Talking Green Newsletter
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 2.18, Friday, 30th April 2010 ]
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Dear {subtag:name}
I have two very important points to share with you today. First a request to spare sometime [ it’s a long video ] and watch the video we have collected for you in this issue . it’s not about how much your agree or disagree to the facts and views but more about witnessing the reality of the fundamentals. Friends at many point of time we fail to classify news, visions, resources and facts. I personally thought of sharing with you few agendas and policies of the past, present and future with you in this issue instead of hardcore news of the planet and science . hope it will provide you some food for thoughts and help us all to take firm steps in moving in our journey towards a dream planet. ! Please log on to www.earthdayindia.org and share the news of change to your known world …! We appreciate your solidarity in growing together….!
with GREEN hope and GREEN thoughts ….………… ENJOY READING!!
Uzzwal Madhab President / Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation, New Delhi , INDIA
GREEN SALUTE
Lakshadweep's women conquer the Earth
Haseena and Tajunnisa, two young women from the beautiful Agatti island in Lakshadweep, received the 2008 Earth Heroes 'Young Naturalist' awards, given annually by 'Sanctuary' magazine in collaboration with the Royal Bank of Scotland. This unusual recognition came to these women, who are in their 20s, for their spectacular effort in mobilising a fishing community to become the keepers of nature. Readmore
World governments fail to deliver on 2010 biodiversity target
World leaders have failed to deliver commitments made in 2002 to reduce the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, and have instead overseen alarming biodiversity declines. These findings are the result of a new paper published in the leading journal Science and represent the first assessment of how the targets made through the 2002 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have not been met. Readmore
Geothermal Energy Tapping the Earth's HeatLakshya foundatio
Geothermal energy has been used for thousands of years in some countries for cooking and heating. It is simply power derived from the Earth's internal heat.This thermal energy is contained in the rock and fluids beneath Earth's crust. It can be found from shallow ground to several miles below the surface, and even farther down to the extremely hot molten rock called magma. Readmore
DROUGHT IN VIDARBHA The colour of water
Two years of drought has started to take its toll on the people of Vidarbha, with a failed crop leaving them with no income to tide over the crisis, writes P Sainath. He's a butcher out of business. "I want to shift to a town like Panderkauda," says Sarfaraz Qureshi in Yavatmal district. "I'm unable to sell any meat in the villages I work in." Readmore
FEATURE ARTICLE
Science Journalism in India
Man could well have originated science communication with the early discoveries, the most important being the discovery of fire and dissemination of its knowledge. In India, sage Atharvan is credited for the discovery of fire churning technology and its dissemination during ancient period. Readmore
Water Adaptation Guide
Climate change is having a significant impact on water availability, quality, accessibility and demand in many contexts. These impacts are, in turn, affecting many other sectors such as agriculture, energy and health, seriously undermining development. The poorest people, who often live in the most fragile environments and are especially reliant on water- and climate-sensitive sectors, are highly vulnerable to climatic impacts. It is the poor who are being hit first and hardest. Readmore
CARBON STORY
The Climate Competitiveness index 2010
National progress in the low carbon economy The paper presents a range of indicators assembled to measure how countries are progressing to the low carbon economy. The indicators have been selected for their bearing on national competitiveness strategies. The Climate Competitiveness Index combines two subindexes measuring climate accountability and climate performance in 95 nations. Readmore
India: Options for Low Carbon Development
Initiated in 2005, this study was requested by the government of India to (a) develop the analytical capacity required to help identify low-carbon growth opportunities, up to 2032, in major sectors of the economy; and (b) facilitate informed decision making by improving the knowledge base and raising national and international awareness of India’s efforts to address global climate change. The objective of this synopsis is to give an account of the modeling results projecting fuel use in energy-intensive sectors and associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions between 2007 and 2032. Readmore
STATE OF ENVIRONMENT, INDIA, 2009 : Report
The MoEF's assessment of the environment, which should be the foundation for strategic planning in the ministry, is highly inadequate, and is a poor second to similar efforts by environmentalists themselves, writes Shripad Dharmadhikary. Readmore
RECHARGE WELLS Percolating young minds
A far-sighted educational trust is reaping the benefit of digging recharge wells long before the need for them. While its own decision is a lesson in conservation, the institution is also going further, imbibing ecological concerns into the students too. Readmore
GREEN VIEW
GREEN REEL
OUR INITIATIVES
© Copyright 2010, Lakshya Foundation. Newsletter Management by The Old Mans Furnace
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Wednesday,12 May, 2010 | Hits: 17177
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 2.13, Friday, 26th March 2010 ]
If you are having trouble viewing this email or would like to view it in your web browser, {readonline}CLICK HERE{/readonline}.
Dear {subtag:name}
I take this moment to place my final request . PLEASE SWITCH OFF YOUR LIGHTS and stand together for a BRIGHTER PLANET …. ! In this issue we tried to look at the Gandhian philosophy of symbiotic balance and mutual interdependence with nature and his perspective of going GREEN ! We dedicate this issue to the father of our nation and one of the greatest communicator of all time. It’s heartbreaking many a times to know about the hidden agenda’s of development and therefore we are committed to play our role of sharing the reality with all of you in our best possible way. Few stories in this issue will tell you what we want to share and say… thank you for your support all throughout.. When we talk about environment education the biggest challenges for us has always been to decide on the do’s and don’ts and understand the basics and most importantly in a country like India where 15 percent of the world’s population on 2.5 percent of planet Earth’s land area, is clear and present. The response to this grave challenge is ….. we need more and more hands to join us and talk about a better tomorrow.
with GREEN hope and GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
Uzzwal Madhab President / Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation, New Delhi , INDIA
Vanishing island solves India-Bangladesh dispute
A tiny island at the centre of a territorial dispute between India and Bangladesh has disappeared beneath the waves due to rising sea levels and erosion, scientists say. Readmore
Earth Hour 'will not cut carbon emissions'
A climate change campaign to get everyone to switch off their lights will not reduce carbon emissions, according to electricity experts. Earth Hour, organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), will see millions of people switch off their lights for an hour this weekend. Readmore
Grass cuttings 'to be used as biofuel' ddddddddddddddd
Grass cuttings could soon be used to power cars, under a scheme to transform garden waste into biofuel. The Carbon Trust has announced it is working with the University of York to research how using microwave technology could turn garden and wood waste into biofuel. Readmore
Liars, cheats, thieves: the terrible truth about the mean greens
The right-on brigade has been unmasked. About time too, says Iain Hollingshead Every now and again there comes along a scientific study that proves beyond reasonable doubt what you instinctively know to be true: wine is good for you, exercise is dangerous, and self-righteous environmentalists are lying, cheating, thieving degenerates. Readmore
GREEN TRIBUTE
Gandhi as a Human Ecologist Lakshya Foundation
Is Gandhi a human ecologist? If we go by the ideas generated by the environmental movement in India, which is strongly influenced by Gandhi, the answer is a definite ‘yes’. But Gandhi’s place in the ecological movement is yet to be established on a secure footing internationally. Even the recent Encyclopaedia of Human Ecology edited by Julia R Miller et al. (2003) omitted Gandhi as one of its entries in its otherwise impressive list. Readmore
HSBC bankers turn climate crunch champions Foundation
Bankers may not be the world's most popular people, but at HSBC they have the good of the planet at heart – the bank has invested $35 million in sending employees to assess the potential effects of climate change and preach the green gospel to colleagues back at the office. Serena Allott joins a group of volunteers in India. Readmore
GREEN EDUCATION
Route map : Effective environment education
Summiya Yasmeen reports on the contours, content and debate about environment education in India. It’s the trendiest new subject in the country. All the beautiful and well-heeled citizens of urban India, headmasters of nexgen independent schools which set bench-marks in education, and left-wing political activists orphaned after the collapse of the Soviet Union, are united on the urgency of saving India’s fast deteriorating ecology and environment. As a result environment education has been introduced into every self-respecting secondary school’s curriculum in varying degrees of intensity. Readmore
WWF hopes to find $60 billion growing on trees
The carbon credits scheme would make WWF and its partners much richer, but with no lowering of overall CO2 emissions, writes Christopher Booker If the world’s largest, richest environmental campaigning group, the WWF – formerly the World Wildlife Fund – announced that it was playing a leading role in a scheme to preserve an area of the Amazon rainforest twice the size of Switzerland, Readmore
GREEN LAW
IPR AND BIODIVERSITY - Running wild with the BD Act
While the Biological Diversity Act is touted by the government as a conservation legislation, its application does not show much evidence of this intent. Kanchi Kohli reports.
