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India To Use AI For Building Climate Models: Report

According to reports weather agencies around the world are focusing on using AI and it suggested that India should also adopt the advanced technology for accurate weather forecasting It has been reportedly said that India is testing artificial intelligence (AI) to build climate models to improve weather forecasting. The trial is undertaken as torrential rains, floods and droughts are proliferating across the country. This AI development came following the intense trigger of weather systems in India which has been recently increasing with the extreme weather events. The independent Centre for Science and Environment has also estimated that nearly 3,000 people were killed due to national calamity this year. According to reports weather agencies around the world are focusing on using AI and it suggested that India should also adopt the advanced technology for accurate weather forecasting as the agricultural country is also one of the world's second-largest producers of rice, wheat and sugar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is currently informing and forecasting weather updates based on mathematical models using supercomputers. The AI- usage will allow the agency an expanded observation network generating higher-quality forecast data at lower cost.

Year Ender 2023: From Record Heat to Wildfires, This Year Saw Extreme Weather Events Globally

From devastating fires in North America and Hawaii to heatwaves in the West and Europe, the year 2023 has been full of extreme weather events. The last 12 months witnessed extreme heat across the globe which led to wildfires in Canada and Hawaii, torrential rains in several countries killed thousands and boiling oceans. EXTREME HEAT This year countries across the globe registered unusually high temperatures with the scientists confirming that the Earth’s temperature was off the charts this year and officially the hottest year on record. Every month since June has been the hottest such month on record, and November piled on. August was the hottest and driest on record in India. Japan also experienced its hottest summer on record while in the UK, June’s temperatures were off the charts. Several countries in the Europe including Spain, Italy, France and others grappled with soaring temperatures. In the US, meanwhile, Arizona’s capital Phoenix set a record for a global heatwave following the 19th straight day of scorching heat reaching 47.2 Celsius. RECORD WILDFIRES This year experienced worst wildfires in recorded history in the Boreal forests all over the world. Canada suffered through its worst forest fire season in recorded history, with nearly 16.5 million hectares — an area the size of Tunisia — going up in smoke. The country broke the record in late June for wildfire smoke emissions released in a single year and the smoke even reached several cities of the US. New York City’s air pollution ranked the worst of any city in the world on some days in June as wildfire smoke from Canada covered the city in a sooty haze. The August 8 fire in the US state of Hawaii was the deadliest wildfire the United States has seen for more than a century. It burned through around 2,000 acres, killing at least 115 people on the island of Maui and laid waste to the historic town of Lahaina, a former Hawaiian royal seat and a thriving tourist hub. Wildfires in Greece fanned by dry, windy and hot conditions left 26 dead and guzzled through 150,000 hectares, including resorts on the islands of Rhodes and Corfu. CATASTROPHIC FLOODING In September this year, torrential downpours led to waterlogging in countries including Libya, Greece and Spain and flooded parts of Hong Kong and New York City. Thousands of people died in the city of Derna, Libya. Zagora, Greece, saw a record 30 inches of rain, the equivalent of a year and a half of rain falling in 24 hours. Monsoon rains this year also triggered landslides and flooding in the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand killing dozens in India. WARMEST WINTER Temperature records were also smashed in the southern hemisphere, in the depths of winter. The Argentinian capital Buenos Aires had its warmest August 1 on record, at 30 degrees. Australia’s winter was also the warmest on record, creating the conditions for what experts fear will be an intense bushfire season this summer. The world’s oceans also set a new temperature record in August. Average sea surface temperatures reached an unprecedented 21C for over a week, according to Copernicus, after months of unusually high temperatures. Both North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea had never been warmer in a development blamed for depleting marine biodiversity and contributing to global warming. INDIA SAW EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS India experienced extreme weather events almost every day in the first nine months of this year which led to nearly 3,000 deaths, according to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The report said the climate-vulnerable country had extreme weather on 86% of days from January to September 2023. The CSE said 2,923 people died, almost two million hectares of crops were ruined, 80,000 homes were destroyed and more than 92,000 animals were killed. Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of extreme weather events at 138. However, the largest number of deaths occurred in Bihar (642), followed by Himachal Pradesh (365) and Uttar Pradesh (341).

