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Paris Finance Summit fails to deliver transformational solutions, initiates crucial dialogue: CSE

The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, held in Paris, France, concluded without producing transformative solutions, but it did succeed in kickstarting an important conversation about the financial crises related to climate change and development. This summit, spearheaded by President Emmanuel Macron of France, brought together leaders from both developing and European nations to address the pressing issues faced by poor and vulnerable countries dealing with a combination of interconnected crises. According to Sunita Narain, director general of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the summit failed to generate groundbreaking solutions but managed to ignite momentum in addressing the climate and development financing crisis. Narain emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Today, the most vulnerable countries, which also need funding for climate mitigation, have a crushingly high debt burden. We can no longer talk about small changes or short-changing the poor. We need answers, and we need them fast." Avantika Goswami, the climate change program manager at CSE, attended the summit in person and shared her insights. Goswami acknowledged that the summit's duration of just a day and a half was not sufficient to solve the complex problems faced by the Global South. However, she highlighted the significance of the summit, which shed light on the magnitude of the crises, the clear demands from developing nations, and the proposed courses of action advocated by developed nations.Leaders from the Global South who attended the summit expressed their countries' predicaments and expectations. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed drew attention to African countries' unprecedented funding constraints, with public and private debt reaching alarming levels, commodity inflation skyrocketing, and daily meals becoming a major concern for many Africans. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley rallied for fair treatment, emphasizing that developing nations are sinking under the weight of debt and deserve similar support to that provided to countries in the aftermath of World War I and World War II. The demands of Global South governments revolve around financial system reforms and include increased concessional and grant financing, debt reduction, and debt cancellations for least-developed countries. The Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) were also discussed, with the recognition that each country's circumstances, the needs of workers and communities, and development goals should be considered to address poverty and unemployment effectively. At the summit, several announcements were made, but not all received unanimous agreement. The Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) were a central topic of discussion for financial system reforms, with calls for expanded resources to address transboundary challenges and climate issues. The World Bank introduced disaster clauses for debt deals, allowing debt payments to be suspended in the event of extreme weather events. Additionally, the World Bank unveiled a Private Sector Investment Lab focused on renewable energy and energy infrastructure. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the fulfillment of its commitment to allocate US $100 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) for vulnerable nations. The recycling of SDRs from central banks of rich nations to poor countries or MDBs for concessional finance expansion was proposed. A Euro 2.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership deal was announced for Senegal, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's electricity mix to 40% by 2030. Calls were made for polluter taxes, including a tax on shipping emissions, and support grew for a financial transactions tax. Colombia and Kenya proposed a Global Expert Review on Debt, Nature, and Climate to assess the impact of debt on countries' capacity to address climate change and preserve nature. The EU called for increased coverage of global emissions with carbon pricing mechanisms and the allocation of a proportion of revenues to climate finance. Furthermore, it was suggested that the long-delayed goal of US $100 billion in climate finance would be achieved this year. However, Narain emphasized the need for structural discussions to address the inequities that prevent countries in the Global South from affording the costs of adaptation and mitigation. Goswami summed up the outcomes of the Paris Summit, expressing disappointment in the lack of response from developed countries to the demands of the developing world. She criticized the offering of false solutions, inadequate debt relief efforts, and attempts to shift responsibility onto the private sector. The Paris Summit may not have yielded immediate transformational solutions, but it undeniably sparked a crucial conversation that must not be lost. The financial crises faced by the Global South require swift action, collaboration, and a genuine commitment from developed nations to address the pressing challenges of climate change and development financing.

Paris Finance Summit fails to push transformational solutions, but starts vital conversation: CSE