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'Climategate' inquiry led by oil boss
A former oil boss will lead the latest inquiry into the 'climategate' scandal over the science of man made global warming. Lord Oxburgh, former non-executive chairman of Shell, will head up a team of leading scientists looking at claims fossil fuels cause global temperatures to rise. Readmore
GREEN VIEW
GREEN REEL
OUR INITIATIVES
© Copyright 2010, Lakshya Foundation. Newsletter Management by The Old Mans Furnace
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Thursday,25 March, 2010 | Hits: 1786
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 1.52, anniversary issue 2009 ]
anniversary issue 2009
Dear Friends,
As per the rule of the time cycle of the way we move the year 2009 has come to an end and after few hours we will be entering a new time cycle which we have named as the calendar year 2010. The world today decides and acts according to the timescale and so do we in our daily life. When I look back at the year in terms of the events and happenings which decided and will decide the fortune of our earth and environment I see a very eventful year. I straightforwardly want to confess that it may look more eventful to me and our team here at TALKING GREEN because during the year we have reached you every week with the news, thoughts and visions of what’s going on all around and for that we have been monitoring 87 newspapers and 35 magazines on a day to day basis. It was a tough schedule for all of us here but what made us moving everyday is your tremendous support and response to all what we have done to inform and share with you. I take this opportunity to thank you all for your good wishes, support and active response to the commitment of all of us here at LAKHYA Foundation, and being with us to be a part of the movement in becoming a GREEN CITIZEN of today’s planet. The year has given us confidence with 53 verdict from the judiciaries for the protection of the environment , made us feel happy with recognitions to individuals from remote corners of the world for their commitments towards protecting the planet. Shown us the reality of willingness of sharing in Copenhagen ! . But visions never ends………. This special anniversary issue is covering few articles and features talking about vision, achievement and reality of the present day India and the world. With this I wish you all a very happy and eventful and exciting new year to you all also with a promise that we will be there with you all during 2010 with more new dreams to share and talk together and see how we can build together a better nation and a better world. with GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
We need to take a hard look at climate change
IN THE late 1960s, the developed world discovered non-proliferation. Suddenly, it became the issue of issues, signing the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty became the yardstick of good conduct among nations. The new climate deal being negotiated in Copenhagen has now assumed a similar status. For decades, the developed world spewed greenhouse gases. Suddenly they have discovered religion, and they want everyone to convert to their new faith. Despite being reviled and punished for it, India stayed out of the NPT which has become a universal treaty. Perhaps that experience should guide our stance at the Climate Change Conference Copenhagen (COP 15) as well: India should agree to only that agreement that relentlessly serves its national interests, and not one that panders to the latest whim of the developed world. This could be our new NPT moment, when we may have to decide to walk alone. India is no outlaw, but it does have some unique requirements.
Gandhi and Climate Change
If happiness is humanity’s prime objective, the world must take a fresh look at all of the Mahatma’s prescriptions that evolved from spiritual insight rather than intellectual analysis, says RAJINDER PURI
MAHATMA Gandhi failed as a politician. He could not prevent the Partition. But as a visionary the Mahatma is without peer. History has spectacularly vindicated him. In order to survive the world must heed his advice. Gandhi’s most cherished prescriptions for mankind that were ignored are now threatening the very existence of this planet. Three of Gandhi’s cardinal beliefs that he reiterated throughout his life immediately come to mind.
Climate change will leave 5mn Indian children malnourished
Study on Agricultural impact says food prices will rise by over 100 per cent by 2020. Rise in food prices by over 1.5 times owing to climate change will leave five million Indian children malnourished by 2020, says a study by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a conglomeration of agri-research bodies. “Climate change will give India an additional five million malnourished children under the age of five,” said Gerald Nelson, head of the International Food Policy Research Institute, a global food policy research body.
INDIA STINKING!!!!
We are the worst polluters of our land, water and air. The pity is we don’t care. When Queen Elizabeth II visited Delhi twelve years, she was so “disgusted” with “dirty Delhi” that she complained to the then Prime Minister, Mr Inder Kumar Gujral, at a state banquet that India’s capital was one of the dirtiest cities she had visited. Asked to explain what she had meant by “dirty”, a senior official from the British High Commission responded by explaining that the Queen was referring to “people easing themselves in public.”
Climate Change in organisations
There has been much economic progress, but not in employees' attitude to their employers.. The date is December 2015 and the place is Bangalore. Hundreds of business leaders, HR leaders, research scholars, heads of educational institutions, psychologists, trade union leaders, representatives from the investor fraternity and trade body representatives have gathered for the first ever international organisational climate change talks.
SILENT REVOLUTION - The first environmental movement in the country
Silent Valley was the first major milestone to evolve a national level policy towards environmental issues As Kerala celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Silent Valley National Park, the focus is not just on the rich biodiversity of the park’s evergreen forest or the wildlife which thrives in it - but about the best-recorded conservation struggles in India. The “Save Silent Valley” slogan which rent the air for seven long years from 1976 had also opened up several new dimensions to the concept of environment protection in the country.
A ‘mammoth’ slide
CHANGING ECOSYSTEM: A study, led by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, uses fossil pollen, charcoal and dung fungus spores to paint a picture of a post-ice age terrain different from anything in the world today. The research also details changes on the ice age landscape following the crash of keystone animal populations, notes Kalyan Ray Imagine having a giant sloth looking straight at you in your bedroom upstairs. Or a mastodon roaming around in a leisurely manner, literally dwarfing a herd of modern-day elephants. Because of these iconic creatures, the biodiversity in north America plains 20,000 years ago was as rich as African Serengeti plains. Where have these creatures gone?
Paradise lost: Sunderbans may sink by 2020
Sunderbans, the biggest estuarine delta on earth, is sinking. It is sinking faster than most other Indian coastal regions, realising one of the worst fears of scientists, who had predicted that there could perhaps be no Sunderbans beyond 2020 or 2025. The threat is real and not imaginary, confirms a report prepared by Kolkata-based School of Oceanographic Studies, affiliated to the Jadavpur University.
Forgotten People
CLIMATE CHANGE: The bewilderment amongst communities at changing climate spans all continents. Keya Acharya talks to climate witnesses from Italy to central Asian steppes to the foothills of the Ruwenzori mountains in Uganda to the Sunderbans in West Bengal, at a time when the 15th COP at Copenhagen deliberates on future actions once the Kyoto Protocol expires. A 15th century Dominican ex-monastery in Viterbo, about two hours from the Italian capital of Rome, seems an unlikely place to hear testimonies from around the world about what the changing climate is doing to the livelihoods and cultures of ethnic communities. But ‘Domus Quercia’, the beautiful Renaissance monastery now converted into an elegant and historically- atmospheric hotel, was where Italy’s influential environmental organisation Green accord, collected about a dozen individuals, mostly from rural and coastal communities, to tell their poignant stories. The individuals are called ‘climate witnesses’ by WWF who is executing this project worldwide to understand the impact of global warming.
Outcome of Copenhagen deal
The fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP-15) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) ended on December 19. The purpose of the conference was to complete negotiations on a new international agreement on climate change to come into force when the Kyoto protocol’s first commitment period comes to an end in 2012. But for at least the past six months, it was clear to virtually all participating countries that such a globally binding goal was far out of reach. The COP-15’s objective was publically downgraded prior to Copenhagen, in mid-November, to a non-binding agreement by heads of state at a meeting in Singapore of the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference.
We are going to initiate few new concepts with the objective of going GREEN in the year 2010 to establish the fact that Climate change is not just about switching off your lights when you move out or replacing CFL and using public transport, it’s a conscious lifestyle that we need to adopt in order to secure our future. I term it [ COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE ] as an movement towards an attitudinal change in our way towards looking at life. We expect your solidarity in all our future endeavors to save our planet and gift a healthy planet to our future generations.. For any queries/problems and issues please write to us. We look forward to hear from you. Lets commit to make this world a better and a safer place to live in. Let’s take a Green Promise !
With commitment
Uzzwal Madhab Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation
Address : Lakshya Foundation, X-56, 2nd Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi-110 016
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Saturday,09 January, 2010 | Hits: 309
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 1.50, Friday, 25th December 2009 ]
25th December 2009, Friday
Dear Friends,
Celebrations are in the air now………. The celebration of a successful completion of 2009 and also hopes and promises of a coming new year 2010 …!
