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Editorial

Advisors Narne Prabhakar Kaza Krishna Rao Dr. N. Harinath Dr. V. Haraprasad Advisory Board M. Gopala Krishna, IAS (Retd.) C.S. Ramalakshmi, I.F.S, Dr. N. Bhaskara Rao

GANDHIJI - THE GUIDING STAR

Prof. D.N. Reddy

Dr. Rameshwar Rao

stated that his life is his message. He lead his life according to his preaching. He has shown to

Prof. P.G. Sastry Er. G. Prabhakar

S. Raghupathy Prof. I.V. Muralikrishna

his year 2nd October falls on Hundred and Fiftieth Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. India and the world at large are celebrating this occasion with reverence and

respect to that great soul. Among all the leaders of the world Gandhiji is the only one who

his followers and through them to the outside world by way of demonstration in Sewagram and Sabarmati Ashrams. He has spoken and written extensively on the subjects such as sanitation,

Editor

cleanliness of surroundings, hygiene, purity of air, water and importance of light and ventila-

Dr. P. Narayana Rao

tion..etc. which are directly related to the environment. He told that cleanliness is next to god-

Associate Editor Dr.B.Ramana Naik

liness. His life and actions are in harmony with nature. Gandhiji stressed the importance of five elements of nature i.e., air, water, earth, light and sky which are essential for all human beings. In his Ashram , he used to insist on simple living and high thinking without wasting any nat-

Sub - editor Swarajyam P.

ural resources like water and energy. He suggested the method of turning night soil into manure. He recommended use of organic manure in place of chemical fertilizers and warned

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against chemicalization of agriculture. Gandhiji was against cruelty to animals and has shown

arcongraphics@gmail.com

compassion to all living beings. Gandhiji believed in Vegetarianism and explained how a

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healthy eating habit makes a person healthy. He brought dietary changes and reforms for a bet-

P. Narayana Rao on behalf of society

ter health. He experimented them while serving the sick in the Ashram. He wrote " the Nature

for environment and education,

provides just enough , and no more, for our daily need ". Gandhiji also pointed out " Nature is

hyderabad.

lenient . It often does not punish us for our sins immediately". He said "Nature has provided us

Address for communication

with sufficient reserve of vitality . But for that, man would have long ago disappeared from the

302, Padma Nilayam,

face of Earth because of his own mistake â&#x20AC;Ś".

St.No. 1, Shanti Nagar, Hyderabad - 500 028.

In today's catastrophic situation of climate change and impending danger of frequent natural disasters throughout the Globe , we have to take Gandhiji's prophetic words as guide-

email: nraopotturi@yahoo.com

lines for immediate action for preserving our planet. Now we have to listen to the words of

contact: 9247385331

Swiss girl Greta Thunberg in her Address to the world leaders in United Nations General

(The views expressed by authors

Assembly " People are suffering . People are dying. Our ecosystems are collapsing. We are in

may not be necessarily be the same

the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk of money and fairy tales of external

as those of magazine)

economic growth ----how dare you". October 2019

Environment & people

content

Climate Change Poses Serious Threats to India's Food Security

South Asia's Smog Is Affecting North America Too

Rising sea imperils India's ports

How bio-restoration is helping revive degraded mangroves in Sunderbans

This Kerala Engineer's Fully Recyclable Mud & Bamboo Home Is Green-Tastic!

Dammed and mined, Narmada River can no longer support her people

Odisha IAS Replaces Plastic Plates With Sal Leaf ‘Khali’, Empowers Tribal Women!

Bhutan Hill Stations: A Ride Into

Artificial Intelligence Can’t Think Without Polluting

The Most Picturesque Landscapes

Amazing barley health benefits

Happy Seeders reduce air pollution boost farm incomes

A Rising Youth Movement Picks Up

Air Pollution in Cities Linked to Children's CognitiveDecline, Alzheimer's and Death

Environment & people

October 2019

Where Governments Have Failed

Eco Quotes

Eco IQ

Eco cartoons

Save wildlife from power lines, says environment ministry's panel

Kerala Cop Turns Seized Lorry Into Fish Pond, Turns Station Into Organic Farm!

"There is always a sense of negativity or fear associated with police stations. Now it's a welcoming spot for locals, a source of green inspiration!" Ananya Barua

ow often do you hear a police station become a space of inspiration for an entire community? Or a place of beauty, frequented by locals for its charm? Well, almost never. But the Changaramkulam police station in Kerala has a different story to tell, all thanks to Special Branch Assistant SubInspector (ASI) TJ Albert. Dotted with a small garden and organic vegetables growing in columns, along with two charming fish ponds, the police station premises is indeed an idyllic space. However, this wasn't always the case. "When I first came here, the station was surrounded by garbage dumps. It was extremely dirty and so I decided to take steps for change. As my family is from the fishing community of Mararikulam in Alappuzha, I have had some exposure in fish farming and

decided to start with that. Also, I had seen some videos on Youtube where people utilised and upcycled the weirdest things for gardening, and that gave me the idea to reuse an old lorry as a pond, instead of digging the ground," says Albert to The Better India. The said lorry had been seized by the department due to illegal mining activities and had been lying around for months before Albert came up with the idea. After seeking the required permissions, he then removed all the sand from the truck and covered it with a tarpaulin. To transform it into a pond, he filled it up with water, fish and water lilies. From red and white molly, silopi to guppies, Albert began to farm almost 810 varieties of ornamental fish in the pond. In order to make them look even more beautiful, he planted local white lotuses and yellow water lilies. After farming them for almost a year, the truck was recently auctioned out and so the pond had to be shifted. "We dug up two ponds in the campus and transferred the plants and fish into the same. With larger space, they are now flourishing more," he adds. Owing to his efforts, many other

police officials are now involved in the initiative, with the support of villagers in the surrounding areas. There is always a sense of negativity or fear associated with police stations. People get a sense of hesitation to approach us in this space. But now it's a welcoming spot for locals, a source of green inspiration! says Albert, who was recently transferred to the Ponnani Police station and is spreading this green magic there as well. "My quarters are close to the Changaramkulam police station, so with the help of my wife I manage to take care of the ponds there. Meanwhile, I am also starting organic farming at Ponnani and hope that this will also be a big success like the previous one!" he concludes. We hope his eco-endeavours soon bear fruit and more police stations and government offices embrace ideas of upcycling and organic farming and gardening in their premises. (Source: thebetterindia.com)

October 2019

Environment & people

Air Pollution in Cities Linked to Children's Cognitive Decline, Alzheimer's and Death Investigation of the brains of children and young adults who died suddenly in Mexico City revealed amyloid plaques similar to those found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

n megacities across the world, including Mexico City, Jakarta, New Delhi, Beijing, Los Angeles, Paris and London, humans are polluting air at a rate that Earth can no longer sustain. Most human-made air pollution is like dust, as tiny as the diameter of hair (particulate matter) or even smaller (ultrafine particulate matter). The link to respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma is well known. Almost one million children die from pneumonia each year, more than half of which are directly related to air pollution. Being so small, particulate matter can also travel from our lungs into the blood and circulate into the brain. Once there, it can promote brain inflammation, which contributes to cell loss within the central nervous system, and likely to neurodegeneration, cognitive deficits and increased risk for dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. While mild neurogeneration is a natural aspect of aeging, it can be worsened and quickened by neuroinflammation from severe air pollution. Even worse, severe air pollution can speed up neurodegeneration when the brain is at the peak of its development - during childEnvironment & people

October 2019

hood. That's right - millions of children around the world currently breathe air that may put them at risk of premature cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This is the story of how we continue to poison our children's brains and cut their lives short. Unexplained deaths of children In the late 1990s, neuropathologist and paediatrician Lilian CalderĂłnGarcidueĂąas, reported a connection between early signs of neurodegeneration and air pollution by examining brain tissues in adults, children and dogs after unexplained sudden "accidental" deaths. Those brains had only one thing in common - they were from residents of Mexico City, one of the most polluted megacities in the world. Further study showed what became a frequent grim picture in scientific reports. Microscopic images of unhealthy brain slices in diseased animals and humans showed particulate matter and ultrafine particulate matter as tiny dark spots surrounded by inflamed tissue. Around the inflamed spots you can sometimes see strips that resemble scars but other times you can see pinkish stems. These are the amyloid plaques frequently found after death in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. I joined Lilian's team as an expert in cognitive developmental neuroscience and neuroimaging. We looked for signs of premature cognitive decline in living residents, using behavioural tests and taking various types of images of target brain regions. Substantial cognitive decline in kids' brains We found that children from Mexico City had substantial cognitive decline as compared to population norms, and as compared to other children of similar age, sex and family and neighbourhood

backgrounds who lived in less polluted areas. We were also able to pinpoint unusual cognitive deficits to key developing areas of the brain: the prefrontal, temporal and parietal lobes of the cortex. Atypical cognition was also found in the auditory brain stem, possibly relating to speech and language developmental deficits. Neuroimages in children were consistent with most serious damage being in the white matter - the parts of the brain providing the connections for electrical communication. In many cases we were able to show that in those Mexico City children, neuroinflamma-

choices that may go against the convenience and ease of modern life we are accustomed to. For example, relying on cars and other combustion-based technologies. If things are to change, the responsibility lies with the individual "me" and "you," as well as with our collective society and institutions. We will never make it if one side of this equation continues to download responsibility to the other. Alzheimer's disease and other most hideous neurodegenerative diseases (dementias) are linked with all levels of air pollution , in people of all ages. Such diseases are among the top 10 mass

tion was much worse than normal. Today, reports of similar findings from other megacities and from other researchers show a considerable agreement: the brains of millions of children are being damaged by air pollution and protecting them should be of pressing importance for public health.

killers globally and there is still no cure for them. The science is in. Children are now rising up globally to defend their rights to a healthy life, on the global stage. We must respond, with concrete changes to our habits. (Source: thewire.in)

Public health crisis requiring immediate action The good news: It is still possible to clear the air of cities, both indoors and outdoors, and minimize children's exposure. However, our attitudes must now shift from caution and waiting to immediate action. We need to commit to hard

October 2019

Environment & people

Climate Change Poses Serious Threats to India's Food Security Siraj Hussain

Planning for the long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture appears to be rather low on the government's priority list.

