• Sustainable Food Systems

"Who Has Sponsered You?" Asks Supreme Court While Dismissing PIL Alleging Adulteration In Honey Sold By Some Companies

The Supreme Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought criminal action and a ban on all industries and companies allegedly engaged in the unauthorized production of adulterated honey. The PIL also sought test reports of various honey brands to be submitted before the Court to ensure the authenticity of honey products sold in the Indian markets. On April 19, 2021, the Court issued a notice in this matter to the Central government and all the States. Today, the Petitioner apprised the Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Rajesh Bindal that out of all 40 Respondents, only the State of Tamil Nadu filed its response. "The Notice was issued to all the Respondents but only one, the 13th Respondent, State of Tamil Nadu has filed its response", submitted the counsel. However, expressing disclination in entertaining the matter, Justice Nath remarked, "Why should we not dismiss all these petitions with cost now?". Justice Nath asked the counsel, "Dabur, Patanjali, Zandu... they are all adulterating honey with sugar syrup?" and further remarked, "But sponsored by whom? Who has sponsored you? Baidyanath? Baidyanath is not there... Baidyanth must have sponsored you." Expressing doubts on the merits of the Petition, Justice Bindal also commented, "You are for a particular brand." Accordingly, the Bench dismissed the Petition. Justice Nath stated, "Adulteration... go to the authority concerned. Make a complaint." The PIL, filed by the Anti-Corruption Council of India through Advocate-on-Record Manju Jetley, asserted that news reports on various online portals indicated an ongoing investigation by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) revealing that honey sold by several brands, including Dabur, Patanjali, and Zandu, was found to be adulterated with sugar syrup. The PIL submitted that this situation posed a significant health risk as individuals, unknowingly consuming more sugar instead of genuine honey, were increasing their vulnerability to COVID-19. "Therefore, instead of honey people are eating more sugar which will add to the risk of Covid-19. Sugar ingestion is direct to obesity, and obese people are more vulnerable to threatening infections" stated the PIL. It was further submitted in the PIL that, "According to researchers from the Centre for Science and Environment, major Indian Honey brands are mixing honey with a modified sugar from China which bypasses some basic tests used to detect the adulteration in honey. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) alleged that Chinese companies were exporting sugar syrup as 'fructose syrup' to India with claims that it could bypass the basic test specified for selling honey in the Indian market." Cause Title: Anti Corruption Council Of India Trust v. Ministry Of Home Affairs & Ors. [Diary No.- 7912 - 2021]

• Climate Change and Green Economy

Blame game that sabotages fight against climate change

The politics of responsibility for carbon emissions complicate the response of both aid and trade Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found at https://www.ft.com/tour. https://www.ft.com/content/015100bc-e84c-4f08-827d-aa36fc8b1ea7 Welcome to Trade Secrets. The big COP28 climate change meeting is under way in Dubai, initially overshadowed by stories about the hosts allegedly using the event to buy influence and sell oil and gas. Seriously, if you’re going to greenwash, do it properly. Still, amid the PR facepalms was some modestly positive news about the launch of a “loss and damage fund” to compensate lower-income countries for the effects of climate change. Today’s main pieces address how the jockeying for political position around such initiatives holds back progress on climate action, and the implication for carbon border measures. Charted waters is on falling inflation in the eurozone. Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found at https://www.ft.com/tour. https://www.ft.com/content/015100bc-e84c-4f08-827d-aa36fc8b1ea7 Controlling the past and future narrative Before cracking open crates of champagne for the victory party of the loss and damage fund, let’s first hydrate ourselves by drinking deep from the well of perspective. The numbers involved at the outset are pretty feeble, and the politics is very tricky. The rationale for spending money, the institution that gets to spend it, even the name the pot of money gets given: all are pulled different ways by competing narratives. The US and particularly Congress is not a fan of multilateral funds it doesn’t get to control. It’s notable that one of the most impressive US aid efforts of recent decades, George W Bush’s President’s Emergency Plan For Aids Relief (Pepfar) to combat HIV in Africa, was an American-badged and American-run project. The compromise is to have the loss and damage fund housed, at least for now, at the World Bank, the president of which the US traditionally supplies. Even so, Washington still doesn’t like the term “loss and damage”, an expression its climate envoy John Kerry notably did not use when the announcement was made, and nor has it given the fund much money. The term, redolent of tort law, implies compensation (some might say reparations) paid by polluters to their victims, suggesting an ongoing liability. To be fair, that’s not an unreasonable way of looking at climate change. Current carbon levels reflect past emissions by countries that got rich through polluting. See this graphic from a report by the Indian research and advocacy organisation the Centre for Science and Environment, about the “global stocktake” of how the world is performing on climate change since the Paris Agreement of 2015. Crudely speaking, it shows which countries think we should focus on past versus future emissions. Even a sceptic (like me) of the concept of a united “Global South” of developing countries can’t deny the divide between rich nations and poorer ones. Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found at https://www.ft.com/tour. https://www.ft.com/content/015100bc-e84c-4f08-827d-aa36fc8b1ea7 But establishing the principle that climate change is essentially about the polluters of the past correcting their wrongs isn’t going to get consensus, or indeed control emissions from the newer industrialisers such as India and China. Hence the attempts by rich countries to insist the better-off middle-income nations also pay into these adjustment funds. As Ian Bremmer of GZERO Media points out, developing countries shouldering a lot of the burden of cutting emissions is unfair, but necessary. To adapt Harry S Truman’s attributed saying that it’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t mind who gets the credit, it’s sadly striking how little happens if you can’t agree who takes the blame. Of course, there’s always the idea of dancing neatly round this stand-off by attracting private finance, the principle behind the COP28 hosts’ proposed $30bn development fund. But vague promises of leveraging up relatively small amounts of official money into a big investment effort have frequently been made in other contexts and need to be treated with scepticism. The carbon border tariff bind At least in the area of aid and finance to help countries adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change, rich governments can redistribute to poor. With regard to trade, border measures that work directly on carbon content pretty much by definition have to focus on the product rather than the general state of the country from which it came. As I wrote last week, in the absence of any serious negotiations over trade and climate change, the main initiative in this area is the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). Both in logic and in legality it can only focus on current emissions. If the aim is to prevent carbon leakage, it needs to be directed against imports that are being made right now. And if it’s going to survive legal challenges at the WTO, it’s got to be precisely focused on achieving a particular aim and must treat identical products the same way. There were media reports earlier this year that India was preparing some kind of national carbon pricing mechanism that took previous emissions into account, but it’s very hard to see how that’s either practical or legal, certainly in international trade terms. The only real way indirectly to gesture towards historic emissions would be to give passes on the CBAM to poorer countries. But, as I also noted last week, the EU says that would defeat the object of the measure and also potentially leave it open to WTO challenge. You can see the technocratic and legal argument for what the EU is doing. Then again, if you’re a middle-income former colony whose manufacturing industry was devastated in earlier centuries by competition from a European imperial power, you can also see how incredibly maddening it is for that power or similar countries to suddenly slap tariffs on your exports for doing what their producers did for centuries without getting taxed for it. Charted waters Inflation is falling across most of the advanced economies, including as shown here in the eurozone, suggesting that interest rates may have peaked. Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found at https://www.ft.com/tour. https://www.ft.com/content/015100bc-e84c-4f08-827d-aa36fc8b1ea7 The implications for trade are clear. So far we’ve seen a pretty normal cyclical downturn in goods trade to accompany the slowing of global growth. If the world economy turns around, trade will be very likely to turn with it and another alleged threat to globalisation will recede. Trade links I did say there wasn’t a great chance of success, and the idea of getting the revision of the EU-Mercosur deal done before Javier Milei takes office in Argentina on December 10 has essentially disappeared. Speaking of trade talks going badly, Brussels’ negotiations with India are also struggling to bridge the two sides’ disparate views, an outcome that could not have been predicted except by anyone with the slightest familiarity with the subject. Inu Manak at the Council on Foreign Relations asks whether Washington’s reversal of its previous enthusiasm for far-reaching digital rules in trade deals could be reversed again. Belgian prime minister Alexander de Croo, representing sceptics of EU industrial policy being run by and for the countries with the deepest pockets, says the EU should concentrate on improving the single market rather than doling out state subsidies to address climate change. A paper for UK In A Changing Europe, a network of academics and researchers, says the British government’s recent white paper on development shows a constructive approach but is unlikely to restore the cuts in aid made since 2010.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