Indeed it was a eventful year for all of us not only socially and politically but also environmentally ….
from leh to Copenhagen and from Sundarban to Bali from the judiciary to the political agendas to go Green, plan Green and achieve Green India and the world has seen enough …. and so do we when we tried to reach each and every green corner with 50 weekly issues of TALKIING GREEN and reaching all of you. This was the first year of our initiative and we are overwhelmed with your support and response. I take this opportunity to thank you for being with us with your support and feedback and encouraging us to develop everyday and work for a green future. With all your support we have completed one year of our presence and it's a great feeling altogether to be with you all and interact about dreams and visions ...... 74 year old Chewang Norphel’s initiative to save the white and green in Leh which made us feel optimistic that everything has not ended with Copenhagen! Hopes are still alive and we can do it . With this promising cover story of fight against the odds. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a very happy new year on behalf of my team of MISSION GREEN INDIA. with GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
A lonely struggle for the Iceman
DAMAGE CONTROL In Ladakh, a man is creating artificial glaciers – with only token assistance from the government. In Leh, the largest district in India, you don’t have to look far to confirm that climate change is here. In eco-activist Chewang Norphel’s office, just beyond the Leh market, the air inside is warm enough to make you start peeling off the layers - even in September, just before the onset of winter. “It’s definitely warm for this time of year,” says Norphel (74), a retired civil engineer. “In the past two or three decades, the weather has changed a lot. Instead of snowfall of several feet, we get just a thin layer. And some glaciers have receded by about 2,000 feet.”
Climate-friendly technology need of hour, says India _
India on Thursday made a strong case for accelerating deployment and diffusion of green technologies to tackle climate change, saying that it was the quickest way to lower the cost of renewable options. The Delhi statement, adopted by the High-Level Conference of Technology Development and Transfer that ended on Thursday, also stated that technology had a central and fundamental role in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development and called or increased public financing in technology development.
2 ISRO satellites to study climate __
Bangalore to be Centre’s research hub for environmental sciences Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday committed itself to launching two dedicated satellites for gathering data on climate change and establishing a research institute in Bangalore on climate and environmental sciences. Addressing a joint press conference in Bangalore, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh and ISRO Chairman Madhavan Nair said the National Institute for Climate and
Single, available and green _
ECO-MATING Environmentally conscious people are having trouble finding love and companionship
The profile of the ‘dancing yogi’ on a matrimonial website reads: ‘33-year-old single slender Indian male, brown eyes and black hair, on a spiritual path and a raw food diet. Looking for someone who adores nature, is disenchanted by the illusion of western style progress and development and wants out! Looking for someone who does not eat meat, fish, poultry, or eggs; does not smoke, use drugs, or take vitamin supplements’.
Green Bonus for saving forests
CLIMATE CHANGE The Centre will offer the incentive to Himalayan states from the next fiscal The Centre will give Himalayan states — from Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Sikkim in the Northeast — a “green bonus” from next fiscal for conserving forests that act as carbon sinks. The environment ministry in August estimated that forests, which cover 25 per cent of the country’s area, could absorb up to 11 per cent of India’s green house gas
‘India needs to clarify what it is willing to do to limit the growth of its emissions’
There is perhaps more scope to explain what India is doing. It’s more an issue of poor communication. Maybe India needs to ask China whether it can borrow their PR firm. Yvo de Boer is a worried man. As chief of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), he is leading the global climate change negotiations. In his own words, the success of the summit lies on four major issues. These include greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for industrialised countries, action plans of major developing countries like China and India to limit the growth of their emissions, provision of financial support by industrialised countries to developing countries to undertake adaptation and mitigation measures, and an institutional framework for leading global action on climate change. If any one of these issues remains unresolved, the summit would be a failure because all these issues have a bearing on one another. He spoke to FE’s Rajiv Tikoo during his recent visit to India. Excerpts:
High-altitude research stations to track impact of climate change on flora, fauna
Separate teams will study the vertical and horizontal shift in the growing patterns of plants and trees for next five years. Impact of the shift of flora on the directly-related fauna will also be tracked. After a spate of deliberations with experts on climate change, Himachal Pradesh has finally outlined a first-of-the-kind research project in the country to study the impact of climate change on the state’s ‘transition zone’ of flora — where tree line ends and alpine pastures spread out. High-altitude research stations will be set up in seven districts of the state where separate teams will study the “vertical or horizontal shift” in the growing patterns of plants and trees for next five years. Impact of the shift of flora on the directly-related fauna — insects, butterflies and birds — will also be tracked.
Biofuel similar to petroleum from microscopic algae
IISc scientists have estimated that a hectare of diatom cultivation can yield approximately 30,000 litres of oil. In their effort to find an alternate and cost-effective fuel, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have found it possible to extract oil from a type of single-celled microscopic algae ‘diatoms’ by housing them within ‘biological solar panels’. The scientists proposed creating a biological solar panel, which will contain diatoms instead of photovoltaic cells. Diatoms would float about in a nutrient-rich water solution and produce oil when exposed to sunlight. Diatoms are commonly observed as a brown skin coating submerged stones in rivers and lakes and as phytoplankton in seas and oceans, typically contain oil droplets inside their cells, quite similar to petroleum.
Clean technology transfer a win-win formula, say CEOs
The issue of technology transfer from industrialised to developing countries, a contentious issue in the ongoing climate change negotiations, should be seen as a win-win situation by both blocs, say leading Indian business leaders. It can be resolved by developing innovative financial mechanisms, which reward the innovator without putting the financial burden on technology users. While developing countries have suggested measures like intellectual property rights (IPRs) related to clean technology to be treated as public goods or buying them down to get around the issue of financing estimated by UNFCCC to cost $200 billion by 2020, most Indian business leaders are in favour of market mechanisms supported by incentives for managing technology transfer and deployment.
India Inc getting over green rating blues
Green ratings were a no-no for most Indian companies till a few years earlier. But the ratings have now graduated from just being an initiative of non-government organisations to something both the government and industry would like to embrace fast. Last week, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Union ministry of power announced a green rating programme for companies based on their consumption of energy. That followed a similar initiative from the Confederation of Indian Industry, which announced earlier this month that it will rank companies on the basis of their environment friendliness. The organisation to have taken the lead was the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which started its green rating project way back in 1997, covering a sector every two years. The next ratings are due in March. CSE deputy director Chandra Bhooshan says the ratings take into account the entire life cycle of a product, right from the source to the consumer. So far, CSE has rated companies in the automobile industry, paper and chlor alkali.
We are going to initiate few new programmes with the objective of going GREEN in the year 2010 to establish the fact that Climate change is not just about switching off your lights when you move out or replacing CFL and using public transport, it’s a conscious lifestyle that we need to adopt in order to secure our future. I term it [ COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE ] as an movement towards an attitudinal change in our way towards looking at life.
We expect your solidarity in all our future endeavors to save our planet and gift a healthy planet to our future generations. For any queries/problems and issues please write to us. We look forward to hear from you. Lets commit to make this world a better and a safer place to live in. Let’s take a Green Promise !
With commitment
Uzzwal Madhab Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation
Address : Lakshya Foundation, X-56, 2nd Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi-110 016
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Thursday,31 December, 2009 | Hits: 269
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 1.44, Friday, 18th December 2009 ]
18th December 2009, Friday
Dear Friends,
Cloud of disappointment at cope[hope]nhagen …! The big show ended today ….. and with it ended the hope of common man for their leaders who failed to stand together in the hour of crisis ……….. someone at Copenhagen rightly said. The real world is reflected here in Copenhagen ..! Strengths and weaknesses of the UN system for dealing with climate change were highlighted by the process leading to the Copenhagen Accord. Organizations and leaders are now talking about alternate option s but to me the question remained .. how will we answer the fisherman family of Sumdarban or the coconut sellers at Maldives and many other s who are witnessing the change every day morning when they look at the sky and the water ……..our apartments in the metros and private jets may be a little far away from the direct vision but there is no point wearing a black glass to see the bright threat of the coming days It also made me feel strongly this time when I looked at the showbiz of Bella centre that it’s time for us now to think of ourselves rather then waiting for our “ godfather” and decide for .as we decide to earn for our bread and butter ………. The decision of a new lifestyle …. The decision of a sensitive lifestyle. Let this be the new year resolution for all of us. Thank you friends for being with us with your support and feedback and encouraging us to develop everyday and work for a green future.with all your support we have completed one year of our presence and its a great feeling altogether to be with you all and interact about dreams and visions ...... with GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
Global warming in Copenhagen
Leaked UN report shows cuts offered at Copenhagen would lead to 3C rise
UN secretariat initial draft shows gap of up to 4.2 gigatonnes of CO2 between present pledges and cuts required to limit rise to 2C Nomadic Turkana pastoralists at a dried out dam in Kenya. A rise of 3C would mean up to 170 million more people suffering severe coastal floods and 550 million more at risk of hunger, according to the Stern review. The emissions cuts offered so far at the Copenhagen climate change summit would still lead to global temperatures rising by an average of 3C, according to a confidential UN analysis obtained by the Guardian. With the talks entering the final 24 hours on a knife-edge, the emergence of the document seriously undermines the statements by governments that they are aiming to limit emissions to a level ensuring no more than a 2C temperature rise over the next century, and indicates that the last day of negotiations will be extremely challenging.
