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13 countries come together to save tigers...
2010-02-01 11:08:00
HUA HIN, Thailand - A dozen Asian nations and Russia vowed Friday to work to double the number of wild tigers by 2022, crack down on poaching that has devastated the big cats and prohibit the building of roads and bridges that could harm their habitats.However, the historic declaration adopted by the 13 countries that have wild tigers includes no new money to finance the conservation efforts. The agreement only includes plans to approach international institutions like the World Bank for money and to develop programs to tap money from ecotourism, carbon financing and infrastructure projects to pay for tiger programs."This is a historic meeting. Before this, not many people paid attention to tigers," Thailand's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti said after the three-day meeting in Hua Hin. "Stopping the depletion of tigers is a very important issue for all of us."source: MsnbcThis is a welcome step and it's time words are transformed into action... tigers...
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Indians doing their bit... let the world follow suit!
2009-12-16 21:02:00
As the world bears the brunt of climate change, here's something that comes as an encouragement for those who are really concerned about the environment. "Lighting a billion lives campaign" initiated by the Indian people is one movement that will go a long way in fighting climate change and creating awareness among the rural masses which constitute of millions of Indians . Recently, California governer Arnold Schwarzeneger has lauded the people of India for initiating this project and urged other nations to follow suit. So... what is the campaign about and what does it intend to achieve? Here's all you want to know about this ambitious project:Over 1.6 billion people in the world lack access to electricity; roughly 25% are in India alone. For these people, life comes to a standstill after dusk. Inadequate lighting is not only an impediment to progress and development opportunities, but also has a direct impact on the health, environment, and safety of millions of people, as they ar...
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10 countries worst hit by climate change
2009-12-16 00:33:00
Bangladesh has been the most affected country by extreme weather conditions between 1990 and 2008. And globally, in the last 18 years, extreme weather conditions have killed 600,000 people and cost a loss of $1.7 trillion, according to Germanwatch's Global Climate Risk Index 2010.India is ranked 7th worst-hit country in the Climate Risk Index. None of the developed countries figure in the ten most affected countries' list. Among the first 20, there are only four developed countries: Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United States.Poorer developing countries are often hit much harder. These results underscore the vulnerability of poor countries to climatic risks, despite the fact that the absolute monetary damages are much higher in richer countries. Myanmar, Yemen and Vietnam were most severely affected in the year 2008.The Climate Risk Index ranks nations that have been worst affected by climate change and are most vulnerable to global warming on the basis of a CRI score. The lower ...
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Is Copenhagen summit heading the wrong way?
2009-12-15 17:20:00
As the world awaits a significant breakthrough in talks at the Copenhagen summit,there are many who feel after the serious deadlock between the developing and developed nations on several key issues, the Copenhagen summit would not turn out to be as fruitful as one would have expected. Some critics go as far as to say all the fuss about Copenhagen and fighting climate change has amounted to very little as a unanimous resolution on some key facets of climate change seems to be next to impossible. The recent issue of contention which has led to the developed and developing countries locking horns is that of the Kyoto Protocol. The developed bloc wants the Kyoto Protocol to be scrapped which makes it mandatory for developed nations to confine their emissions to set targets and to pay a penalty to the developing world in case they fail to achieve the set target. While the developing bloc is strongly opposed to scrapping the Kyoto Protocol, the developed nations are now not willing to fo...
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600 arrested for Copenhagen protest
2009-12-13 07:07:00
More than 600 people have been arrested at a demonstration against climate change in Copenhagen today.What started as a peaceful demonstration calling for action on climate change, descended into rioting as hundreds of masked youths threw bricks and smashed windows in the Danish capital.Police in riot gear arrested between 600 and 700 people, who were cuffed and forced to the ground, before being taken away in vans.The scenes were in stark contrast to the rest of the colourful demonstration, which had progressed peacefully.Related LinksAn estimated 30,000 people attended the opening rally, which was part of an international "day of action" to mark the mid-point of the United Nations climate change summit currently being held in Copenhagen.Police spokesman Rasmus Bernt Skovsgaard said they had taken preventative measures to control activists at the back of the procession.Full Article: TIMES
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2000-09 warmest decade in 160 years
2009-12-10 21:40:00
The UK met office on Tuesday confirmed that 2000 to 2009 were the warmest of the last 160 years. Also, it's figures released at the UN climate summit in Copenhegen showed that 1998 was the warmest year on record. This official report will end the controversy which arised from a leaked e-mail over tweaked climate change data referred to as climategate-aimed at discrediting the phenomenon and the several thousands scientists that have been on work at it.