Take a deep breath and rethink infrastructure development in the Himalayas

The Himalayan region has seen several extreme weather events and disasters this year. Experts have repeatedly raised concern about the carrying capacity of the fragile Himalayan terrain and the need to caution while developing infrastructure. The infrastructure development strategy for the Himalayas should take into consideration the vulnerability of the region and the need for environment protection, writes the author of this commentary. This views in this commentary are that of the author. Despite repeated warning from geologists and environmentalists about the fragile status of the Himalayas and the need for utmost caution while constructing dams, roads, power plants or tunnels, haphazard construction for energy, increased revenue from tourism and pilgrimages continues unabated. The collapse of the under-construction Silkyara tunnel on the Brahmkhal-Yamunotri highway in Uttarakhand is the latest in the chain of disasters that almost killed 41 workers who were trapped in it for 17 days from November 12. Were geologists or engineers overseeing the construction of the tunnel? Manish Khalko, the managing director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, said the falling of the debris in the under-construction tunnel was a recurring feature but no one expected it would be severe enough to trap the workers inside. While it is true that the rescue of the workers was a Herculean task deserving all praise, the questions to be asked are: Why did the tunnel collapse? Was the fragility of the mountain system kept in mind while digging the long tunnel through the heart of the mountainous region? Was it preventable? A ticking time bomb In fact, with the steady decimation of forests, torrential rains and landslides becoming chronic, the government needs to relook at all its projects in the Himalayas and this includes the Char Dham Yatra route, the power projects and road widening for increased traffic. Eminent ecologist Madhav Gadgil and environmental activist Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment had warned a decade ago about over-development as a ticking time bomb. Gadgil, in his autobiographical book, A Walk Up The Hill, highlights the tremendous environmental destruction taking place across the country. He refers to the degradation of forests of Uttarakhand and the habitat of the goral and other wildlife, triggering the landslide of Chamoli in 2021 and the death of 204 people. Way back in July 2013, Sunita Narain, in a column, pointed out that extreme rain events have become frequent. On June 16, 2013, it rained without a break and some 200 mm came down within hours in a few places like Kedarnath. It brought down the mighty Himalayas. Villages were wiped out, property destroyed, roads washed away and hydro power projects damaged in Uttarakhand. “The mountains are bleeding and its people have been left battered, bruised and dead,” she wrote. Experts have repeatedly raised concern about the carrying capacity of this terrain and the slope cutting activities defying geological wisdom. The development strategy for the Himalayas should take into consideration the vulnerability of the region and the need for environment protection. Sinking Joshimath and pilgrim centres The 1976 government-appointed M. C. Mishra (Collector of Garhwal) Commission report as well as the 2006 report of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology had warned against construction activity in the Himalayan region and more so in and around Joshimath. Mishra’s report pointed out that Joshimath was on a deposit of sand and stone and not rock and the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga could trigger landslides. Yet, tunnels are being blasted in the seismic zone, putting the town in great danger. Roads and other infrastructure are being proposed and dams have been built upstream. It is clear that this region cannot take anymore. So, on January 6 this year when news broke of Joshimath sinking, it shocked the world but not the people of Joshimath or the experts who had been warning of the fragility of the region. As the cracks in buildings and hotels became larger, there was an exodus. Some 4000 people had to abandon their homes and seek shelter in relief camps and negotiate for compensation. Reports of land subsidence poured in from other hill towns such as Karnaprayag, Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, Rishikesh, Nainital and Mussoorie. The number of visitors to the holy town of Joshimath are said to have doubled from 2.4 lakhs in 2017 to 4.9 lakhs in 2019. The pilgrim pressure to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri seeking inner peace has put stress on the carrying capacity of the region. The Char Dam Yatra Project of 2016 is one of largest road widening projects of the region and seeks to convert the 889 km road linking the four holy cities from 5 metres to 10 metres. Simultaneously housing facilities were to be increased to accommodate the pilgrims. A yatra that was once undertaken on foot is now a highway pilgrimage. In addition, the bursting of an underground aquifer during the construction of a tunnel of the 520 mw Tapovan-Vishnugad hydropower project added to the stress of Joshimath. Satellite images released by ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre showed that the town sank by 5.4 centimetres between December 27, 2022 and January 8, 2023. In February this year, Ravi Chopra, who headed a committee formed by the Supreme Court to examine the concerns raised on the Char Dham project, resigned disappointed on the court ignoring the panel’s advice not to increase the road width. 2023 has been a year of natural disasters galore in the Himalayas. In Himachal Pradesh due to excessive rainfall from April to July (in July it was over 70 percent above the average rainfall) the State Disaster Management Committee said there were 72 flash floods, 163 landslides and 110 deaths. Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Kangra and Solan were all affected. Seismologist Sunil Dhar said super saturation due to prolonged rainfall had caused massive earth movements across the region. The Himachal government is consulting experts for geological surveys, but will it abide by their advice? Teesta dam saga Take again the case of the 1200 MW dam on the Teesta River in Sikkim that got washed away on October 4 this year. Here again, civil society and activists had warned as early as 2005 that glacial lake flood was a possibility, but the project got clearance in 2006. A public hearing was held on the Sikkim floods and researcher Neeraj Vagholikar narrated the saga of the doomed dam and the floods. The river had been dammed beyond limits, ignoring the repeated warnings about the fragile eco-system of the Himalayas, the seismic sensitivity of the region and global warming leading to melting of glaciers. From 2006 to 2016 the cost of the dam had soared from Rs. 5705 crores to Rs. 13,965 crores. Will we ever learn? When will we listen to the voices of people living in these so-called areas of development? As Dr. Gadgil and other environment sensitive people have pointed out, due respect should be give to people’s advice and wisdom when such massive projects are undertaken.

