Madhuvanthi Rajkumar, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action &amp; Solid Waste Management https://climateconnection.org.in/ en Environmental protection needs more than just the pure sciences and scientists https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/environmental-protection-needs-more-just-pure-sciences-and-scientists <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--updates.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Environmental protection needs more than just the pure sciences and scientists</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author--updates.html.twig * field--node--field-author.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--field-author.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class='field__items'> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author/madhuvanthi-rajkumar-researcher-environment-and-climate-action-solid-waste-management" hreflang="en"> Madhuvanthi Rajkumar, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action &amp; Solid Waste Management</a></div> </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--updates.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/users/subramanimuthukumar" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">subramani.muthukumar</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--updates.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Thu, 30/03/2023 - 15:48</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--updates.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--body.html.twig x field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Indian </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Environmental Protection Act, 1986, states that the term ‘environment’ includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and between water, air and land, and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms and property. The word ‘inter-relationship’ plays a key role in our understanding of the environment. Most often, ‘environment', as we understand it,  commonly or colloquially refers to our surroundings, natural resources and living organisms other than human beings. But human beings play an important role in the environment as we continuously consume from the environment and alter its natural course. Most of the changes and anomalies that occur in the environment are driven by anthropogenic activities. These activities and subsequent impacts do not often manifest uniformly throughout the globe or a country or even a city since the sociological, economic, political and cultural factors add multiple dimensions to the problem. Also since it is largely caused by humans, it comes back to impact the lives of human beings, on a ‘reap what you sow’ basis. Environmental problems should therefore not be seen as merely an issue or disturbance in our external natural surroundings. Instead,  understanding the interaction among human beings and interaction between human beings and the ecosystem is crucial in our understanding of the term ‘environment’.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Environmental studies are often considered to be the study of natural sciences and environmental problems are often addressed with applied science solutions. The problem with viewing environmental issues and solutions as merely falling within the scientific domain  is that we completely ignore  the human element underlying it. Keeping aside nature’s cyclical changes, human beings are the unbalanced force acting on the environment and disturbing its motion at constant speed (like in Newton’s first law) albeit causing changes in  (often) unexpected trajectories  Therefore, this calls for the social sciences to analyse environmental problems. As mentioned before, environmental issues are multi-faceted in nature and therefore cannot and should not be viewed in isolation. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>There is  growing support among researchers to use a transdisciplinary approach to environmental problems. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches involve the intersection and integration of various disciplines coming together to illustrate, explain and address a common problem. Transdisciplinary approach on the other hand stands apart for the inclusion of academic as well as non-academic stakeholders to address a common problem. For instance, climate change is a global phenomenon which is most often seen as an environmental problem which requires scientific solutions. But when we use a transdisciplinary approach to view the issue of climate change, we understand that climate change threatens food, water, energy and humanitarian security and heightens existing problems such as poverty, hunger, unemployment, access to healthcare, crumbling economies etc.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Every State is responsible for protecting the environment within its territorial boundaries to the fullest extent. They do it through their statutory agencies commonly referred to as environment protection agencies. In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government for planning, promotion, coordination and overseeing the implementation of India’s environmental and forestry policies and programmes. Similarly, the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change is the nodal agency executing these functions in the states. The statutory bodies responsible for protecting the environment for the Centre and state governments are the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) respectively. India is one of the countries which still views environmental issues as a pure science issue. The CPCB and SPCBs have often been </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://theswaddle.com/indias-pollution-regulators-are-ineffective-due-to-a-lack-of-expertise-resources-report/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>criticised</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> for ineffective regulation owing to lack of expertise and resources. While many studies have pointed out that the ineffectiveness is largely due to </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/pollution/india-s-pollution-control-boards-were-weakened-over-the-last-14-years-as-environment-ministry-lacks-roadmap-87627"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>lack of human resources</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> and a clear roadmap, another striking reason is that the qualification/expertise of existing personnel is insufficient.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><img alt="environment" class="align-center align-center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="507021d1-1927-4acd-b43f-0602034dab73" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image3_12.png" /></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>India has always tried to address environmental issues with scientific and technological solutions alone while overlooking the sociological factor. This is represented by the fact that almost all of the personnel in PCBs are environmental engineers or scientists. While science plays a huge role in identifying and addressing environmental problems, the absence of social scientists leaves a huge lacuna in India’s environmental governance. This is a problem because when we address environmental issues using a mono-disciplinary approach, what may be a prima facie solution for one problem may directly or indirectly give rise to other problems. For instance, India is overwhelmed with millions of tonnes of unsegregated mixed waste lying in open dump yards polluting land, air and waterways and also adversely affecting the communities near the dump yards. Instead of focussing on ensuring and enforcing segregation at source, producers taking responsibility and developing decentralised waste management models, the solution used to deal with solid waste is to incinerate it. On the face of it, incineration and waste-to-energy mechanisms, a scientific and technological solution, seem to solve the problem of waste management. However, incineration of solid waste, particularly plastic, releases harmful and toxic chemicals into the air causing air pollution, noise pollution, foul odour and a wide array of health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, asthma, etc. When we consider the social impact of incineration, it is alarming to learn the socioeconomic inequities which lie underneath this scientific solution. A </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2020/07/31/waste-incinerators-deprivation-map-recycling/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>study</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> by Greenpeace’s Unearthed has revealed that an increasing number of incinerators in the UK are three times more likely to be disproportionately built in low-income neighbourhoods and in areas with high populations of people of colour. This finding seems to hold good in India as well. In Chennai, most of the thermal power plants and incinerators are located in North Chennai which is a deprived area.