ssues including the security clampdown in the Valley and slowdown in major sectors of the economy are dominating headlines. The agriculture ministry too would be occupied with formulating interventions to spur the economy of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Planning for the long-term impacts of

Environment & people

October 2019

climate change on Indian agriculture would, therefore, be rather low on the government's priority list. Climate change is no longer a distant threat. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the annual mean temperature in the country has increased by 0.6 degrees Celsius between 1901 and 2018, when compared to preindustrial levels. Eleven of the 15 warmest years have so far all been within the last 15 years with 2018 being the sixth warmest year in India's recorded history. The extent and degree of warming are going to get more severe. As carbon emissions continue and those which are built into the climate system take effect,

temperatures across the world are expected to increase between 3-5 degree Celsius by 2100. India is among the countries which are likely to bear the worst of a warming planet due to its tropical location and relatively lower levels of income. Agriculture and food production are likely to be significantly affected by climate change. According to one estimate, yields of major crops could decline by up to 25%. A recent IPCC report also warned that in the years to come, food security will stand threatened due to climate change coupled with increasing demands of the rising population. The global population is expected to increase from 7.7 billion in 2019 to 8.5

billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050. According to the United Nation's World Population Prospects ( June 2019), the Indian population is projected to increase from 1.36 billion in 2019 to 1.5 billion by 2030 and 1.64 billion by 2050. Providing food and nutritional security to an entire population needs some serious planning and effective implementation. And we need to start now. Climatic factors like increased temperatures and extreme rainfall will affect productivity by causing physiological changes. In addition, they will affect soil fertility, the incidence of pest infestation and the availability of water. This will impact crops, animal husbandry as well as fisheries. The solution to climate change will come from science alone. In 2011, research on the impact of climate change on agriculture and possible ideas to mitigate the risk was started by the Union agriculture ministry, and the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) was launched through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The primary objective was to develop suitable technologies for production and risk management for crops, livestock and fisheries. The research was undertaken at seven major institutions of ICAR across India. NICRA has identified 151 climatically vulnerable districts but politicians in many of these states may be oblivious to this. Research on impact assessment on crops was conducted using simulation models for climate projections for 2020, 2050 and 2080. Simulations show that the yield of rice in irrigated areas may decrease by 7% in 2050 and 10% in 2080. The yield of maize in irrigated areas of kharif was projected to decline by 18% by 2020.

The yield of maize did decline in 2018-19 due to low rainfall in several maize growing areas but better rainfall in July and August 2019 may have ensured that the projection of decrease in maize yield may not happen again in 2019-20. Research at the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal has found that heat stress has a negative impact on the reproduction traits of cows and buffaloes and their fertility will be adversely impacted. Scientists of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute have found that fish species on the east coast may be much more vulnerable to climate change than fish varieties found on the west coast. Climate change will impact ocean current, acidification, temperature and food availability. All of this will affect the production of fish. NICRA has projected that rice and wheat in Indo-Gangetic plains, sorghum and potato in West Bengal and sorghum, potato and maize in southern plateau are likely to see reduced productivity. The study also found that productivity of soybean, groundnut, chickpea and potato in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh may go up. Similarly, the productivity of apple in Himachal Pradesh may increase. Increase in temperature and rainfall pattern may also result in a lower yield of cotton in north India. The government has made some efforts to formulate mitigation strategies to address the impact of climate change on agriculture. Under the NICRA project, ICAR has collected germ-plasm from various locations. These will be used as source material for breeding programmes to develop heat and drought-tolerant wheat and pulses and flood-tolerant rice. Scientists have been working hard to breed varieties of different

crops which are climate-resilient. One such success is Sahbhagidhan, a variety of paddy which was jointly developed by the International Rice Research Institute and Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station of ICAR at Hazaribagh. It was released in 2010 and since then, it has gained success in uplands in eastern India in drought conditions. It matures in 105 days while most other varieties take 120150 days to maturity. Farmers can plant another crop after harvesting this. IRRI is also breeding a floodtolerant variety of paddy by manipulating genes to get better strains which can enable paddy rice to survive for up to 15 days of submergence in floodwater. It has identified such varieties in Odisha and Sri Lanka which have a Sub 1 gene. If and when this flood-tolerant variety is released either through breeding or through genetic modification, farmers in flood-prone regions would be keen to accept it, even if activists are opposed to the release of new GM varieties in India. Research on climate-resilient varieties of wheat, mustard, lentil, chickpea, mung bean, groundnut and soybean is also under progress in various institutions of ICAR. India policymakers cannot indefinitely wait for disastrous effects of climate change to hit farmers. In north-west Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and western UP, falling water table has posed the need for modification in cropping patterns. Even after winning a decisive mandate, the government is still not confident of the direction Indian agriculture should take. The sense of urgency, shown to address the slowdown in the economy, in general, has not translated into dealing with challenges of agriculture. (Source: https://thewire.in)

October 2019

Environment & people

South Asia's Smog Is Affecting North America Too Sahana Ghosh

Ozone from Asia drifts across the Pacific Ocean to North America all year long, but the pathway is fastest and most direct during March, April and May.

n electronic ozone alert flashes by, prompting us to "skip car trips" as we head for a hiking trip up in the Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver in Colorado in the western U.S., on a particularly hot Saturday in August. As we drive through the freeway, Neil, our bus driver, points to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's electronic alerts that urge those sensitive to high ozone levels to avoid prolonged exposure between 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019. Ozone is the main component of smog and excessive ground-level ozone can worsen lung and heart disease, trigger asthma attacks and lead to early deaths. People most at risk from breathing air containing ozone include people with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers. The ground-level or "bad" ozone is a colourless gas that forms when sunlight strikes various human-created pollutants. This ozone is different from the naturally occurring ozone in the upper atmosphere which blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In Colorado, which for years has failed to

Environment & people

October 2019

meet the US government's standards for ozone thresholds, Neil explains why people avoid pumping gas in the heat of the day. He says ozone "cooks" (forms) at high temperature (from precursors nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic carbons) and the vapours from gasoline can contribute to its formation. Neil is from Colorado's capital Denver, which in March saw the return of its dreaded 'brown cloud', an unhealthy mix of ozone, smoke, and other particles from human activities: a stark reminder of the state's dependence on cars and the impact of its oil and gas industry. But even as Colorado works on ramping up controls in the oil and gas sector, the role of foreign pollutants - particularly from a rapidly-developing Asia - in disrupting local air quality standards, has been fueling debates. Specifically, in the western part of US, there is a lot of debate whether we can blame upwind states and continents for the local pollution, notes Gabrielle Pfister of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), which is now generating high-resolution, experimental, 48-hour forecasts of air pollutants across the contiguous United States. 'Bad' ozone's journey across continents Ozone is tricky not in relation to greenhouse gases (ozone itself actually is a greenhouse gas) but because ozone has a very complex chemistry, said Pfister. "To form ozone you need emissions of nitrogen oxides (that come from cars, trucks, industry, power generation) and volatile organic compounds (emitted by industry,

cars, trucks, plants). These get into the atmosphere and in the presence of sunlight react to form ozone," she said. The chemistry is very non-linear and it depends on the balance of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds and having more of one or the other does not necessarily mean that you have more ozone. "When there is way too much nitrogen oxide you might actually destroy ozone," Pfister said. In 2004, NASA scientists announced that a giant, smoggy atmospheric "brown cloud" that forms over south Asia and the Indian Ocean has "an intercontinental reach and has effects around the world." According to the University of Colorado, Boulder researcher Owen Cooper, most of the pollution is high above the surface and it never reaches the surface of North America. While ozone from other countries does impact the surface air in the US, it is not the major contributor to ozone pollution events. Cooper explained that ozone from Asia drifts across the Pacific Ocean to North America all year long, but the pathway is fastest and most direct during March, April and May. This is the time when the jet stream is in a favourable position to loft pollution from the surface of Asia into the free troposphere and transport it to the western USA and Canada. "The high elevation regions of North America, especially above the southwestern USA, are far more likely to be impact-

ed by aged Asian pollution plumes than locations near sea level," he said. Take, for example, high-elevation western United States cities such as Denver that have seen stubbornly high ozone levels. National parks such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree and Yellowstone National Park, located at higher altitudes in the western United States, have reportedly seen a rise in ozone in the past 25 years due to smog blowing over from Asia. These areas are also closer to the atmospheric layers where smog travels from south Asia, according to media reports. But the ozone transport pathway from south Asia to western North America is higher in the atmosphere than the route from East Asia, and therefore it has less impact at the surface of North America, clarified Cooper. "The quantity of Asian ozone that impacts the surface of western North America varies greatly according to the amount of ozone in the pollution plume, the time of year, and the elevation of the receptor site in North America," Cooper said. Estimates of the impact of strong episodes of Asian pollution plumes on the western U.S.A are in the range of 8-15 parts per billion by volume. These Asian ozone enhancements cannot be unambiguously measured by instruments, rather they are estimated by global chemical transport models which are constrained by observations, Cooper pointed out. Model studies also indicate that ozone can be transported from Mexico and Canada into the U.S.A and their impact is variable due to shifting winds, but due to their close proximity to the U.S.A., pollution plumes from Canada and Mexico can contain higher levels of ozone than plumes from Asia, especially when con-

sidering regions of the U.S.A. that are close to the northern and southern borders, said Cooper. However, when you factor in climate change, the scenario may change. Cooper spelt out two major impacts of climate change on ozone. Heatwaves are expected to increase in the future due to climate change. Heat waves, which have light winds and lots of sunshine, are conducive for producing high levels of ozone. Therefore, on the regional scale, climate change will exacerbate local air pollution episodes, and we expect this phenomenon to occur in Asia, North America and Europe, said Cooper. Secondly, a warmer climate means that the atmosphere will hold more water vapour. "Ozone can easily react with water vapour, and therefore higher levels of water vapour will mean that ozone will have a shorter lifetime," he said. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion, for example, according to the 2015 Paris Agreement, could also lead to a drop in ozone pollution. "Reducing domestic emissions would be much more effective at reducing ozone pollution events than reducing emissions in countries across the Pacific Ocean. Emissions reductions in the upwind countries could hypothetically be driven by domestic policies or by international agreements to limit intercontinental transport," elaborated Cooper. We continue on our bus journey and our chat with Neil, as he elaborates that within his country's borders, individuals will have to arm up against air pollution in their own ways. As fossil fuels choke Denver, Neil says he has noticed people, especially youngsters, are catching on to public transport vehicles, such as the light rail system and the free electricity-powered MallRide buses, to reduce car trips. "Earlier people used to care about air pollution because they were aware of the brown cloud which hung over the air in Denver but now they know it is ozone and are more cautious about the consequences," Neil said. (Source: thewire.in)