“Today, the most vulnerable countries, which also need funding for climate mitigation, have a crushingly high debt burden. We can no longer talk about small changes, or about short-changing the poor. We need answers and we need them fast,” said Sunita Narain, director general, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) here today. She was commenting on the recently concluded Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, held in Paris, France. “The summit did not precipitate any transformational solutions, but it started a conversation on the climate and development financing crisis, and this momentum cannot be lost,” Narain added. The first of its kind Paris Summit was spearheaded by President Emmanuel Macron of France, and was attended by many leaders from the developing world and Europe. It aimed at addressing the lack of money flowing to poor and vulnerable countries as they battle “a cocktail of interconnected crises” — as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia put it: poverty, debt and inflation triggered due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and increasing climate impacts. Says Avantika Goswami, programme manager, climate change, CSE, who also attended the Summit proceedings in person: “Countries of the Global South are in a debt crisis and are facing pressure to decarbonise their economies — without adequate climate finance flowing in. The Summit was never expected to solve these problems in a day and a half, but it has started a crucial conversation. It shone a spotlight on the scale of these crises, the clear demands from countries of the Global South, and the pathways of action that the Global North is choosing to advocate for.” Avantika underlines the scale of the problem by quoting world leaders who attended the Summit. Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia said: “African countries are facing an unprecedented funding squeeze. Public and private debt has reached new heights. Inflation in almost all commodities has risen sharply, and today daily meals are the biggest issue for many Africans.” Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados gave a rallying call: “The developing world is sinking from debt. The UK took a hundred years to repay its debt for World War I; Germany had all the benefits of being able to have its debt service capped at 3 to 5 per cent of its GDP in order to rebuild after World War II. We are people too, we are countries too, and we deserve a similar treatment.” What are Global South governments asking for Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) have been at the center of the discussion on financial systems reform. According to Indian finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MDBs are “being asked by non-borrowing shareholders to also address transboundary challenges, along with their core development mandate”. Says Goswami: “This will increase the pressure on MDBs’ resources. Developed countries want to squeeze more out of existing MDB resources, whilst simultaneously adding on climate as a part of the Banks’ mandate. Developed countries are resistant to paying more money from their budgets and also risking more influence from large economies such as India and China if their paid-in share rises.” Countries of Global South are asking for more concessional and grant financing and a reduction in debt levels in developing countries, including debt cancellations for least developed countries. Deals such as Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) must consider each country’s circumstances, the needs of workers and communities, and development goals to address poverty and unemployment, as pointed out by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. They must be flexible to accept that some fossil fuel generation might need to remain in existence to serve the country’s basic energy needs. And they must offer adequate financing. In the case of South Africa, for instance, the financing of US $8.5 billion that has been offered is far below the country’s estimated need of US $98 billion. Kenya has called for a global financing mechanism that is not hostage to national or shareholder interests, while Brazil has asked why it must trade in dollars and not in its own currency. What was announced at the Summit MDBs: A contentious MDB Vision Statement document did not get full consensus at the Summit. Separately, it was announced that an additional lending capacity of US $200 billion would be unlocked for emerging economies. The World Bank announced disaster clauses for debt deals that would suspend debt payment in the case of extreme weather events. The Bank also unveiled a Private Sector Investment Lab to “develop and rapidly scale solutions that address the barriers that are preventing the private sector from investing – at scale – in emerging markets and developing countries, with a specific focus on renewable energy and energy infrastructure”. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): IMF announced that US $100 billion in SDRs for vulnerable nations has been met. The ‘recycling’ of SDRs from rich countries whose central banks do not need the cushioning, to poor countries who need them or MDBs who can channel them, has been proposed as a means to expand the amount of concessional finance available for developing countries. A new JETP: A new Euro 2.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership deal was announced for Senegal with a consortium of developed countries — the goal is to increase the share of renewable energy in installed capacity to 40 per cent of Senegal’s electricity mix by 2030. Polluter taxes: Many groups called for a tax on shipping emissions. More traction is expected on this issue at the International Maritime Organisation meeting in July. Support is also growing for a financial transactions tax. Debt: Colombia and Kenya have proposed a Global Expert Review on Debt, Nature and Climate to “assess the impact of debt on low- and medium-income countries capacity to preserve nature, adapt to climate change and decarbonise their economies”. Carbon markets: The EU unveiled a call to action on ‘Paris Aligned Carbon Markets’ with the goal of covering at least 60 per cent of global emissions with carbon pricing mechanisms (compared to 4 per cent today) and allocating a proportion of the revenues to climate finance. Climate finance goal: It was suggested that the long overdue US $100 billion climate finance goal will be delivered this year. Says Narain: “Every climate change disaster takes the Global South countries to greater indebtedness as they borrow to survive and rebuild. This year, we need to discuss structural issues that underpin the vast inequities in the world, which make it certain that countries in the Global South cannot afford the price of adaptation or mitigation. And we need to find the money and we need to do this fast.” Goswami sums it up: “What was evident from the Paris Summit is that the demands from the developing world seem to be falling on deaf ears. Peddling false solutions, offering piecemeal and inadequate debt relief efforts, and shifting the onus to the private sector was the plan that developed countries offered in Paris.”