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Therefore we need to move away from the age-old mindset of addressing environmental problems with engineering solutions alone. When we say ‘science’, people often only think of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and forget that social sciences is also a science. Since pollution is often caused by humans’ influence on the environment, it calls for the inclusion of disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology, criminology, conflict resolution, economics, law, politics, public policy, psychology, sociology, etc. The case of </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.epa.gov/careers/what-kind-people-work-epa"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>USA’s Environmental Protection Agency</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> serves as an example of good practice since it comprises personnel from 25 different disciplines including biologists, chemists, ecologists, economists, engineers, epidemiologists, social scientists, life scientists, intelligence research specialists, etc. Therefore, the ineffectiveness of our regulatory bodies cannot be resolved by increasing human resources alone, we need appropriately qualified personnel from variegated disciplines so as to address environmental problems holistically. For effective environmental problem solving, it also becomes necessary to involve non-academic stakeholders such as local communities, marginalised sections of society, CSOs, etc in policy making and implementation to not only ensure an effective solution but also a just solution.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-tags--updates.html.twig x field--node--field-tags.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--field-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--field-tags.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/environment" hreflang="en">environment</a></li> <li><a href="/tags/climate-change" hreflang="en">Climate Change</a></li> </ul> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--field-tags.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links--inline.html.twig * links--node.html.twig * links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'addtoany_standard' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * addtoany-standard--node--updates.html.twig * addtoany-standard--node.html.twig x addtoany-standard.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_37 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/environmental-protection-needs-more-just-pure-sciences-and-scientists" data-a2a-title="Environmental protection needs more than just the pure sciences and scientists"><a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_google_gmail"></a><a class="a2a_button_whatsapp"></a><a class="a2a_button_telegram"></a><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"></a><a class="a2a_button_reddit"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a><a class="a2a_button_copy_link"></a></span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:18:01 +0000 subramani.muthukumar 1366 at https://climateconnection.org.in https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/environmental-protection-needs-more-just-pure-sciences-and-scientists#comments Event Report on National Conference on Air Pollution and Climate Change https://climateconnection.org.in/content/event-report-national-conference-air-pollution-and-climate-change <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--report.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--report.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Event Report on National Conference on Air Pollution and Climate Change</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--report.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--report.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/users/subramanimuthukumar" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">subramani.muthukumar</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--report.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--report.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Wed, 01/03/2023 - 09:38</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links--inline.html.twig * links--node.html.twig * links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--report.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--report.html.twig * field--body.html.twig x field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2 class="text-align-center">A report on the proceedings of the</h2> <h1 class="text-align-center">National Conference on Air Pollution and Climate Change</h1> <h3 class="text-align-center">January 31, 2023 <br />  </h3> <h4 class="text-align-center">Organised by</h4> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32f62103-4313-4085-8452-11035be6aafb" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/Logo.png" /></p> <p> </p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Report prepared by  </strong></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mala Balaji (Researcher, Environment &amp; Climate Action, CAG)</p> <p class="text-align-center">Shankar Prakash (Researcher, Environment &amp; Climate Action, CAG)</p> <p class="text-align-center">Madhuvanthi Rajkumar (Researcher, Environment &amp; Climate Action, CAG)<br />  </p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Acknowledgements: </strong></p> <p class="text-align-center">The authors acknowledge Vamsi Shankar Kapilavai and S. Saroja for their critical review of the report and Benedicta Issac for editing the report.<br />  </p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>National Conference on Air Pollution and Climate Change</strong></p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 1</strong>: Air pollution &amp; climate change - 2 sides of the same coin</p> <ol> <li class="text-align-center">Nexus between air pollution and climate change - A multifaceted problem - Mr. Bhasker Tripathi, Freelance journalist.</li> <li class="text-align-center">Socio-economic issues in Non-Attainment Cities - Mr G. Sundarrajan, Poovulagin Nanbargal.</li> </ol> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 2</strong>: Suffocating Indian cities</p> <ol> <li class="text-align-center">Vehicular emissions - Mr. Anirudh Narla, International Council on Clean Transportation.</li> <li class="text-align-center">Industrial pollution in coastal cities - Ms. Gandhimathi, Coastal Action Network.