October 2019

Environment & people

Rising sea imperils India's ports by Soumya Sarkar

Water levels at India's ports are rising much faster than elsewhere in the world, a marker of danger for the country's infrastructure, coastal communities and ecosystems

ea levels in some major ports in India are rising at a much faster rate than elsewhere in the world, endangering the ports, increasing the chances of coastal flooding in low lying areas and impacting livelihoods of millions of people who live near the sea shore and river deltas. The water level at the Diamond Harbour port on the Gangetic delta in West Bengal has been rising at an annual average rate of 5.16 mm in the years between 1948 and 2004, the Ministry of Earth Sciences told Parliament on June 28. This is almost five times higher than the average sea level rise of 1.3 mm per year along India's 7,500 km coastline in the past 40-50 years, the ministry said. The global average is around 3.2 mm every year now, having accelerated since the 1990s, when the average rise every year was 2.5 mm. Diamond Harbour in eastern India is

Environment & people

October 2019

not the only port where the sea level rise is higher than average. At Kandla port in Gujarat on the west coast, the rise has been 3.18 mm every year between 1950 and 2005. At Haldia, another major port on the Hooghly River near the Bay of Bengal coast, the average annual rise during 1972-2005 was 2.89 mm, the ministry said. Rising sea levels can worsen the impacts of natural hazards such as storm surges, tsunamis, coastal floods and erosion in low lying areas, besides loss of land to sea. In India, where coastal communities number in the millions, accelerated sea level rise spells news of the worst kind. For instance, nearly half the villages in the deltaic fragile islands of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve are vulnerable to storm surges induced by climate change. See: Sundarbans vulnerable to storm surges Relentless rise Sea level rise is due to climate change. The global sea level has been rising at an average of 1.8 mm every year over the last century, according to the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Ocean thermal expansion and melting ice near the earth's poles, both attributed to human-caused global warming, have been the dominant contributors to global mean

sea level rise since the 20th century, the report said. "The rate of global mean sea level rise during the 21st century will exceed the rate observed during 19712010," the IPCC assessment said. "In the 21st century and beyond, sea level change will have a strong regional pattern, with some places experiencing significant deviations of local and regional sea level change from the global mean change." The rate of global sea level rise has been accelerating in recent decades, rather than increasing steadily, according to latest research based on 25 years of NASA and European satellite data. This increase in pace, driven by increased melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica, could double the sea level rise expected by 2100 compared with estimates assuming a constant rate of sea level rise. India expects sea level along its coast to rise by as much as 864 mm (2.8 ft) by the end of the century, according to a statement made by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change in Parliament in December 2018. Citing studies by the Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, the government said that the most vulnerable stretches along the western Indian coast are the low lying Khambat and Kutch regions in Gujarat, Mumbai, India's financial capital, and parts of the Konkan coast and southern Kerala. Kerala's coast is vulnerable to sea level rise of 1.75 mm per year, according to estimates by the National Institute of Oceanography. The impact of sea level rise in some parts of Kerala can be significant because of the inundation of the estuarine

network along the coast, for instance, in and around the commercial city of Kochi. Even as storms become more intense due to climate change, walls along Kerala's vulnerable shoreline are insufficient to protect the thickly populated coastal areas. See: Walls can't keep out the sea in Kerala Threatened rivers "The deltas of the Ganga, Krishna, Godavari, Cauvery, and Mahanadi on the East Coast may be threatened, along with irrigated land and a number of urban and other settlements that are situated in them," the then junior environment minister Mahesh Sharma said in reply to a question raised in Parliament on the threat to coastal villages. The rivers mentioned by the minister are crucial sources of water in a country that is facing a severe scarcity. Sea level rise could imperil India's food security as millions of people depend on these rivers, which might be adversely affected by seawater ingress. The Sundarbans region in India and Bangladesh, home to more than four million people and the world's biggest mangrove forest, is already showing the worst effects of climate change - coastal erosion, rising sea levels, unpredictable tidal surges, land salinity and more violent cyclonic storms. See: Sinking Sundarbans islands underline climate crisis Some of the islands in the Sundarbans archipelago of 102 islands, out of which 54 are inhabited, have already sunk into the sea. Others like Ghoramara and Mousuni, which are thickly populated, are rapidly losing land, and it's just a matter of time before they too will be lost. The situation is similar in many parts of the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea coasts of southern India.

Environmental Conferences in October 9th

2019 International Conference on on Green Energy Systems (ICGES 2019) Bangkok, Thailand

9th

4th ICSTR Dubai - International Conference on Science and Technology Research, 09-10 October 2019 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

10th

2019 - 20th International Conference on Research in Life-Sciences and Healthcare (ICRLSH), 10-11 October, Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

14th

8th Annual International Conference on Law, Economics and PoliticsAICLEP 2019 October (Oxford) Oxford, United Kingdom

14th

The 4th International Conference on Advance Research in Life Science, Biology and Applied Chemical Hanoi, Vietnam

14th

The 4th International Conference on Life Science and Health Science Hanoi, Vietnam

14th

Argus Global Crude - Geneva Summit Geneva, Switzerland

14th

2019 2nd International Conference on Power and Energy Technology (ICPET 2019) Rabat, Morocco

16th

Data Driven Production North Sea Conference Aberdeen, United Kingdom

16th

17th Portugal International Conference on Innovations in Science, Engineering and Technology (PISET-19) Lisbon, Portugal

17th

2nd ICSTR Prague – International Conference on Science & Technology Research, 17-18 October 2019 Prague, Czech Republic

17th

4th ICSTR Bangkok – International Conference on Science & Technology Research, 17-18 October 2019 Bangkok, Thailand

18th

2019 – 21st International Conference on Research in Life-Sciences & Healthcare (ICRLSH), 18-19 October, Prague Prague, Czech

18th

2019 7th International Conference on Sustainable Environment and Agriculture (ICSEA 2019) Hawaii, United States of America

18th

2019 – 22nd International Conference on Research in Life-Sciences & Healthcare (ICRLSH), 18-19 October, Bangkok Bangkok,

21st

ICAS2019 - 7th Asian Studies International Conference 2019 Kathmandu, Nepal

23rd

2019 8th International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedical Science (ICBBS 2019) Beijing, China

25th

2019 International Conference on Resources and Environmental Research (ICRER 2019) Qingdao, China

26th

International Conference on Trends in Image Processing, Computing, Basic and Applied Sciences, Engineering & Technology Barcelona, Spain

(Source: indiaclimatedialogue.net)

October 2019

Environment & people

How bio-restoration is helping revive degraded mangroves in Sunderbans

new technology developed by Indian scientists for ecological restoration is helping in revival of mangroves degraded due to rising sea levels, climate change and human intrusion in the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Ecological restoration means reviving native ecosystem in degraded areas while maintaining diversity of original flora and fauna through regeneration but bringing down the regeneration period to 4 to 5 years. Natural regeneration takes longer time. The restoration technology, developed by Dr Krishna Ray (West Bengal State University, Kolkata) and Dr. Sandip Kumar Basak (Sarat Centenary College, Dhaniakhali), involves plantation of native salt-tolerant grasses and a diverse set of carefully identified mangrove species in different zones of degraded mangrove patches. It also involves the use of growthpromoting bacteria. The Sundarbans is a protected wetland under the Ramsar Convention and is also UNESCO world heritage site. Small coastal patches of mangroves are highly vulnerable and fragmentation of the ecosystem is

Environment & people

October 2019

creating barriers to species movement and dispersal. The restoration method has been tested on a two-hectare degraded patch of mangroves in Ramganga village over the past five years and has been found more effective than monoculture of mangrove plantations as usually practiced. The project was initiated with help from the Department of Biotechnology in 2013 and is now likely to be extended to 100 acres. The restoration process begins with stabilizing entire site of restoration by planting native salt tolerant grasses. An onsite mangrove nursery was developed to propagate mangroves for transplantation. Besides local mangroves and associate species, the nursery also grew thretened, endangered and vulnerable species. In all, 22 species of mangroves and associate plants were grown so as to maintain native diversity. The transplantation started in November 2014, initially at a moderately degraded patch and was then extended to severely degraded zones. "Mangrove forests having high diversity are more stable than those having less species diversity and

diverse multispecies mangrove forests are more resilient to sea level rise. Species for plantation in different zones which have different salinity level were selected based on their slat-tolerance levels," explained Dr Krishna Ray, while speaking to India Science Wire. For instance, species with low or moderate salt tolerance were planted on stabilized mudflats next to highest salt tolerant species to make the habitat species?rich. This shore line zone was stabilized with grass species having highest mechanical strength and salt tolerance potential. In areas that are most susceptible to erosion due to transportive force of tidal water, transplanted seedlings were protected by iron-wired cages in the root zone. This was to ensure that sediments remain confined within the cage protecting the roots till seedlings get established. In addition, plant growth promoting bacteria were used at the rhizosphere level of mangrove seedlings at the site of restoration. "The restored site is like miniSundarbans which has diversity of species usually observed in pristine mangroves of (cont.. on page no. 26)

This Kerala Engineer's Fully Recyclable Mud & Bamboo Home Is Green-Tastic! With bricks from a demolished site and second-hand tiles, furniture and teakwood, the house is a lesson to us all! Gopi Karelia

ridhar Radhakrishnan (51), an engineer by profession and environmentalist by passion, was sure that he did not want to live in the house that he had inherited from his parents. "The building was located in one of Trivandrum's busiest areas, and I wanted some peace of mind and devoid of air and noise pollution. So I started looking for a place that would give my lungs fresh air and less noise," he informs The Better India. Interestingly, he did not want to build a new home considering the emissions from all the construction work. He looked for several options but to no avail. Finally, he found an empty 21 cent plot on the outskirts of the city in Valiyavila nestled among the rubber estates. "I loved the plot so much that I decided to construct a house, but without compromising on my environmental ideals. I was deeply inspired by Laurie Baker and his principles of sustainable architecture, and wondered if my home could also be built keeping those in mind," he quips. He roped in PB Sajan, an architect at the Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development to translate his dream into reality. His brief to the architect was clear?-to make a house from recycled materials and if destroyed, can be recycled. Luckily for Sridhar, Sajan complied, and after ten months of construction, Sridhar, his wife, Sobha and son Ambareesh, moved into their new home, a two-story mud home christened

'Vasantham,' in July 2017. How Recycled Materials Built A Recyclable Home ridhar believes that constructing an eco-friendly home is very feasible and comes with innumerable benefits. "Today, there are so many architects, agencies, experts available to shape your home without harming the environment. All you need is a will and some trips to places where you can find recycled materials," he explains. Here are some of the techniques that Sajan and his team followed, while building Vasantham.