கடுமையான பருவநிலை சவால்களை சந்தித்த இந்தியா

India Faced Severe Weather 2023-ஆம் ஆண்டு தொடங்கியதிலிருந்து செப்டம்பர் வரை முதல் 9 மாதங்களுக்கு இந்தியா ஒவ்வொரு நாளுமே கடுமையான வானிலையை சந்தித்ததாக ஓர் ஆய்வறிக்கை தெரிவிக்கின்றது. இதன்மூலம் நாடு முழுவதும் கிட்டத்தட்ட 3,000 உயிரிழப்புகள் ஏற்பட்டதாகவும் அந்த அறிக்கை குறிப்பிடுகின்றது. சுயாதீன சிந்தனை மையமான சிஎஸ்இ (CSE - Centre for Science and Environment) புதன்கிழமை) வெளியிட்ட ஆய்வறிக்கையில் இத்தகவல் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளது. அந்த அறிக்கையின்படி ஜனவரி 2023 முதல் செப்டம்பர் 2023 வரையிலான காலகட்டத்தில் இந்தியாவில் சுமார் 86 சதவீத நாட்கள் கடுமையான வானிலை நிலவியுள்ளது.

VS Chauhan & Nitin Yadav

CSE-DTE speak to Virander S Chauhan and Nitin Yadav, co-founders of Biotide Solutions LLP, about the global AMR scenario Virander S Chauhan and Nitin Yadav are co-founders of Biotide Solutions LLP, a startup company working towards developing novel antimicrobials for multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. Centre for Science and Environment-Down To Earth spoke to the duo during the recently observed World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2023. Edited excerpts: VS Chauhan (VSC) & Nitin Yadav (NY): The current global scenario of antibiotic drug development is indeed facing a critical crisis. There is a distressing scarcity of novel antibiotics entering the market, leading to a serious threat in addressing increasingly resistant infections. It is concerning that despite the significant challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the number of drugs in development addressing this issue remains notably low. Currently, only 77 antimicrobial therapeutics are in clinical trials, with 32 as non-traditional antibiotics, compared to around 10,000 drugs for cancer and 1,800 for neuropsychiatric diseases. Several factors contribute to this situation, encompassing the rapid acquisition of resistance by bacteria against antibiotics, the exorbitant costs linked with drug development, the extensive duration needed to bring a new drug to market, and the insufficient financial incentives provided to pharmaceutical companies. NK: How does current global antibiotic development situation impact Indian industry? VSC & NY: The Indian pharmaceutical industry holds substantial potential to play a prominent role in advancing new antibiotics. With its successful history in manufacturing high-quality yet low-cost generic drugs, the Indian pharmaceutical industry possesses all the necessary capabilities to develop various new drugs, especially antibiotics, which will need large-scale production to meet global demands. Moreover, the industry has easy access to a large pool of workforce including skilled scientists and researchers. However, the Indian pharmaceutical industry faces several obstacles, such as significant expenses related to drug development, limited financial incentives and the need for improved regulatory frameworks. Addressing these challenges is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the Indian pharmaceutical sector in driving the development of new antibiotics. NK: What are some of the challenges & limitations faced by Indian drug developers? VSC & NY: Indian antibiotic drug developers face several challenges in their efforts to develop new antibiotics. Some of these challenges include: Scientific and technological barriers: Developing new antibiotics demands advanced scientific research employing innovative drug discovery approaches and a deep understanding of complex mechanisms underlying bacterial resistance. However, India faces obstacles here due to limited scientific infrastructure, absence of specialised expertise and gaps in technological capabilities, hampering the advancement of antibiotic drug development. Funding constraints: Antibiotic research and development require urgent attention in terms of long-term focused funding, which is usually not available to researchers in scientific institutes. Additionally, the high cost of research and development, coupled with the uncertain return on investment, poses financial limitations for drug developers. Collaborations and partnerships: Collaboration among academia, industry and government entities is crucial for antibiotic drug development. However, establishing effective collaborations and partnerships, aligning research goals, sharing resources, and fostering a collaborative environment poses challenges due to logistical, regulatory, and competitive factors. Market competition: In the landscape of research and development of novel antimicrobial therapeutics, intense global competition, particularly within the generic drug market, poses a significant challenge for Indian companies. Balancing investments in innovative research and maintaining competitive pricing becomes notably difficult due to this competition. NK: How can the challenges faced by the Indian antibiotic development industry be addressed? VSC & NY: Here are some specific ways in which the challenges faced by the Indian antibiotic drug development industry can be addressed: Research and development investments: Long-term focused funding in research and development (R&D) is crucial for both academia and the Indian industry to bolster their antibiotic drug development capabilities. The allocation of resources toward exploring new compounds, identifying novel drug targets, and pursuing innovative treatment approaches holds significant promise in discovering novel antibiotics. Collaboration and partnerships: Collaboration involving academia, government institutions, and pharmaceutical companies is crucial for sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources. It is essential that academia, industry, and government agencies collaborate closely to tackle the complexities in developing new antibiotics. Creating partnerships between clinicians and research scientists in labs is vital, as it speeds up antibiotic development by combining the strengths and expertise of different groups. Regulatory support: Creating streamlined regulatory frameworks designed specifically for antibiotic drug development has the potential to speed up the approval process, ensuring strict compliance with safety and efficacy standards. Clear guidelines and strong support from regulatory bodies can incentivise the Indian industry to invest more in antibiotic research and development efforts. Antibiotic stewardship programs: Establishing antibiotic stewardship programs within healthcare settings is crucial for promoting responsible antibiotic use, preventing misuse, and reducing the emergence of resistance. These initiatives substantially contribute to conserving the efficacy of both existing and any new antimicrobial drugs, enhancing their utility, and confronting the challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Global collaborations: Partnering with international organisations, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies provides access to expertise, resources, and funding opportunities. Engaging in global research consortia and clinical trials can significantly bolster the Indian industry’s involvement and contributions to antibiotic drug development. NK: What are some efforts or initiatives that have been taken to promote antibiotic R&D in India? VSC & NY: While India has made notable contributions to antibiotic research, there is a need for increased focus on developing new classes of antimicrobial therapeutics to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. To address this, the Indian government has taken steps to promote antibiotic research and development. Initiatives like the National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy have been implemented to strengthen R&D efforts and enhance collaborations between academia, industry, and government bodies. Financial support, regulatory reforms and capacity-building initiatives are being pursued to foster a conducive environment for antibiotic development in India. While there is room for growth and improvement, India’s position in antibiotic development is poised for advancement. With its strong pharmaceutical industry, research capabilities, and ongoing initiatives, India has the potential to play a significant role in addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance through the development of novel effective antibiotics. Finally, India can and should play a leading role in the fight against AMR, as it addresses a major health challenge not only in India but also in the Southeast Asian countries. We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/interviews/health/india-poised-to-advance-in-antibiotic-development-vs-chauhan-nitin-yadav-93049