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World's cheapest car to go hybrid
2009-12-09 21:23:00
You heard that right... Tata Nano, which is the world's cheapest car manufactured by Tata(one of India's leading car manufacturing company), will soon come in a hybrid flavour, company's chairman, Ratan Tata said in an interview to a South-Korean newspaper. However, the chairman did not elaborate on the possible timeline for the launch of the cheap hybrid versions. The company also talks about use of bio-diesel and ethanol across Tata companies. Tata had also talked about a car project the company is working on with a France company, which will run on compressed air. He, however, expressed doubt about the project, saying "it may or may not happen". Till October, the company has delivered 10,518 units. The Nano delivery had started in July this year.
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The Copenhagen summit 2009
2009-12-07 21:58:00
So here we are... as the world bears the brunt of the menace called Global Warming, the world fights back! It's time we fought this grave threat to our very existence with all the seriousness that it deserves and if things work out well in this very important summit comprising of almost all of the world, it would be a huge leap forward towards tackling this problem of Global Warming and Climate change. Here's a brief about this summit which is very much talked about all around the world:"In 2012 the Kyoto Protocol to prevent climate changes and global warming runs out. To keep the process on the line there is an urgent need for a new climate protocol. At the conference in Copenhagen 2009 the parties of the UNFCCC meet for the last time on government level before the climate agreement need to be renewed.Therefore the Climate Conference in Copenhagen is essential for the worlds climate and the Danish government and UNFCCC is putting hard effort in making the meeting in Copenhagen a ...
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Top Green Cars of 2009
2009-06-27 18:25:00
Coming to Green cars, the Green Car Journal had released the list of 5 most sought after Green cars in 2009. As more and more concerned individuals shift to environment friendly vehicles, the demand for these cars is on the rise... here's the top 5 as per the Green Car Journal:GREEN CAR'S TOP 5 FOR 2009(Alphabetical Order)_________BMW 335d BMW'S 335d showcases how well advanced, efficient, and clean diesel power can be incorporated into a performance-based sport sedan. With 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway fuel economy and gobs of torque, there's no sacrifice for performance fans here.Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six diesel Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5Horsepower: 265Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 23/33 (EPA)Base MSRP: Under $43,000__________________FORD FUSION HYBRIDFord's first hybrid sedan uses a more advanced adaptation of the automaker's full hybrid system to allow electric driving up to 47 mph, bringing the roomy five-passenger Fusion best-in-class fuel economy. An innovative SmartGa...
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Europe to assist China in tackling Global Warming
2009-06-20 07:31:00
Europe will next week start moves to help China and India develop technology to trap and bury carbon dioxide underground in the fight against global warming, according to a draft European Commission document. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a process of burying harmful gases, is seen by some as a potential silver bullet to curb emissions from coal-fired power plants, which are multiplying rapidly worldwide and threaten to heat the atmosphere to dangerous levels. The European Union will start a consultation process on how finance and technology should be delivered to China and later India. This could be critical in securing their commitment to a new global deal on climate change at talks in Copenhagen in December. "China builds, every year, as much coal-fired power plant as the entire UK generating capacity," said a report prepared for consultations with industry and seen by Reuters on Friday. "Unless a way can be found of making this climate-compatible, we ...
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THE CLOCK'S TICKIN!
2009-06-07 20:45:00
World Environment day passed just 3 days back(June 5)...This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, to stimulate awareness about the environment, and enhance political attention and public action.Here's a look at how we stand today... and how the present state of the environment if allowed to deteriorate would create a grave danger for our present and future generation.2009: The first migration due to sea-level rise took place this year from the Carteret Islands, off the coast of Papua New Guinea.2020: Less than 5% of Amazon forests will remain in pristine condition, About 1/5 of central Africa's forests will have gone.2030: Around 5 lakh humans will have died due to the fallout of climate change.2035: Many central and eastern Himalayan glaciers will melt completely.2050: Maldives will become uninhabitable due to sea level rise. Some say it could happen by 2030.How India responded to this special occasion... Chandigarh: World famous Taj Hotels in Cha...

Geoengineering to fight global warming?