</li> <li class="text-align-center">Waste(full) cities - Ms. Sumana Narayanan, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group</li> </ol> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 3</strong>: Indian policy responses to Air Pollution</p> <ol> <li class="text-align-center">CPCB Action plans in NAC - Dr. Ethirajan,TNPCB</li> <li class="text-align-center">Viewing air pollution and policies through the gender lens - Ms. Pallavi Pant, Health Effects Institute</li> <li class="text-align-center">Status of implementation of NCAP and roadblocks - Mr. Sunil Dahiya, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air</li> <li class="text-align-center">Securing India's database for AP - Dr. Pratima Singh, Centre for the study of Science, Technology and Policy</li> </ol> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 4</strong>: Sustainable solutions for Air Quality Management</p> <ol> <li class="text-align-center">India’s AQM - pollution prevention and control infrastructure - Dr. Abinaya, Centre for Policy Research</li> <li class="text-align-center">Zero waste cities - Mr. Shibu Nair, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives</li> <li class="text-align-center">Transition to renewables - Ms. Bhargavi Rao, Environment Support Group</li> <li class="text-align-center">Sustainable mobility to combat air pollution - Mr. Ranjit Gadgil, Parisar</li> </ol> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 5</strong>: Sustainable citizen accounts</p> <ol> <li class="text-align-center">Ms. Janani Venkitesh, a Resident of Kasturbanagar Association (ROKA)</li> <li class="text-align-center">Ms. Nina Sumbramani, Warrior Moms</li> <li class="text-align-center">Mr. Suresh, Environmental Enthusiast</li> </ol> <p><strong>Welcome address</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02f1df7b-77db-4db3-a7e3-5a4267dc37a9" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image7_2.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Ms. S. Saroja</p> <p class="text-align-center">Executive Director, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group</p> <p>The conference began with Ms. Saroja, Executive Director of Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG), extending a warm welcome to the chief guest, speakers, members of the press and the audience. She began by highlighting India’s position as the infamous front-runner in air pollution related deaths. She touched upon the disproportionate loss and damage due to climate change in  developing countries and how 95% of deaths caused by air pollution occur in developing countries. She explained why  air pollution cannot be seen as one individual complication of our frenzied lives but instead should be seen as going hand in glove with the climate crisis. She hoped that the discussions would aim to explain and understand how we can intervene at the various stages of the vicious air pollution - climate change cycle in such a way as to mitigate their cumulative effects on humankind. She concluded  that the conference would pave the way for government officials, civil society, academia, industry and underrepresented groups to come together to understand the problems from the ministerial to institutional to the grassroots level; and help us come together to derive a holistic approach to control air pollution and mitigate climate change effects.</p> <p><strong>Keynote address</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6984468e-714b-413b-8f29-2f340d0c3255" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image12.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Deepak Bilgi I.F.S,</p> <p class="text-align-center">Department of Environment &amp; Climate Change, Government of Tamil Nadu</p> <p>Mr. Deepak Bilgi I.F.S, Director, Department of Environment &amp; Climate Change, Government of Tamil Nadu, delivered the keynote address. He stressed the importance of concerted action by governments, stakeholders and the public towards controlling air pollution and mitigating climate change impacts. He explained  that the ultimate aim of the climate change mission should be to create  intrinsic changes in human behaviour. While air pollution is primarily seen as a public health issue, he highlighted that the deterioration of public health and loss of the labour force will impact the country’s economy. Therefore, in addition to being seen as an ecological problem, climate change should also be viewed as a serious  economic one. </p> <p><strong>Launch of CAG’s textbook on climate Change - Facts on Climate Change Unravelled for Students ( FOCUS)</strong></p> <p>Following the keynote address, Mr. Deepak Bilgi, Mr. Ashok Varadan Shetty, IAS (Retd) -Trustee, CAG, and Prof. Sultan Ismail, Member, State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu were invited on stage to launch FOCUS (Facts on Climate Change Unravelled for Students), CAG’s textbook on climate change for middle school students.  During the launch, Ms. Mala Balaji gave a summary of how the textbook is a part of CAG’s project to introduce climate change within the middle school curriculum. The textbook is already in its pilot phase in select schools in Tamil Nadu. Ms. Mala explained the research and processes that went into compiling the textbook and that on completion of the pilot phase, CAG will request the government that  it be introduced as a part of the regular school curriculum. </p> <p><img alt="electricity" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f412dd66-49d6-40ec-b2bf-2fdd6d07a62d" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image13.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Launch of CAG’s textbook, FOCUS, on climate change</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>CAG’s work on Environment &amp; Climate Action</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f0ceeb8-b4f6-411f-a936-ea749e22da0b" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image11.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Ms. Mala Balaji</p> <p class="text-align-center">Researcher, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group</p> <p> Ms. Mala Balaji, Researcher, Environment and Climate Action at CAG, presented  on CAG’s work in the Environment and Climate Action space. She explained the rationale behind CAG’s work in  protecting eco-sensitive areas and promoting transparent decision-making by the government. CAG's Thermal Watch Initiative aims to educate local communities and NGOs about the regulatory and administrative processes for industrial activities and to build capacity for a more people-centred, clean-energy future. Ms.Balaji added that CAG is committed to empowering local communities and promoting stricter compliance with environmental protection requirements. Mr. Shankar Prakash, Researcher, Environment and Climate Action then gave an overview of CAG's work on air pollution and climate change.</p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3abdb645-1631-483b-96f1-d5308b9803c9" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image4_8.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. A. Shankar Prakash</p> <p class="text-align-center">Researcher, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group</p> <p>Mr. Shankar Prakash explained how  CAG is focused on addressing air pollution and climate change by utilizing a multifaceted approach that includes conducting research, advocating for change, and promoting citizen science. This involves monitoring air quality, investigating the effects of air pollution and climate change, and encouraging authorities to adopt cleaner energy sources. Mr. Shankar went on to elaborate how CAG also regularly organises workshops and educational programs to improve participants' knowledge and capacity, and creates informational and educational materials in local languages. He concluded his presentation by explaining that CAG is committed to creating the tools and knowledge pieces required for community outreach and engagement in order to raise awareness about air pollution and climate change.<br />  </p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 1</strong></p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Air pollution &amp; climate change - 2 sides of the same coin</strong></p> <p><strong>Summary</strong>  </p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7cef393-f2ce-4cc1-9caf-3b26013da672" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image22.