1) The home was built using the mudlime mortar technique from the soil or mud of the land. Lime was added to the construction process to make soil durable like cement. 2) "Mani Bhavan, a stately home was being demolished to pave the way for a high-rise. So, I purchased 30,000 waste bricks and roof tiles from the builder. The bathroom tiles were also produced from a sanitary ware shop that was shutting down," explains Sridhar. (Source: thebetterindia.com)

October 2019

Environment & people

Save wildlife from power lines, says environment ministry's panel by Mayank Aggarwal Every year several animals, including big mammals like elephants and tigers, are killed by electrocution from transmission lines passing through forest areas. l To prevent such deaths, the standing committee of India's National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has now come out with guidelines for maintenance of existing power lines and setting up electricity infrastructure for minimal disturbance to wildlife in protected areas. l In another recent government order, power transmission line agencies and wind energy farm developers have been asked to take up risk mitigation measures to avoid unnatural deaths of birds that come into contact with their infrastructure. Every year, an average of 50 elephants are killed in India by electrocution, according to official data. These pachyderms meet their end as they stumble upon ill-maintained power lines and the electrical infrastructure passing through their forest abodes. To prevent the death of elephants and other wildlife from electrocution, the expert wildlife panel of India's environment ministry has called for developing a nationwide strategy for long-term planning of electricity grid networks. The panel recommended measures like burying transmission lines underground, setting up reinforced electric poles fitted with spikes to prevent elephants from rubbing against them, lifting sagging overhead power lines and dismantling of defunct solar-powered fences to protect the animals from coming in contact with these potential sources of electrocution. The decision was taken in the July 18, 2019 meeting of the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) led by India's Minister for Environment, Forest l

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October 2019

and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar. If implemented as planned, the decision could save hundreds of animals in India that die each year due to electrocution. Statistics show that elephants and tigers are primarily at the receiving end. Since 2009, around 50 elephants are killed by electrocution, annually. In 2015-16 and 2017-18, 178 elephants were killed by electrocution, across the country. And electrocution, along with poaching, was responsible for 31.5 percent (207) of the 656 tiger deaths between 2012 and 2018, as per the data of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The decision was a result of the recommendations made by an expert committee which was formed earlier this year as a result of a Supreme Court directive and following actions to reduce human-animal conflict and animal deaths due to infrastructure. One of the outcomes of the recommendations was the creation of a task force, which included union environment ministry representatives, Power Grid Corporation, Central Electricity Authority and wildlife experts, to suggest eco-friendly measures for mitigating the impact of power transmission lines and infrastructure on elephants and other wildlife, which would be passed on to state governments and state electricity boards (SEBs) for planning future transmission lines. Sandeep Kumar Tiwari of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG) stressed that implementation of such guidelines is the key. "I am glad that the NBWL has finally come up with guidelines on this but the

most important challenge is implementation, especially in protected areas where it (power infrastructure) already exists; for new lines it fine," Tiwari told MongabayIndia. "Similar guidelines by a task force in Odisha, a few years ago, came up with excellent recommendations, which, if implemented in time, would have saved many elephants from electrocution. We know what needs to be done but implementation is a concern and hope it is taken up on priority," he said. Maintain and replace transmission lines to protect wildlife The multi-agency task force in its recent report to NBWL submitted after May 2019 had recommended immediate action on sagging transmission lines and insulating existing transmission lines in India's protected areas to protect wildlife from electrocution. Majority of the recommendations of the task force were accepted by the NBWL's standing committee. India has a network of 869 protected areas covering an area of 165,158.54 kilometres square which is estimated to be 5.02 percent of country's total geographic area. The protected area network includes national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves and community reserves.

The task force also laid out guidelines for scheduled joint inspection by the electricity department and forest department of transmission and distribution lines passing through and near protected areas. Further, it added in a recommendation for the forest department to report electrical accidents in and around forest areas involving humans and animals, to the power supplier in the area. Debadityo Sinha, a wildlife conservationist and the managing Trustee of Vindhyan Ecology and Natural History Foundation, said the guidelines are the first step towards acknowledging the harmful effects of the transmission lines on wildlife. "Insulating the existing lines on priority is a welcome step. However, to actually achieve the desired objective, there should be a granular plan for each protected area as they are present across different biogeographic zones with varied landscapes and

wildlife diversity. Even within a particular protected area, different wildlife species will have a different topographical preference," Sinha told Mongabay-India. In addition to regular maintenance and reporting, the task force also recommended that distribution companies use ABC (aerial bunched cables) or underground cables for power transmission lines running through protected areas and ecosensitive zones. Aerial cables were advised in aquatic and marine areas while underground cables were suggested for transmission lines of 33 kV (kilovolt) and below. "Early planning and rigorous environmental impact assessment (EIA) are two principal requirements for reducing wildlife mortality due to transmission lines, as well as minimising the risks of costly power outages," said the task force's report. "A nationwide strategy should be developed and supported to undertake the long-term planning of electricity grid networks as a priority. Planning should include the use of state-of-the-art wildlife protection equipment, and burying low to medium-voltage (cont.. on page no. 26)

October 2019

Environment & people

Dammed and mined, Narmada River can no longer support her people by Hridayesh Joshi Many thousands of farmers, who have turned to fishing from farming after major dams such as the Sardar Sarovar project have been built on the Narmada River, find it difficult to eke out a decent living. The dams and rampant mining of sand from the foreshore and riverbed of the Narmada have caused significant damage to the riverine ecology, affecting livelihoods of people living in the river valley. The fishers see collective action to secure fishing rights in the reservoirs and the river as the only way they could feed their families adequately. For sexagenarian Madoo Bhai, the world has changed beyond recognition since he was a child. He has spent his life in Chikhalda, a small village along the banks of Narmada River in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh in central India. "There was a time when both sides of the river was full of muskmelon plants, and I would go with my father to sell the fruit in the market," he remembered. "Nature gave us enough." Those days, he regrets, are long past. Now the people of Chikhalda struggle to make ends meet. The story is repeated in village after village along the Narmada, the

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October 2019

longest west flowing river in India that has been in the national and global limelight due to the building of the massive Sardar Sarovar Dam project despite sustained protests by residents of the river basin. The travails of villagers in Chikhalda started long before the Sardar Sarovar Dam was built. In 1974, construction of the Bargi Dam started on the Narmada River, some 650 km upstream of Chikhalda. The dam was commissioned, after many delays, in 1990, and spelt trouble for communities living downstream in the Narmada valley. First, the Bargi Dam was constructed, and that caused a lot of flooding. Bargi's water would submerge our (muskmelon) crop again and again, and we were not compensated (by the government) for the losses," said Madoo Bhai. "We kept on suf-

fering." By 2008-09, most of the fruit growers in Chikhalda had taking to fishing in the

river for a livelihood. But pollution and damage to the riverine ecology did not spare their new livelihood either. Farmers, who had turned fishermen, now find it difficult to catch fish in the river. "When the water was flowing, the river had a life and it abounded in fish. Now, because of stagnant water, (fish) breeding is low," said 65-year-old Saba, who quit farming 15 years ago to take up fishing. "For us, it is nearly impossible to survive on fishing." Successive loss of employment Stagnation of the free flowing river and rampant sand mining has deteriorated the riverine ecology, aquatic life and prospects of agriculture in the stretch of the Narmada valley in Dhar and Barwani districts of Madhya Pradesh. Many fishermen have become daily labourers in the Barwani town to stay afloat financially. In Pichodi village, a few kilometers away from Barwani town, 63-year-old farmer Salagram shows large patches of dug up land on the Narmada's foreshore. A landscape once rich with the crops of cotton, wheat, banana and papaya now has a devastated torn look, due to relentless and illegal sand mining.

"This was our land where our homes were situated and our culture thrived, but when they ruined Narmada, everything fell apart," said Salagram, whose family still lives in this area, which has been declared a submergence zone of Sardar Sarovar Dam. Today, his life is dependent on smallholder farming and fishing. The Sardar Sarovar Dam, some 150 km downstream of Barwani, is among the 30 large dams proposed in Narmada Valley. With a total installed power generation capacity of 1450 MW, it is the third-highest concrete dam in India after Bhakhra Nangal in Himachal Pradesh and Lakhwar hydropower project in Uttar Pradesh. Originating at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, Narmada River flows through Maharashtra and Gujarat before it meets Arabian Sea on the west coast. The river basin is spread over 97,410 sq. km, comprising 85,858 sq. km in Madhya Pradesh, 1658 sq. km in Maharashtra and 9894 sq. km in Gujarat. The drainage area up to Sardar Sarovar dam site is 88,000 sq. km, official data show. The river basin is massively dammed with 30 major projects, some of which are already operational. The Sardar Sarovar project is now functional, but 30,000 families are still living in its submergence zone in the four districts of Khargaon, Badwani, Dhar and

Alirajpur. For many of these families, fishing is a means of survival, but silting, industrial pollution and sand mining has become a curse for them. When a dam is built, a large area becomes a lake to hold the impounded water. Besides this, long stretches of the foreshore of the river are declared as submergence zones as the river floods these areas for a few months every year during and after the rainy season, when the flow of water is high. Effects of sand mining Energy expert and environmentalist Soumya Dutta, a member of the Advisory Board of United Nations Climate Technology Center, explained how mining sand from the riverbed affects the life of aquatic species and can snatch away the livelihoods of fishermen. "Sand, stones and boulders are required to slow down the rate of flow of any stream, so that the riverbed is recharged. Otherwise, all the water will flush away and, as a result, the aquifer won't get time for recharging," said Dutta. "So even if you see a lot of water in the river in the rainy season, as soon as the rain stops, there is no water in the ground and that will affect the life of fish in the river." This is what is killing the river upstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, where the small fisherman like Madoo and Saba go fishing. Interestingly, the government gives fishing contracts to big contractors in the reservoirs of these dams, but does not care about the life of the river upstream or downstream of any dam, where the riverine fishers eke out a living.