अपशिष्ट जल और फीकल स्लज प्रबंधन एक्सपर्ट नेकिया नगर का सर

सोमवार को अपशिष्ट जल एवं फीकल स्लज प्रबंधन के एक्सपर्ट हर्षयादव नगर पालिका पहुंचे। इस दौरान उन्होंनेएफएसटीपी, डूडा कालोनी,टायलेट आदि स्थानों पर... सोमवार को अपशिष्ट जल एवं फीकल स्लज प्रबंधन के एक्सपर्ट हर्षयादव नगर पालिका पहुंचे। इस दौरान उन्होंनेएफएसटीपी, डूडा कालोनी,टायलेट आदि स्थानों पर निरीक्षण किया। दिल्ली की संस्था सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंडएं एनवायरनमेंट सेप्रबंधन एक्सपर्ट हर्षयादव नगर पालिका पहुंचे। उन्होंनेकोताना रोड पर अमृत योजना के अंतर्गत निर्मित फीकल स्लज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट का निरीक्षण किया। अपशिष्ट जल, दिल्ली सहारनपुर रोड स्थित काशीराम कॉलोनी, सेफ्टी टैंक,टायलेट आदि स्थानों पर निरीक्षण किया। शहर सेसेफ़्टीक टैंक से मल उठानेवालेप्राइवेट संग्रहक व्यक्तियों सेसेभी विचार साझा किए। सभी को पालिका मेंअपना रजिस्ट्रेशन करानेके लिए निर्देशत किया। उन्होंनेएफएसटीपी कंपनी द्वारा किए गए कार्यको गुणव गु त्तापूर्णनहीं होनेपर नाराजगी जताई। उन्होंनेइसकी रिपोर्ट शासन को अवगत करानेकी बात कही। निरीक्षण के दौरान शहर मेंसफाई व्यवस्था को भी सुचारू करनेके सख्त निर्देश दिए। इस दौरान पालिका अध्यक्ष बबीता तोमर सेमुलाकात कर सफाई प्रबंधन मेंसहयोग करनेकी अपील की। अध्यक्ष नेकहा कि सफाई प्रबंधन को प्राथमिकता पर रखकर काम किया जायेगा, जिससेआमजन को लाभ पहुंचाया जा सके। इस दौरान अनुज कौशिक अधिशासी अधिकारी, लोकेश कुमार अर्बन विशेषज्ञ, राजेंद्र जोशी सहायक अभियंता, सुशील शर्मासफाई एवं खाद्य निरीक्षक आदि मौजूद रहे।