2009-04-11 00:18:00
As time goes by and the major emitters of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming keep on giving a blind eye to this deadly menace, the threat of an ice-free Arctic during summers looms large. There was no major breakthrough during the G20 summit with regards to climate change. Inspite of agreeing on a $1.1 trillion stimulus package, campaigners believe that climate change was the biggest loser at the summit. Once again world leaders have short-changed people and the planet,” said Friends of the Earth’s executive director Andy Atkins. “The economic system and the global environment are on a devastating collision course - but despite pledging to build an inclusive, green and sustainable recovery little has been done to change direction.” While developed nations want India and China to be equal partners in tackling climate change, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has made it clear that it is not possible to be equal partners with nations like the United States whic...
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2008 was the 8th warmest year!
2009-01-19 06:14:00
According to the National Climatic Data Center in Washington, last year was the 8th warmest year on record. Not surprisingly, the 10 warmest years on record are between 1997 to 2008 . The average temperature for 2008 was 0.49°C higher than that in the 20th century. This is one of the biggest evidences of the genuine threat of global warming which could have far reaching effects on the globe. While there are some who have been raving about the planet cooling... here is a reality check.
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Abu Dhabi's green initiative...
2009-01-15 09:52:00
ABU DHABI (Reuters) - Gulf Arab oil exporter Abu Dhabi plans to spend $15 billion in the first phase of an initiative to develop green energy and build the world's largest hydrogen power plant, it said on Monday. The investment would be part of the Masdar initiative, set up to develop sustainable and clean energy, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan told the World Future Energy Summit in the emirate. He gave no time frame. "I would like to underscore the government of Abu Dhabi's commitment to the Masdar initiative by announcing an initial investment of $15 billion," he said. "Next month ground will be broken on Masdar city, the world's first carbon-neutral city."pic: Masdar headquartersFull article
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Energy-guzzling TV's to be phased out by Britain...
2009-01-15 09:24:00
In a move which is aimed towards fighting global warming, Britain is set to phase out energy-guzzling flat screen plasma televisions, reports the Independent. Minimum energy performance standards are expected to be set to keep in check the energy consumption by TVs across Europe and inefficient ones will be phased out. This move comes a week after the withdrawal of 100W incandescent bulb and is a welcome move as per climate change experts.Flat screen plasma TVs consume four times as much energy as any other normal television set run on cathode ray tubes and hence this move would go a long way in saving valuable energy, especially as the use of such wasteful devices has been increasing. Labeling could be introduce which would help in identifying useful and wasteful gadgets. Kudos to Britain for taking this step... there's a lot to be done though.
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Web searching contributes to global warming?
2009-01-12 18:22:00
Sunday Times: Researchers have found that search engines generate carbon dioxide which contribute to the menace of global warming. A typical search engine generates about 7g of carbon dioxide. There are about 200m internet search estimates each day which the researchers say generate a large amount of greenhouse emissions. A recent report by Gartner, the industry analysts, said the global IT industry generated as much greenhouse gas as the world's airlines - about 2% of global CO2 emissions. "Data centres are among the most energy-intensive facilities imaginable" said Evan Mills, a scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. When one types in a Google search for say "energy saving tips", one's request goes to several competing servers and it produces answers from the server which produces the answer fastest. The system minimises delays but raises energy consumption. While some researchers say search engines contribute immensely towards climate change by...
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Driving tips to reduce emissions!
2009-01-11 10:02:00
I came across this really interesting article which provides valuable information on how one can reduce CO2 emissions by following simple driving tips. The secret is to help reduce the amount of work your engine has to do, because the greater the workload, the more fuel is burned – so the higher the CO2 emissions. By following these smarter driving tips you could cut your CO2 emissions by around 8 per cent – equivalent to an annual fuel saving of up to one month per year. All you need to get started are the smarter driving tips below that you can put into practice straight away. 1. Pump up to cut down Under inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving. That means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced. Simply check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and also before long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres. Under inflated tyres increase CO2 but over inflated tyres can be...
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"Green" billboard to light up Times Square!
2009-01-10 07:31:00
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The world's first billboard running solely on wind and solar power is ready to make its debut in the capital of all billboards -- New York's Times Square .Wind whistling between the neighborhood's skyscrapers should keep the giant billboard lit constantly, said the manufacturer, Japanese copy and photo giant Ricoh Company Ltd.The "Eco-Board" weighs 35,000 pounds (15,800 kg) and will be powered by 16 vertical wind turbines and 64 solar panels."We wanted to make a statement that we can put up a advertisement and not impact the environment, so that began the journey to Times Square," Ricoh spokesman Ron Potesky said.A positive step this. Such an initiative will reduce the C02 usage by 18 tons per year. Yes, there have been a few delays but it's certain that such boards will lit up the Times Square in the coming weeks. Here's hoping to see many more of such boards!Full article
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Scientists working on an 'Artificial Sun'!!!