October 2019

Environment & people

About 50% of the fisher population in the Narmada basin depend on the river and estuary of the basin, according to experts. Whereas the reservoirs are leased to contractors, the flowing river is free for the fishers. But, continuous mining and holding of water by dams are big problems, which the locals allege is killing many fish species. The estuary of Narmada is extremely productive, particularly for Hilsa, but right now the hilsa fisheries has taken a hit, as nearly 60% of its production is down because there is no water is available there," said river expert Parineeta Dandekar, Associate Coordinator, South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), who

has been researching on the Narmada valley for many years. "Hilsa needs a mix of saline and fresh water for breeding. Because we are holding all the water of river, no fresh water is coming down and fish can't go up." The estuary is downstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Likewise, the famous Mahseer is also disappearing from many parts of Narmada. At Rajghat Kukra village, at the district border between Dhar and Badwani in Madhya Pradesh, 50-year-old Rajaram said that now he drives an auto-rickshaw to earn his living instead of fishing. "Hundreds of families were dependent on fishing here, but we hardly get any fish in the river now. It's not more than one or two kg in a day. That isn't sufficient to sup-

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October 2019

port a family," said Rajaram. "So everyone is looking for other means of livelihood." India is ranked second in inland fish production. More than 10 million people depend on sources like rivers, wetlands and ponds, and for the rural poor, a free flowing river is a lifeline. Experts say if small fishermen quit fishing, it also threatens the life of the river. "River fisherfolk are the best mascots of the health of the river because their livelihood is actually is related to how healthy is river is," said Dandekar. No catchment area treatment Sand mining brings with it another problem. While extracting the sand, miners throw all thorny bushes and shrubs that

grow on the banks of the river, along with an enormous amount of mud, in the water of Narmada. This causes heavy siltation and damages the nets of fishermen. "We face a lot of problems due to the mud and shrubs thrown in Narmada. Our nets get stuck in it and we suffer huge losses," said 40-year-old Madhu. "This is unbearable for us." However, this claim of fishers is refuted by government officials. "I don't see a direct impact of mining on fishing because whatever little mining is being done, though it is illegal, that is done at the banks of river," said Barwani's district collector Amit Tomar. "When the water (of the river) recedes, it leaves sand at its banks and they dig that area."

"We do not have many complaints about this. If someone comes to us (with complaints), we will have a look at it," Tomar said. "We have very good experts in the fisheries department and we will take their help." Sand mining in the Narmada River valley was banned by Madhya Pradesh High Court in May 2015, after a petition was filed by the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), the non-profit that was at the forefront of the agitation against the Sardar Sarovar project. Later, in a separate order, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned illegal mining in Narmada in 2017. Nevertheless, illegal mining is rampant across the state, particularly in the Narmada valley. Tomar admits that in Barwani district alone, 119 cases of illegal mining were registered between April 2018 and March 2019, and 90 cases have been registered since April this year. Medha Patkar, eminent environmentalist and leader of the NBA, said the government has consistently ignored the destruction of river. "As all rivers are getting polluted in the country, we see an attack on riverine fishery. They are dumping mountains of mud in the Narmada," said Patkar. "The government had promised a catchment area treatment program with Rs 2 crore (USD 287,000) for it, but nothing happened till now." Cooperative hope Amid the destruction of river by mining and damming, cooperative movements in the Narmada valley have kept hope alive for the beleaguered fishers. In 2017, 32 cooperative societies, comprising more than 1,000 fishers, were registered in four districts affected by the Sardar Sarovar Dam. These cooperatives have proposed to form a federation. They hope to get fishing and management rights in the river and reservoirs of the Narmada, as fellow fishers around the Tawa and Bargi dams got nearly two decades ago after a spirited struggle. "We are with the tribals and other communities. As they have rights over forests, they should also get rights of fishing," said Sajjan Singh Varma, environment minister of Madhya Pradesh. "Anyone who fights for this, I will stand with him." (Source: india.mongabay.com)

Odisha IAS Replaces Plastic Plates With Sal Leaf ‘Khali’, Empowers Tribal Women! The sal leaf project is expected to provide a sizeable income to 500 local women. Furthermore, collectorate official have also been told to bring their own water bottles!

he district administration of Odisha’s Keonjhar has set an amazing precedent by deciding to replace all plastic bowls, bottles and cutlery in the collectorate with sustainable alternatives made out of sal leaves – an abundant forest resource in the region. Moreover, the local tribal women are being roped in to handcraft the sal leaf plates, thus empowering them with a new source of income. The Keonjhar District Magistrate, Ashish Thakare, made this decision because he believed it was high time to go eco-friendly at the administerial level. Talking to The Better India (TBI), he says, “We have been trying to implement the measure for quite some time now. Keonjhar is well-known for its sal forests. Sal leaf products are a specialty here. It was about time we ditched the plastic for a cleaner & greener alternative.” In order to promote the use of thee ecofriendly sal leaves plates, the DM found his collectorate the best place to kick off the project. Even around a decade ago, wedding feasts in Odisha would be incomplete without palatable homely meals, graciously served in beautiful sal leaf plates, locally termed as ‘Khali’. The khalis would mostly be accompanied by clay water glasses and bowls. The natural aroma of dried or fresh green sal leaves would only accentuate the taste of the food served in it. Fascinatingly, not a shred of plastic or any non-biodegradable waste would be left behind, no matter how grand a feast was.

However, the scenario changed almost overnight with the advent of disposable, single-use plastic cutlery. From urban settlements, the trend penetrated the rural interiors. Sal leaf plates took a backseat in the village homes as plastic was cheaper and easier to avail. Soon, heaps of discarded plastic plates, bowls and cups were an eyesore in picturesque hamlets. However, this affected the forestdependent tribal communities of Keonjhar – the district well-known for its widespread sal forests. The livelihood of these indigenous inhabitants solely comprised of making plates and cups made from sal leaves. Thousands were rendered jobless and were forced to give up their ancestral vocation. The present mandate set by the Keonjhar district administration has threepronged advantages. Aside from its environmental benefits, the sal leaf plates will revive the traditional trade and empower tribal women in turn. “The decision was officially adopted by a circular issued around a month ago. In

addition to the sal plates, we were also instructed to bring our own water bottles to office everyday,” informs Akshay Das, the head clerk at Keonjhar district collectorate. As of now, several self-help groups in Telkoi, Banspal and Harichandanpur villages of Keonjhar have been assigned with the task of manufacturing these plates and bowls on a mass scale. “More than 500 women are expected to be involved in the project and earn a sizeable monthly income,” informs Swapan Goswami, a nodal officer in charge of the project. Interestingly, under Ashish Thakare’s supervision, the Keonjhar collectorate has initiated several projects to improve the livelihood opportunities of the tribal women. To ease their household responsibility, free creches have also been opened where the women can keep their children safe while they are at work. Keonjhar collectorate has proved to be a trailblazer in this much-needed eco-friendly initiative. It is high time that the rest of the country follow suit. (Source: thebetterindia.com)

October 2019

Environment & people

Bhutan Hill Stations: A Ride Into The Most Picturesque Landscapes

hutan is a small nation that settles beautifully between India and China. It is famous for mesmerizing monasteries, snowcapped mountains, and gripping landscapes. Along with astonishing scenery, Bhutan has a rich culture and tradition that rules the nation. Predominantly Bhutan is a Buddhist land, where education is free for all the Bhutanese. Bhutan preserves and protects its Buddhist culture while simultaneously embracing global developments. It is fascinating to see the effortless blend of ancient and modern culture. Bhutan hill stations contribute to scenic beauty, high trekking trails, and mind-blowing flora and fauna. These hill stations play a major role in attracting tourists from all over the globe. 10 Must See Hill Stations In Bhutan

Environment & people

October 2019

Witness the stunning hill stations in Bhutan which have pristine natural beauty comprising of Himalayan terrains and a great variety of biodiversity. Here is the list of 10 spotless hill stations. 1. Paro - Dotted With Monasteries Paro hill station sits on the rich vegetation of Paro Valley in Bhutan. Paro is famous for its rich history and alluring landscapes, the hill station is dotted with traditional monasteries, giving a spiritual vibe. Paro is truly a treat and delight for nature lovers. The entire hill station is covered in rice fields and is a perfect place for those who want some privacy. If you are an adventure lover you can go hiking up to the Taktsang Monastery in Paro. Places to Visit: Tiger's Nest, Chele La Pass, Rinpung Dzong, National Museum,

Druk Choeding Temple, and Drukgyel Dzong 2. Thimphu - Capital City Thimphu is a residing place for the Royal family of Bhutan. The hill station of Thimphu is an idyllic place and is visited by many tourists over a year. As opposed to other hill stations, Thimpu is not only popular for its natural beauty but also for cultural spots and spiritual places. Thimphu also offers you with great cafes, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. It is a city that blends traditions with modernity. Places to Visit: Memorial Chorten, Royal Textile Academy, Archery in Thimphu, Changangkha Lhakhang, and Buddha sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang

Places to Visit: Trongsa Dzong Fortress, Kuenga Rabten Palace, and Chendeje Chorten. 5. Phobjikha - Best Hiking Trails Phobjikha is also cited as Gangtey Valley, after the ravishing Gangtey Monastery. The hill station has a bowl shape and is dotted with countless numbers of small villages, temples, famous hiking trails, and potato fields. One can look forward to attending the famous Crane Festival in November in Phobjikha. Places to Visit: Gangtey Goemba, Kuenzang Chholing Shedra, Kumbhu Lhakhang, Damchen Lhakhang, and Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory.

