The frequency of floods in High Mountain Asia has significantly increased since 2000 due to climate change, causing increased risks in water cycles and unpredictable flood timings. The study links rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns to the sharp rise in flood events, particularly pluvial floods and snowmelt floods.
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January this year was the warmest on record globally since 1850, with surface air temperatures 1.75°C above pre-industrial levels, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Despite La Nina conditions, January temperatures remained exceptionally high. Arctic sea ice reached its lowest extent for January, with Antarctic sea ice also significantly below average, highlighting alarming climate trends.
IAS officer Ms. Supriya Sahu shared a rare and stunning video of two snow leopards playing in the snow in Ladakh's Zanskar region. Captured by Tashi Tsewang, the 28-second clip highlights the majestic and elusive nature of these animals. Snow leopards, or 'ghosts of the mountains,' are rarely seen, making this footage a remarkable find.
A grieving orca named Tahlequah, who famously carried her dead calf for 17 days in 2018, is now seen carrying another dead calf. This comes as a significant blow to the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population, which is already struggling due to scarce prey and environmental pollutants.
A Siberian Demoiselle crane, nicknamed Sukpak, has broken the record for the longest migratory flight to Rajasthan, India, covering over 3,676km. Tagged in the remote Tyva Republic of Russia, Sukpak's journey took an unusual route through Pakistan, reversing the typical migration path.
Untreated sewage discharge in Pune's Mula-Mutha River resulted in mass fish deaths near Naik Island, blamed on the Naidu Water Purification Project. Residents criticize the Pune Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board for failing to address the pollution. This event poses significant health risks and disrupts the river's ecological balance.
The UN biodiversity conference in Rome will resume to finalize critical decisions on financing and resource mobilization. The goal is to raise and effectively distribute significant funds to preserve global biodiversity, building upon commitments made in previous accords despite financial challenges.
Planetary Technologies in Nova Scotia uses magnesium oxide to reduce carbon dioxide via the ocean, backed by $1 million from Elon Musk's foundation, despite debate over potential ecological impacts. Ocean-based carbon removal strategies show promise but face challenges, including scaling efforts to influence global warming and ensuring environmental safety.
India argued that developed nations made a strong case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), highlighting the importance of equitable global action on climate change and calling for developed nations to bear greater responsibility for climate change mitigation and finance. India criticised inadequate financial support from developed countries and emphasized the unfair burden on developing nations with minimal historical emissions.
Rich nations' unfulfilled promises on climate finance might force developing countries to reconsider climate targets. The Economic Survey highlights India's vulnerability and advocates focusing on adaptation over emission mitigation. Key measures include climate-resilient seeds, urban resilience, early warning systems, mangroves, sea walls, and water management. Developed countries falling short of their commitments make low-carbon transition challenging.
IIT Indore has developed a solar-powered water purification system for remote and coastal areas. The system uses ISSG technology and photothermal materials to desalinate saline water efficiently. Metal oxide-based inks absorb solar radiation to produce steam from saltwater without external energy. This scalable, cost-effective method offers a low-energy alternative to traditional processes like reverse osmosis.