G7 countries agree to phase out coal by 2030, announces French President Emmanuel Macron

Over $12 billion pledged for Green Climate Fund; 118 countries commit to tripling renewable and double energy efficiency by 2030 The 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), began November 30, 2023. Here’s a look at what happened on the third day of COP28. FRANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS France would completely phase out coal by 2027, French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a press conference at COP28. Other G7 countries have also agreed on phasing out coal by 2030, he added, urging G20 countries to also agree on it. France would double its energy efficiency target and triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030, Macron stated. The country will also triple its nuclear energy capacity by 2050. On Loss and Damage, Macron highlighted the $109 million that France has committed to the L&D Fund and also the 1.2 billion Euros contract with Bangladesh, calling it a ‘sort of’ a L&D Fund as well. He also called for a complete reform of the Bretton Woods system of international finance, as many countries have been left out of it. Macron highlighted his work alongside Brazilian President Lula da Silva on new mechanisms of international taxation that would bring in money to address climate change impacts and support climate action. He also announced a water and oceans summit in Nice to be held in 2025 along with Kazakhstan. GLOBAL STOCKTAKE The draft text on the Global Stocktake is still being negotiated, with little agreement from countries on key themes of mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation, including finance. L&D and response measures remain to be discussed. So far, under the GST, there have been proposals for three new entities: A Work Programme for Article 2.1c, a Technology Implementation Programme and a Capacity Building Fund. METHANE In a summit on methane and other greenhouse gases, COP28 President-Designate Sultan Al Jaber urged nations to commit economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) that cover all greenhouse gasses, including methane, by 2035. Al Jaber noted that the United Arab Emirates has committed to channelling $100 million to the World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Trust Fund, a multi-donor trust fund aiming to end routine gas flaring at oil production sites across the world. The methane finance sprint, a funding campaign to cut methane emissions in line with the Global Methane Pledge, has mobilised $1 billion in new grant funding. The Global Methane Pledge is an initiative launched at COP26 to reduce the 2020 methane levels by 30 per cent by 2030. SUSTAINABLE COOLING COP28 presidency, along with the UN Environment Programme and Cool Coalition, launched the Global Cooling Pledge to improve energy efficiency and climate friendly approaches, while also increasing access to sustainable cooling for the most vulnerable. More than 50 countries have endorsed the cooling pledge DECARBONISATION The COP28 presidency launched the Global Decarbonisation Accelerator to activate decarbonisation in the industry, energy and transport sectors by facilitating access to policymaking and standards, financing, infrastructure and technology. Al Jaber said it addresses the demand and supply of energy at the same time and aligns more countries and companies to keep 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. Some 118 countries have signed a global pledge to triple renewable and double energy efficiency by 2030. India is believed to have not signed on to this target. Al Jaber said the pledge will help the world transition away from unabated coal. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, pledged 2.3 billion Euros over the next two years to support this energy transition. COP28 presidency, UN Climate Change and Bloomberg philanthropies launched an Industrial Transition Accelerator to speed up decarbonisation across heavy-emitting sectors, including energy, industry, and transportation, and accelerate the delivery of Paris-aligned targets. GREEN CLIMATE FUND REPLENISHMENT The United States announced a $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Together with pledges from Italy, Switzerland, Portugal and Estonia, it brings the total raised in the latest GCF replenishment round to $12.7 billion. ARTICLE 6 Article 6.2: Draft guidance on cooperative approaches under Article 6.2 was released, taking on topics like the definition of a cooperative approach and authorisation process details. Parties engaged in informal discussions, asking for more time to work on the 33-page-long document and proposing streamlining for more efficient negotiations focused on the minimum guidance necessary for implementing cooperative approaches. Article 6.4: Informal consultations took place to discuss supervisory body recommendations on removal activities, methodologies and other matters. Some groups expressed support for the recommendations, while others stressed the necessity for additional work before adoption. Various groups and countries shared views on the recommendations related to removal activities. Concerns were raised about potential environmental and social impacts, reversals, monitoring periods, and the broad definition of removals. Some emphasised the need for further work and improvements to ensure environmental integrity, human rights, and a robust carbon market. Informal consultation will continue on December 3. MITIGATION WORK PROGRAMME During the Mitigation Work Programme meeting, China expressed dissatisfaction with the informal note, emphasising the absence of a mandate for its production. Various countries, including the Alliance of Small Island States, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, provided input on the global dialogues. Some parties raised points on how the work programme can ensure no duplication with the Global Stocktake negotiations stream. Informal consultations would continue today. A pavilion event on operationalising carbon markets for achieving energy Transition goals by the Shakti Foundation saw speakers from Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), research institute The Energy and Resources Institute, think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water, nonprofit World Resources Institute and green consultant Perspectives Climate Group. Speakers discussed current issues with the voluntary carbon market, India’s role in Article 6.2 and ways in which carbon markets can accelerate finance. CSE presented its new paper Discredited, which focuses on the voluntary carbon market in India. SUBNATIONAL FINANCE, MDB REFORM FOR LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION Two panel discussions on day two of COP28 brought the focus of finance to the subnational and local levels. Mayors of cities from different countries and representatives of international financial institutions, including multilateral development banks (MDBs) discussed ways to improve climate finance and ambition at the city level. The key points that emerged included: Need to address issues of access to climate finance for cities. MDBs currently engaged with national governments of countries, several city mayors called for direct access to climate funding to cities instead. Call for MDBs to shift from ‘project mode’ of operation to ‘programmatic mode’, going beyond individual project assistance and including support to cities, which have smaller projects that are often not considered profitable enough Need to better understand how to address sovereign guarantees role (which are issued by central governments for cities) as blocker of finance for cities, which seemed to be a common issue highlighted by many mayors. For MDBs and cities to work on city-level climate action plans. The representative of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development highlighted their Green City Action Plans that are part of the Green City Programme in this regard. 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/news/climate-change/cop28-diary-december-2-g7-countries-agree-to-phase-out-coal-by-2030-announces-french-president-emmanuel-macron-93136