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Ms. Vinuta Gopal</p> <p class="text-align-center">Co-founder &amp; CEO, ASAR</p> <p>The first session on ‘Air pollution and climate change - two sides of the same coin’ was moderated by Ms. Vinuta Gopal, ASAR. The session delved into discussions around the interconnection between air pollution and climate change; the sources of air pollution such as industries, transportation, construction and demolition debris and burning of waste are the same sources of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. Therefore, the solutions for both also automatically overlap. Extreme weather events in developing countries have resulted in loss and damage of livelihood, property and persons. Overall, public health is the common and widely impacted outcome of air pollution. This session explained how  understanding the nexus between weather, climate variability, air pollution and public health will better prepare us to tackle the effects of climate change.</p> <p><strong>Nexus between air pollution and climate change - a multifaceted problem</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d498a0e1-b3bc-42df-ac72-fc0a79b7ee37" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image27.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Bhasker Tripathi</p> <p class="text-align-center">Journalist</p> <p>Mr. Bhasker Tripathi, a renowned climate journalist, explained why the climate crisis is also a geopolitical issue, touching upon the  power politics between developed and developing nations. He said  developed countries, after having gone through their industrialisation era much earlier (than developing countries), have historically contributed to the majority of the greenhouse gas emissions. While developing countries are just beginning their industrial growth, it is unjust of the developed nations to ask developing nations to cut down emissions which the former is largely responsible for. He claimed that although individual action is important, the real question should be posed to large polluters such as MNCs, particularly fossil fuel companies and demand redeeming action.</p> <p>He stressed the importance of posing questions to the government about the big polluters and asking what has been done to make them comply. While he acknowledged the actions taken by the government in shifting to renewables, he added that it is important to ensure a just transition, although it is quite hard to do that in a country like India which remains  heavily dependent on coal. Electric vehicles have been promoted as the green solution to the transportation problem, however, it is important to see how the energy needs for EVs are met. Other solutions such as green grid and LPG cooking fuel sound good on paper, but might not be accessible and affordable to all.</p> <p>He flagged the relaxations granted to industries by Pollution Control Boards (PCB) in the name of ‘ease of doing business’ and called out the fact that compliance can never really be achieved if self-audits are the primary mechanism for ensuring accountability. He also mentioned that we need to focus on the capacity building of PCBs since they see themselves as more of an advisory body rather than an implementing body.</p> <p><strong>Socio-economic issues in Non-Attainment Cities</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="027d526a-57b3-4d85-ab78-226bd0d96a4e" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image25.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Sundarrajan</p> <p class="text-align-center">Poovulagin Nanbargal</p> <p>Mr. Sundarrajan started his presentation by giving the audience a reality check that if we believe that  Chennai is performing better than other metro cities vis-a-vis air pollution, we are believing an illusion. He mentioned that four  cities in Tamil Nadu have been categorised as ‘Non-Attainment Cities’. He revealed alarming facts and stats about Chennai’s air pollution problem caused by thermal power plants, other red-category industries and vehicular congestion. He said that Chennai’s severity  of air pollution does not show up in numbers only  because of the coastal advantage. However, the role of the sea in absorbing toxic air cannot be relied upon for far too long. He revealed that the number of deaths due to air pollution in Chennai is higher than in other cities due to the numerous thermal power plants. The further expansion of thermal power plants in Tamil Nadu has resulted in over 50000 deaths. </p> <p>He also added that the problem of air pollution needs to be viewed from a socio-economic perspective since most of these polluting industries, particularly the thermal power plants are located in North Chennai, where the lower income neighbourhoods are situated.  He pointed out the cruel reality that while the rich people who live in air-conditioned houses can afford indoor air purifiers, the poor who live in the vicinity of these power plants have no other choice but to breathe toxic air. He also pointed out the caste divide,  with North Chennai families typically being from the  oppressed castes. This clear divide in unhesitatingly polluting the socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, makes air pollution and climate change,  a class and caste issue.</p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 2 </strong></p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Suffocating Indian cities</strong></p> <p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38cbc1b0-d756-4913-9a9f-adea5cf68d01" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image3_14.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Prof. Sultan Ismail,</p> <p class="text-align-center">Member, State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu </p> <p>The second session of the conference was on ‘Suffocating Indian Cities’. Prof. Sultan Ismail, the moderator, began the session on the note that air pollution in India, particularly in megacities and non-attainment cities, requires our immediate and sustained attention. The major sources of air pollution in cities are emissions from vehicles, industries, construction and demolition debris and mismanaged solid waste. Rapid urbanisation and accelerated industrial growth have added to the existing air pollution problem. Among the top 50 most polluted cities in the world, 35 are from India. Therefore, air pollution is a pressing issue in India which needs to be prioritised and addressed immediately.</p> <p><strong>Vehicular emissions</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9dd75081-b493-46b7-992b-d8df0db47c45" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image17.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Anirudh Narla</p> <p class="text-align-center">Associate Researcher, International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)</p> <p>Mr. Anirudh Narla, briefly explained the study he has undertaken as part of  the International Council on Clean Transportation, with the aim of reducing vehicular pollution. He elaborated on ‘The Real Urban Emissions initiative’ (TRUE) which proposes an alternate testing methodology for vehicles to capture and understand the real-world testing of emissions. He explained that since the ‘Pollution Under Control’ certification doesn’t capture the key pollutants which are harmful to the environment, the use of infrared and ultraviolet rays can help detect and capture key pollutants such as nitrous oxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and other particulate matter in tailpipe  emissions. ICCT has been working with the Clean Air Fund and the Centre for Science and Environment to scientifically measure vehicular emissions. This model helped identify that diesel taxis emit 5 times more than other vehicle groups in London. This model has also been used in Kolkata to screen high-emitting vehicle groups. He explained that  the Delhi NCR TRUE remote sensing study will provide scientific evidence for real-time emissions, and identify low-emission and high-emission zones in the city, thus helping policymakers to make decisions based on scientific data.