People in Hry continue to breathe poor air

Chandigarh: On Sunday morning, residents of 12 districts and cities of Haryana, including those in the National Capital Region (NCR), woke up to severe or very poor air quality due to thick fog, vehicular pollution and dust. With an AQI (air quality index) of 437 and 409, respectively, Bahadurgarh and Faridabad were placed in severe category, while the remaining 10 cities or districts, majority of them from the NCR, recorded an AQI of over 300, categorised as very poor. Increased AQI levels are being witnessed despite the fact that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has put in place graded response action plan Stage-III, banning construction activities and plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in the NCR region, including Sonipat, Gurugram and Faridabad districts. Officials in the district administration of Jhajjar said anti-smog guns and sprinkler systems had been pressed into action to settle dust on the roads. We also published the following articles recently No Quality In Air: Severe Plus AQI And Fog Give Delhi BluesThe air quality in Delhi worsened on Saturday, reaching the 'severe plus' category with an AQI of 450. This is an increase from the previous day's AQI of 409 and the highest in the country. The Central Pollution Control Board reported these findings in their 24-hour average bulletin. The Commission for Air Quality Management, which had already implemented measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, will closely monitor the situation before taking further actions. Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment emphasized the need for both emergency and long-term actions to address pollution.106244416 AQI improves, but still in the poor categoryThe air quality in Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad improved slightly on Tuesday but remained in the poor category. The 24-hour average AQI reading in Noida was 206, Greater Noida saw it at 222, and Ghaziabad recorded 204. The AQI in Noida, Sector 62 station was 230, Sector 116 witnessed it at 226, and Sector 1 had 204, all in the poor category. Knowledge Park V and Knowledge Park III stations in Greater Noida recorded AQIs of 236 and 179. Loni and Sanjay Nagar in Ghaziabad had AQIs of 218 and 244, while Vasundhara and Indirapuram had AQIs of 182 and 163 in the moderate category. According to the SAFAR bulletin, the air quality is likely to remain in the poor category on Wednesday.106138638

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ENHANCES WEATHER PREDICTIONS AMID RISING FLOODS AND DROUGHTS IN INDIA