The US insists on transparency _ dd
In partnership with other countries, the US will try to mobilise 100 billion dollars a year for climate aid by 2020, according to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The US insists that funding will only be granted if developing countries allow for full transparency of their emissions.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Copenhagen on Thursday just as climate negotiations had “reached a critical junction” and talks were “difficult”, as she said at a press briefing. Hillary Clinton confirmed that the US wants strong action to combat climate change.
Sarkozy: Failure in Copenhagen would be a catastrophe
European leaders expressed themselves in no uncertain terms when addressing fellow heads of state and governments attending the penultimate day of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen. While climate negotiations continued at full stretch in the Bella Center on how to share the burden of carbon emissions cuts and the cost of global warming, European leaders took turns in delivering their peptalks in the plenary hall. "There is less than 24 hours. If we carry on like this, it will be a failure," French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned from the conference podium, according to Reuters.
India’s Climate Change Concern
India’s commendable action of promoting environment-friendly economic development provides more hope for Copenhagen climate talks… As the countdown to Copenhagen has begun, India is fast positioning itself as a resourceful and responsible leader ready to meet the climate change challenges head-on. The fact that the country has already set up a ministry to promote alternative sources of energy and has targeted to cut carbon emissions by 2020 demonstrates that it takes the climate change issue seriously. By focusing on the issue from the perspective of both adaptation and mitigation, New Delhi is coming out with a strong climate agenda to strengthen its position as a negotiator at Copenhagen in December.
Earth between funds, ice
DEVELOPING NATIONS call for UN body to push for green technology
green technology body with powers to direct a world-wide transition away from a high-carbon economy is needed to combat climate change, according to the world’s developing nations, the G77. While most negotiations ahead of the UN’s climate change summit in Copenhagen next month have been concerned with which nations should slash greenhouse gas emissions and by how much, the method in which these cuts will be achieved has received far less attention. Yet the importance of green-technology – from wind turbines to electric cars to zero-carbon buildings – is enormous.
Making climate change finance work for India
Investment in energy is critical for India. The World Energy Council estimates that about 56% of rural households in India have no access to electricity. The World Bank calculates that energy poverty levels such as these can reduce gross domestic product (GDP) growth by as much as 4% annually. India is rightly striving for a step change in energy infrastructure investment over the next two decades to sustain and accelerate its economic growth. The International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests that to meet its future energy needs, India will need to expand its gross capacity to exceed 400GW—equal to today’s combined capacity of Japan, South Korea and Australia. IEA says this translates into an investment price tag for India of about $1.25 trillion (Rs58.12 trillion) in energy infrastructure—three-quarters in the power sector—by 2030.
The Climate Needs a Business Plan
An absence of sustainable business models is threatening the survival of thousands of Danish and international climate projects. Researchers from Aarhus School of Business, Aarhus University, are trying to help players including DONG Energy develop systems that can make green energy financially sustainable. Most people can see the climate benefits of using surplus wind energy to power electric vehicles. But there is still some way to go from there to a situation in which the vehicles, the batteries, the charging stations and the system as a whole are financially viable for producers, suppliers and consumers.
The compulsion of Copenhagen
“Instead of painting itself into a corner, India must take on a role commensurate with its capacities”
One of the major issues engaging our policy makers is the forthcoming Copenhagen meeting on global warming and climate change. The last agreement, the Kyoto Protocol, expires in 2012. Even though that agreement did not have American and Australian ratification, many European countries did try to bring down the levels of emission. The Copenhagen meeting is designed to finalise and replace the agreement which would have the consent of all countries, particularly the US which is the world’s biggest emitter.
(Not yet) marching as to war
Even as politicians and protesters gear up for a fateful climate-change meeting in Denmark, some of their fellow citizens have little stomach for a fight.
If the forthcoming United Nations meeting in Copenhagen truly is a precious chance to save the planet from rising seas and advancing deserts, then one might expect voters all over the world to be egging on their leaders to make bold decisions. That is the impression created by a wave of eye-catching demonstrations—such as the globally co-ordinated protest on October 24th that called, ambitiously, for carbon concentration in the atmosphere to be kept at 350 parts per million (see above). But awkwardly, there are clear signs in several democracies of sentiment moving in the other direction.
India, a deal maker in Copenhagen
India ais planning aggressive cuts in emissions in a time bound manner, without the country compromising on its target to achieve 8% economic growth a year. On the COP15 website, in the news section, there is a confidential letter from the environment minister Jairam Ramesh to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which suggests an about-turn in the nation’s climate policy. The letter says that India should give up its position as a problem for the developed countries in the climate negotiations and decide a drastic change in the country’s stand on climate. India has so far been a strong opponent of any binding emission targets for developing countries and during the UN climate negotiations in Bangkok in October, India had refused an Australian proposal backed by the US and the EU, which suggested a single legal instrument to reduce emissions worldwide.
Copenhagen is over now it’s time for us to act on what we think as global leaders have clearly shown their attitudes and willingness towards the safety and future of the planet.
Climate change is not just about switching off your lights when you move out or replacing CFL and using public transport, it’s a conscious lifestyle that we need to adopt in order to secure our future. I term it [ COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE ] as an movement towards an attitudinal change in our way towards looking at life.
For any queries/problems and issues please write to us. We look forward to hear from you. Lets commit to make this world a better and a safer place to live in. Let’s take a Green Promise !
With commitment
Uzzwal Madhab Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation
Address : Lakshya Foundation, X-56, 2nd Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi-110 016
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Thursday,17 December, 2009 | Hits: 338
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 1.43, Friday, 11th December 2009 ]
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11th December 2009, Friday
Dear Friends,
In the cold weather of the Bella Centre the interiors of the conference is warming up…. People /delegates are walking out in protest and demonstrations are going on….. final days are awaited when the agreement will be signed and agreed upon on the 18th …… I personally see it as a beginning of the process of doing something… this SOMETHING is now a big question for us…. What are we going to do in order to achieve the desired reality ? will the protocols guide us for a global equality of understanding and a safe planet. Big Q’S are yet to be answered in short time span … I wish the global leaders take this as an opportunity to talk and resolve issues rather than creating a mockery of the show. You can conquer headlines in media with your protest and demonstrations but you can achieve HOPE only with a realistic plan to achieve your dreams Good luck to all in copenhagen and awaitng honest commitment from our leaders…….! Thank you friends for being with us with your support and feedback and encouraging us to develop everyday and work for a green future. with GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
2009 – Why it is time to make history
On an icy day in January, a new President in the United States took the oath of office with soaring words of hope, idealism and courage. At a time of the worst global recession in living memory and a multitude of challenges, he did not shrink from reality but embraced the capacity to change it. And those who heard him were lifted. Speaking to the millions in America but heard by billions around the world, President Barack Obama said “What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.” Obama spoke of America, but he could have been speaking of the world. We are everywhere in need of renewal and hope. None more so than on the climate challenge where we need fresh vision and a politics that looks forwards not backwards. The stakes are so high that anything less than an audacious, global effort to reconcile our differences and make peace with the planet will fail humanity. We will not regret it in our parochial nationalisms as Indians or Americans, but as humans – as a species that failed itself, and condemned the rest.
India will be key player at Copenhagen conference, says Miliband
Climate change secretary praises India's renewable targets and 'big ambitions', cementing cordial relations between the countries Ed Miliband, Britain's climate change secretary, hailed India as a potential "deal maker" in the forthcoming talks in Copenhagen for an international treaty to tackle global warming, stating that the country would not face targets to cut its emissions in the near future because it "took climate change seriously". The UK's "softly-softly" approach has won plaudits in India, and contrasts with that of US secretary of state, Hilary Clinton, whose visit in July resulted in a spat with environment minister Indian environment minister Jairam Ramesh. India has categorically ruled out greenhouse gas cuts, arguing that rich nations caused the problem and must not deny Indians the opportunity to grow out of poverty.
Deny, deny, deny
India must make some sort of commitment on climate change
There are times when it’s great to cheer blindly for your side. India vs Australia in Sydney for instance. There are other times, though, when things are not so simple, when a sensible point of view doesn’t necessarily fall neatly into an Us vs Them dichotomy. Classic example? The climate change debate. The problem of global warming involves many issues — environmental justice, social justice, fairness, technology, science, population growth, generational equity and so on. It is not surprising; therefore, that there are many different points of view on what needs to be done to make a global solution possible. Yet when Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh holds forth on how the US demonstrates the “heights of hypocrisy”, or calls a two degree rise in global temperatures an “aspirational goal,” he chooses to take a stance that takes us nowhere near a solution and does not advance any interests — whether Indian or global.