</p> <p><strong>Industrial pollution in coastal cities</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="11d287bc-af1b-4d41-a0e4-b69028cdcce9" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image23.png" class="align-center" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Ms. Gandhimathi</p> <p class="text-align-center">Coastal Action Network </p> <p>Ms. Gandhimathi from the Coastal Action Network (CAN) addressed the subject of air pollution caused by industries and subsequent health impacts for the people in the surrounding neighbourhoods. She explained how emissions from industries can drastically affect and alter the biodiversity of the region. She also added how the biodiversity of coastal cities, in particular, is at a risk due to industrial pollution. She drew the audience’s attention to the adverse impacts of thermal power plants and mentioned that due to improper storage of waste, the children in the neighbouring areas have developed various kinds of sicknesses. Ms. Gandhimathi emphasised that the calculation of social cost is often overlooked in assessing the impact of any industrial  activities. </p> <p>She enumerated a host of health issues developed by the workers in these industries, the major ones being respiratory, cardiovascular and neurobehavioral problems. She explained how industrial pollution can affect not only the health and  livelihoods of people in neighbouring areas but also  ocean and marine life. Since oceans play a vital role in the ecosystem as natural buffers, we could be running unimaginable risks by letting this happen. She also elaborated on a case study of shrimp farmers in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and the impacts of shrimp farming on water bodies that are  significantly altering the marine ecosystem.</p> <p><strong>Waste(full) cities</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ad0de36-10f6-4584-91de-f7535dc2266e" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image24.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Ms. Sumana Narayanan</p> <p class="text-align-center">Senior Researcher, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group </p> <p>Ms. Sumana from CAG addressed an important issue of mismanagement of waste as a cause of air pollution. She explained the different kinds of waste generated in India and brought the audience’s attention to the fact that over 60% of the waste generated in India is biodegradable waste which can be valuable as a resource if composted properly. A small portion of the waste is recyclable; however, recycling in India continues to be a myth. This is because waste is not segregated at source and therefore all kinds of waste are mixed together while collected and finally dumped in open dumpyards. She stressed that there is a huge difference between landfills and dump yards, although in India these two terms are used interchangeably. Apart from recyclable waste, there is domestic hazardous waste and bio-medical waste which cannot be recycled and needs to be disposed off in an environmentally friendly manner. However in India, since there is no segregation, all kinds of waste are dumped together and often incinerated as the end solution. </p> <p>Ms. Sumana emphasised the dangers of incinerating waste, particularly plastic waste which releases toxins such as furans when burnt, thus causing air pollution. The air pollution caused by incinerating solid waste is highly hazardous and can cause cancer, TB, asthma and other adverse health issues. She pointed out that those who are affected the most by air pollution caused due to incineration are the socio-economically disadvantaged sections of society since the dump yards are often located in their neighbourhoods. She also touched upon the role of the informal sector in the waste management value chain, particularly, e-waste. The informal waste workers are exposed to various health hazards while working in the dumpyards.  She also warned about the dangers of mixed waste, especially mixing bio-medical waste with solid waste in dump yards. Since urban local bodies cannot handle mixed waste in such large quantities every day, they choose the easy but unsustainable option of burning it. She highlighted that our systems are designed for linearity where overproduction and overconsumption are constantly encouraged. She therefore stressed the importance of promoting a circular economy and zero waste models which discourage use and throw behaviours.</p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 3 </strong></p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Indian policy responses to Air Pollution</strong></p> <p><strong>Summary </strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="824519f2-a6cf-44b8-b1bf-8a050875f3ee" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image9.png" class="align-center" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Nivit Kumar Yadav</p> <p class="text-align-center">Programme Director, Centre for Science and Environment </p> <p>This session delved into the scope and mandate of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and analysed whether sufficient budgetary allocation has been made to the programme. The ancillary issues and factors impeding the effective implementation of NCAP and the performance of Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) were examined. The policy was also  examined through the lens of subalterns, particularly women and indigenous communities. Mr. Nivit Kumar Yadav began the session by explaining how in order to tackle air pollution, the Indian government has implemented the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The program aims to address the issue in a comprehensive manner and target a reduction of 20-30% of particulate matter(PM)pollution by 2034, keeping 2017 as the base year. 432 non-attainment cities have been identified and asked to submit proposals for reducing air pollution. Despite NCAP having all the above provisions in place, there has been a lapse in the implementation phase; and therefore the results of the program have been a mixed bag. He added that this workshop is therefore vital to analysing the effectiveness of NCAP and identifying limitations and ways to overcome them.</p> <p><strong>CPCB Action plans in NAC</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3b91a66-bd8d-4cb6-b12c-01f962d793e1" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image26.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Dr. R. Ethirajan</p> <p class="text-align-center">Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board</p> <p>Dr. R. Ethirajan began the session by giving a presentation on the National Action Plan of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for managing non-attainment cities. He discussed the three major acts (The Water Act 1974, The Air Act 1981, and the EP Act 1986) that the CPCB and the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) implement to protect the environment. He explained the functions of the CPCB, MoEFCC, and state government in overseeing the work of the SPCBs. He also went into detail on the Air Act and the organisational structure of the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). Dr. Ethirajan discussed the major components of air quality management, including setting air quality standards, monitoring air pollution, identifying sources of air pollution, and implementing strategies to reduce air pollution. The government monitors air quality through the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring program, with data collected from 883 stations across 28 states. The CPCB also publishes an Air Quality Index and uses real-time monitoring stations and continuous air quality monitoring stations. Dr. Ethirajan also discussed the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), which is aimed at reducing PM pollution by 20-30% by 2024, with identified non-attainment cities having source apportionment studies and action plans to reduce pollution. He concluded by explaining how the government operates through committees at the centre and state levels to ensure that the NCAP goals are achieved.