India is exploring the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into climate models to advance weather predictions, responding to a surge in extreme weather events such as heavy rains, floods, and droughts. A senior official from India’s meteorological department announced the initiative, emphasizing its crucial role in mitigating the devastating impacts of severe weather conditions, which have resulted in an estimated 3,000 casualties in the current year, according to the Centre for Science and Environment. The increasing global temperatures have heightened the intensity of weather phenomena across India, leading weather agencies worldwide to turn to AI technology for its potential cost savings and faster forecasting capabilities. The UK’s Met Office has praised AI as a potential game-changer in weather forecasting, citing a Google-funded model that surpassed traditional methodologies. Given India’s vast population of 1.4 billion and its position as the world’s second-largest producer of staple crops, including rice, wheat, and sugar, precise weather forecasting is of paramount importance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) traditionally relies on mathematical models processed by supercomputers for weather predictions. However, the integration of AI into an expanded network of observation stations is expected to produce higher-quality forecast data at a reduced cost. KS Hosalikar, head of climate research and services at IMD, highlighted the potential of AI-based climate models and advisories in refining forecasts. The IMD has already implemented AI for public alerts regarding heatwaves and diseases like malaria. Plans are underway to enhance weather observatories, facilitating data collection at the village level, which could provide finer-resolution data crucial for more accurate forecasts, according to Hosalikar. The Indian government has announced its intentions to introduce AI into traditional weather models, establishing a dedicated center to explore this innovation through workshops and conferences. Saurabh Rathore, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of AI models compared to supercomputers, highlighting their potential to operate on standard desktop systems. However, experts caution that high-resolution data remains a crucial requirement for optimizing AI’s capabilities in weather forecasting. “An AI model doesn’t require the high cost involved in running a supercomputer – you can even run it out of a good quality desktop,” Rathore told Reuters. “Without having high-resolution data in space and time, no AI model for location-specific magnification of existing model forecasts is feasible,” cautioned Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. The adoption of AI in weather forecasting aligns with global efforts to leverage technological advancements in addressing climate-related challenges. AI’s ability to process vast datasets and identify complex patterns provides a promising avenue for improving the accuracy and efficiency of weather predictions. As India moves forward with integrating AI into its weather forecasting infrastructure, ongoing efforts to enhance data collection, model refinement, and collaboration with experts will be crucial. The successful implementation of AI models holds the potential to significantly benefit the country’s agriculture, disaster preparedness, and public safety, ultimately contributing to the broader global discourse on climate resilience and innovation.

फीकल स्लज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट का अधिकारियों ने किया निरीक्षण

जौनपुर नगर क्षेत्र में मल एवं गाद प्रबंधन को लेकर चर्चा की गयी एवं रणनीति बनाई गई जौनपुर। नगर पालिका परिषद कार्यालय में गुरुवार को अमृत योजना के अंतर्गत 32 के एलडी क्षमता वाले मल एवं गाद प्रबंधन के बने प्लांट लिए एक वैठक आहुत की गई हैं। बैठक में एवं स्थलीय निरीक्षण के दौरान अधिशासी अधिकारी श्री पवन कुमार, अधिशासी अभियंता जलनिगम जौनपुर,अवर अभियंता जलनिगम जौनपुर, अमृत योजना से घनश्याम अग्रहरि तथा सफाई एवं खाद्य निरीक्षक अवधेश यादव ,लखनऊ से आए सेंटर फॉर साइन्स एंड एनवायरनमेंट के कार्यक्रम अधिकारी श्री मनीष मिश्रा निरीक्षण के दौरान मल एवं गाद प्रबंधन के निर्मित प्लांट के संचालन के संबंध में चर्चा की गई।नियंत्रण के लिए सभी निजी सेफ्टिक टैंक सफाई करने वालों को नगर पालिका परिषद जौनपुर में पंजीकरण कराया जाना चाहिए। जो कि पालिका में पंजीकरण की कार्यवाही शुरू हो गई हैं ।नगर पालिका के अधिकारी इसके लिए उप नियम बनाए और उसी के अनुसार उसका प्रबंधन करे, साथ ही सरकारी आवास, संस्थागत सेप्टिक टैंक को खाली करने पर विचार विमर्श किया गया। साथ ही शोधन संयंत्र को सुचारू रूप से संचालन के लिए रणनीति बनाये और उसके लिए टेंडर जारी करे। सभी सफाई कर्मचारियों को पहचान पत्र देने के निर्देश दिए गए। नगर क्षेत्र में वाल पेंटिंपें टिंग के माध्यम से आम जनमानस में जन जागरूकता लाने की भी कार्यवाही के निर्देश दिए गए।