The power of a humble leaf
Scientists explore how it can power the planet:
It is one of evolution’s crowning achievements: A mini green power station and organic factory combined, and the source the almost all of the energy that fuels every living thing on the planet. Now scientists developing the next generation of clean power copy, and ultimately improve upon, the humble leaf. The intricate chemistry involved in photosynthesis, the process where plants use sunlight of convert water and carbon dioxide into sugar, is the most effective solar energy conversion process of earth. Researchers believe that mimicking parts of it could be the ticket to a limitless supply of clean power.
Once there was a river
R. V. SMITH recalls the majesty of the Yamuna river, now almost dead. The pollution of the Yamuna and the plans being made to clean the river have so far not yielded concrete results, with some even going so far as to affirm that the river will never be clean again. And yet the Yamuna was considered a majestic river even during 1947-48, when plentiful fish could be caught in it and provided livelihood to several families of fishermen. In the 1970s, Khan Abdul Haye Khan told this scribe that as a young man he would frequently walk down to the Yamuna bank and admires the view the river presented 60 years ago. Sometimes he would take a boat ride and hear the songs the fishermen sang. He particularly remembered an evening when he heard an old man singing about the hilsa fish swimming up the river right up to Allahabad.
Climate Education in 2009
The Danish Ministry of Education is taking a series of initiatives on education levels from tertiary to vocational education in order to put climate on the agenda. The Danish Ministry of Education is making a special effort to encourage pupils/students, teachers and schools to put the climate on the agenda. It happens through a series of initiatives for vocational education, primary education, lower and upper secondary education, youth education programs and relevant tertiary education. The initiatives are based on five key perspectives which will be dealt with differently depending on educational programmes, the proficiency of students and teaching context:
Climate of compromise
The chances of a strong treaty emerging from the United Nations climate talks in Copenhagen seem small, but recent progress offers hope. [ from the archive of nature .com ] With about six weeks left before nations gather in Copenhagen to finish negotiating a climate treaty, hopes are rapidly dwindling that countries will be ready to sign a strong, ratifiable agreement. The pessimism has spread so widely that it could be considered a global pandemic. News stories are already talking about the 'failure' of Copenhagen and squandered opportunities.
Signs of change in the Himalayas as Copenhagen summit begins
On a 1,000-mile journey from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Guardian finds clear evidence of the terrible threat that global warming now poses to the millions who rely on water from the roof of the world John Vidal on the threat global warming poses to millions in Asia Way above us in the Himalayan cloud are jagged, snowbound peaks – Annapurna, Damodar, Gangapurna, Dhalguri. Below us is the Thulagi glacier, a river of ancient ice snaking steeply down the Marshyangdi valley from near the top of Mount Manasulu.
Copenhagen: the scientists' view
The United Nations Climate Change Conference is mainly a political affair but it has drawn hundreds of scientists to the Danish capital. Jeff Tollefson finds out what they hope to gain. As the United Nations summit on global warming kicks into gear in Copenhagen this week, upwards of 15,000 people are converging on the city. The official negotiators from 193 countries will spend much of their time behind closed doors at the Bella conference centre, but they will be a minority of the visitors. Orbiting around the negotiators will be representatives of almost every segment of society, including hundreds of scientists. The researchers will attend scheduled science sessions and gather for countless impromptu discussions in corridors and cafeterias. Many are presenting their latest work — on a vast array of topics including forest carbon, emissions scenarios and green technologies. Some hope to influence policy-makers and provide technical advice on issues that emerge during the negotiations. Others are coming to educate themselves about the treaty process and to network.
Degrees of conviction
A clear deal at Copenhagen is in India's self-interest
Attention on the subject of climate change appears to wax and wane in this country, having reached a peak in 2007 when the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) came out providing strong evidence of human influence on the earth’s climate. The report also detailed the serious impacts of climate change that would occur worldwide if no action was taken to deal with this challenge. Recently, however, the media has focused on India’s position in the global negotiations towards an international agreement expected in Copenhagen in December 2009. As is generally the case with issues involving long-term implications, several misimpressions and myths have been aired by some in positions of responsibility. While discussing issues related to climate change and India’s stand in international negotiations, it is important to recall some of the scientific findings of the AR4.
Critical climate negotiations for economic benefits ….and ….. protection of the future of humanity … it time to decide the fate of future …. Please write to us your opinion on as to what should be and need be done ……………….. as Copenhagen is getting ready ……….. Climate change is not just about switching off your lights when you move out or replacing CFL and using public transport, it’s a conscious lifestyle that we need to adopt in order to secure our future. I term it [ COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE ] as an movement towards an attitudinal change in our way towards looking at life.
For any queries/problems and issues please write to us.
We look forward to hear from you.
Lets commit to make this world a better and a safer place to live in.
Let’s take a Green Promise !
With commitment
Uzzwal Madhab Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation
Address : Lakshya Foundation, X-56, 2nd Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi-110 016
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Thursday,10 December, 2009 | Hits: 467
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 1.41, Friday, 27th November 2009 ]
If you are having trouble viewing this email or would like to view it in your web browser, CLICK HERE
27th November 2009, Friday
Dear Friends,
With no intention to write a film review today……. I would just like to share with you the experience of a film which hit the headlines in the same manner as that of the climate change deal. Oh yes its 2012 ! with all the ingredients and spices of a Hollywood film it is a good entertainment to watch .. shook’s the thought process of our towards our planet. But in reality the important fact is that we still have hope for a better day as I had shared with you during my earlier editorial last week and all we need to do is a more sensitive commitment towards our self and a shift in our lifestyle which has already moved quite far from the natural world…. ! Thank you friends for being with us with your support and feedback and encouraging us to develop everyday and work for a green future. with GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
Global warming could result in 4 degree Celsius rise by 2060
In a new study, the British Meteorological Department has warned that global warming could result in a rise of 4 Degree C by the year 2060.
According to the Guardian, unchecked global warming could bring a severe temperature rise of 40C within people’s lifetime.
The study, prepared for the Department of Energy and Climate Change by scientists at the Met office, challenges the assumption that severe warming will be a treat only for future generations, and warns that a catastrophic 4C rise in temperature could happen by b2060 without strong action on emissions. “We’ve always talked about these very severe impacts only affecting future generations, but people alive today could live to see a 4C rise,’ said Richard Betts, the head of climate impacts at the Met Office Hadley Centre. “People will say it’s as extreme scenario, but it’s also a plausible scenario,” he added. According to scientists, a 4C rise over pre-industrial levels could threaten the water supply of half the world’s population, wipe out of to half of animal and plant species, and swamp low coasts.
Soot clouds threaten Himalayan glaciers: Study
Finding to be released in Srinagar conclave on Oct 12:
In a new research, scientists in India and China have determined that glaciers in the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau that feed the river systems of almost half the world’s people are melting faster because of the effects of clouds of soot from diesel fumes and wood fires. According to a report in the Guardian, the results of the research, to be announced this month in Kashmir, show for the first time that clouds of soot - made up of tiny particles of “black carbon” emitted from old diesel engines and from cooking with wood, crop waste or cow dung - are “unequivocally having an impact on glacial melting” in the Himalayas.
Conservationists seek robust commitment at climate meet
In a boost to India’s strategy, forest conservation forums have asked the industrialised nations to ensure robust financial commitments for protection of green cover during the Climate Change Summit at Copenhagen in December. The Forests Dialogue (TFD) in its report, published two days ago, has asked the world leaders to invest in ‘REDD-plus’ (Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) programme.
The recommendation is the outcome of a consensus amongst forest stakeholders across business, environmental and scientific sectors who met in a stream of intensive dialogues this year.
Indian satellite to monitor Greenhouse Gases
As part of its contribution to the global efforts aimed at mitigating the process of climate change, India is planning to build and launch a dedicated satellite designed to monitor the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. Sources in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) point out that the satellite, which will be basically a remote sensing space platform, will be placed into the polar orbit. This satellite, whose technical details including the kind of instruments it would carry are yet to be worked out, will make India one of the few countries in the world to have such an advanced space system to study dynamics of global climate change. India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests will be actively associated with this satellite project.
We can fight climate change if we care
As we approach the global summit on climate change in December 2009 in Copenhagen, critical concerns are likely to emerge. Both the United Nations conference last week and the subsequent G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh left several issues somewhat ambiguous. While the United States spoke of reduction in its emissions, these remain insignificant. At the G-20 meet, leaders stated that they would “intensify efforts to reach an agreement at Copenhagen and undertake strong action to address the threats of climate change”. This is mere rhetoric. The upcoming December summit at Copenhagen may also not address some of the challenges that are vital in tackling climate change. Efforts to address climate change dates back to 1992 when the agreement on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) came into place. This was ratified as the Kyoto protocol, adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 2005. However, the Kyoto protocol’s goals remain unfulfilled since the US did not ratify it. The Kyoto protocol placed greater emphasis on developed countries, leaving the developing countries out of the scenario.