जानिए कैसे बनता है पेठा और क्या है इसका ताजमहल से कनेक्शन

आगरा में बने पेठे को इसके मूल स्थान को प्रमाणित करने के लिए भौगोलिक संकेत (जीआई) टैग दिया गया है। जिससे पेठे की पहचान न सिर्फ आगरा से हमेशा जुड़ी रहेगी बल्कि इसे बनाने वालों को उचित दाम भी मिलेगा। पेठा तो आप सभी ने खाया होगा, लेकिन ये बनता कैसे है, और क्यों है आगरा का ही पेठा मशहूर आज हम आपको न सिर्फ बताएँगे बल्कि बनते हुए भी दिखाएँगे। और हाँ, ये भी बताएँगे कि पेठे का आख़िर ताज़महल से कनेक्शन क्या है? आज बाज़ार में कई तरह के पेठा आपको दिख जाएँगे जो अलग अलग आकार और रंग में हैं। इनमें पान गिलोरी, गुझिया पेठा, लाल पेठा, शाही अंगूर और गुलाब लड्डू पेठा तो अब ख़ास मिठाई में जगह बना चुके हैं। लेकिन एक दिन में ही इसकी कई वैरायटी नहीं आई, समय के साथ पेठा की बढ़ती माँग को देखते हुए दूसरी मिठाइयों की तरह ही इसके कारीगरों ने पेठा में भी कई प्रयोग किए। जिसके बाद आज 15 तरह से ज़्यादा पेठा बनने लगे हैं। पान गिलोरी को गुलकंद और कई मसालों से तैयार किया जाता है। इसकी कीमत 200 से 300 रुपये किलोग्राम है। लेकिन ये एक दो दिन से ज़्यादा नहीं रखा जा सकता है। 1958 के बाद जब पेठा में पिस्ता, काजू, बादाम का इस्तेमाल शुरू हुआ तो इसके आकार और रंग में भी बदलाव शुरू हुआ। साल 2000 में सैंडविच पेठा जैसे ही बनना शुरू हुआ, इसके कारीगरों ने पान गिलोरी भी तैयार कर दिया। हू ब हू पान की तरह दिखने वाला ये हरा हरा पेठा शादी या पार्टियों में तो खूब पसंद किया जाने लगा। बस फिर क्या था इसके बाद पेठा की कई वैरायटी तैयार होने लगी। इनमें मुख्य हैं, सादा पेठा, अंगूरी पेठा, केसर पेठा, लाल पेठा, केसर अंगूरी पेठा, कोकोनट पेठा, चेरी खस पेठा, चेरी मैंगो पेठा, चेरी केवड़ा पेठा, चेरी केसर, कंचा पेठा, रसभरी पेठा, संतरा पेठा , चॉकलेट पेठा, गुझिया पेठा और गुलाब लड्डू पेठा मुख्य हैं। अब तो शुगर फ्री पेठा भी है। आगरा में बने पेठे को इसके मूल स्थान को प्रमाणित करने के लिए भौगोलिक संकेत (जीआई) टैग दिया गया है। जिससे पेठे की पहचान न सिर्फ आगरा से हमेशा जुड़ी रहेगी बल्कि इसे बनाने वालों को उचित दाम भी मिलेगा। एक रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक आगरा में 1,500 से ज़्यादा पेठा इकाइयां हैं, जहाँ हर रोज 700 से 800 टन पेठा तैयार होता हैं। आम तौर पर मिठाइयां खोया, छेना, मावा या बेसन से ही तैयार होती हैं लेकिन आज हम जिस पेठा मिठाई की बात कर रहे हैं वो एक फल से तैयार किया जाता है। जी हाँ, वो हैं कुम्हड़ा। वहीँ कुम्हड़ा जिसे कहीं कहीं कच्चा पेठा भी कहते हैं। पेठा के बढ़ते कारोबार की वजह से करीब 150 दिन में तैयार होने वाली कुम्हड़े की फसल किसानों में काफी लोकप्रिय हो रही है। देश के कुछ राज्यों में इसे खबहा भी कहा जाता है। इसकी खेती उन्नाव, बरेली, इटावा, कानपुर देहात समेत कई जिलों में होती है। पूर्वी उत्तर प्रदेश में इसे भतुआ कोहड़ा, भूरा कद्दू, कुष्मान या कुष्मांड फल के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। ख़ास बात ये है कि कद्दू की इस प्रजाति की मार्केटिंग में किसानों को किसी तरह की परेशानी से नहीं जूझना पड़ता है, क्योंकि ज़्यादातर पेठा मिठाई के कारोबारी इस की तैयार फ़सल को खेतों से ही खरीद लेते हैं। पेठा बनाने में इस्तेमाल कुम्हड़ा की मांग आगरा, कानपुर और बरेली की मंडियों में बहुत ज़्यादा है। पेठा बनने की शुरुआत कब और कहाँ से हुई इससे जुड़ी अलग-अलग कहानियाँ हैं। ज़्यादातर रिपोर्ट और इतिहास के जानकर हालाँकि इसे शाहजहां से जोड़कर देखते हैं। कहते हैं इस मिठाई के बनने की शुरुआत शाहजहाँ की रसोई से उस समय हुई जब उन्होंने एक ऐसी मिठाई बनाने को कहा जिसका रंग ताजमहल की तरह शुद्ध और सफ़ेद हो। बस फिर क्या था, जुट गए सभी खानसामे ऐसी मिठाई बनाने में, और कड़ी मशक्कत के बाद तैयार हुआ सफ़ेद पेठा। आगरा के बुजुर्ग़ तो एक और किस्सा सुनाते हैं। वे बताते हैं की मुमताज़ महल खुद कभी कभी इसे बनाकर शाहजहाँ को खिलाती थीं। एक कहानी ये भी है कि 1631 और 1648 के बीच जब आगरा में ताज़ महल बन रहा था तब उसके मज़दूरों को हाड़तोड़ मेहनत के बाद हर रोज़ कुछ मीठा देने के लिए एक ऐसी मिठाई तैयार की गई जो सस्ती और आसान हो। चलिए कहानी के बाद अब आपको बताते हैं आख़िर आगरा का ये मशहूर पेठा बनता कैसे है? "इसे बनाने के लिए सबसे पहले ठीक से हम कुम्हड़े को धोते हैं जिससे बाहरी गंदगी बिल्कुल साफ़ हो सके। इसके बाद पेठा बनाने के लिए इसके फल को चार टुकड़ों में काटकर बीच का हिस्सा निकाल दिया जाता है। बाकि बचे हिस्से को नुकीले औजार से गोंदा जाता है, "पेठा मिठाई के कारीगर रवींद्र सिंह ने गाँव कनेक्शन को बताया। वे बताते हैं कि इसे बनाने में कच्चे पेठा का सिर्फ 40 प्रतिशत हिस्सा की इस्तेमाल में लिया जाता है, बाकी 60 फीसदी बेकार हो जाता है। पेठा बनाने के लिए इस फल को चार टुकड़ों में काटकर बीच का हिस्सा निकाल दिया जाता है। बाकि बचे हिस्से को नुकीले औजार से गोंदा जाता है। पेठा मिठाई बनाने में कच्चे पेठा का सिर्फ 40 प्रतिशत हिस्सा की इस्तेमाल में लिया जाता है, बाकी 60 प्रतिशत बेकार हो जाता है। 100 किलो पेठा मिठाई बनाने में 150 से 200 किलो कच्चे पेठा की जरूरत पड़ती है । इसके बाद साँचों की मदद से अलग- अलग तरह के आकार दिए जाते हैं। फि‍र बारी आती है चूने के पानी में करीब एक घंटे तक रखने की। ऐसा इसलिए लिए किया जाता है ताकि पेठा उबलने के बाद भी कड़ा रहे। "चूने के पानी से निकालने के बाद इसे उबाला जाता है। उबलते पानी में थोड़ी फिटकरी डाल देते हैं, ताकि चूना पूरी तरह साफ़ हो जाए, अच्छी तरह पानी से धोने के बाद फिर चीनी की चाशनी में घोलकर उबालते हैं। सूखा पेठा बनाने के लिए इसे सुखा लिया जाता है और गीला बनाने के लिए चाशनी को रहने दिया जाता है।" रवींद्र सिंह समझाते हुए कहते हैं। अच्छी तरह पानी से धोने के बाद चीनी की चाशनी में घोलकर फिर से उबाल लिया जाता है। सूखा पेठा बनाने के लिए इसे सुखा लिया जाता है और गीला बनाने के लिए चाशनी को रहने दिया जाता है। सादा पेठा बनाने में करीब 20 से 25 रुपये प्रति किलोग्राम की लागत आती है। पेठा भले आगरा का मशहूर हो, अब ये आसपास के दूसरे शहरों में भी बनने लगा है। इसकी बड़ी वजह है ताजमहल को प्रदूषण से बचाने की कवायद। कोयला बंद करने से करीब 85 प्रतिशत पेठा इकाइयां बंद हो गई या पास के दूसरे शहरों में चली गईं। पेठे से निकलने वाला कचरा भी बड़ी समस्या है। अक्सर ये शिकायत आती रही है कि इसके कचरे को सार्वजनिक जगहों पर फेंक दिया जाता है, जिससे हैजा, मलेरिया, डेंगू और डायरिया जैसी बीमारियों के फैलने का ख़तरा बढ़ जाता है। जिसे देखते हुए आगरा प्रशासन को कड़े कदम उठाने पड़े। सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट (सीएसई) की एक रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक आगरा का नूरी दरवाजा जहाँ 2013 से पहले 500 से अधिक पेठा बनाने की इकाइयां थीं वो आधे से अधिक बंद हो चुकी हैं। सीएसई के मुताबिक, वर्तमान में यहां करीब 70 इकाइयां ही बचीं हैं। राष्ट्रीय खाद्य प्रौद्योगिकी उद्यमिता और प्रबंधन संस्थान की एक रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक संगठित क्षेत्र की तुलना में असंगठित क्षेत्र में 10 गुना अधिक पेठा इकाइयाँ हैं।