• Climate Change and Green Economy

COP28: To save the planet, we need a just and fair renewable energy revolution

As the two-week UN climate conference underway in Dubai’s Expo City reached its midway point, attendees stressed that the move towards clean energy sources must involve careful consideration of the concerns of people and communities who will be most affected by this transition. As most of government ministers and world leaders have wrapped up their events, a sense of urgency is building around the iconic domed venue as COP28 climate negotiators ramp up the intense climate diplomacy necessary for a successful sprint to the finish line next Tuesday, when the conference is expected to wrap up. These negotiations are mainly focused on three key issues: phasing out or reducing the use of fossil fuels, building resilience to climate impacts, and financial support for vulnerable countries coping with a climate catastrophe they played little to no role in causing. We at UN News saw – and heard – ample support for these demands on Tuesday morning as we made our way to the media center at Expo City’s sprawling campus. Protests, albeit subdued Large scale protests, often seen as a key feature of annual UN climate talks have largely been missing in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, but following the relative quiet of conference’s early days, demonstrators are slowly but surely beginning to make their voices heard. On Tuesday, a small group of demonstrators in the UN-managed Blue Zone area enthusiastically chanted slogans over the presence of oil and gas fossil companies and the participation of lobbyists, whom, they argued, have been given an undue platform in climate negotiations. The protestors’ call, albeit subdued compared to other COPs, has echoed with phrases such as “1.5-degree goal”, “NDCs”, “Net-Zero” and “just transition”, which is on Tuesday’s agenda for discussion. What is a just transition? Broadly speaking, ‘just transition’ means that after decades of economic growth fueled by oil and gas, as the global economy now embarks on decarbonization, it needs to do so in a way that ensures workers and communities that are reliant on fossil fuels are not left behind. Their futures and job security must be protected in a net-zero world – which entails cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible. But Ms. Sunita Narain, an Indian environmental expert and Director General of the Center for Science and Environment, believes that the term is being used in a very short-sighted way. Transition through a ‘myopic lens’ Speaking to UN News she said, “it is very important to have just transition for coal labour, for miners, for thermal power point workers. But that’s not just transition.” “It is about the fact that we need a global transition and that … our part of the world is going to have to move to the cleaner sources of energy.” “The rich, the industrialized world needs to reduce its use of [fossil fuel] energy and in that transition, we must make sure that it is fair. And that is how we must interpret just transition,” she explained. “The transition [needed to create] a sustainable world has to be fair and just.” Such differences over even the definition of just transition, signal the complexities involved and the possible uphill battle ahead for negotiators. Meanwhile, the effects of climate change continue to spread, reaching the far corners of the world. Even to communities that played little role in causing crisis but are now bearing the brunt of it. Climate justice Climate justice, on the agenda nearly every day in one form or another at COP28, calls for more equity and human rights at the core of decision-making and action on climate change. Even among those affected, some groups and communities are the more impacted, namely women, and disabled and indigenous peoples. Some representatives of these groups, including from indigenous communities, are taking part in the side events and discissions today.

• Sustainable Habitat

बढ़ते तापमान को रोकने के उपाय करना जरूरी : रजनीश सरीन

• Sustainable Food Systems

Listen to Vineet from CSEINDIA talk about the challenges of transitioning from chemical to organic farming at the #NaturalFarming

Listen to Vineet from @CSEINDIA talk about the challenges of transitioning from chemical to organic farming at the #NaturalFarmingRoundtable, held in Delhi last month. IndiaSpend is set to host next Roundtable in Mumbai, fostering discussions on sustainable agriculture

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Air 'poor' for 2 days in a row, may worsen as wind slows down

GURGAON: The city's air quality index (AQI) remained in the 'poor' category for the second day. On Sunday, the AQI was 242, marginally better than the 258 logged a day ago as wind speed picked up to 7kmph, flushing pollutants a little faster. According to the CPCB's 24-hour average, the monitoring station in Sector 51 recorded the worst AQI of 348, while it hovered in the lower level of the 'poor' category at Gwal Pahari (245), Teri Gram at 215 and Vikas Sadan (205). Both PM2.5 and 10 levels were also recorded above the permissible limit, indicating pollutants from local sources, including vehicular emissions and dust. The PM2.5 level was highest in Sector 51 (315 g/m³), followed by Gwalpahari (276 g/m³), 256 g/m³ in Teri Gram, and 213 g/m³ in Vikas Sadan, as per the CPCB data. Air ‘poor’ for 2 days in a row, may worsen as wind slows down The level of PM10 was the highest at Sector 51 (308 g/m³), followed by Teri Gram (254 g/m³) and Gwalpahari (232 g/m³). Vikas Sadan doesn't record PM10 data. According to the CPCB, the annual average permissible limits for PM2.5 and PM10 are 60g/m³ and 100 g/m³, respectively. The central government's System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (Safar) said AQI could slip back to the 'very poor' category as wind speed was unlikely to improve till December 6 - blowing from the northwest direction at 6 to 8 kmph. It was, however, unlikely to plummet further. "This is a yearly phenomenon. Every year, during winter, the region witnesses slow dispersion of pollutants that leads to their accumulation close to the earth's surface," said Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment. While Delhi's air quality saw a marginal dip, reading 314 against 353 a day earlier, the neighbouring areas saw 'poor' air quality - the AQI in Ghaziabad was 240, Greater Noida was 298, Noida was 277 and Faridabad was 295. While Delhi clocked "very poor" air quality index, the neighbouring areas saw "poor" air quality. The AQI in Faridabad was 295, Ghaziabad was 240, Greater Noida was 298, Noida was 277 and Gurgaon was 242. No significant change is expected in Delhi's air quality for the next few days. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the quality is likely to remain "very poor" till December 6. The outlook for the subsequent six days from then on is that the air quality is likely to remain in the "very poor" category.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

After landmark moves, climate talks hit again over coal, fossil fuel action

Deep fissures have emerged between developing countries still dependent on coal and rich nations that have pledged to move away from new coal but are silent on abandoning other fossil fuels. Negotiators at the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai are grappling with contentious issues around phasing out coal, other fossil fuels, and climate finance. There is little clarity on the final text of the agreement at this stage. Observers are concerned about the lack of funding for climate action, with rich countries relying on the private sector rather than public finance. Deep fissures have emerged between developing countries still highly dependent on coal to power their economies and rich nations that have pledged to move away from new coal but are silent on abandoning other fossil fuels such as oil and gas that run their economies, threatening to further delay consensus on core aspects of the world’s efforts to fight the climate crisis. Observers and experts aware of discussions said that while this year’s UN Climate Conference (COP28) being held in Dubai began with big ticket announcements, negotiators are now back to contentious issues around phasing out coal and other fossil fuels, and climate finance. “Overall on the narrative on the forward-looking aspects of the GST (global stocktake), the Global North sees it heavily focusing on mitigation while the Global South sees more mandates for scaled up finance as necessary. There is little clarity on what the final text will incorporate at this stage,” said Tamanna Sengupta, programme officer, Climate Change, Centre for Science and Environment. COP28 began on November 30 with a landmark operationalising of the Loss and Damage Fund, which will help nations most vulnerable to climate calamities cope with the consequences of the crisis. On Saturday, 118 countries signed a pledge to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. But negotiators from around the world, including those representing nations with varied interests and obligations, are now working on developing consensus, including on the global stocktake — a process that will assess the progress made by countries on slashing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience to climate impacts, securing finance, and identifying areas where further action is needed. A second expert said that “despite numerous declarations and statements from world leaders, we remain starkly distant from the crucial hundreds of billions in funding needed for climate action”. “This includes assisting developing countries in reducing emissions and strengthening adaptation efforts through a robust global framework. The push by rich countries to rely on the private sector, which has demonstrated insufficient commitment to mitigation and scant interest in adaptation, is not a viable solution,” said Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy at Climate Action Network International. “Public finance is paramount; it is the cornerstone that enables and catalyses the trillions necessary to address the pressing climate crisis effectively,” Singh added. Climate financing is meant to cover efforts to address the climate crisis, both in terms of mitigating its impact (reducing emissions) and adapting to its effects (building resilience). Such financing is meant to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon economy and includes the Loss and Damage Fund. The Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA) which was launched by UK and Canada at COP23 in 2017, posted on X on Sunday that the US and nine other countries have joined the PPCA and France has launched a new initiative to support the global move from coal to renewables. “Alongside the announcement of new members of the PPCA, there were two other important developments on coal phase-out: the launch of a new initiative called the “Coal Transition Accelerator” by France and the adoption of the Global Pledge on Renewables and Energy Efficiency by 118 countries, which committed them to tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency, as well as emphasised the need to stop investments in new coal power plants,” the PPCA said in a statement. These moves are adding to the growing momentum toward a global agreement on no new coal exploration and a coal phase-out in Dubai, the negotiators said. But such moves made countries like India and Indonesia wary. This is also one of the reasons India did not sign the pledge on tripling renewable global energy capacity on Saturday. “We have to first gather what this means before endorsing. That is what we are doing. We will see how these issues are addressed in the negotiations. These pledges are outside the UN process of negotiations. India has led the way with the tripling of renewable energy pledge under its G20 Presidency in September,” said a senior official aware of the position India has taken at the talks. The divisions became starkly clear when on Sunday, COP28 host United Arab Emirates’ climate envoy, Sultan Al Jaber, who also heads state oil joint ADNOC, said there was no science to show that phasing out fossil fuels would achieve the world’s climate goals, reports by The Guardian and Centre for Climate Reporting said. The 50-year-old added that removing fossil fuels would take the world “back into caves”. “I am factual and I respect the science, and there is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phase-out of fossil fuels is what’s going to achieve 1.5.” The issue captures how oil economies such as the UAE and its neighbours, as well as developing countries like India and China, have a different position from Western nations. Negotiators from the US and EU have said they are agreeable to phase-out of “unabated” fossil fuels — with the words phase-out and unabated being key. Petro-rich states are expectedly not agreeable to language on fossil fuels, the observers added, referring to language first agreed upon by the G7, a grouping of wealthy nations, earlier this year. A key reason for this divide is that wealthier nations have largely been able to adopt renewables and non-fossil sources at an easier pace and lower cost to their economies than poorer nations, which have repeatedly sought to draw on the historical responsibility of rich nations to urge them to do more. The Third World Network, a non-profit international research and advocacy group said in their briefing on December 1 that developing countries led by the G77 and China called on developed countries “who bear the greatest responsibility for the modification of the global climate system” to reverse course, “in their accelerated consumption of the remaining carbon space”. The BASIC group (Brazil, China, India and South Africa) expressed concern that “there has been a significant increase in the production and consumption of fossil fuels by developed countries in recent years and encouraged developed countries to take the lead in phasing-out their own fossil fuel production and consumption, in an accelerated manner”. COP28 is scheduled to go on till December 12, by when negotiators must agree on final text of the outcome.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