No Quality In Air: Severe Plus AQI And Fog Give Delhi Blues

NEW DELHI: The air quality of the national capital deteriorated further on Saturday with Air Quality Index (AQI) touching the 'severe plus' category at 450 as against 409 a day earlier. Delhi recorded the highest AQI in the country on Saturday, according to Central Pollution Control Board's 24-hour average bulletin released at 4 pm. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which on Friday evening had imposed measures under stage III of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), said on Saturday that it would wait and watch before invoking stringent actions under the stage IV. Several parts of the city saw moderate fog with visibility dropping to 200 metres at Safdarjung and 500 metres at Palam at 5.30 am. There are chances of moderate to dense fog on Sunday morning. No Quality In Air: Severe Plus AQI And Fog Give Delhi Blues Experts said since local and regional sources of pollution remained high, unfavourable meteorological conditions, including fog, calm wind conditions, low temperature and low mixing layer height, impacted the dispersion of pollutants. Met officials said winds up to 10 kmph blew during the daytime, but speed reduced to nil around 4 pm. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, "Winter inversion and fog are trapping pollutants and aiding in the rapid build-up in pollution. Immediate response can only be emergency action. However, this requires a long-term action for deep cuts in emission from all key sources." Delhi's AQI was 443 at 9 am and it entered the 'severe plus' category at 11 am with a reading of 452 on the index. However, overall Delhi's AQI at 4 pm was recorded at 450, while the air quality in neighbouring areas, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad, remained in the 'very poor' category. After the city's air quality worsened on Saturday, the CAQM's sub-committee for operation of GRAP reviewed the conditions. "The ongoing actions under stages-I, II and III of GRAP will continue for the present and the sub-committee will keep a close watch on the situation for further decision," said CAQM in a statement. The air quality is likely to stay in the 'severe' category on Sunday, but it is predicted to improve and reach the 'very poor' category on Monday and Tuesday. The air quality is likely to deteriorate again from December 27. Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai said, "The ban on the operation of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs has been implemented, if anyone violates it, a fine will be imposed under the Motor Vehicle Act-1988. Some departments are being exempted from the ban on construction and demolition, but they will have to follow the guidelines issued for construction and demolition. If they do not do this, they will also be banned." The city recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. The maximum temperature was 24.4 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal. "The minimum temperature on Saturday rose due to cloudiness under the influence of a western disturbance. Since the western disturbance has passed, the minimum temperature is likely to dip from Sunday onwards," said Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist and head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, IMD.

COP28 focuses on fossil fuels, but disregards equity

The COP28 conference had opened in Dubai with the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, a step that was welcomed. “We welcome the US $655.9 million of pledges towards the Fund from various high and middle-income countries, but it is crucial that the Fund gets replenished periodically with new and additional grant-based finance from developed countries in line with the needs of developing countries, and without conditionalities,” said a statement by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the New Delhi-based think tank. COP28 concluded with the adoption of the outcome on the first Global Stocktake (GST), an assessment of progress on the goals of the Paris Agreement. A part of a package of accepted decisions titled ‘the UAE Consensus’, the GST recognises the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5oC pathways. It therefore calls on countries to triple renewable energy capacity globally, phase down unabated coal power, and transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. This recognition of the role played by fossil fuels is historic and is occurring for the first time in over 30 years of climate negotiations. Says Sunita Narain, director general of CSE: “The inclusion of fossil fuels in the GST is an important starting point for the world to now discuss the road ahead, which must be based on funding and fairness.” CSE researchers point out that the document is falling short on laying out a differentiated timeline for fossil fuel phase out, in which developed countries take the lead and do so on an urgent schedule, and developing countries are given more carbon space to grow. It also fails to emphasise the urgent ramping up of financial support needed in developing countries that developed countries must provide to enable this transition away from fossil fuels. Thereby, the document dilutes the very principle of equity by placing an equal mitigation burden on all countries. The GST compromises on ambition by leaving open the role of “transitional fuels” for energy security, which is a reference to natural gas – a loophole that oil and gas-producing nations can easily exploit to expand production and use. In fact, the GST singles out coal as a fuel, and makes no mention of oil and gas at all. This, when countries like the US have been ramping up LNG exports to record levels, and EU is building new LNG import terminals, despite the IEA’s warning of peaking of fossil fuel demand. These investments risk carbon lock-in till mid-century and beyond, say CSE researchers. “In the days leading up to the final decision, the narrative was built that developed countries are eager to achieve the 1.5oC target and want to phase out fossil fuels, and large, emerging economies are blockers. This is a misrepresentation since the demand from developing countries was for differentiated timelines and finance for the energy transition. In overlooking this, developed countries look like climate heroes whilst disregarding equity, and also continuing to be major oil and gas producers and consumers,” said Avantika Goswami, programme manager, climate change at CSE. The rest of the GST decision is a mixed bag. “It acknowledges the gap in adaptation finance and the growing needs of developing countries; however, all references to finance in adaptation have been moved from the adaptation section to the finance section - an ask from developed countries,” says Tamanna Sengupta, programme officer, climate change at CSE. “The text, however, is also diluted on equity as it fails to hold developed countries accountable for their historical emissions and has removed language specifying the obligation of developed countries to help bridge the finance gap for developing groups to achieve mitigation and adaptation actions,” Sengupta adds. On the global goal on adaptation Another key text adopted was on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), a key demand of the African Group. “The final decision text on GGA has some hits and some misses overall. The major miss is the absence of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC) and lack of strong language around means of implementation, especially a financial target tied to the other dimensional and thematic targets under the GGA framework. One hit is a timeframe of 2030 to achieve the various thematic targets,” says Akshit Sangomla, who covered COP28 for Down To Earth. Other items There was limited progress on negotiation tracks such as the Mitigation Work Programme and the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance, which focused mainly on procedural discussions on modalities for the way forward in 2024. Progress was expected on Article 6 focused on flexible mechanisms for climate cooperation, but more work remains to fully operationalise the trade between countries under Article 6.2 and the international carbon market under Article 6.4. “As Parties failed to reach an agreement on the market mechanisms under Article 6.2 and 6.4, the vacuum is likely to be filled for another year by dubious voluntary carbon markets,” says Trishant Dev, programme officer, climate change at CSE. As for non-market mechanisms under Article 6.8, although a decision was adopted, it continues to be given less consideration under the Paris Agreement-based flexible mechanisms, Dev added.