Only 5% of India’s coal power plants meet sulphur dioxide emission norms: CSE

The Union environment ministry had specified the sulphur dioxide emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015 Even after multiple extensions, only 5 per cent of India’s coal-fired power plants have installed flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) systems, which are air pollution control devices for sulphur dioxide emissions, a new analysis has said. The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. The Union environment ministry had specified the emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015. However, these have been diluted for various parameters, and deadlines have been repeatedly extended. According to the CSE analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that claim to be SO2 compliant. The lack of information about on-ground inspections by regulatory bodies raises doubts about the accuracy of these claims, Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE said. The installation of FGD systems takes around two years followed by temporary shutdowns for necessary arrangements. The CSE researchers estimated the likelihood of power plants meeting emission norms based on their compliance stage and the remaining time until the deadline. The analysis revealed that 43 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with a population of 1 million or more (Category A), 11 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas (Category B), and 1 per cent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUE READING BELOW However, the report noted a slight improvement compared to the previous assessment, attributing it to deadline extensions and increased clarity regarding capacity that was previously unreported by the CEA. The researchers found only 0.81 GW of newly commissioned capacity complying with norms, approximately 13 GW likely to comply due to deadline extensions, around 23 GW capacity exploring FGD feasibility, and approximately 2.47 GW identified for decommissioning.

Installation of flue gas desulphurisation slowly progressing: CSE

The installation of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are crucial air pollution control devices for reducing sulphur dioxide emissions, is progressing at a sluggish pace among coal-fired power plants in India, according to a recent analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), an environmental think tank. Despite multiple deadline extensions, only 5 percent of coal-based power plants have implemented these eco-friendly technologies. The CSE analysis is based on the updated FGD status report released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. In December 2015, the Union environment ministry set emission norms for coal-based power plants. However, these norms have been diluted for various parameters, and deadlines have been repeatedly extended. Initially, thermal power plants were required to install FGD units by 2017. The deadline was later revised with varying timelines for different regions, culminating in 2022. Last year, it was further extended to 2025. According to the CSE analysis, the 5 percent of plants that have implemented FGDs to control sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions include 9,280 MW of commissioned FGD capacity and an additional 1,430 MW claiming to be SO2 compliant. The lack of information on on-ground inspections by regulatory bodies raises doubts about the accuracy of these claims, stated Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer at CSE's industrial pollution unit. The installation of FGD systems typically takes around two years, followed by temporary shutdowns for necessary adjustments. The CSE researchers assessed the likelihood of power plants meeting emission norms based on their compliance stage and the remaining time until the deadline. The analysis revealed that 43 percent of capacity within a 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with a population of 1 million or more (Category A), 11 percent of capacity within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas (Category B), and 1 percent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. However, the report noted a slight improvement compared to the previous assessment, attributing it to deadline extensions and increased clarity regarding capacity that was previously unreported by the CEA. The researchers found that only 0.81 GW of newly commissioned capacity is compliant with norms, approximately 13 GW is likely to comply due to deadline extensions, around 23 GW is exploring FGD feasibility, and approximately 2.47 GW has been identified for decommissioning. The CSE report also criticized the lackadaisical approach of power generation companies and highlighted the National Electricity Plan's justifications for delays, such as dependence on the external market for FGD components, the novelty of the technology in the Indian market, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The report emphasized the importance of compliance and highlighted that power plant emissions can contribute to air pollution beyond their immediate surroundings. According to the latest order, power plants failing to comply with sulphur emission norms by the end of 2027 will be forcibly retired. Plants located near populous regions and the capital, New Delhi, will face penalties for operation starting from the end of 2024, while utilities in less-polluted areas will be penalized after the end of 2026, as stated in the order.