Call for better management of biomedical waste
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 13 Biomedical waste management may be receiving attention after regulatory intervention, but an effective waste management plan for healthcare establishments still remains a pipedream. Such a plan presupposes institutional arrangements, appropriate technologies, operational plans, financial management and appropriate staff training programmes, according to Air Marshal Lalji K. Verma, President of the Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management, New Delhi.
3rd phase of ‘Science Express’ launched
The Phase-II of the ‘Science Express’ was flagged off by Railway Board Chairman SS Khurana on October 2, 2009 at Gandhi Nagar railway station. In the current phase, it will travel to 55 locations, not covered earlier about 18,000 kms in seven month of its journey. According to a Northern railway Press train ‘Science Express’ would reach Delhi Cant Station on April 10, 2010.
Initiative to promote carbon-neutral cities
The word ozone has been derived from the Greek word Ozein meaning "to smell". It is an important gas found naturally in the stratosphere (20-40 km above the earths surface) and is also formed due to the anthropogenic activities in the troposphere (upto 8km above the earth surface) where it acts as a dangerous pollutant and has been listed in the category of green house gases contributing towards the climate change. It was first discovered by C.F. Schonbein in the middle of the nineteenth century (1840) and he was also the first to detect ozone in the air in 1854.
Modi-Ramesh spat over lions
Face Off : Environment ministry blocks 7 ports, ropeway over Gir forest, Gujarat CM jits out Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi flew into a leonine rage on Thursday, a day after Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh refused to clear a 2.5 km long ropeway to the famous Ambaji temple in the middle of the Gir forest, the last habitat of the endangered Asiatic lion — an important poll promise made by Modi. At a meeting of the Planning Commission in Delhi, Modi reportedly singled out Ramesh for vitriol, and accused him of blocking Gujarat’s development and of not doing anything to save the lion. He was the only UPA minister Modi attacked by name.
Jammu scientist blazes new trail
Discovers 14 new species of midge fly; possible to free water bodies from pollutants
She learnt French for two years to undertake a research project and then she came out with a startling discovery of 14 more species of chironomus, popularly called “midge fly”, that fetched her “International Educator of the Year” award. The International Biographical Centre of Cambridge in the UK conferred upon her the award. The larvae of 14 new species, very sensitive to pollutants in water, would now be applied to study pollutants in water bodies and remedial measures would be suggested to free water bodies from contamination of all sorts, be it sewerage waste, domestic refuse or industrial effluents. And, in turn, clean and safe water for human beings and animals may become a reality, at least in river-rich Jammu and Kashmir, provided the discovery and remedial measures were taken seriously by those at the helm of affairs.
Critical climate negotiations for economic benefits ….and ….. protection of the future of humanity … its time to decide the fate of future …. Please write to us your opinion on as to what should be and need to be done ……………….. as Copenhagen is getting ready ……….. Climate change is not just about switching off your lights when you move out or replacing CFL and using public transport, it’s a conscious lifestyle that we need to adopt in order to secure our future. I term it [ COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE ] as an movement towards an attitudinal change in our way towards looking at life.
For any queries/problems and issues please write to us.
We look forward to hear from you.
Lets commit to make this world a better and a safer place to live in.
Let’s take a Green Promise !
With commitment
Uzzwal Madhab Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation
Address : Lakshya Foundation, X-56, 2nd Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi-110 016
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Thursday,26 November, 2009 | Hits: 319
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 1.40, Friday, 20th November 2009 ]
20th November 2009, Friday
Dear Friends,
With just 17 days to go before the globe assembles at Copenhagen I was trying to read the 200 page draft agreement which we are callingas ‘ BLUEPRINT TO SAVE THE WORLD” I could see that and agree to many .its confusing …….! , diplomatic and wrappend with critical red ribbon . …! . we have been coining CO2 emissions and global warming as issues and What I understood as a layman is that CO2 emissions at the centre of international discussions only account for half of global warming to date. Half is big and CO2 should be at the centre of the debate, especially since what we emit today will contribute to warming for centuries. But it’s still just one half. The other half offers precious opportunities to tackle climate change and see the positive effects quickly while at the same time meeting development goals. And the other half is………………… Ground-level ozone, produced as emissions from transport, biomass burning and other sources, Black carbon, dark particles in soot, smoke and the tailpipe emissions of many of the cars and buses around us, But interestingly all of these dissipates from the atmosphere within a few weeks—stop the emissions, and warming slows almost immediately. There are technologies to reduce black carbon, methane and ozone are relatively cheaply already exist. The transport sector (particularly diesel engines) and households burning wood, crop waste, cow dung and other biomass are two major contributors to black carbon and ozone in India. Both could be cleaned up with existing commercially available technologies. What are we doing about all these..? any plans and thoughts … ? let us clear our basics before getting ready to open the pandoras box. Thank you friends for being with us with your support and feedback and encouraging us to develop everyday and work for a green future. with GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
G-20 not a forum to negotiate climate change issues: India
India today declared that the G-20 was not a forum for negotiating climate change issues, although it was aware that its leaders assembled here for the Summit were expected to convey a significant commitment to move away from the current pattern of economic activity through promotion of renewable and clean sources of energy. In a press briefing here today, Shyam Saran, Special Envoy of the Indian Prime Minister, said India believed that the G-20 was not the forum for discussing either the extent of cuts to be enforced by countries on emission of greenhouse gases or the financing pattern for mitigating the adverse climate-related effects of the current pattern of economic activities.
India to back G 20 call on retiring fuel subsidies
India will support the Group of 20 leaders in their call for retiring subsidies on fossil fuels over “a period of time”, but will refuse to commit a timeline. “As a policy objective, we need to rationalize energy prices, but there are large sections of Indian population whose energy requirements we should be sensitive to,” Shyam Saran, Special Envoy to the Prime Minister on climate change, told reporters in Pittsburgh. In the G20 Summit on Global Financial Crises and the World Economy — the third such in the last 12 months — climate change and its financing have emerged as a major agenda item. While emission reduction targets will not be discussed in the G20 Summit here, Saran made it clear that New Delhi would not bind itself to any absolute targets similar to those of developed countries that are obliged to under the UN framework. He said India was ready to list the actions taken unilaterally — both in mitigation and adaptation — in its National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change. “These are different from absolute reduction targets,” he added.
Copenhagen negotiating text: 200 pages to save world?
The draft agreement being discussed ahead of December’s crucial Copenhagen summit is long, confusing and contradictory. It is a blueprint to save the world. And yet it is long, confusing and contradictory. Negotiators have released a draft version of a new global agreement on climate change, which is widely billed as the last chance to save the planet from the ravages of global warming. Running to some 200 pages, the draft agreement is being discussed for the first time this week as officials from 190 countries gather in Bangkok for U.N. talks. There is only one meeting after this before they meet in Copenhagen aiming to hammer out a final version.
The Spence Solution
Managing climate change mitigation versus growth: The road to global cooperation on climate change mitigation at the forthcoming Copenhagen Summit is currently gridlocked by an apparent direct clash of interests between the mitigation priorities of the developed countries and the growth priorities of the developing world. Nobel laureate Michael Spence has an imaginative strategy for getting around the gridlock that is both fair and efficient.
The International Panel on Climate Change, the acknowledged global authority on the subject, estimates those 50 years down the road the acceptable safe level of CO2 emissions will be about 14.7 billion tonnes or 2.3 tonnes per capita per year. The average emission today is about double that limit at 4.8 tonnes per head.
The full climate change tale
Carbon dioxide emissions are a significant cause of global warming. But that’s only half the story: Think “climate change” and “carbon dioxide” is probably one of the first things that come to mind. “Copenhagen”, symbolizing all of the tension and nuance of international action, is probably a close second. “Catastrophe” might be another association, as reports about glacial melting, monsoon disruption, sea levels rising and other environmental changes pile up.
But the truth is that the CO2 emissions at the centre of international discussions only account for half of global warming to date. Half is big and CO2 should be at the centre of the debate, especially since what we emit today will contribute to warming for centuries. But it’s still just one half. The other half offers precious opportunities to tackle climate change and see the positive effects quickly while at the same time meeting development goals.
Climate not part of 'Peace'
What sort of leadership has the US President provided in the ongoing discussions on a climate-control arrangement for the planet? His ‘vision’ by extension envisages hefty contributions by the poor nations to control the problem of GHG emissions. The announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize raises an issue of principle regarding the Prize itself. Is the Nobel Prize, as a genre, awarded for work already done or does it also relate to the future? Of course, the two are inextricably entwined, on the ground that work on a subject today sets the basis for work tomorrow.