2008-12-29 08:21:00
London: Scientists at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in Livermore are attempting to create an artificial Sun on Earth – an achievement that will provide answer to the world’s impending energy shortage.For nearly 100 years the goal seemed impossible, but now scientists believe that they are on brink of cracking one of the biggest problems in physics by harnessing the power of nuclear fusion, the reaction that burns at the heart of the Sun.The attempt will be made by the researchers this spring.The team will try to ignite a tiny man-made star inside a laboratory and trigger a thermonuclear reaction.Its goal is to generate temperatures of more than 100 million degrees Celsius and pressures billions of times higher than those found anywhere else on earth, from a speck of fuel little bigger than a pinhead.source: The Times of IndiaFull article
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Get ready for... green clothing!!!
2008-12-29 08:04:00
By now, as an avid climate change tracker, you would be well aware of major innovations meant to be tackling this grave danger. Toyota's environment friendly cars, green packaging and so on. But here's another such innovation that intends to draw our attention to the issue of plastic waste.A noted scientist Helen Storey, along with Tony Ryans from the University of Sheffieldhave come together to create plastic dresses made out of similar materials to washing capsules which literally disappear on washing! It's meant to seek a solution to the large scale discarding of clothing and sending it to landfill sites. The plastic is made from polyvinyl alcohol.Now here's another hugh leap in the field of fashion and glitz. This new kind of clothing does have a few problems, but if one looks at the aim at which it has been created, there's a lot to admire. More such innovations need to be worked upon especially with regards to stuff of daily use to keep our contribution to this serious pr...
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Think Green this Christmas!
2008-12-25 13:14:00
I'd like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! While celebrating this special occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment towards making this menace of global warming history. Let us make a new year resolution to save our planet! Spread the word of peace and green all around. Together, we can and we will make a difference!A few basic tips on how you can make a difference this holiday season by following simple steps:Recycling gift wraps: Why not give green? Recycling gift wraps would do wonders. Lilienfield(co-author of the book Use Less Stuff: Environmental Solutions for Who We Really Are.), who has published a newsletter on reducing waste since 1996, notes that if every family reused just 2 feet [0.6 meter] of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles [61,000 kilometers] of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet. Also, if you could give gifts which do not need wrapping, nothing like it! They could be in the form of home made cakes, tickets to a movie ...
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Solar Cargo ship launched!
2008-12-24 07:47:00
The world's first cargo ship partly propelled by solar power took to the seas on Friday in Japan, aiming to cut fuel costs and carbon emissions when automakers ship off their exports.The huge freighter, capable of carrying 6400 automobiles, is equipped with 328 solar panels at a cost of $1.68-million, the officials said. Company officials said the 60 213-ton, 200-metre-long ship is the first large vessel in the world with a solar-based propulsion system. So far solar energy has been limited to supporting lighting and crew's living quarters. The solar power system can generate 40 kilowatts, which would initially cover only 0.2 percent of the ship's energy consumption for propulsion, but company officials said they hoped to raise the ratio.source: iafrica.comFull ArticleThe shipping industry has come under growing pressure to take part in efforts to curb global warming, which is blamed on carbon emissions and this is certainly a welcome step!
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Netherlands to strengthen flood fortifications
2008-12-21 06:45:00
THE HAGUE (AFP) – The Dutch government on Thursday unveiled a multi-billion dollar plan to reinforce dykes and the coastline and augment fresh water supplies in the face of rising sea levels due to global warming. Two-thirds of the Netherlands lies below sea-level and the country is increasingly worried about the threat of devastating floods. The government's national water plan proposes strengthening hundreds of kilometres (miles) of dykes along the North Sea, adding massive sand deposits to the coast, increasing river drainage capacity, and expanding the freshwater Ijsselmeer (lake) north of Amsterdam. "The Netherlands has good fresh water provision, but it won't always be guaranteed," said a government statement, warning about the "intrusion" of salt water due to the rising seas.source:- YahooFull articleAtleast some Governments. have awoken to this grave danger of global w...