</p> <p><strong>Viewing air pollution and policies through the gender lens</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23240c71-1e07-42d4-bee7-e1e42b728518" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image20.png" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Dr. Pallavi Pant</p> <p class="text-align-center">Head of Global Health, Health Effects Institute</p> <p>Dr. Pallavi Pant highlighted the absence of gender as a factor  in discussions about air pollution. While there was  a lot of talk about how air pollution  affects health, environment, the economy, etc.,  the gender aspect of it barely receives the attention it deserves.  She further asked us to introspect about who is doing the chores at home, who cooks, who drops kids at school and takes care of them etc. She went on to explain that women, particularly those of childbearing age and pregnant women, are disproportionately affected by air pollution and household pollution due to their traditional roles in the home. She added that the usage of wood, coal, animal dumps etc as household fuel has an impact on the  respiratory health of women. Hence it becomes vital that we transition to cleaner fuels for women, so that they can step out of the house and take part in other roles contributing to the economy. She emphasised the importance of analysing gender roles in finding solutions to air pollution and called for more focus on the gender aspect in future discussions and policies. Ms. Pallavi also expressed her hope that future policies will consider the gender perspective and include gender-specific data analysis.</p> <p><strong>Status of implementation of NCAP and roadblocks</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b67dca5b-e53a-46e5-b2ab-f7521122fcb6" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image14.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Sunil Dahiya</p> <p class="text-align-center">Analyst, Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air</p> <p>Mr. Sunil Dhaiya discussed the implementation status of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and the roadblocks faced in its implementation. He mentioned that NCAP was implemented in 2019 after multiple consultations and revisions by MoEFCC and CPCB, but there are still roadblocks to its implementation. He talked about 4 different domains of NCAP with multiple indicators, including improving air quality monitoring mechanisms at the state and national levels. However, out of 26 cities, only 10 have submitted state-level action plans, and Tamil Nadu has yet to submit them. Also, despite a delay of 3 years, the base studies such as source apportionment and emission inventory have not been completed, which are crucial for strategic interventions. He further discussed the four different domains of NCAP, including strengthening the air quality monitoring mechanisms, but noted that the majority of the state-level action plans have not been submitted. He also pointed out that despite progress in some areas, the implementation of NCAP is failing. </p> <p>Mr. Dhaiya highlighted the lack of transparency in the committees set up to oversee the program, as well as the need for a different approach to industrial monitoring and setting standards for industries. He referred to a report by his organization, CSE, which outlines the status of NCAP and its progress in achieving its goals. He highlighted that despite multiple revisions and consultations, NCAP is facing difficulties in implementation. The NCAP is also facing problems with data availability and the integration of decision support systems.  Mr.Dhaiya concluded by saying that NCAP will not result in significant improvements unless there is a comprehensive mechanism for air quality management, stricter punitive actions on polluters, and a stratified national air quality approach.</p> <p><strong>Securing India's database for Air Pollution</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1a31401a-a0f0-4122-8899-1d8db53f5fae" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image10_0.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Dr. Pratima Singh</p> <p class="text-align-center">Senior Research Scientist, Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy</p> <p>Dr. Pratima Singh discussed the topic of "Securing India's Database for Air Pollution". She elaborated on the steps  to manage the air pollution problem,  with the first step being to set a goal,  which should be to provide clean breathing air for all. The next step is baseline air quality assessment, followed by air quality monitoring and management; the fourth step is intervention strategies and the final step is action plan implementation and evaluation. She pointed out that NCAP lacked a scientific approach and a robust emission inventory or source apportionment study, as most pollution boards in India do not have state-of-the-art laboratories to carry out such studies. </p> <p>Dr Singh also emphasised the need for high-quality data from authentic sources that can be used  for modelling and research purposes. For this, she stressed the importance of having a good network of monitoring stations and conducting emission inventory and source apportionment studies to identify the activities and sectors responsible for pollution. Dr. Pratima went on to explain the various ways of collecting data, such as through monitoring networks, manual emissions status, and continuous air quality management systems (CAQMS). While the  data currently available is collected by the state-level Pollution Control Boards and the government, institutions, and industries, this data is limited to research and compliance and not for the larger picture of understanding the impact of air pollution on health. Therefore, she emphasised the need to use data for the right purposes and not just to show numbers. Pratima highlighted the challenges in air pollution monitoring in India. Despite the need for 4000 monitors, the country only has 1387 monitors. The distribution of these monitors is also not even, with over 33% of real-time monitors concentrated in Delhi alone. The cost of setting up a monitoring station is also high, requiring an investment of over Rs. 4000Cr for 4000 monitors. This highlights the need for more investment and better planning in order to effectively monitor and address air pollution in India. </p> <p>Dr. Singh said that there is a need for a central database of emission inventory studies in India which can be accessed by researchers, policymakers and the public to better understand the air pollution problem in India and to develop effective strategies for reducing air pollution. Dr. Singh  stressed the need for young researchers to create a standard template for air quality data collection and for institutions to educate policymakers and various departments about the data required for effective air quality management. She also encouraged the creation of country-level databases to better understand and manage the air pollution problem in India.</p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 4</strong></p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Sustainable solutions for Air Quality Management</strong></p> <p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdef9d1-055a-4ec7-86ae-088b52a93cff" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image16.jpg" class="align-center" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Dharmesh Shah</p> <p class="text-align-center">Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment</p> <p>Mr. Shah began explaining how  air pollution must not just be viewed as prevalent only in highly populated and urbanised areas but as something that has also reached the purest uninhabited corners of the world. Air pollution is not a new issue in India, but one that  has gained a lot of traction recently due to the rapidly worsening of air quality from anthropogenic sources. It results not only in individual and environmental loss but also affects the country’s economy, labour force and public health. </p> <p>Mr. Dharmesh discussed the possible sustainable solutions to tackle air pollution at source, especially emissions from vehicles, fossil fuels and solid waste. While managing the problem at source, parallelly, there is a growing need to conduct health surveillance and mapping to keep track of the impacts on public health.  