Shillong: CSE-MNRE organise National Seminar on Promotion of Clean Energy Access in Northeast India

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organsied a one-day national seminar on the Promotion of Clean Energy Access in Northeast India. The seminar was held on Friday at the Courtyard by Marriott, Jail Road, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya. The main aim to organise the National Seminar on Promotion of Clean Energy Access in Northeast India was to address the urgent need for developing climate-resilient programs in the northeastern states, with renewable energy (RE) playing a crucial role. The Seminar is being hosted by MNREDA. With 8 percent of India’s total land area, the northeast region possesses a remarkable renewable energy potential of 129 GW, as reported by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Currently, the utilization of RE resources in the region stands at less than 4 percent, highlighting the vast untapped potential. Moreover, the per capita energy consumption in the northeast is the lowest in the country, with figures amounting to one-third of the national average (488 kWh in 2021). This energy poverty resembles the situation in some African countries and necessitates immediate action towards developing climate-resilient programs that incorporate renewable energy. The seminar aimed to shed light on the various technologies, policies, and challenges involved in transitioning the northeastern states towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. Participants will explore the existing energy mix in the states and emphasize the importance of shifting towards a decentralized and distributed RE deployment. The focus will be on biogas, compressed biogas, and hybrid mini-grids as key components of this transition. By harnessing advanced technologies such as bioenergy, solar, wind, small hydro, and others, the region can address its energy poverty and provide access to clean energy to its communities. This approach not only contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances the region’s energy supply, generates income for rural communities, and improves the overall resilience of local societies. The seminar saw active participation from various stakeholders from government agencies, research organizations, academia, industry, and civil society to come together and explore collaborative approaches to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions in the northeast. It will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices in renewable energy deployment. About Centre for Science and Environment (CSE): The Centre for Science and Environment is a leading public interest research and advocacy organization based in India. CSE aims to promote sustainable development, equitable access to resources, and environmental protection through policy research, capacity building, and public awareness. About Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS): The Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States is a national-level organization established under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India. AREAS supports state-level agencies in the promotion, development, and implementation of renewable energy projects and policies. About Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency (MNREDA): Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency was set-up on September 1987. The aims and objective of the Agency is to formulate and implement demonstration, experimental, promotional and extension projects and programmes related to New and Renewables Energy.

India’s population question

India is expected to overtake China to become the world’s most populous country sometime in July, it is said. We don’t have a firm month, because our census—the count of population—is more than a decade old. So, we can only estimate the expected overshoot date—sometime in mid-2023, we will match China’s 1.45 billion people and then surpass it. The question I get asked often is, what does this mean for the environment? There is no doubt that more people will need more resources to survive. But it cannot be argued that population growth is an indicator of the resultant environmental degradation. It is not as linear. The simple counter argument is that countries like the US with 336 million people or Australia with 26 million people have much greater environmental footprints than that of India. Earth Overshoot Day—a group that calculates the bioresources used by countries—estimates that if everyone lived like an American, we would need five Earths; as an Australian, we would need 4.5 Earths and as an Indian, we would need 0.8 of an Earth. These countries with smaller populations have emitted huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, adding to our common jeopardy. So, population per se is not the determinant of environmental problems; it is their consumption pattern that leads to environmental degradation. We know that the environmental damage caused by wealthier countries is extensive—they overexploit land, water, forests and other resources, but externalise the source. Their consumption of fossil fuels is driving global warming. But their local air appears “clean” because they have the money to invest in improved technology. These wealthier countries have wilderness areas, and so, you may argue that their natural habitat is protected. But no. Because their use of the natural habitat is extensive, it results in the overuse of forests and degradation of land in other places. The poor, on the other hand, have intensive use of their local environment. In their villages they depend on forests that are already lopped, land that is grazed and waterbodies that are polluted. But even with this visible destruction, their combined impact on the environment is less than that of the smaller but richer populations. That said, it is also a fact that the Indian population has a smaller footprint because it is poor. It is poverty that makes us frugal. So, it can be argued that as we get richer, we may also wish for the global middle-class lifestyle (the American way), which has now become the benchmark of economic wealth and modernity. And even if we do not reach the obscene levels of consumption as the other middle class, our sheer numbers will add up to leave the same environmental impact. We already see that with waste generation—as we get richer, the quantum of waste increases; its composition changes; and garbage takes over our streets. We also see this with air pollution in our cities—the richer we get, the more we drive in individual vehicles; and even as we clean up each vehicle with better emission controls and fuel quality, the absolute growth in numbers means more pollution. So, we must focus on three points: How do we keep a check on the population growth? And how do we use this population dividend? There is no doubt that every human being is a wonderful creature and an asset. So, the third point is, how do we make sure that as our population grows, we do not end up being in the self-destructive mode as the rest of the world? The answer to the first is relatively clear: India is already seeing a decline in its total fertility rate, which has dropped below the replacement level (2.1). The latest National Family Health Survey reveals that Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh are the only outliers, with fertility levels above two children per woman (also the country average). It is well known that fertility declines only when girls are educated, women are empowered and they have health and economic security. Fertility is not about population control but about women’s right over reproductive decisions. It is an indicator of progress. We are seeing this happen. We need to stay on track. Then, of course, is the issue of the population dividend—this is also where education kicks in. We need to do much more to get this right. And finally, the environment question. Ensuring this will be much more difficult because the aspirational idea of global middle class is not so easy to deconstruct and take apart. The lifestyle of the global consuming class is about market forces and the economics that drives wealth creation. But this is really where the rubber meets the road—we want a planet that is livable. It is time we discussed this seriously and urgently. (Writer is Director General of CSE and editor of Down To Earth, an environmentalist who pushes for changes in policies, practices and mindsets; Courtesy: Down To Earth)