AI boost for weather forecasts as floods, droughts increase in India

India is embarking on a venture to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in crafting advanced climate models aimed at enhancing weather predictions, as the country grapples with an upsurge in torrential rains, floods, and droughts. A top official from India's meteorological department revealed the initiative, highlighting its critical significance in mitigating the devastating impact of extreme weather events that have claimed nearly 3,000 lives this year alone, according to estimates by the Centre for Science and Environment. Rising global temperatures have instigated fiercer clashes among weather systems across India, intensifying the occurrence of extreme weather phenomena. In response, weather agencies worldwide are turning to AI technology, recognised for its potential to reduce expenses and expedite forecasts. The UK's Met Office has lauded AI as a potential game-changer in weather forecasting, citing a recent Google-funded model that outperformed traditional methodologies. Given India's vast population of 1.4 billion and its status as the world's second-largest producer of staple crops like rice, wheat, and sugar, accurate weather forecasting assumes paramount importance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) traditionally relies on mathematical models processed by supercomputers for weather predictions. However, by integrating AI into an expanded network of observation stations, the department anticipates generating higher-quality forecast data at a reduced cost. KS Hosalikar, head of climate research and services at IMD, highlighted the potential of AI-based climate models and advisories in refining forecasts. The IMD has already deployed AI for public alerts concerning heatwaves and diseases like malaria. Plans are underway to bolster weather observatories, enabling data collection at the village level, which could yield finer-resolution data crucial for more accurate forecasts, according to Hosalikar. India's government unveiled intentions to incorporate AI into conventional weather models, establishing a dedicated centre to explore this innovation through workshops and conferences. Saurabh Rathore, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, underscored the cost-effectiveness of AI models compared to supercomputers, emphasising their potential to operate on standard desktop systems. However, experts caution that high-resolution data remains a pivotal requirement for optimising AI's capabilities in weather forecasting. "An AI model doesn't require the high cost involved in running a supercomputer - you can even run it out of a good quality desktop," Rathore told Reuters. "Without having high-resolution data in space and time, no AI model for location-specific magnification of existing model forecasts is feasible," Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology told Reuters.

India boosts AI in weather forecasts as floods, droughts increase

India is testing artificial intelligence (AI) to build climate models to improve weather forecasting as torrential rains, floods and droughts proliferate across the vast country, a top weather official said. Global warming has triggered more intense clashes of weather systems in India in recent years, increasing extreme weather events, which the independent Centre for Science and Environment estimates have killed nearly 3,000 people this year. Weather agencies around the world are focussing on AI, which can bring down cost and improve speed, and which Britain's Met Office says could "revolutionise" weather forecasting, with a recent Google-funded model found to have outperformed conventional methods. Accurate weather forecasting is particularly crucial in India, a country of 1.4 billion people, many impoverished, and the world's second-largest producer of rice, wheat and sugar. India is testing artificial intelligence (AI) to build climate models to improve weather forecasting as torrential rains, floods and droughts proliferate across the vast country, a top weather official said. Global warming has triggered more intense clashes of weather systems in India in recent years, increasing extreme weather events, which the independent Centre for Science and Environment estimates have killed nearly 3,000 people this year. Weather agencies around the world are focussing on AI, which can bring down cost and improve speed, and which Britain's Met Office says could "revolutionise" weather forecasting, with a recent Google-funded model found to have outperformed conventional methods. Accurate weather forecasting is particularly crucial in India, a country of 1.4 billion people, many impoverished, and the world's second-largest producer of rice, wheat and sugar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides forecasts based on mathematical models using supercomputers. Using AI with an expanded observation network could help generate higher-quality forecast data at lower cost. The department expects the AI-based climate models and advisories it is developing to help improve forecasts, K.S. Hosalikar, head of climate research and services at IMD, told Reuters. The weather office has used AI to generate public alerts regarding heatwaves and such diseases as malaria, Hosalikar said. It plans to increase weather observatories, providing data down to village level, potentially offering higher-resolution data for forecasts, he said. The government said on Thursday it wants to generate weather and climate forecasts by incorporating AI into traditional models, and has set up a centre to test the idea through workshops and conferences. "An AI model doesn't require the high cost involved in running a supercomputer - you can even run it out of a good quality desktop," said Saurabh Rathore, an assistant professor at Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi. Better data is also needed to make the most out of AI, experts say. "Without having high-resolution data in space and time, no AI model for location-specific magnification of existing model forecasts is feasible," said Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