The point about how India’s policy framework lags behind technological progress and the need for sustainable solutions to a modern problem which requires substantial political will to be implemented effectively was discussed.</p> <p><strong>India’s AQM - pollution prevention and control infrastructure</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9db0f2e3-2738-4214-be3b-418eff2f4d47" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image19.png" class="align-center" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Dr. Abinaya Shekar</p> <p class="text-align-center">Senior Research Associate, Centre for Policy Research</p> <p>Dr. Abinaya Shekar  discussed the evolution of air quality management (AQM), the issues and capacity of regulatory agencies, and the control measures that are taken. The objective of NCAP is to attain acceptable national ambient air quality standards. The standard PM2.5 levels that sensitive areas are required to maintain are designated by the State Government. However, none of the states have a clear definition of  sensitive zones. Furthermore, the 2009 standards are considered lenient compared to 1994 standards. Dr. Abinaya raised concerns about the capacity of regulatory authorities, citing that more than 50% of technical posts in the country are currently vacant and there is a lack of uniform pattern of assessment and selection criteria for these posts across the country. </p> <p>She emphasised the importance of providing scientific evidence to implement effective control measures and called for a transparent and scientific approach to determining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), taking into consideration the health evidence, factors used in similar cities, and involving the public in the decision-making process. Dr. Abinaya suggested that a revision of the AQM and NAAQS should be carried out in a periodic manner and that an airshed approach should be adopted to address the transport of pollutants from one state to another. She concluded by recommending that India should learn from cities like Mumbai and reduce local sources of pollutants, such as paving roads and banning diesel vehicles.</p> <p><strong>Zero waste cities</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6d83a0f-a1c8-4d23-b9a7-ec8277cf5586" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image15.png" class="align-center" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Shibu Nair</p> <p class="text-align-center">Regional Organics Campaigner, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives</p> <p>In the presentation given by Mr. Shibu Nair, the topic of biodegradable waste management in municipalities, both in India and other countries was discussed. He highlighted the dangers of  burning waste as a means of cleansing, as it contributes to pollution. Mr. Shibu pointed out that the current trend in waste management is decentralisation, as people are rejecting centralised waste management plants in their neighbourhoods. This has led to cities setting up small-scale decentralised composting facilities.  The promotion of this system creates more businesses, and jobs and improves the local economy, as seen in Kerala. </p> <p>Mr. Shibu criticised the approach taken in Kochi where biodegradable waste is collected, composted, dried, burned, and then dumped in a mine or released into the air, adding to pollution. He emphasised the need for a simpler solution that eliminates transportation and reduces pollution. Mr. Shibu concluded by emphasising the importance of promoting home compost systems, kitchen and urban gardening, and organic farming to solve the issue of organic waste management in a sustainable manner.</p> <p><strong>Transition to renewables</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed18bdef-cd4a-4e67-bfea-6ec91774c23c" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image8_0.png" class="align-center" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Dr. Bhargavi Rao</p> <p class="text-align-center">Senior Fellow/ Trustee, Environment Support Group</p> <p>Dr.Bhargavi Rao emphasised the significance of understanding the developments in the renewable energy sector while discussing air pollution and climate change. She stressed the need to assess the impact of renewable energy projects on local communities and the environment. She went on to talk about the negative impacts of the Pavagada solar park, a 2000 MW solar project in Karnataka, India. According to her, the project has resulted in the displacement of local communities, and loss of access to fields, grazing pastures, schools, roads, etc. The small and marginalised farmers received only one-time payments and have limited access to resources, resulting in poverty and increased mortality rates. Local people were not hired for installation work, with migrants being hired instead.  </p> <p>Dr. Bhargavi pointed out that the region has a lot of pastoral jobs, but pastoral communities have lost access to their livelihoods. Additionally, despite being located near solar panels, the local communities still don't have access to electricity. She concluded by saying that it is important to ensure the participation of local people in such projects to minimise its negative impacts.</p> <p><strong>Sustainable mobility to combat air pollution</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="928bb920-5251-48e9-a234-db48f5d2b14e" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image6_4.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Ranjit Gadgil</p> <p class="text-align-center">Programme Director, Parisar</p> <p>Mr. Ranjit Gadgil spoke on sustainable mobility as a solution to combat air pollution. He highlighted that the cumulative effect of transport on air pollution is increasing and that there is a reasonable argument for promoting electric vehicles (EVs) in cities due to their exposure to air pollution. He also emphasised the importance of demand management and reducing waste in order to combat air pollution.</p> <p>Mr. Ranjit pointed out some positive initiatives in cities, such as Pune, which has adopted a comprehensive bicycle plan, and urban street design guidelines, and organises a pedestrian day annually. However, he also mentioned the challenges faced in implementing sustainable mobility, such as the need to reduce car trips and shift to walking, cycling, and public transport. </p> <p>Mr. Ranjit also discussed the downsides of car-centric planning, its ecological impact, and how this is a result of a misunderstanding of the use of flyovers among city planners. He emphasised the importance of demand management, such as parking policies, to discourage car usage and encourage sustainable mobility. He concluded by highlighting the need for a significant increase in the number of buses in India to move towards sustainable mobility.</p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Session 5 </strong></p> <p class="text-align-center"><strong>Sustainable citizen accounts</strong></p> <p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>In addition to the technical sessions by experts,  this session was dedicated to citizens sharing accounts of  sustainable lifestyles. </p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="848706f7-2c8b-4b09-9e91-a943b014407f" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image21.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Ms. Janani Venkitesh</p> <p class="text-align-center">Member, Residents of Kasturbanagar Association</p> <p>Ms. Janani Venkitesh, member of Residents of Kasturbanagar Association (ROKA), shared her field-level work on promoting source segregation of waste.  