3. Punakha Dzong - Palace Of Great Happiness Punakha Dzong is one of the most famous hill stations in Bhutan and is termed as "palace of great happiness". The hill station is located between the male river Phu Chhu and the female river Mo Chhu. The unspoiled beauty with a rich rice-growing culture, Punakha Dzong is considered to be a blissful hill station in Bhutan. Places to Visit: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Ritsha, Mo Chhu, Chimi Lhakhang, and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang

6. Bumthang - Jakar Valley Bumthang is even termed as Jakar valley. Bhutan has an important place for legends and myths. It is believed that the hill station gets its name from a white bird called Jakar Dzong which had taken shelter in the monastery in Jakar Valley. Bumthang hill station is a famous place for pilgrimage in Bhutan. The place is located at an altitude of 2600 meters. Places to Visit: Lamey Goemba, Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba, Membartsho, Wangdichholing Dzong, and Kurje Lhakhang.

4. Trongsa - Historic Town Trongsa is one of the old and notable towns of Bhutan. The town has its own placid charm which is rested in high above the river of the Mangde Chhu River. The hill station offers remarkable views of deep valleys encircling it. Visit the place to unwind yourself in a peaceful location.

7. Phuentsholing - Border Town The mesmerizing hill station of Phuentsholing is settled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. It is a border town that stands as an assertion of culture and ethnic amalgamation. One can visit this beautiful hill station and spend some serene time on this spellbinding location.

Places to Visit: Bhutan Gate, Amo Chhu Crocodile Breeding Centre, Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Zangto Pelri Park, Karbandi Monastery, and Torsa River Side. 8. Bindu - Chapramari Sanctuary Bindu is a small hill station on the IndoBhutan border. It is rested on the beautiful foothills of the Himalayas, the scenic beauty of this place will surely leave you completely mesmerized. The village is a popular plantation area for cardamom. The laidback location assures a tranquil and placid time. Places to Visit: Chapramari Sanctuary, Jaldhaka Hydel Project 9. Trashigang - The Jewel Of East One of the most famous Bhutan hill stations is Trashigang Dzongkhag. The town is rested on a beautiful hillside and is a busy trade center for merchants. It is the most densely populated town in Bhutan. Visit the place to witness the scenic beauty as well as modern comforts. Places to Visit: Trashigang Dzong, Guru Rimpoche 10. Wangdue Phodrang - Varied Flora And Fauna Wangdue Phodrang hill station comprises of mesmerizing valleys, monasteries, temples, and countryside villages. The valley is a famous pasture land for cattle in the district. The hill station is famous for bamboo products and stone carvings. You can witness the diverse range of flora and fauna. Places to Visit: Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (Source: traveltriangle.com)

October 2019

Environment & people

Artificial Intelligence Can’t Think Without Polluting

I systems can't just be graded on how accurate it is anymore. It has to also be about energy efficiency. This piece has been published as part of Slate’s partnership with Covering Climate Now, a global collaboration of more than 250 news outlets to strengthen coverage of the climate story. Artificial intelligence is getting smarter, but it isn’t getting cleaner. In order to improve at predicting the weather, sorting your social media feeds, and hailing your Uber, it needs to train on massive datasets. A few years ago, an AI system might have required millions of words to attempt to learn a language, but today that same system could be processing 40 billion words as it trains, according to Roy Schwartz, who researches deep learning models at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence and in the University of Washington’s computer science and engineering department. All that processing takes a lot of energy. Some researchers are starting to think about how to change that. In a paper published in July, Schwartz and three other

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October 2019

researchers – Jesse Dodge from Carnegie Mellon University, Noah Smith from the University of Washington, and Oren Etzioni from the Allen Institute – make the case for standardising how we measure just how carbon-intensive artificial intelligence is. The team wants all future AI research to tack on such a measurement – and believes that doing so will lead to new innovations in making the technology less taxing on the environment. In an interview, Schwartz lamented that most AI systems are graded only on how much better they get at doing their job. But it can’t just be about accuracy anymore, he says. It has

to be about energy efficiency too. “We don’t want to reach a state where AI will become a significant contributor to global warming,” he said. April Glaser: Can you tell me how energyintensive artificial intelligence systems currently are? Roy Schwartz: The industry is growing everywhere, and there’s a lot of curiosity and investment being put into figuring out how far you can push AI systems to go. And when you try to talk about like, say, a system for answering questions or recognising faces or whatever your favourite application is, a simple way of making a model that’s already pretty good even better is to just make it bigger and consume more resources. So think of cars, for instance. If you want to build a faster car, a simple thing you can do is just make the engine twice as large. But the problem obviously is that we’re not thinking about the energetic price that comes with this increase in resources. So the field of artificial intelligence has grown very significantly in the last few years, and I started noticing that there’s a troubling trend in this growth with energy consumption. There’s research from the University of Massachusetts just a few months ago that took one of the biggest

AI systems we have and conducted an experiment with it. The amount of CO2 that it emitted during this single experiment came out to be about the equivalent of five years of driving your car, which was kind of mind-blowing to a lot of people in the community. And these systems are getting bigger and bigger, so this is just a starting point. We are trying to think of ways we can get the community to start thinking about, in addition to making the system more accurate, making it more efficient. The UMass experiment was just with one training model. Is the size and style of this model standard at universities and companies? No, these AI models are not something that any random researcher has, because these systems take up so much energy. They also cost a lot of money. And this then creates a problem of a lack of diversity within the community because most researchers are unable to afford these experiments if they don’t work at one of the big companies or big research labs. So this five-car-yearsworth-of-energy problem is not one that every researcher will hit, but there are many models like this running at big companies, and the problem is that these systems are continuing to grow. Soon these five cars might become 10 or 15 or 20 in the coming years, and we want to think about ways to change this. We don’t want to necessarily stop these experiments because the things we learn are very valuable, but we want to encourage people to also find ways to make these experiments more efficient. Can you tell me what it is about AI models that are so energy-intensive? If you think of the technology of deep learning, the technology that governs AI, the very basics of it are that it’s taking very big matrices and multiplying one by another. And that’s the fundamental unit in each of these systems. And these matrices are just becoming larger and larger, and when I say larger, I mean also that these systems are becoming trained on larger sets of data. So, you can see an amazing growth in my

field, which is language-understanding. We’ve seen that a couple of years ago, the largest system was trained on an order of magnitude of maybe several millions of words. And then it became tens of millions or hundreds of millions. And now the system is trained on 40 billion words, so it just takes more and more time. And we’re growing in every possible dimension. Larger matrices that are being multiplied and take a lot of time and energy, and this process is being repeated 40 billion times. And the third criterion is that each of these full experiments is run multiple times. So if

researchers at different labs and different locations. One of the things we’re trying to do at the Allen Institute is to come up with a very simple way for researchers to use every time they run their code that will provide some number that will tell them how much energy they’ve consumed. That’s something we’re currently working on. Once people start reporting it, many people will be encouraged to work to improve to find greener or more efficient solutions, whether we can make these matrices smaller using sophisticated meth-

you train them twice, you might get a better result, so you have multiple dimensions in which you’re growing.

ods, whether we can use less data or the data we have in a smarter way, or whether we can run less experiments, for instance, by recognising early whether one expensive experiment is going to fail. So currently, we’re all working on this trend of using larger and more-expensive experiments and it’s kind of like, “Run everything and just pick the best number.” This is because the price these systems cost [in terms of carbon] doesn’t matter as much to people because of a lack of awareness.

So, you’re saying it’s that the processing power is so high. What do you begin to think about when it comes to becoming more efficient? I ask because it’s not like you can run fewer experiments. This is how AI learns, right? The first thing we want to do is bring this to the awareness of the community and make people report the amount of computing they use to generate the results in their paper, because typically this is not being done. And it’s always very surprising. Think of the example with the car earlier. You can say, look, I built a faster car, but you don’t say how much fuel you’re consuming to get to this speed. So we’re not really reporting this right now. And to be honest, there are problems in reporting because it’s hard to compare between

So to be clear, there’s just no main standard right now for measuring energy consumption when it comes to building or maintaining AI systems? Well, there are several standards, some of them more widely used. The amount of time it takes to train a system is one common standard. But it’s very hard to compare it. If I’m on one computer and you’re October 2019

Environment & people

on a different computer, it doesn’t really say much if your program is running faster than mine. So, we’re trying to develop a standard that will be easy to use and comfortable between different researchers. So where do you imagine will be one of the first places where efficiencies will be able to be made in AI? We are not the first one to think about this problem. For example, with your smartphone and computer vision, people have been thinking about how to make this model small so it will fit on your phone or run faster. But that’s not the same as making training more efficient or identifying which version will fail faster, so we are working on projects along each of these lines and we’re making progress on each of them. It does appear there are gains to be made in each of these fronts. I can’t say how things will play out, but I think all of them will be quite significant. How far away do you think you are from having a standard that could be used by people who are building and deploying these AI systems? By the end of the year, we want to have a framework for natural language processing, which is the basic building stone for many of the language technologies out there nowadays. We’re hoping to add this functionality to our NLP system so that way anyone who uses some of our tools will get this number about their environmental cost by the end of the year. And next year we’re going to work on something more general that every person who develops this system will get this functionality. I’m a researcher, not an engineer, but luckily we have some of the best engineers in the world here to help us. We’re hoping to get this as soon as possible. What else is on your mind here? My goal personally is that I want to allow a better climate for researchers to think about these problems. Because currently both the academic and the industry environment is mostly rewarding scientific breakthroughs that make models more accurate. And to balance that, it would also should be rewarding efficiency. This is the biggest thing I can do at the moment for this purpose. (Source: thewire.in)

Environment & people

October 2019

(page no. 17 cont...) transmission lines below ground where feasible. Burying transmission lines effectively removes the problem of wildlife electrocution." Debadityo Sinha stressed that protected areas are created so that there is minimal disturbance to the wilderness of an area and that should be the primary objective. He added that going forward, India needs a legally binding mandate to prevent disturbance of wildlife areas by new transmission lines, wherever it can be avoided. "There should be scientific deliberation on the future impact of transmission lines on the ecosystem, identifying alternate routes, mitigation techniques, duration and manner of carrying out construction and maintenance activities, before giving a go ahead, so that there is least possible disturbance to wildlife. As pointed out by the NBWL's Standing Committee, environmental impact assessments have the potential of ensuring transmission lines are appropriately routed and designed. So, the environment ministry must bring power transmission lines under the ambit of EIA Notification

2006," said Sinha. The Indian government's ministry of new and renewable energy in February 2019 came out with an order asking power transmission line agencies and wind energy farm developers to identify critical power transmission lines and wind energy firms passing through the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat and take up risk mitigation measures against bird hits like putting up bird diverters on the conductors, painting of vane tips of the wind turbines. This was as a result of a March 2018 meeting, where the expert forest panel of the central government's environment ministry had discussed the need for guidelines to protect birds from being electrocuted by power lines, one of the major causes of unnatural deaths for estimated millions of birds annually in India. The expert forest panel had recommended that directions be issued by the environment ministry to all wind energy generation companies and transmission grid companies to follow the standard mitigation measures whether the project involves forest land or not.