In climate change policies US remains the real laggard
Joseph Stiglitz
Economist Joseph Stiglitz has been in the news recently with French President Nicolas Sarkozy endorsing his call to relinquish “GDP fetishism” and focus on broader measures of well being. In a telephone interview with Mint from New York, the 2001 Nobel laureate in economics talks about the shaky state of the global economy, sustainable development and the free rope given to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the Group of Twenty (G-20) nations. He speaks about China’s advancement, the US’ lack of progress in climate change policies, and his criticism of “market fundamentalism”—beliefs that free markets are the best way to solve problems. Fellow Columbia University professor and free-trade proponent Jagdish Bhagwati has been critical of Stiglitz’s argument. Edited excerpts:
I want to position India as a proactive player
Jairam Ramesh (Environment Minister)
With just 16 days left to go for the December deadline to sew up a global deal on climate change, rich and poor nations are making offers and counter-offers to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming. India has slowly, but steadily, been tweaking its own stance on climate change. Moreover, India is also proposing a domestic legislation that will have a broad, indicative target for emission cuts, a strict no-no earlier. In an interview, minister of state for environment Jairam Ramesh talks candidly about why India is moving away from its demand that developed nations pay for the developing world’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
A yearly blow for Yamuna
POLLUTION WATCH : Annual immersion of Durga Puja oodles releases toxic substances into river
It’s an annual onslaught on the dying and decaying Yamuna. Hundreds of Durga Puja idols are immersed every year in the river, much to the annoyance of pollution watchdog bodies and environmentalists. The ill-effects of idol immersion in the river have been highlighted time and again for the past few years. Everything that go into making an idol -- plaster of Paris, paints, the decorative items -are bad for the river.
Mr Prime Minister, it’s time to act
TODAY, as the world climate summit begins in New York, a film director explains how terrifying change is sweeping his childhood Himalayan home. We used to spend all our summers up there. I was a child in Delhi and, before the swarming heat of the city became unbearable, our family would escape to the mountains, curling Dad’s military green Ambassador up and round the sloping roads until the air ran clear and the hum of everyday life dropped away with the ant-like towns below. It was so beautiful. On one of those trips, up near Mussoorie, I became lost in the thick forests. I can’t have been far from the house we were staying in, but I will never forget walking alone through the Pine trees at night, fascinated by the idea of them -and I was only seven years old! I don’t know how many hours I must have wandered, but eventually I heard people shouting my name. I followed the voices and found my father, his elder brother and some men with torches looking for me.
Let our commitment towards protecting our future and our beautiful planet stays strong , bold and high with the best of our spirits. We appreciate your valuable feedbacks and suggestions and also letting us know that our news and information’s have helped you to know our world and environment better.....................! What we can do as an individual is more important than anything else at the present context. Climate change is not just about switching off your lights when you move out or replacing CFL and using public transport, it’s a conscious lifestyle that we need to adopt in order to secure our future. I term it [ COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE ] as an movement towards an attitudinal change in our way towards looking at life.
For any queries/problems and issues please write to us.
We look forward to hear from you.
Lets commit to make this world a better and a safer place to live in.
Let’s take a Green Promise !
With commitment
Uzzwal Madhab Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation
Address : Lakshya Foundation, X-56, 2nd Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi-110 016
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Thursday,19 November, 2009 | Hits: 263
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 1.39, Friday, 13th November 2009 ]
If you are having trouble viewing this email or would like to view it in your web browser, CLICK HERE
13th November 2009, Friday
Dear Friends,
As an organization commit ed towards the development of children , its always a good feeling to recognize and remember a day dedicated towards the betterment and fulfillment of children. meetings, celebrations, workshops, conferences, painting competitions film shows................ for a day........ ! and the remaining 364 days of the year children will be beaten in polica stations, winter nights under the platform of railway stations and cases of missing children in missing files of police stations and cases of abuse of children.............. sometimes we happily call it as India shining . .............. I strongly believe that in order to develop a new future of commitment and responsibility towards protecting the environment and our mother earth . the best way to move forward is to be strategic on a realistic action plan on orienting the future generation of the world with the food of thought on the importance of survival and our necessity of caring the planet . Can we think of more children's days with plans to teach our children to dream GREEN and act GREEN .!
Thank you friends for being with us with your support and feedback and encouraging us to develop everyday and work for a green future. with GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
11 Scientists win Bhatnagar Awards
CSIR considering rebranding itself like IITs: Prithviraj Chavan Eleven scientists, including four from the Bangalore-based Indian Institute of Science, have been selected for the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awards of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for 2009. The winners include N. Jayaraman, S.K. Sateesh, Giridhar Madras, and J.R. Haritsa of the IISc; Abishek Dhar of the Raman Research Institute and Amitabh Joshi of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research.
Sharing the dais with Obama was great, says Lucknow's Green girl
“The Himalayas are melting, polar bears are dying, two out of every five people don’t have access to clean drinking water, Earth’s temperature is increasing, Pacific’s water level has risen … Is this what we are going to hand over to our future generations? Please, no! We received a clean and healthy planet from our ancestors and we are gifting a damaged one to our successors? What sort of justice is this?”
India to give annual climate report to UN
In a major concession to rich countries before December’s climate change negotiations in Copenhagen, environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh has offered an annual report to the Union Nations on India’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and measures to reduce it.
Under the Kyoto Protocol that expries in 2012, only rich countries are required to submit annual reports on their commitment to reduce GHGs.
From the environment, to the wallet
“Buyers of green building assured of excellent construction, since green building have to meet strict guidelines on this front. For all such reasons, Apartments in green building have a greater appreciation and resale value…. Anju Puri (Chairman and country head, Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj. For an industry that was one of the worst hit during the recent economic slowdown, improving its bottom line turned into a question of survival. Considering that in the cost cycle of a building, only 11 per cent is attributed to the construction costs and energy takes up 25 per cent, energy efficiency has become a big issue for the real estate industry. A JLLM report, ‘Greenomics’, states that the world over, real estate development uses about 40 per cent of the energy and is one of the prime contributors to global warming. Buildings in India consume about 20 per cent of the country’s total electricity. The findings of the Energy Efficiency. Indicators, a study conducted by Johnson Controls, establish that energy efficiency has assumed an important role for Indian businesses, especially to improve their bottom line.
'Venky' and his Nobel team
At tea time, at Cambridge’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology, on October 7, something a little stronger than the usual brew was being glugged by the As the test tubes continued to bubble away downstairs, champagne corks flew. An afternoon party was in full swing to celebrate yet another Nobel Prize success for Britain’s most successful research lab. At the centre of festivities was a man who symbolizes the international spirit of science n an Indian-born physicist who became an American citizen but has made Britain his professional home.
It is a mistake to judge science by Nobel Prizes
It’s important to give young people the freedom to follow their ideas and pursue their interests, says Venki Ramakrishnan: He might have won the Nobel Prize this week, but Venkatraman Ramakrishnan still remembers the National Science Talent Scholarship he won as an Indian schoolboy as having spurred him into a career in science. In an email interview to The Hindu , he suggests that “instead of thinking about these prizes, what the government should do is concentrate on building a broad culture of respect for basic science and knowledge.
Trouble at Third Pole
The Himalayas, home to the largest glaciers outside the two poles, is feeling the heat of climate change. The Himalayas, which we Indians have considered invincible and unconquerable, have been noticeably impacted by climate change. The greater Himalayan region, called “the roof of the world”, contains the most extensive and rugged high alti tude areas on earth. These are the largest areas covered by glaciers and permafrost outside the Polar regions and the area is now being called the Third Pole. The melt waters of this area drain through 10 of the largest rivers in Asia and the basins are home to more than 1.3 billion people. These water resources play an important role in global atmospheric circulation, biodiversity, rain-fed and irrigated agriculture and hydropower. With climate change happening, the most widely reported impact is the rapid reduction in glaciers which cause massive repercussions to livelihoods downstream. Adverse impact
Revamp environment laws
Climate change makes collective action on sustainable development an imperative The Awakening, a science fiction novel by Risto Isomaki published in the Late 1990 Had A Very Interesting storyline. In it, the West Siberian permafrost and offshore methane hydrate deposits started to melt, releasing huge quantities of methane into the air. And soon, people started to suffocate to death when the atmosphere became too poisonous for them. Purely fictitious at that time, but less than a decade later, I am not so sure. A sentiment also echoed by the author of the novel.