What to expect from COP28

Global stocktake, loss and damage, mitigation, carbon markets, decarbonisation and climate finance. Here is what can happen at COP28 This roundtable discussion features Centre for Science & Environment and Down To Earth experts who will be attending the COP28 this year. Each expert will give a detailed analysis of topics ranging from Global stocktake, loss and damage, mitigation, carbon markets, decarbonisation and climate finance. The panel will discuss in detail each topic, the past development and what to expect from this year’s COP. 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/video/climate-change/cse-dte-roundtable-what-to-expect-from-cop28-93121

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

India at CoP28: Promises and perils in the way of climate action

Would world leaders' presence at the climate summit be enough to limit the damage from climate change already evident across an Earth ravaged by increasing heat waves, flooding, droughts, landslides and crop failures, from California to Australia to India? On November 30, following the opening of the world’s most important annual Climate Summit, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties 28 (CoP28) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on X "Landed in Dubai to take part in the COP28 Summit. Looking forward to the proceedings of the Summit, which are aimed at creating a better planet.” Modi was joined in the UAE by other world leaders including United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres, possibly the world’s most outspoken figure on the climate crisis; John Kerry, special climate envoy to the US President and signatory to the Paris Agreement on behalf of the United States of America; King Charles III of the United Kingdom, a passionate and lifelong advocate for protecting the environment; and others. President of CoP28, who is also Head of the UAE’s national oil company, Adnoc, Sultan Al Jaber promised to bring a “business mindset” to the deliberations. The focus on business is apparent amidst the UAE’s extravagant infrastructure built with oil riches: Fantastical high-rises and man-made islands built with sand imported from Australia; artificial gardens and lavish lifestyles to be watered by icebergs proposed to be towed from the Antarctica. Meanwhile back home in India, the focus of media attention barely had time to shift away from one of the largest rescue operations in Indian history: One day before CoP 28 began, 41 miners were rescued from the under-construction Silkyara tunnel in the ecologically fragile Himalayan State of Uttarakhand. The miners were lucky: They were found miraculously alive after 17 days of highly publicised search and rescue. The focus on their rescue, however, downplayed the message of 20 previous collapses at the same location: It’s the fragile Himalayan area where they were trapped that faces existential decline. The process of its decline constitutes clear and present danger to those who live and work there and to its irreplaceable biodiversity and species. The Silkyara tunnel collapse was the latest in a series of tragedies in the Himalayas where climate change has caused glaciers to melt at an unprecedented rate. In this increasingly unstable area, the risk of flooding, landslides and shifting of land is further aggravated by development activities which do not adequately safeguard against long-term environmental impact. A man-made dam burst in February 2021 and washed away the village of Reini. Unchecked sand mining of the Ganga river worsened the effects of the consequent floods, killing at least 31 persons, causing 164 missing and damage to over 4,000 built structures. In January 2023, the town of Joshimath had to be evacuated when its houses shifted and cracked following the expansion of a road nearby. Anjal Prakash, clinical associate professor (research) at Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business (ISB), told me over a phone call, “Coming to the events that are happening in India, I think we need to re-visit and re-vamp those projects which were conceptualised when climate change was not that stark. At this moment when climate change is almost striking us day in and day out we must re-evaluate the ways in which we are developing, especially in the Himalayas.” Would CoP 28 prevent recurrence of other tragedies like the Silkyara tragedy and the many others afflicting the Himalayas recently? Would world leaders’ presence at CoP28 be enough to limit the damage from climate change already evident across an Earth ravaged by increasing heat waves, flooding, droughts, landslides and crop failures, from California to Australia to India? On December 12, 2015, 196 countries of the world committed to the Paris Agreement which came into force as legally binding on November 4, 2016. It’s stated aim is to “substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to hold global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognising that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.” Six years later, the political importance of the CoP meetings was escalated when several Heads of State attended CoP26 in Glasgow, billed as the last chance to control global warming, pointed out Anjal Prakash, who is an author for IPCC’s sixth assessment report and has observed the CoP meetings for almost a decade. By then, the biggest UN poll ever, in January 2021 revealed that two thirds of the world’s population believed that the climate crisis was a global emergency and that Climate was playing an increasing role in political outcomes of elections. The UN agreed that global warming constituted an emergency. “Code Red” said Guterres at CoP26. In the intervening two years since then, the world sweltered under increasingly hot summers and an unprecedented heatwave in July 2023 across US, Africa, Asia and Europe. Guterres re-assessed our situation and escalated his warning “The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.” Those who suffered most included the most vulnerable sections of society, including women, children, forest and island dwellers, many of whom face severe disruption to their lives including displacement and death. “The UN Refugee Agency warned that more than half of all displaced people, a staggering 32.6 million, were displaced in 2022 because of climate disasters, even with the Ukraine war raging,” says Laika Abdulali, PhD Candidate, University of California, Berkeley Law School. Unsurprisingly, among the most vulnerable are island nations who are among the most vocal for effective action against climate change at CoP 28. “Island dwellers are especially at risk of being displaced. 20 percent of Dominica’s citizens left the Caribbean island following Hurricane Maria (2017),” Ama Francis, climate director at the International Refugee Assistance Project, USA, told me. India too contains vulnerable islands including the Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. “The UN Refugee Agency flagged that India saw almost five million people become internally displaced in 2021, because of climate disasters,” adds Laika These vulnerable people know little of how the deliberations in far-away UAE would affect their daily lives. More immediate problems are those of disrupted weather patterns: Crop failures, droughts and flooding, illnesses due to air, water and noise pollution and displacement. The Shompen tribes, who depend on the eco-sensitive coral island of the Greater Nicobar for their ancient lifestyle will be displaced, along with their sacred river, hunting and foraging grounds when a Rs 72,000 crore development project named ‘Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ commences. The 17 year-long pleas of the Nicobarese Tribes who lived alongside the Shompen on the Greater Nicobar, but were displaced by a tsunami in 2004 and forced to live in ‘temporary’ settlements, have come to naught. They are now faced with permanent exile as the Government proceeds with its plans. Not only the tribal people who live in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands face displacement. Its unique biodiversity is threatened too. In 2013, the UNESCO included 130 sq. kms of Greater Nicobar’s primary forest in their Man and Biosphere Program. As we watch, an airport, power plant, and township are set to replace it along with the mangroves and coral reefs which once formed the Galathea Wildlife Sanctuary but will be replaced with a mega-port. Though crucially important to biodiversity, India’s islands form only a small part of its 7,516-long coastline dotted with some of the densest mangrove forests in the world. In Maharashtra, a Bombay high court order helped to strengthen weak enforcement mechanisms of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification and Environment Protection Act to effectively protect mangroves. N Vasudevan, former head of Maharashtra’s Mangrove Cell, explains “Under direction of the Bombay high court, the Maharashtra government brought mangroves under the ambit of the Indian Forest Act and therefore the Forest Department could enforce mangrove protection in a very effective way, using its ground level machinery.” The State Government also created the Mangrove Cell and the Mangrove Foundation under Vasudevan’s leadership to monitor and research mangrove areas, providing budgetary support, “which enabled the creation of a corpus of over Rs600 crore and encouraged the participation of coastal communities in mangrove conservation through several successful livelihood programmes.” The National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-31) of the Government of India urges all the coastal States to create ‘Coastal Ecosystem Cells’, essentially to replicate this model to conserve mangroves. “Unfortunately, this has yet to happen in any other State,” Vasudevan concludes. Other laws to safeguard environment which are not enforced and some of which have even been amended recently to promote “ease of business” at the cost of environment include the Forest Conservation Act, the Forest Rights Act, the National Biodiversity Act and the very CRZ Notification which protects mangroves. These actions appear at variance with India’s position at CoP28 and as leader of the G20 until September. At CoP26, Guterres had emphasised that “G20 countries have particular responsibility as they represent around 80 per cent of emissions.” Modi’s visit to CoP28 followed closely on India’s prestigious, year-long leadership of the G20 which ended in September 2023. The website of the G20 asserts “By leveraging its presidency, India is fostering collaborative solutions that not only benefit its own population but contribute to the broader global well-being, reinforcing its spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or the ‘World is One Family’. ‘Climate resilience’ is named as an important component of this global well-being; it’s importance is further underscored by a report released at CoP28 that 10 percent of Indian hospitals would have to shut down or relocate by 2100 because of climate events. However, when Mumbai’s AQI hit ‘very poor” (308 µ/m3.) immediately before the G-20 meetings held in Mumbai, on December 9, 2022, instead of taking effective action to curb pollution, larger than life cutouts of political leaders and welcome messages disguised the polluting construction equipment barely hidden behind flimsy barriers caked with dust. The G20 events included a live musical performance at the Kanheri Caves within the core zone of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where loudspeaker use is banned to protect wildlife, since noise impacts all species. Even caterpillars’ heart beats accelerate with loud noise, lead to ‘road rage’, aggression and changes in migratory patterns according to a study. ‘Beautification’ for the G20 also included multi-coloured LED lights placed along roads and lighted billboards in the sea, now a permanent fixture. Light pollution, which, like noise, has potential to disrupt migratory and breeding patterns of birds and animals also can cause adverse health effects to humans. Excessive lights fuel an escalating need for power. India uses coal to produce 49 percent of its installed generation capacity of 4.2 lakh gigawatt. Phasing down coal was a major goal of CoP 26 in 2021. Though India pledged net-zero by 2070, it did not agree to phase-out coal. In line with its policy not to be “pressured” into cutting coal, India also did not sign a pledge on the sidelines of CoP28’s third day to triple renewable energy, signed by 116 countries, even though the the G20 Summit in New Delhi agreed on this very declaration during its Indian leadership just two months before. Apart from the commitments made, the CoP meetings offer a valuable opportunity to evaluate international climate commitments. On December 1, when Modi addressed the Opening session of CoP28, he said that India had set an example by striking a perfect balance between ecology and economy. India also actively supported discussions on the global financial package named the ‘Loss and Damage’ Fund which aims to make reparations to countries of the Global South for the effects of climate change. “Unprecedented that the first day of CoP Loss and Damage has been approved by the countries. Despite some discontent [on the quantum of reparation] at least the Fund is up and running which is very important for countries of the Global South,” said Anjal Prakash. “India is committed to UN Framework for Climate Change process. That is why, from this stage, I propose to host COP33 Summit in India in 2028,” said Modi in his speech at CoP28. The CoP events are traditionally hosted in winter, the season when Delhi has suffered the worst air pollution in the world for years. Two days after Modi’s speech at CoP28, on November 3, real-time AQI in Delhi recorded 640 µ/m3, or ‘hazardous’ as it topped the list of world’s most polluted cities. Via message from CoP28 in the UAE, Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE, says “Within the time that is available we need to scale up multi-sector action not only in Delhi but across the entire region to meet the clean air benchmark. Air quality has to improve to protect public health round the year. This should not be an episodic exercise built around mega events.” Through the haze which envelops it, India’s push to host CoP33 offers a glimmer of hope to Delhi and to other polluted Indian cities which frequently figure in the worldwide top-ten: That residents will demand political and administrative accountability for an effective CoP 33, one which will require Delhi to boast a pollution-free environment in November 2028.

• Urban Lab

नए साल से पहले ही दिल्ली-NCR के लोग विदेश क्यों जा रहे हैं..?

अब यहां से वे फरवरी में ही लौटेंगे, जब पॉल्यूशन अपने निचले स्तर पर आ जाएगा। वहीं युवा अविकल सोमवंशी सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (CSE) में विश्लेषक हैं और प्रोग्राम मैनेजर के पद पर हैं। उन्हें भी पॉल्यूशन का स्तर बढ़ने में दिक्कत हो जाती है। ऐसे में अक्टूबर से ही वह बेंगलुरु में निवास कर रहे हैं।

• Down To Earth

Assembly Polls: How Environmental Issues Figured in the Electoral Discourse of Political Parties