(page no. 14 cont...) Indian Sundarbans. The high species diversity of South East Asia's mangrove communities likely makes them more resilient to sea level rise as multispecies due to interspecific facilitation and increased below-ground root production," said Dr Ray. "As floral communities are re-established, we have found it has become favorable ecosystem also for native faunal communities like crabs, fishes, snails, butterflies and birds." The researchers saw a strong correlation between physiological parameters of mangrove such as levels of accumulated osmolytes and total chlorophyll concentration with factors that determine degradation (soil nutrients like ammonia nitrogen, organic carbon and plant available inorganic phosphorus, soil and surface water conductivity etc). Osmolyte are molecules required for maintaining osmotic balance in mangroves. The group has identified degraded mangrove patches in western part of

Indian Sundarbans for restoration using this technology. The research team includes Rajojit Chowdhury, Tapan Sutradhar, Momtaj Begam, Chandan Mukherjee, Kiranmoy Chatterjee, Sandip Kumar Basak and Krishna Ray. Research results on different aspects of the project have been published in journal Hydrobiologia. (India Science Wire)

(Source: india.mongabay.com)

(Source: indiawaterportal.org)

Amazing barley health benefits Taruna

arley, known as "jau" in hindi a member of the grass family, is a major cereal grain. It was one of the first cultivated grains which is now grown widely. Barley grain is a staple in Tibetan cuisine and was eaten widely by peasants in Medieval Europe. Barley is a wonderfully versatile cereal grain with a rich nutlike flavor and an appealing chewy, pasta-like consistency. Its appearance resembles wheat berries, although it is slightly lighter in color. Sprouted barley is naturally high in maltose, a sugar that serves as the basis for both malt syrup sweetener. When fermented, barley is used as an ingredient in beer and other alcoholic beverages. Some common forms of barley or barley health benefits are as follows. Barley Grass: This is basically the seedling of the barley plant that is consumed in the form of young leaves, and is

rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids. It is rich in chlorophyll that detoxifies your body from harmful toxins one of important barley health benefits. Hulled Barley: This is the covered barley and is rich in healthy nutrients. It is usually eaten after removing the inedible, fibrous, outer hull. On removing the hull, it is known as dehulled barley, pot barley or scotch barley. When it is cooked, hulled barley takes a longer time to soak but is more nutritious with barley health benefits. Pearl Barley: The process of removing the bran and polishing is known as pearling. This is basically dehulled barley and is one of the most common ingredients for breakfast and snack recipes all over the world. After removing the bran, it is processed into various barley products such as flour, flakes, etc., which resemble the oatmeal and grits. Barley Flour: It is often used as a substitute for wheat flour and, sometimes, even

cake flour, and is obtained by grinding whole barley. Whole barley flour is more nutritious with barley health benefits than pearl barley flour as it contains bran in its original form. It has a mild, nutty flavor with comparatively lower levels of calories and higher levels of fiber. Barley Green Powder: It is basically the powdered form of barley grass with added vitamins and minerals and is known for its medicinal barley health benefits. It comes in various flavors and is easily soluble. It can also be consumed as barley juice. Barley Water: It is generally prepared with water, barley, and an assortment of freshly squeezed juices. It is beneficial for kidney and bladder ailments due to its therapeutic qualities. Barley Health benefits Helps Lose Weight Barley helps to reduce weight, partially (cont... on page no. 32)

October 2019

Environment & people

Happy Seeders reduce air pollution boost farm incomes by Soumya Sarkar

Instead of burning farm residue that leads to massive air pollution in northern India every autumn, farmers in the country's breadbasket can boost profits by 20% by using the mechanised farming technique

mechanised technique to get rid of farm residue without burning it and sow the next crop can boost agricultural income in

Environment & people

October 2019

India's breadbasket, new research has found. More widespread us of this technique will also help reduce the suffocating air pollution that northern parts of the country suffer every autumn, the study said. The burning of crop residue in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, responsible for severe air pollution in Delhi and northern India in October and November, is declining, but farmers need cheap and effective alternatives for it to stop altogether. See: North India chokes as farmers set stubble ablaze Latest research indicates that using the Happy Seeder agriculture

technology to manage rice residue has the potential of increasing profits by INR 6000-11,500 (USD 84-160) per hectare for the average farmer. The Happy Seeder is a tractor-mounted machine that cuts and lifts rice straw, sows wheat and deposits the straw over the sown area as mulch. The paper - Fields on fire: Alternatives to crop residue burning in India - published in the August 9 issue of the Science journal, evaluated public and private costs and benefits of 10 alternate farming practices to manage rice residue, including burning and non-burning options. The Happy Seeder-based systems emerged

as the most profitable and scalable residue management practice as they are, on average, 10-20% more profitable than burning. Reducing carbon footprint This option also has the largest potential to reduce the environmental footprint of farm activities, as it would eliminate air pollution and would reduce greenhouse gas emissions per hectare by more than 78%, relative to all burning options, the researchers said. The study was undertaken by 29 Indian and international researchers from the Nature Conservancy, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), the University of Minnesota, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), besides others. The burning of crop stubble is a matter of serious concern because it is a significant source of atmospheric particulate matter and greenhouses gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide and methane, which have shortand long-term impacts on global climate systems, according to a NASA report on biomass burning. The government of India's 2018 operational guidelines for on-site farm residue management for Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh says that an estimated 23 million tonnes of paddy straw is burnt in these states every year, shooting up the levels of carbon dioxide by 70%, carbon monoxide by 7% and nitrogen dioxide by 2.1%. It also says that burning of one tonne of rice straw releases 3 kg of particulate matter, 60 kg of carbon monoxide, 1,460 kg of carbon dioxide, 199 kg of ash and 2 kg of sulphur dioxide. The residue burning started in the 1980s for both wheat and rice stalks with mechanisation of harvesting. Harvesting machines leave taller stubbles of 1-2 ft

compared with less than 6 inches when the crops are manually harvested. In the national capital region, about half the air pollution in autumn is attributed to farm fires, when air quality level is 20 times higher than the safe threshold defined by WHO. Residue burning has enormous impacts on human health, soil health, the economy and climate change. Although the current concern of policymakers and the media over air pollution due to the annual burning in autumn is focussed on New Delhi and the NCR, a study released in June 2018 said the threat is spreading to other parts of India as well. Using NASA images and evidence on the ground, the study says there's "an increasing impact of CRB over the eastern parts of the Indo-Gangetic Basin and also over parts of central and southern India." The increasing trends of finer black carbon particles and greenhouse gases have also accelerated since 2010, it said. See: Air quality worsens in India, Delhi improves "Despite its drawbacks, a key reason why burning continues in northwest India is the perception that profitable alternatives do not exist. Our analysis demonstrates that the Happy Seeder is a profitable solution that could be scaled up for adoption among the 2.5 million farmers involved in the rice-wheat cropping cycle in northwest India, thereby completely eliminating the need to burn," said Priya Shyamsundar, Lead Economist at Nature Conservancy and one of the authors of the paper. "It can also lower agriculture's contribution to India's GHG emissions, while adding to the goal of doubling farmers income."

technique in the past few years in an emergency response to the heavy air pollution during the crop burning season that starts in October and continues for about two months. "Within one year of our dedicated action using about USD 75 million under the central sector schemeâ&#x20AC;Ś, we could reach 0.8 million hectares of adoption of Happy Seeder and zero tillage technology in the north western states of India," said Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General of ICAR. "Considering the findings of the Science article as well as reports from thousands of participatory validation trials, our efforts have resulted in an additional direct farmer benefit of USD 131 million, compared to a burning option." The federal government's 2018 subsidy for in-situ rice residue management has partly addressed a major financial barrier for farmers, which has resulted in an increase in the use of Happy Seeders. However, the study found that other barriers still exist, such as lack of knowledge of profitable no-burn solutions and impacts of burning, uncertainty about new technologies and burning ban implementation, and constraints in the supplychain and rental markets. The paper states that NGOs, research organisations and universities can support the government in addressing these barriers through farmer communication campaigns, social nudging through trusted networks and demonstration and training. The private sector also has a critical role to play in increasing manufacturing and machinery rentals. (Source: indiaclimatedialogue.net)

Emergency response The Indian government has been aggressively promoting the use of this

October 2019

Environment & people

A Rising Youth Movement Picks Up Where Governments Have Failed By Thalif Deen

hen the Youth Climate Summit concluded last week, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres predicted that if governments still lack the political will to make peace with nature, “there is huge hope in what the youth is doing all over the world”. “And the youth is clearly telling my generation that we need to change course and that we need to do it now. And it is saying it in a very strong way,” declared Guterres, even as he warned of impending droughts, floods, hurricanes, and heatwaves triggered by climate change which has already displaced millions and killed thousands worldwide. The rise of a new generation determined to lead the fight against climate emergency has led to a major youth movement worldwide, resulting in protest marches, with thousands of young people

Environment & people

October 2019

demonstrating in the streets of New York and in several world capitals. And Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg’s pointed question at world leaders– “How dare you?” — was the rallying cry at the UN’s climate action summit on September 23. Addressing delegates, she said: “People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are at the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairytales of eternal economic growth,” said Thunberg. “How dare you!” James Paul, a former executive director of the New York-based Global Policy Forum, told IPS the young Swedish activist has been a major inspiration, with an ability to think clearly, speak directly and engage in powerful truth-telling There have been spirited marches and rallies, as well as strikes, disruptions and other actions in cities around the globe.

