced Extreme Weather Nearly Every Day in 2023, Shocking New Report Reveals!

India witnessed an alarming escalation of extreme weather events in 2023, according to a new report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The report, titled "State of India Environment 2024," reveals that the country experienced such extreme events on a staggering 318 out of 365 days, impacting all states and union territories (yep, every single one of them). Of all the destructive weather phenomena, heavy rains, floods, and landslides were the most frequent, occurring on 208 days. Lightning and storms were also prevalent, recorded on 202 days. Additionally, the year witnessed 49 heatwaves, 29 cold waves, and 9 cloudbursts. Notably, India experienced a concerning stretch of 123 consecutive days with extreme weather events between June and September. The consequences of these events were proportionately devastating, claiming 3,287 lives, damaging 2.21 million hectares of crops, and causing the deaths of 124,813 animals. The report further highlights that eight states endured extreme weather for more than 100 days in 2023. Further, as 2023 marked the warmest year in the country's recorded history, the northwest region bore a significant brunt. And among them, Himachal Pradesh recorded the most extreme weather events (149 days), while Haryana suffered the most extensive damage to its crop area. Punjab witnessed the highest livestock loss. Economist Nitin Desai, journalist T N Ninan, and CSE director general Sunita Narain unveiled the report during the annual Anil Agarwal Dialogue. The report emphasises that 2023 witnessed a 1.48°C rise in temperature compared to pre-industrial levels and had the highest number of days exceeding the global mean temperature of 1.5°C. Sunita Narain further stressed on the need to address the "polycrisis" of 2023-24, encompassing environmental challenges, geopolitical conflicts, and resource competition. She talked about the importance of strengthening regulatory institutions and moving beyond mere technological solutions to ensure environmental sustainability. This report serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to combat climate change and its repercussions. India's experience underscores the need for immediate and comprehensive action to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events and build resilience for the future.

Down To Earth