Five states went to polls over the last month: Rajasthan, Telangana, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, and Chattisgarh. All five states have several environmental concerns that affect both people and ecosystems in these areas. The Wire analysed some of the main environmental issues in the five states that have gone to polls, the results of which – across 679 seats in all – are to be announced on December 3. (Except for Mizoram, where, as per a recent order, vote counting will be conducted only on December 4.) The Wire also analysed some of the parties’ election manifestos: are leaders, politicians and citizens across these states talking about these concerns as an election issue? Chattisgarh Tribal communities form a significant part of the population in Chhattisgarh. The predominantly tribal Bastar region in southwestern will be crucial in this year’s election too, reports say. Tribal communities depend heavily on the extraction of non-timber forest produce (or NTFP). According to DC, the Congress campaign in Bastar this year has focused on the development of ‘devgudis’ (tribal village temples) and ‘ghotuls’ ( socio-culture centers of tribals). The Congress-led Bhupesh Baghel government over the last five years, has developed around 2,400 devgudis and ghotuls, DC reported. IndiaSpend reported that the state’s public relations department on September 3 shared a news report stating that Chhattisgarh showcases the best enactment of the Forest Rights Act across the country: it had recognised rights for 5,00,000 families under the Individual Forest Rights (IFR) provision of the Act, and the rights of 46,000 villages under the Community Forest Rights (CFR), “which is the highest in the country”, the report said. But on the ground, according to IndiaSpend, there are numerous stumbling blocks in the FRA’s implementation. Clearly, there’s more work that needs to be done. Apart from tribal welfare, several other environmental challenges are at play in this area. Mining is a crucial income generator for the state – but it has also meant the diversion of huge tracts of forestland. According to one estimate by the Forest Department, 25,000 hectares of forest have been diverted for developmental projects between 2001 and 2022. Of this, 13,925 hectares have been diverted for mining. Tribal communities have been consistently agitating against the opening of new coal mines in the region. Of pertinence here is the agitation in the Hasdeo Aranya forests in the state, which have been in the limelight recently. The state government put three mining projects here on hold indefinitely in June 2022. Chattisgarh went to polls on November 7 and 17, in two phases. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress and its allies are the main parties contesting in the elections this year. Currently, the Congress holds all 12 seats in the Bastar area. Surguja, another tribal belt in the state too, is dominated by the Congress. The Sarva Adiwasi Samaj, a young political party floated by tribal communities is also in the fray this year, under the new name of “Hamar Raj”. Rajasthan The BJP and the INC+ (along with its ally the Rashtriya Lok Dal) are contesting in all 199 seats that went to polls on November 25. The Bahujan Samaj Party is contesting in 184 seats and the RLP+ (consisting of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and the Azad Samaj Party) in 126. The AAP is contesting in 85 seats. The INC’s manifesto listed out seven “guarantees”, one of which is enacting a law that ensures minimum support prices (MSP) to farmers following the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations. As climate change alters weather patterns, farming is fast becoming an unviable option for many. Minimum support prices are crucial for farmers in such scenarios. Incidentally, the opposing BJP’s manifesto – released on November 16 – promises to provide ₹2,700 per quintal as wheat bonus to farmers, over and above the MSP announced by the central government. It also includes a scheme to protect Aravallis mountain range. The scrub and dry forests of the Aravallis in Rajasthan – which comprises around 90% of the state’s forest cover – are an ecosystem that is increasingly under threat due to degradation, encroachment and developmental projects. However, threats to the environment and wildlife in the state don’t stop with the Aravallis alone. The state of Rajasthan is one of the last strongholds of the great Indian bustard, a large grassland-dwelling bird that very narrowly missed being crowned the national bird several decades ago. Of the estimated 150 birds left in India, around 120 are found in Rajasthan. Being the state bird of Rajasthan hasn’t helped the bustard much: it is threatened by habitat loss, as the patches of grassland and scrub forest and farmland that it dwells in are being converted to large solar farms in India’s push for more renewable energy. Solar farms also mean that high power transmission lines abound in the area. Bustards, being heavy birds, fly low – and many have died due to collisions with power lines meant to transport solar power to other locations. Though the Supreme Court had ordered that power lines be replaced underground, this hasn’t been implemented yet. Telangana In June this year, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) ranked the state first in overall environmental performance in its annual report. But over the last 15 years, around 19,000 hectares of forestland have been diverted in Telangana for non-forestry use, the union environment minister said in Parliament in August. Clearly, forest loss is an issue in the state: as per Global Forest Watch, the state lost 135 hectares of natural forest, equivalent to 101 kt of CO₂ emissions, in 2022. Forest fragmentation is also a concern, according to one study. Per the Congress manifesto’s Chevella SC ST Declaration released during the current election campaign, the Forest Rights Act (FRA) “will be strictly implemented to provide pattas for Podu lands to all the eligible beneficiaries.” The implementation of the FRA has been a bone of contention in many states, including Telangana. The Wire reported on November 30 about how the Haritha Haaram, an afforestation project rolled out by the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi government, has displaced small-scale farmers and tribal communities in its wake. The Congress manifesto also mentions that drains in Hyderabad will be modernized to make it a “flood-free” city. It promises to “formulate a robust policy for flood,disaster management and heat wave action management” as well as take steps to build a “sustainable ecosystem”, though it doesn’t say how exactly it proposes to do so. Flooding in the capital city has been a problem, with around 95% of its area being identified as being at “moderate risk” of floods. Rainwater pits in new houses and industrial constructions will be made compulsory, and people will be identified as “voluntary volunteers” in villages to protect the trees. These volunteers will be paid an honorarium to protect trees, per the manifesto. The Congress if it comes into power will implement “all measures for sustained environment protection” and control the use of plastic, and encourage the manufacture of jute and coir bags. Per the manifesto, the state Pollution Control Board (PCB) will be modernized and a Pollution Control Ward established to “provide better services in the prevention of air pollution”. Madhya Pradesh In the currently BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, several environmental issues abound. The BJP-ruled union government has pushed forward the Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya Pradesh. In December 2021, the Union cabinet approved the Rs. 44,605 crore Ken-Betwa river interlinking project, apparently intended to address water scarcity of the Bundelkhand region across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The project aims to connect the Ken and Betwa rivers and transfer water from the former to the latter to irrigate agricultural tracts of and supply drinking water to the water-starved Bundelkhand region. However, the project entails the loss of 23 lakh trees. It will also submerge around 9,000 hectares of land – 5,803 of which lie within the core area of the Panna tiger reserve. Experts told The Wire that Bundelkhand “will suffer for decades to come” if this project is implemented. Read why here, and in this six-part series by The Wire on the project.