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2008 could be the 10th hottest since 1850!
2008-12-19 07:56:00
The year 2008 could be the 10th warmest year since 1850, ever since the introduction of instrumental climate records, with a temperature of 0.31°C above normal, according to the UN meteorological agency. In South Asia, including India, Pakistan and Vietnam, heavy monsoon rains and torrential downpours killed 2,600 people while in South America, above normal rainfall in Brazil and Colombia affect millions of people. Myanmar was devastated with cyclone Nargis which took lives of 78,000 people.16 tropical storms formed in the Atlantic including 8 hurricanes, 5 of which were major causing casualties and widespread destruction. The average temperature was moderated by La Nia, a weather phenomenon that shrinks the warm pool water in central and western pacific. Australia experienced a severe heat wave with Adelaide having to bear temperatures of above 35°C on record 15 consecutive days. Several heat waves also occurred across Europe, Middle-East and Asia.source: PTI

NASA to set up CO2 hunter...
2008-12-18 20:49:00
The US space agency is set to launch a satellite that can map in detail where carbon dioxide is in the atmosphere. Nasa 's Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) will pinpoint the key locations on the Earth's surface where CO2 is being emitted and absorbed. CO2 from human activities is thought to be driving climate changes, but important facts about its movement through the atmosphere remain elusive. The agency believes the technology on OCO can end some of the mysteries.source: BBC newsFull article
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Big melt!
2008-12-17 20:53:00
Washington: While many world leaders take little notice of this mammoth issue of global warming, another shocking stat has emerged. According to new NASA satellite data, about 2 trillion tonnes of ice has gone since 2003, especaially in Greenland. This rapid melting of ice is seen as a result of this grave problem of global warming as per scientists. Due to such melting in Greenland, Antartica and Alaska, the global sea level has risen to about one-fifth of an inch in the past five years.The Arctic too has been warming at a faster rate than what the experts had expected. It is said that this time around, the temperature out there was higher by as much as ten degrees celcius this past fall.As this serious menace of global warming is still being debated in the political circles, lets hope it's not too late!picture: geology.com

Land spiltting in Uttar Pradesh, India...
2008-07-26 10:30:00
Several villages in an India n state of Uttar Pradesh have seen "Land -splitting" which has caused panic amongst the villagers, who believe this occurance means doomsday is coming... some say this is a result of the drastic change in the environment conditions while some say this has happened due to the depleting groundwater due to human activities like pumping.

G8 agrees to halve emissions by 2050...
2008-07-09 07:46:00
The most powerful nations(economically and industrially) of the world, the G8, comprising of the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Russia, Germany, Italy and Japan have pledged to halve greenhouse emissions by 2050. While this pledge has been hailed by the members of G8, developing nations are not satisfied. Even some environmentalists believe that mid-term goals should be set in order to keep a check on this titanic problem of Climate change. Seems like we're heading for a deadlock, with Bush urging the developing nations like China and India to take initial steps towards reducing carbon emissions while the developing nations expect things to take shape the other way around. How will these developments affect the environment? Only time would tell... image source:- un.org
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Ice to disappear entirely from the North Pole!
2008-06-28 06:46:00
For the first time in human history the ice in the Arctic is set to disappear, one of the biggest signs of Global Warming, as per scientists. This could spell doom to marine life and also affect those who reside along the coast of this region. The natives will bear the brunt since there will arise a danger of them getting swamped by the water from melting ice and it might prove to be sufficient enough to sound the death knell of their culture as a whole. And hold your breath... the mass melting of ice will affect regions beyond the Arctic as well. Due to the dramatic rise in sea-level, major cities around the world would face the negative side of mother nature. And whats more... according to some experts the North Pole could lose all it's ice cover by the end of this year! According to a leading newspaper in India, "The Times of India", this disappearance of the Arctic sea ice will make it possible to reach the North Pole in a boat through open water...The question which immedia...
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Cheers to the media!
2008-06-24 06:47:00
Well... it's so good to see the media here in India doing it's bit to spread awareness about Global warming and climate change. I've seen quite a few news channels, English and Hindi, showing various programs on this man-made disaster recently. One of them has even collaborated with a company and is on a hunt for the best environmentalist of the country. One of my favorite programs was the one where they brought out the effects of Global warming on sea-plants and animals under water.If only other nations follow suit... the media can be an instrumental tool in saving our planet if utilized in a productive manner.
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