India has an AI 'solution' to tackle increasing floods, droughts

The government is trying to improve weather forecasting in the country as torrential rains, floods and droughts increase. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, to handle such situations is testing artificial intelligence (AI) to build climate models. In recent years, global warming has triggered more intense clashes of weather systems in India. The independent Centre for Science and Environment body has claimed that increasing extreme weather events have killed nearly 3,000 people this year. AI’s importance in weather forecasting Weather agencies around the world are also focusing on AI to bring down costs and improve speed in predictions. With the latest Google-funded model that has outperformed older methods, Britain's Met Office says that AI has the potential to "revolutionise" weather forecasting. India needs accurate weather forecasting as out of the 1.4 billion people in the country many are impoverished. India being the world's second-largest producer of rice, wheat and sugar, also needs accurate weather predictions to sustain its agrarian economy. How AI can help IMD with weather forecasts Currently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides forecasts based on mathematical models using supercomputers. AI along with an expanded observation network can help in generating higher-quality forecast data at lower cost. In a statement, K.S. Hosalikar, head of climate research and services at IMD said that the department expects the AI-based climate models and advisories it is developing to help improve forecasts, told Reuters. Hosalikar said that the weather office has used AI to generate public alerts related to heatwaves as well as diseases such as malaria. IMD is also planning to increase weather observatories to provide data down to grassroot level. This will increase the potential of offering higher-resolution data for forecasts, he noted. The government also wants to integrate AI into traditional models to generate weather and climate forecasts. It has also set up a centre to test the idea through workshops and conferences. "An AI model doesn't require the high cost involved in running a supercomputer - you can even run it out of a good quality desktop," said Saurabh Rathore, an assistant professor at Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi. Experts also pointed out that better data is also needed to make the most out of AI. "Without having high-resolution data in space and time, no AI model for location-specific magnification of existing model forecasts is feasible," said Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

Curbs on construction, cars as air 'severe' again

After Delhi's air quality fell sharply to the 'severe' level on Friday, the sub-committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) imposed stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.As part of these measures, CAQM asked NCR states to ban plying of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, and Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar districts. Construction and demolition, stone crushers and mining-related activities were also banned. A senior Delhi transport official said the curbs would come into force from Saturday morning. Curbs on construction, cars as air 'severe' again Delhi's average AQI was 409 on Friday, back in 'severe' zone after 28 days. Earlier, Grap 3 measures were in force from November 2 to 28. Following the rollout of Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) 3 measures on Friday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said state governments in Delhi and NCRmay take a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children upto Class V and conducting classes in online mode. Itdirected officials to intensify public transport services and introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel. The commission's order banned construction and demolition activities, except in railway services or railway stations, Metro services including stations, airports and inter-state bus terminals, national security or defence-related activities or projects of national importance, hospitals or healthcare facilities, linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission and pipelines, sanitation projects like sewage treatment plants and water supplyproject etc, as well as ancillary activities specific toand supplementing these categories of projects. However, non-polluting and non-dust generatingactivities, including plumbing works, interior decoration, electrical works and carpentry will be allowed. The ban on C&D activitiesis likely to severely impact daily-wage labourers. CAQM said unfavourable meteorological conditions, including fog and haze along with low wind speed, were the major factors in the sudden spike in Delhi's average AQI. The commission said the Grap measures were imposed due to the prevailing trend of air quality and to prevent further deterioration of air quality. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, "Our long-term analysis shows that late December and early January also experience severe smog episodes. But this time it's local pollution and pollution from surrounding areas that gets trapped. This shows why very stringent efforts are needed to cut local emissions from key sources."

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The increasing intensity of weather clashes due to global warming has led to a surge in extreme weather events, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths this year, as estimated by the Centre for Science and Environment. Weather agencies globally are turning to AI for its potential to reduce costs and enhance speed, with the British Met Office noting that AI could "revolutionize" weather forecasting, as demonstrated by a recent Google-funded model outperforming traditional methods.

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India is testing ways of incorporating artificial intelligence into weather forecasting to better prepare for extreme weather events, Reutersreports. The India Meteorological Department already uses supercomputers for weather models but “an AI model doesn't require the high cost involved in running a supercomputer,” Saurabh Rathore, an assistant professor at Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, says. “You can even run it out of a good quality desktop.” The Centre for Science and Environment estimates that India saw almost one weather disaster per day this year, and that these events, exacerbated by global warming, have killed nearly 3,000 people. The U.K.’s Met Office is also exploring AI models that could forecast extreme weather events.