• Down To Earth

CLIMATE change and health

From extreme heat to the spread of infectious diseases and vector-borne illness like dengue and Zika, global food security to air pollution causing respiratory ailments like asthma, climate change is gradually spreading its tentacles, affecting our health and health system on multiple fronts. In fact, the extreme weather events around the world in recent months offer a terrifying glimpse of what lies ahead in a rapidly heating world including India. This has been evidenced in two reports released back-to -back recently by the Lancet and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), a think tank which have raised serious red flags on health scenario in India. The CSE report 'India 2023: An assessment of extreme weather events' points out that India experienced extreme weather events almost every day in the first nine months this year, claiming 2,923 human lives with maximum mortalities reported from Bihar. Extreme weathers affected 1.84 million hectares (ha) of crop area, damaged 80,563 houses, and killed over 92,519 animals. It underscores the need for immediate actions to curb the escalating environmental crisis as it said that “But these numbers might be even higher because not all the data is collected.” The experts have long argued that the climate crisis is a health crisis and that considerations of health impacts should be central to climate negotiations. Increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and heatwaves, will also strain healthcare infrastructure. For instance, 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). As per the report, Punjab recorded the highest number of animal deaths while Himachal Pradesh reported the most damaged houses due to extreme weather events. Southern region too was impacted by the abnormal weather. For instance, Kerala witnessed the highest count of extreme weather days (67) and deaths (60) while Telangana suffered maximum effect on crop area (over 62,000 hectares) and high animal casualties (645). Karnataka faced severe destruction, with over 11,000 houses demolished. In northwest India, the most populated State, Uttar Pradesh had the most extreme weather days at 113. Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan were also significantly affected. Also, as the climate crisis jeopardizes lives and livelihoods, global food systems struggle to sustain a growing population, and compromised water sources compound the challenges. In parallel, climate change is catalyzing a surge in infectious diseases like dengue and cholera, endangering millions and putting pressure on the already dismal health infrastructure The report further notes that in the eastern and northeastern regions, Assam registered maximum extreme weather events (102), with the state losing 159 livestock and over 48,000 hectares of crops devastated. Nagaland saw over 1,900 houses destroyed. “ January was slightly warmer than average, while February broke records, becoming the warmest in 122 years. India had its sixth driest February and the driest August in 122 years.” It said lightning and storms were the most common disasters, occurring on 176 out of 273 days and claiming 711 lives while the most significant devastation came from heavy rains, floods, and landslides, causing over 1,900 deaths. The reported impact of extreme weather events in India is indeed alarming. The statistics provided underscore the human, agricultural, and environmental toll of climate-related incidents. The details of the report highlight the vulnerability of different regions in India to these extreme events, with Bihar being particularly affected. This underscores the need for upgrading key interventions such as vector control, epidemiological surveillance, and access to safe water and sanitation. To reduce the negative impact on health, the health community stresses the importance of reducing and stopping emissions. Another report by the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, is equally alarming. It highlights concerning trends in heat and health, indicating a rise in exposure to high temperatures that jeopardise livelihoods and endangers public health in India. The report reveals a 43% increase in the total number of heatwave days experienced by children under the age of one from 2013-2022 compared to the 1986-2005 period. Adults over 65 saw a staggering 216% increase in heatwave days during the same timeframe. These alarming statistics underline the immediate impact on health and the urgency of mitigation and adaptation actions. The economic toll of heat exposure is substantial, with 191 billion potential labor hours lost in 2022 alone, a 54% increase from 1991-2000. This loss amounted to a potential income loss of USD219 billion in 2022, equivalent to 6.3% of the country's GDP. Agricultural workers bore the brunt, experiencing 64% of potential hours lost and 55% of potential income losses. The projected scenario, where temperatures exceed a 2°C increase, indicates a nearly 5-fold rise in heatwave exposure for individuals over 65 by mid-century, underscoring the dire consequences if mitigation efforts are not implemented urgently. The report has also raised concerns regarding the health impacts of air pollution, attributing increasing deaths to small particulate matter (PM2.5) generated from human activities. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is identified as a crucial step to mitigate air pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote universal, affordable, and clean energy. As India participates in the Dubai Climate Summit, these findings should serve as eyeopener and add a sense of urgency among the developed nations to discussions around climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies to tackle the shared challenges posed by a changing climate. With the health sector grappling with unprecedented challenges, it is imperative to address the glaring disparity in financial support. In fact, the current allocation of a mere 0.5% of global climate financing to the health sector is inadequate to meet the demands and complexities of the health challenges posed by climate change. A substantial increase in resources for the health sector is not only warranted but deemed essential. Adequate funding is crucial for the development and implementation of strategies to address climate-related health impacts, including extreme weather events, infectious diseases, and other health crises. The ongoing global health crisis, likely exacerbated by climate change, underscores the interconnectedness of health and environmental issues. A robust and well-funded health sector is crucial for effectively responding to both the immediate health crisis and the long-term impacts of climate change on public health. EXPERTS SPEAK Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General: Prioritizing health is not just a choice; it is the foundation of resilient societies. We must change the conversation and demonstrate the massive benefits of bolder climate action on our health and well-being. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister: The effects of climate change is the biggest threat that humanity is currently facing and it is having an immense impact on health systems...We commit to prioritising climate-resilient health systems... Sunita Narain, CSE Director General: Our recent report attempts to build an evidence base on the frequency and expanding geography of extreme weather events in the country. This assessment clearly shows, what the country has witnessed so far in 2023 is the new 'abnormal' in a warming world. Dr Vikramjeet Singh, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, Delhi: The evolving landscape of climate change significantly raises concerns about its direct and indirect impacts on respiratory health. Rise in temperatures contributes to the proliferation of air pollutants, such as particulate matter and ground-level ozone causing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Increased heat can also lead to the intensification of allergenic pollen production, triggering allergic respiratory responses.Dehydration and heat stress too can cause respiratory distress, placing an additional burden on healthcare system. Colloborative efforts are essential to address adaptation measures to meet the health challenges linked with changing climate Dr Kavita Singh, DNDi: Climate change is altering patterns for dengue fever and other diseases. Before, we didn’t have as many cases, or as many deaths…More R&D and investment is needed to combat these diseases so as to benefit the entire world, not just the countries that currently suffer from them. The writer is Associate Editor, The Pioneer