Coal Sector Dragging its Feet on Emission Norms, Only 5% Thermal Power Capacity in Compliance: CSE Report

Seven years after emission norms were introduced, only 5 percent of the total coal-based power capacity has managed to comply with them, shows a new report. The comprehensive analysis, led by New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), shows how India’s coal sector continues to drag its feet in meeting SO2 emission norms even as the world inches closer to 1.5 degrees warming. According to the report, only 17 percent of the total thermal power capacity is still at the initial stages of compliance. The majority, which is complying with norms, is owned by private power generating companies and not government-run units, the report shows. In December 2015, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) first notified emission norms for coal-based power plants with 2017 as an initial deadline. But a blanket extension of five years was given to all and has been revised twice since. Seven years after emission norms were introduced, only 5 percent of the total coal-based power capacity has managed to comply with them, shows a new report. The comprehensive analysis, led by New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), shows how India’s coal sector continues to drag its feet in meeting SO2 emission norms even as the world inches closer to 1.5 degrees warming. According to the report, only 17 percent of the total thermal power capacity is still at the initial stages of compliance. The majority, which is complying with norms, is owned by private power generating companies and not government-run units, the report shows. In December 2015, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) first notified emission norms for coal-based power plants with 2017 as an initial deadline. But a blanket extension of five years was given to all and has been revised twice since.

Only 5 of India's coal power plants meet sulphur dioxide emission norms CSE

Even after multiple extensions, only 5 per cent of India's coal-fired power plants have installed flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) systems, which are air pollution control devices for sulphur dioxide emissions, a new analysis has said. The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. The Union environment ministry had specified the emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015. However, these have been diluted for various parameters, and deadlines have been repeatedly extended. According to the CSE analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that claim to be SO2 compliant. The lack of information about on-ground inspections by regulatory bodies raises doubts about the accuracy of these claims, Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE said. The installation of FGD systems takes around two years followed by temporary shutdowns for necessary arrangements. The CSE researchers estimated the likelihood of power plants meeting emission norms based on their compliance stage and the remaining time until the deadline. The analysis revealed that 43 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with a population of 1 million or more (Category A), 11 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas (Category B), and 1 per cent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. However, the report noted a slight improvement compared to the previous assessment, attributing it to deadline extensions and increased clarity regarding capacity that was previously unreported by the CEA. The researchers found only 0.81 GW of newly commissioned capacity complying with norms, approximately 13 GW likely to comply due to deadline extensions, around 23 GW capacity exploring FGD feasibility, and approximately 2.47 GW identified for decommissioning. The CSE report also criticised the lackadaisical approach of power generation companies, highlighting the National Electricity Plan's justifications for delays, such as dependency on the external market for FGD components, the novelty of the technology in the Indian market, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasised the need for compliance and highlights that power plant emissions can contribute to air pollution beyond their boundaries.