Nothing quite like it has ever been seen before, he said. In just over a year after she began a lonely vigil outside the Swedish parliament, Thunberg has drawn millions of students into this movement by her spirit and determination. As Greta herself has often pointed out, the climate crisis is particularly an issue for youth, who are increasingly aware of the dangerous future world they may have to live and die in, he said. Disenchanted by the grown-up world and its lack to action, they are choosing to rise up, said Paul, author of the recentlyreleased book titled “Of foxes and Chickens: Oligarchy and Global Power in the UN Security Council.”. Paul said the younger generation is connected together worldwide by social media and the internet. They are exposed to climate information and news as never before.

“And they see the dying planet in front of their eyes. The relatively sudden youth mobilisation has been very impressive, but where do we go from here?” he asked. Joseph Gerson, President, Campaign for Peace Disarmament and Common Security, told IPS that Greta Thunberg spoke of political leaders’ “betrayal” for doing little or “nothing: in the face of the climate threat to human survival. “Much the same can be said about the nuclear weapons and umbrella states resistance to fulfilling their NPT (Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty) and ICJ (International Court of Justice) obligations for nuclear disarmament,” he said. “A youth strike would certainly be a very important contribution”, said Gerson, who is also Disarmament Coordinator American Friends Service Committee and Vice-President of the International Peace Bureau. “That said, we have a long way to go in helping people who came of age after the Cold War and certainly in this century to understand the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons.” He said they can see the impacts of the climate crisis from day to day and understand its threat to their futures, while the nuclear danger feels more abstract. (unless their families are down winders, atomic vets, etc.). “Hopefully, with intersectional education and organising, linking the two existential threats we can regenerate a powerful force for both climate sustainability and disarmament,” declared Gerson. “That’s one of the goals of our World Conference and mobilisation next April in New York on the eve of the NPT Review Conference,” he predicted. Harjeet Singh, global lead on climate change at ActionAid, said young people have exposed the shameless lack of leadership from heads of state who have looked the other way for decades, as the climate crisis has escalated and the planet burned. “At this late stage, when the window of opportunity is shrinking, we need leaders to show courage, not cowardice.” Paul said the youth movement has taken hold in nearly every country and produced local leaders of impressive capability. The United Nations and other institutions have rushed to grab hold of this

movement and bring the newly-produced leaders into the fold. This is not entirely a bad thing. “But we can also see that the process of co-optation has begun,” he noted. “Can the youth movement retain its militancy and its connection to a base if it sits down for “dialogues” with governments and business leaders? Perhaps Greta will stick to her principles.” But what of the “youth leaders” who have themselves been selected by governments or UN officials? Even Exxon will be looking for a “youth wash,” so to speak, warned Paul. Oxfam International Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said the young climate leaders have made it clear that they will not stop until they see action, and Oxfam continues to stand in solidarity, calling on politicians, business leaders and private citizens to join the life or death fight to save our planet for future generations. Paul said: We would be welladvised to consider comparisons to the other global movements that reached maximum visibility in recent decades: the anti-war movement, the women’s movement, and the NGO movement, for example. “Will this newcomer build more strength and show more staying power then they managed to achieve? Will it break out into a new level of global political energy? We must hope so, without forgetting the enormous strength of the powers-that-be.” To look on the bright side, he pointed out, the youth in the movement are offering important ingredients for a liveable future – ideas about international cooperation, solidarity and respect for nature. They are rightly skeptical about the political institutions that they are inheriting and about global consumer capitalism with its worship of growth and its culture of possessive individualism, he added. They also offer a welcome mix of fearless understanding and readiness for taking action – while most adults duck the

truth and prefer to retreat into comfortable inaction, argued Paul. “Of course, the youth movement is diverse and contains many political currents, but above all it is an expression of positive action, hope for the future, and readiness for far-reaching change.” As they say: “Another world is possible.” The planet is probably not going to be rescued by youthful enthusiasm and determination alone, Paul said. “But it just might be possible, though, in our eleventh hour, that the global youth movement would trigger a multi-generational, unstoppable process, that would transform our lives and our future. Youth of all ages had better sign up! It’s now or never!” said Paul. Meanwhile, as the movement spreads, climate leaders, including youth climate

strike organisers, young entrepreneurs and activists will take centre stage at the C40 World Mayors Summit in Copenhagen, October 9-12.. Young people, from 30 countries will join 70+ mayors from around the world to develop concrete plans for greater global climate ambition. Building on the momentum of the Global Climate Strikes, the C40 World Mayors Summit will include an important platform for youth voices driving urgent climate action. C40 mayors have welcomed the #FridaysForFuture movement, and in Copenhagen, mayors will invite young activists to join an open dialogue about how today’s leaders can create the future they deserve. (Source: ipsnews.net3)

October 2019

Environment & people

(page no. 27 cont...) because of several kinds of essential amino acids, and partially because of its fiber content. Barley is low in calories and at the same time it makes a satisfactory meal, helping you feel full longer, so you don't need to eat as frequently. Great Source of Niacin Barley is a great source of niacin (vitamin B) that provides numerous benefits to the cardiovascular system. Niacin can help reduce bad cholesterol, lipoprotein, and free radicals. It also lowers the risk of blood clots. Inhibits Formation of Gallstones Barley helps reduce levels of triglycerides. Some may avoid gallstones with an increased intake of Barley. Also, barley is rich in insoluble fiber. Reduces Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease Barley is rich in plant lignans which protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease. By reducing free radicals and visceral fat, and stabilizing the blood pressure, barley minimizes our chances for cancer and heart disease.

Eco

Quotes What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another. Mahatma Gandhi

There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed. Mahatma Gandhi

God forbid that India should ever take to industrialism after the manner of the west... keeping the world in chains. If [our nation] took to similar economic exploitation, it would strip the world bare like locusts.

Helps Develop and Repair Body Tissue Barley is also rich in phosphorus which aids in cell regeneration. Phosphorus helps in forming bone.

Mahatma Gandhi

Live simply that others might simply live.

Great for Digestion Barley grass juice helps digestive juices work harder. It increases your metabolism and makes you feel lighter. It is especially beneficial for people who feel bloated. Helps to Prevent Osteoporosis Barley and barley grass contains manganese, phosphorus, and copper, which are good for healthy bones. Barley juice is very high in calcium, making your bones stronger.

Mahatma Gandhi

It would be a sad day for India if it has to inherit the English scale and the English tastes so utterly unsuitable to the Indian environment. Mahatma Gandhi

Nonviolence is a universal principle and its operation is not limited

Improves Immunity arley is high in vitamin C, which also supports your immune system. Barley makes you feel full and relaxed.

by a hostile environment.

Helps to Cure Anaemia The iron contained in barley increases the blood volume, which prevents anaemia and fatigue.

The socialistic conception of the West was born in an environment

Mahatma Gandhi

reeking with violence. Mahatma Gandhi

Healthy Bones Barley and barley grass contains phosphorus and copper which are good for the overall health of bones. Barley juice is much higher in calcium than milk. (Source: healthlogus.com)

The message of Jesus has proved ineffective because the environment was unready to receive it. Mahatma Gandhi

Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as selfsufficiency. Man is a social being. Mahatma Gandhi Environment & people

October 2019

Eco Facts

Eco

it is salt water. More than half of the Earth’s fresh

water can be found frozen in the glaciers. The rest is

1. What highly toxic element was traditionally used in thermometers, posing

1) Only 3% of our planet’s water is drinkable. 97% of

underground.

a substantial safety and disposal risk? 2. The 1987 Montreal Protocol concerns specifically, and includes in its full

2) The water in our lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, ponds and other surface water makes up 0.3% of our fresh water resource.

title, substances that deplete what? 3. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and sulphur/sulfur hexafluoride are widely referred to by what collective metaphorical term? 4. From the Greek root words for 'house' and 'study of' what term refers to

3) 25% of the bottled water you buy is really munic-

the scientific study of the relationship between living things, and their

ipal tap water.

natural environment? 5. An 'R number' identifies what sort of substance having potentially signifi-

4) There is more water vapor in the atmosphere

cant impact on global warming when used in heating/cooling applica-

than all the combined rivers on the planet.

tions? 6. If electricity costs say 5p (or 5 cents) per kilowatt/hour, how much does a

5) The Niagara Falls process 750,000 gallons of water every second! 6) More than 700 million people do not have access to clean water and more than 2 billion have sanitation problems.

conventional 100W light bulb cost to run in a year if it is left on permanently? 7. The DuPont trade name Freon has become an alternative name for which abbreviated compound name strongly associated with global warming? 8. The 'R-value' used in the building and construction industry is a measure of what quality of a materials: Life expectancy; Cost; Thermal resistance;

7) 6 to 8 million people die annually from waterborne diseases and disasters.

or Tensile strength? 9. Which three of these waste products are safe and helpful to compost (and by exception which are not): Dairy products, Egg shells, Sawdust, Lard, Fish bones, Tea-bags, Pet waste?

8) Agriculture uses up 70% of our global freshwater. It goes up to 90% in fast developing countries.

10. In excess of how many gallons of water are lost each day in the USA to leaks, equating to 14% of all 'withdrawals': Six million, Sixty million, Six hundred million; or Six billion?

9) We use 10 billion tons of water worldwide.

11. The UN Stockholm Convention signed in 2001 seeks to limit the production and use of what, abbreviated to POPs? 10) The Ozone Layer “Hole” which is 29 million square kilometers, is expected to be fully healed in the next 55 years. This is due to the worldwide ban-

12. What colourless/colorless, odourless/odorless, poisonous polluting gas is chiefly emitted by small engines typically used in lawn-mowers and chainsaws, etc?

ning of chlorofluorocarbon and hydro fluorocarbon. October 2019

Environment & people

Reforestation

Warning from the UN Time for action, says the UN. Environment & people

October 2019

Environment & People

RNI - 63997/94