• Down To Earth

The economy picks up a durable pace

The Q2 GDP growth at 7.6 percent during FY24 going beyond the street expectations and RBI estimates reflects the increasing buoyancy in the economy. It grew at 6.2 percent in Q2 of FY23 affirming its incremental improvement. It grew a tad better at 7.8 percent in Q1 of FY24. The GVA during Q2 worked out to 7.4 percent in Q2 as against 7.8 percent in Q1. RBI in its recent dispensation hinted at the economy doing better than expected. It is noteworthy that the Indian economy rebounded strongly from the COVID-induced contraction of 5.8 percent in 2020-21 to a growth of 9.1 percent in 2021-22 and 7.2 percent in 2022-23. India’s real GDP is expected to grow by 6.5 percent in both 2023-24 and 2024-25 retaining its tag as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world amid the burgeoning geopolitical risks. RBI states that according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India will become the third-largest economy before 2030, with its GDP projected to surpass both Japan and Germany by 2026 and 2027, respectively. India is already the third largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) (with a share of 7 percent of global GDP) after China and the USA. Looking at the positive headwinds of the economy, the OECD raised its outlook on GDP growth to 6.3 percent in FY24, 6.1 percent in FY25, and 6.5 in FY26. S & P Ratings raised its forecast for GDP to grow at 6.4 percent during FY24 up from the 6 percent estimated earlier while at the same time, it lowered its forecast for FY25 down to 6.4 percent from the 6.9 percent forecast earlier. World Bank Forecast for FY24 stands at 6.3 percent while the IMF forecast of GDP is at 6.3 percent for FY24. ADB is too bullish to put the GDP forecast at 6.7 percent for FY24. There is near unanimity in raising India’s GDP outlook in the light of visible trends in the economy. 1. Sectoral growth trends: The significant revival in manufacturing from 4.7 percent growth in Q1 to 13.9 percent in Q2 and the construction sector going up from 7.9 percent to 13.3, mining and quarrying from 5.8 percent to 10 percent during the period. However, some weaknesses could be seen in the farm sector growth going down from 2.4 percent in Q1 to 1.2 percent in Q2. According to the independent think tank, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India is a climate-vulnerable country and witnessed extreme weather events in 86 percent of days in the first 9 months of 2023. If serious attention is not drawn toward climate risks, it could jeopardize the stable growth trajectory. The climate risks – rampant urbanization, construction, rising sea temperature with its debilitating impact on marine life, melting of glaciers, emission of greenhouse gases, untreated industrial waste, the release of toxic gases from factories, threats to biodiversity, deforestation, rampant vehicular pollution, and many more could further increase the vulnerability hitting farm sector, life, and livelihood. During Q2, the manufacturing sector saw an uptick with its growth increasing from 4.7 in Q1 to 13.9 during the quarter. The 8 core industries -Coal, Crude oil, Natural gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, and electricity- have increased their output by 12. 1 percent in October is another good development. The uptick in manufacturing should have a multidimensional impact on interconnected sectors. The growth of trade, hotels, transport, communication, and services related to broadcasting went down from 9.2 percent to 4.3 percent while financial, real estate, and professional services slowed down from 12.2 to 6 percent during the same period. The S&P Global India Manufacturing Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) increased a tad to 56 in November from 55.5 in October 2023 and continues to be on an uptrend. The PMI of the service sector moderated to 58.4 in October from 61 in September but its trends are good. The composite is at 58.4 in October down from 61 in September. 2. External sector risks: The abating trends of inflation in the Western world and the near peaking of interest rates in most economies can bring down upside risks to the financial markets. With inflation still a distance away from targets, the interest rate cycles may not swing downwards too soon but the chances of interest rates going up are remote. The inflation and interest rates are expected to stay elevated until Central Banks can bring it within their targeted range. The global economy is adjusting to the ongoing geopolitical risks – the lingering war between Russia and Ukraine, the Israel – Hamas conflict, and OPEC + production cuts with its impact on the oil supply and its cost implications on the economy. The slowing economy and elevated inflation in many parts of the World may bring down consumption appetite leading to a fall in global trade. Hence exports could dip and restless reshuffling of foreign portfolio investments (FDI) in emerging market economies in the current uncertain and volatile conditions could exert stress on exchange rate management. On the exchange rate front, the Indian rupee (INR) has exhibited low volatility and orderly movements relative to peers despite elevated US treasury yields and a stronger US dollar.4 Movements in the INR are consistent with the strength of the underlying macro-fundamentals and the reassuring availability of buffers. As of November 20, 2023, the INR had depreciated (on a calendar year basis) by 0.7 percent against the dollar, performing well when compared to its EME peers including the Chinese yuan, the Thailand baht, the Vietnamese dong, the Argentine peso and the Malaysian ringgit. It had appreciated by 12.4 percent against the Japanese yen, while it depreciated by 2.7 percent against the Euro and by 3.7 percent against the UK pound. With forex reserves at US $ 590 billion and FPIs returning to Indian markets, the external sector risks are set to come down. 3. Challenges for growth: The inflation in October was 4.87 percent and is within the RBI band. However, the volatility in food and fuel prices always increases threats to its trajectory. The supply side management and control of sensitive items will pose some risks to the growth. RBI is keen to maintain inflation at its targeted midpoint of 4 percent on a durable basis. Therefore, interest rates are expected to remain at the current elevated level during FY24. The controlled inflation range maintained now may not prompt any rise in repo rates in the forthcoming monetary policy review. At the same time, unleashing the full potentiality of growth may require a change of the interest rate cycle towards a downward curve – that has to wait. Though the bank credit growth was 15.3 percent in October, out of which its flow to industry is tepid at 5.4 percent. The paucity of funds – loans and bonds to industry may be disruptive to its nascent recovery impulse. The slowdown in the farm sector growth could be another challenge. All stakeholders must combine to bolster the economy and unleash its inherent potency to stay ahead in the growth curve.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