Only 5% of India’s coal-based thermal power capacity meets SO2 emissions norms: CSE report

Emission reduction has been the unequivocally accepted pathway for limiting global warming. But despite ambitious targets, one of the most polluting sectors of India – coal-based thermal power generation – was found to be brazenly flouting emission norms and not doing the bare minimum required to reduce their environmental footprint. A case in point is the poor implementation of the sulphur dioxide emissions regulations issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2015. The ministry made it mandatory for thermal power plants to instal a flue gas de-sulfurization (FGD) system to remove sulphur dioxide from their exhaust. As of April 2023, however, only 5 per cent of the country’s installed coal-based thermal power generation capacities had the FGD mechanism in place, according to a new report by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Moreover, 17 per cent of the overall coal power capacity was still at very initial stages of compliance. The organisation analysed the updated status of FGD systems in thermal power plants from data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Union Ministry of Power. The findings for eastern India were abysmal: No plant in the region was found to be compliant of SO2 emissions norms. Maharashtra has the highest capacity complying with the norms, followed by Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Tamil Nadu, showed the analysis. The results indicate that the sector has been unwilling to comply with the central government regulations, according to the authors of the report. This is despite the fact that the norms have been diluted for several parameters and deadlines delayed since they were issued eight years ago, said Nivit Yadav, programme director, industrial pollution unit, CSE. Another finding that is symptomatic of the feet-dragging by the industry is that even new projects are not compliant of the SO2 emissions norms. Only 0.81 GW of the 32.63 GW newly commissioned capacity is complying with the norms, the researchers found. Moreover, the actual extent of non-compliance may be greater, they added. The 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs include 9,280 megawatts that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that ‘claim to be SO2 compliant’. “How far these claims are true is difficult to say, considering that there is no information available about on-ground inspections conducted by state-level regulatory bodies,” said Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE. The team also estimated the likelihood of a coal power plant meeting the emission norms on the basis of the stage of compliance and the duration in which the power plant must meet the deadline. Just 57 per cent of the capacity within 10 kilometres of Delhi-NCR or million-plus cities will be able to meet the deadline, based on the analysis. Around 11 per cent of the capacity within 10 km radius of critically polluted areas is unlikely to meet the deadline. Around 13 gigawatts of the installed capacity is now likely to comply because of the extension in deadline, the report noted. None of the plants that have installed FGDs or are reported to be complying with SOx norms are state-owned, the analysts found. 23 GW capacity is still exploring the feasibility of commissioning FGD in its premises. The technology has been around for decades in the global market but Indian industries began exploring its feasibility only since the regulation. The equipment isn’t cheap and some of the components are not locally available. The latest National Electricity Plan (NEP) for 2022-32 cited various factors that may have delayed the implementation of the norms: The sector’s dependency on the external market for some FGD components, novelty of the technology for the Indian market and the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is unclear how one or two years of the pandemic would contribute to delaying the implementation process by five-six years,” said Yadav. The compliance deadlines have been revised thrice already. Moreover, the NEP has advocated for different standards for plants in different locations. “It will not be surprising if we see another extension in the deadline soon; or worse, diluted norms for several plants,” he added. The likelihood of compliance is higher now compared to December 2021 — the only positive takeaway from the analysis. This may be because of how generously the compliance deadlines have been pushed back by the government to allow the sector to adjust, the researchers pointed out. 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/pollution/only-5-of-india-s-coal-based-thermal-power-capacity-meets-so2-emissions-norms-cse-report-90229

Only 5% of India's coal power plants meet sulphur dioxide emission norm CSE

The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is ba on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the techni arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. New Delhi: Even after multiple extensions, only 5 per cent of India's coal-fired power plants have installed flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) systems, which are air pollution control devices for sulphur dioxide emissions, a new analysis has said. The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. The Union environment ministry had specified the emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015. However, these have been diluted for various parameters, and deadlines have been repeatedly extended. According to the CSE analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that claim to be SO2 compliant. The lack of information about on-ground inspections by regulatory bodies raises doubts about the accuracy of these claims, Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE said. The installation of FGD systems takes around two years followed by temporary shutdowns for necessary arrangements. The CSE researchers estimated the likelihood of power plants meeting emission norms based on their compliance stage and the remaining time until the deadline. The analysis revealed that 43 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with a population of 1 million or more (Category A), 11 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas (Category B), and 1 per cent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. However, the report noted a slight improvement compared to the previous assessment, attributing it to deadline extensions and increased clarity regarding capacity that was previously unreported by the CEA. The researchers found only 0.81 GW of newly commissioned capacity complying with norms, approximately 13 GW likely to comply due to deadline extensions, around 23 GW capacity exploring FGD feasibility, and approximately 2.47 GW identified for decommissioning. The CSE report also criticised the lackadaisical approach of power generation companies, highlighting the National Electricity Plan's justifications for delays, such as dependency on the external market for FGD components, the novelty of the technology in the Indian market, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasised the need for compliance and highlights that power plant emissions can contribute to air pollution beyond their boundaries.

Will Coal-Based Thermal Power Plants Ever Meet Emission Norms?

India’s coal-based thermal power plants continue to drag their feet in meeting emission norms, says a new analysis done by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The CSE analysis finds that a mere 5 per cent of the installed capacity in this sector has put in place an air pollution control device — flue gas de-sulfurization (FGD) system — for controlling SO2 emissions.