Warming up to Copenhagen
Worldwide efforts to fight climate change face potentially crucial milestones this week during the United Nations and G20 meetings that activists hope will bring momentum to stalled talks on a new global warming treaty. With the climate change conference in Copenhagen just three months away and with countries continuing to maintain their divergent positions, a look at what is at stake, what outcomes may or may not result from the meetings, the facts, the debate and where India stands:
An Australian on CLEAN AGRA mission
A 62-year-old Australian who counts Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda as his gurus is leading a campaign here to turn the Taj Mahal city of Agra sparkling clean. Remco van Santen, who has been motivating and leading cleanliness drives with school children across India, says the time has come to overhaul Agra, India’s most popular tourist destination. Of Dutch origin, van Santen feels it was unfair to expect the authorities to do the cleaning job. Citizens need to chip in too. “My Clean India campaign is all about empowerment and creating grassroots democracy through active involvement of youth,” van Santen told IANS.
Heed the global warming
Global warming is a larger threat than terrorism and will affect each one of us, in our lives and our future generations. In India, the Ganga will dry up by 2030, according to a statement made by Executive Secretary of UN IPCC, Yvo de Boer, at the Delhi Sustainable Summit in February 2008. Over 400 million people living in the Indo-Gangetic Plain will be affected. It will affect the country’s food production and self-reliance in the area, as a result of no water availability for irrigation, as well as shortage of drinking water.
We have not inherited this planet from our ancestors but have borrowed it from our children...........! the sooner we realize it the better is for us . Let our commitment towards protecting our future and our beautiful planet stays strong , bold and high with the best of our spirits. We appreciate your valuable feedbacks and suggestions and also letting us know that our news and information’s have helped you to know our world and environment better.....................! Climate change is not just about switching off your lights when you move out or replacing CFL and using public transport, it’s a conscious lifestyle that we need to adopt in order to secure our future. I term it [ COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE ] as an movement towards an attitudinal change in our way towards looking at life.
For any queries/problems and issues please write to us.
We look forward to hear from you.
Lets commit to make this world a better and a safer place to live in.
Let’s take a Green Promise !
With commitment
Uzzwal Madhab Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation
Address : Lakshya Foundation, X-56, 2nd Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi-110 016
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Thursday,12 November, 2009 | Hits: 283
" TALKING GREEN " weekly e-Newsletter of My GREEN CHANNEL, an initiative of LAKSHYA [ issue 1.38, Friday, 6th November 2009 ]
6th November 2009, Friday
Dear Friends,
Today I would not like to talk about the plans and dreams of policy makers and decisions of authorities and their impacts but to share a very simple thought from within…… These days we have been talking about national action plans and international agreement and protocols to provide us a solution to the problems created by us. ! but I strongly believe no rules and regulations will be enough to fight the problems unless we develop an action plan for ourselves as individuals to inculcate an attitudinal change amongst ourselves to be sensitive towards our environment and do our bit /part of work to contribute towards the protection of our planet . in mid of confusion of cleaning Ganga and Yamuna with floods of tax payers money and international loans still I feel happy to get call from villages in Jaiselmer where students of a rural school from class VIII convinced the village panchayat to make people pay fine [ jurmana ] of 20 rupees ! for cutting desert shrubs as it affects biodiversity ……… promises are there and at the end individuals do make a difference. Thank you friends for being with us with your support and feedback and encouraging us to develop everyday and work for a green future. with GREEN THOUGHTS ….………… ENJOY READING!
Manmohan for integrated approach to climate change
Cautions against compartmentalised thinking by Ministries concerned: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday cautioned against compartmentalized thinking among various ministries concerned with climate change and suggested an integrated approach to capacity building in this sector. Chairing a meeting of the National Council on Climate Change to give shape to the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change – one of the eight missions of the National Action Plan on Climate Change – Dr. Singh said it was important to develop skills, knowledge and capacities in the science of climate change.
Int'l workshop on climate chnage at SKICC
Alarmed by fast meltdown of glaciers Kashmir wakes up to global warming
International workshop on climate change, glacial retreat and livelihoods is being organized at Srinagar by the State government in collaboration with University of Kashmir (KU) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) from October 12-14, 2009 at SKICC, Srinagar. The Himalayan region holds the key to India’s ecological and social security by virtue of its being a centre of biological and cultural diversity, the final destination its life sustaining monsoons and a storehouse for water and other natural resources.
Rs 15,000 cr to clean up Ganga
The National Ganga river basin Authority decided by 2020 no untreated sewage would be released into the river: Even as the National Ganga River Basin Authority approved Rs 15,000 crore (Rs 150 billion) for the Clean Ganga Mission, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar described the proposed institutional framework of the Authority as “weak”. The Authority, which has as members the chief ministers of five states through which the river flows, met for the first time on Monday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Singh had constituted the Authority in February, a week after designating the Ganga as a national river.
Tacking climate change via standards
India, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, is facing twin challenges after signing the Kyoto Protocol. One, it has to promote clean technology to reduce its contribution to greenhouse gases in a significant manner. Two, it has to ensure that these new clean and green technologies adhere to international safety standards as they touch every aspect of life in the coming days. Though no numeral limitation has been imposed on India as it was not a major contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions in the pre-treaty period, the consistent growth of the economy and the rapid industrialization in the past five years has forced many in the developed world to
Clean technology good investment says R K Pachauri
The United Nations scientist whose report set the global standard for climate change sees biofuels as a good investment bet and advised on Friday that people eat less meat to help curb global warming. In an interview on what individuals in developed countries can do to slow climate change and profit in the process, Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, advised investors to assume the future will be low-carbon. “Investors should be going toward clean technologies,” he said. “The world is going to move toward a low-carbon future. That is inevitable.”
Can national action plan on climate offer the solution?
Though the National Action plan on Climate change document details objectives, strategies, plans of action, timelines, and monitoring and evaluation criteria, of the eight missions, some experts believe that its implementation is getting delayed: Growing International pressure to cut down its overall greenhouse gas emissions led India to come up with a roadmap detailing ways and means to mitigate the effects of climate change. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released in June 2008, a year after it was announced. The action plan addresses eight specific areas, including the optimum utilization of solar energy instead of fossil fuels like coal in the national energy grid. Using recycled materials and designing buildings which are more airy and use solar energy, is also part of the action plan. Tapping solar energy for power generation is a highlight of the action plan. The national action plan aims that by 2017, most of the households in urban areas, industries and commercial establishments should start utilizing solar power.
How long has climate change been around
People began altering the climate thousands of years ago by burning forests and growing methane-bubbling crops’: Has climate change been around as long as the pyramids? It is an odd-sounding idea, because the problem is usually assumed to be a modern one, the product of a world created by the Industrial Revolution and powered by high-polluting fossil fuels. But a professor emeritus at the University of Virginia has suggested that people began altering the climate thousands of years ago, as primitive farmers burned forests and built methane-bubbling rice paddies. The practices produced enough greenhouse gases, he says,
Warming up to carbon credits
To set the record straight, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) adopted the Kyoto Protocol (the Protocol) in February 2005 to address the threat of global warming. The Protocol limited greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by countries and has currently classified the globe into ‘Annex I countries’ (developed nations in the European Union, among others) and ‘host countries’ (developing or under-developed nations in the Asian or African continents, for instance).
Climate change: let’s get real, act through incentives
India’s position on climate change has come under close scrutiny in the recent past, most notably during US secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s visit. The issue of climate change is emotive and must necessarily be seen in the right context if we are to make meaningful progress towards a solution to this complex problem. It requires us to answer several questions, many of which will have no clear answers. Firstly, any discussion on climate change needs to examine if there are other social benefits of industrial growth, which might be as important
Politics heats up talks on climate change
As nations get ready for the Copenhagen summit on climate in December, India has indicated it will not change its stand, but at the same time, it will want to be a deal-breaker: Politics, Not science, is dominating the discourse on climate change as world leaders from 192 countries get ready for the December 7-18 summit in Copenhagen. Many rounds of preparatory talks have taken place this year to set the stage for the summit, but as United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, the negotiations were moving at “glacial” speed.
Let our commitment towards protecting our future and our beautiful planet stays strong , bold and high with the best of our spirits. We appreciate your valuable feedbacks and suggestions and also letting us know that our news and information’s have helped you to know our world and environment better.....................! Climate change is not just about switching off your lights when you move out or replacing CFL and using public transport, it’s a conscious lifestyle that we need to adopt in order to secure our future. I term it [ COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE ] as an movement towards an attitudinal change in our way towards looking at life. For any queries/problems and issues please write to us. We look forward to hear from you.
Lets commit to make this world a better and a safer place to live in.
Let’s take a Green Promise !
With commitment
Uzzwal Madhab Executive Director LAKSHYA Foundation
Address : Lakshya Foundation, X-56, 2nd Floor, Green Park Main, New Delhi-110 016
...
Read more...
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Tuesday,10 November, 2009 | Hits: 285
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