COP28: How much does loss and damage from climate change cost?

Several countries across the world have faced economic loss worth billions due to extreme weather conditions and climate change over the years. In a bid to help developing and poor countries cope with climate crisis, the COP28 climate summit hit its "first major milestone" on November 30, by operationalising the "Loss and Damage" fund. What is ‘loss and damage’? The "loss and damage" refers to the estimated economic, non-economic and ecological losses caused due to ongoing and future impacts of climate change. "This includes losses and damages due to rapid onset extreme weather events such as floods and tropical cyclones and slow onset changes such as sea level rise and drought," the Centre for Science and Environment explains. What is the estimated global economic loss from climate crisis? "The world is estimated to be $1.5 trillion poorer than it would have been without climate change," according to a report titled 'Loss and Damage Today: How climate change is impacting output and capital'. This report was released by the University of Delaware. According to the report, "Low and middle-income countries have experienced $2.1 trillion in produced capital losses due to climate change."

• Down To Earth

Explainer: Why First-Ever ‘Health Day’ At COP28 Is Significant

Indian children who were under the age of one between the years 2013 and 2022 experienced 43% more heatwave days annually as compared to children in the same age group during 1986-2005. Similarly, adults over the age of 65 saw a 216% increase across the same timeframe. As the global climate conference under way in Dubai is set to observe a Health Day for the first time to discuss impacts of climate change on health, the effects are already visible and starkly so. In 2023, the world experienced the hottest global temperatures in over 100,000 years, and heat records were broken on every continent. The year is on track to be the warmest year on record. Heat-related deaths in people aged over 65 increased by 85% globally in 2013-2022 compared to 1991-2000, substantially above the 38% increase expected had temperatures not changed. In fact, a new Call to Action by the World Health Organization (WHO) says that harm due to climate catastrophes can begin even in the womb, leading to pregnancy-related complications, preterm birth, low birthweight and stillbirth. For children, consequences can last a lifetime, affecting the development of their bodies and brains as they grow. Global leaders have convened in Dubai for the 28th annual climate conference, known as the Conference of Parties (COP28), and millions of health professionals from around the world have already written an open letter to them to accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels, deliver on $100 billion in climate finance and spend it on saving lives and improving health of the most vulnerable. But completely phasing out all fossil fuels remains the most contentious issue at these conferences for the past few years. The India numbers Even as winter is just setting in in many parts of India, one might recall that this year saw its hottest February and driest August in 122 years. In just the first nine months of this year, India has witnessed an extreme weather disaster almost every day of the first nine months--from heat and cold waves, cyclones and lightning to heavy rain, floods and landslides. These disasters have claimed 2,923 human lives, impacted 1.84 million hectare of crop area, destroyed over 80,000 houses and killed more than 92,000 livestock, a new report by Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment showed. Following a rainfall deficit, states like Maharashtra have already declared drought in several districts. But is 2023 just an anomaly? No, because the impact of climate change on the increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters like these is well established now. A look at the big picture shows that apart from disasters that need immediate attention, slow onset events such as drought are also on the rise. From 2013-2022, an average of 29% of India’s land area experienced over three months of extreme drought per year. The amount of land experiencing at least one month of extreme drought per year has increased 138% from 1951-1960 to 2013-2022. Each of these extreme weather events have a direct effect on people’s lives and health. For example, exposure to high temperatures threatens people’s lives, health, and wellbeing, leading to heat-related disease, deaths and increasing healthcare demand during heatwave episodes. Older people, socio-economically deprived communities, very young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health problems are particularly at risk. Pregnant women are one of the groups most susceptible to extreme temperatures, which is caused by climate change. “Preterm births are linked to heat stress. Heat increases the chances of infection, which causes early labour. In particular, dehydration due to heat can cause urinary tract infections,” said Kiran Coelho, a gynaecologist at Lilavati hospital in Mumbai. At more than 250,000, India has the highest number of preterm births in the world, according to a WHO report. Climate change is one of the causes of preterm birth, which is the leading cause of death among children under the age of five, as per the WHO. Warmer temperatures exacerbate the risk of preterm births in low and low-middle income countries, as per this April 2017 paper by researchers from Kaiser Permanente (a care provider consortium) and the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Are other countries doing better? It is not just India which is suffering from the worst health impacts of climate change. World over, people experienced 86 days of health-threatening high temperatures on average in 2022, over 60% of which were more than twice as likely to occur because of man-made climate change. Yearly heat-related deaths are projected to increase by 370% by mid-century, More frequent heatwaves and droughts were responsible for 127 million more people experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity in 122 countries in 2021, than annually between 1981 and 2010. Similarly, changing weather patterns are accelerating the spread of life-threatening infectious diseases. For example, warmer seas have increased the area of the world’s coastline suitable for the spread of Vibrio bacteria that can cause illness and death in humans, putting a record 1.4 billion people at risk of diarrhoeal disease, severe wound infections, and sepsis. It is keeping these facts in mind that a day dedicated to health is to be observed on December 3 to drive home the point that the climate crisis is, unequivocally, a health crisis. On this day, world leaders will see the announcement of new health-climate finance and discuss proactive risk management for disasters, clean air solutions, water security, mental health and many more subjects. “Leaders must deliver in Dubai, providing the strong health outcomes their peoples expect and their economies urgently need. We must change the conversation and demonstrate the massive benefits of bolder climate action on our health and well-being,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General stated earlier this week. Health professionals from across the world have also written an open letter to COP28 President Sultan Al-Jaber. “For COP28 to truly be a ‘health COP’, it must address the root cause of the climate crisis: the continued extraction and use of fossil fuels including coal, oil and gas. We call on the COP28 Presidency and the leaders of all countries to commit to an accelerated, just and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels as the decisive path to health for all. Ending our dangerous dependency on fossil fuels will improve the health prospects of future generations and will save lives,” the letter demanded. In fact, there is evidence that taking steps in the right direction will have immediate positive impacts. A new analysis quantified health benefits from different climate mitigation actions and the resulting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. They estimated that in India, at least 150 life years were gained per 100,000 population per year by decarbonising electricity generation--that is, by generating electricity through renewables instead of coal. Switching to clean cookstoves in India also resulted in large health benefits from reduced household air pollution, estimated at around 1,250 life years gained per 100,000 population per year.