She narrated how  ROKA volunteers have successfully diverted 1.5 metric tons of biodegradable waste from landfills through collection drives. Though they represent Kasturbanagar, their efforts extend to a few other cities and municipalities. She recollected Dr.Ismail’s speech and concurred with him that while dealing with waste we should think of it as resource management rather than solid waste management. To promote sustainable consumption, waste should be considered as a valuable resource. While there are many organisations working to build awareness about climate change, she stressed that ROKA works towards monitoring and implementation of policies. ROKA’s activities aim to include kids and adults in the community and also include housekeeping staff who largely deal with household waste.</p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86b1bb94-8e3a-46e1-b946-a8f6fd216516" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image2_16.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Ms. Nina Subramani</p> <p class="text-align-center">Warrior Moms</p> <p>Ms. Nina Sumbramani is from Warrior Moms, a collective led by women in selected states, committed to advocating for clean air and a countrywide healthy air quality index in line with WHO standards for children. She highlighted how air pollution is disproportionately distributed within Chennai’s geography. She and other mothers across the country have launched a ‘know your rights campaign’ initiative to raise awareness and amplify the health effects of air pollution. As most rural households can’t afford LPG cylinders, air pollution at the household level caused by burning biomass fuel affects mothers and children. </p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57fd1c77-a229-431c-a325-32ec250f7692" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image5_5.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Mr. Suresh</p> <p class="text-align-center">Environmental Enthusiast</p> <p>Mr. Suresh is a self-taught environmental enthusiast who has taken it upon himself to find household-level solutions to environmental problems. He has successfully implemented projects such as rainwater harvesting, solar roof-top, biogas generation, terrace gardening, hydroponics, air-to-water generation, solar scooters and wastewater recycling in his house. He explained how he has  shared his experiences and household-level environment-friendly solutions with over 25,000 people and has given over 500 talks. He is of the opinion that individuals should not expect the governments to find the solutions; instead, they should find solutions themselves.  </p> <p><strong>Vote of Thanks and Conclusion</strong></p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7509c1d-c380-4864-a185-768bc8024b49" src="https://www.cag.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-images/image1_22.jpg" /></p> <p class="text-align-center">Ms. Madhuvanthi R</p> <p class="text-align-center">Researcher, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group</p> <p>Madhuvanthi from CAG thanked all the speakers for sharing their views, suggestions, and experiences on technical and policy issues related to air pollution. The conference helped in understanding the interconnectedness of air pollution and climate change and how the socioeconomic dimensions underlie this intersection. All the speakers concurred that in the persistent conflict between economy and ecology, economy always wins. However,  it was also highlighted that since air pollution and climate change impact public health and subsequently affects the economy of the country, taking control measures to combat air pollution and mitigating climate change effects is also beneficial from an economic point of view. The discussions also helped us understand in-depth about various sources of pollution and the challenges in regulating them. The conference also analysed the Indian policy responses to air pollution, particularly the National Clean Air Programme, its scope, and the roadblocks in its implementation. Due importance was also given to inclusive and participatory decision-making by discussing the importance of viewing the problem of air pollution through the gender lens. Rather than stopping with enumerating the issues, the conference also provided an arena to suggest some potential sustainable solutions and pathways in the context of transportation, waste management, fossil fuels and the process of transitioning to renewables. The conference concluded with 3 responsible citizens who practise sustainable initiatives in their daily lives explaining how it is possible to take action against air pollution at an individual level while waiting on macro level solutions from the government.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author--report.html.twig * field--node--field-author.html.twig * field--node--report.html.twig * field--field-author.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class='field__items'> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author/mala-balaji-researcher-environment-and-climate-action" hreflang="en">Mala Balaji, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author/shankar-prakash-researcher-environment-and-climate-action" hreflang="en"> Shankar Prakash, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author/madhuvanthi-rajkumar-researcher-environment-and-climate-action-solid-waste-management" hreflang="en"> Madhuvanthi Rajkumar, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action &amp; Solid Waste Management</a></div> </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-tags--report.html.twig x field--node--field-tags.html.twig * field--node--report.html.twig * field--field-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--field-tags.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-above clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/climate-change" hreflang="en">Climate Change</a></li> <li><a href="/tags/air-pollution" hreflang="en">Air Pollution</a></li> </ul> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--field-tags.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'addtoany_standard' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * addtoany-standard--node--report.html.twig * addtoany-standard--node.html.twig x addtoany-standard.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_37 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climateconnection.org.in/content/event-report-national-conference-air-pollution-and-climate-change" data-a2a-title="Event Report on National Conference on Air Pollution and Climate Change"><a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_google_gmail"></a><a class="a2a_button_whatsapp"></a><a class="a2a_button_telegram"></a><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"></a><a class="a2a_button_reddit"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a><a class="a2a_button_copy_link"></a></span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> Wed, 01 Mar 2023 04:08:22 +0000 subramani.muthukumar 1340 at https://climateconnection.org.in COP27 - A hit or miss? https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/cop27-hit-or-miss <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--updates.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">COP27 - A hit or miss?</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author--updates.html.twig * field--node--field-author.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--field-author.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class='field__items'> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author/mala-balaji-researcher-environment-and-climate-action" hreflang="en">Mala Balaji, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author/shankar-prakash-researcher-environment-and-climate-action" hreflang="en"> Shankar Prakash, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author/madhuvanthi-rajkumar-researcher-environment-and-climate-action-solid-waste-management" hreflang="en"> Madhuvanthi Rajkumar, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action &amp; Solid Waste Management</a></div> </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--updates.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/users/subramanimuthukumar" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">subramani.muthukumar</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--updates.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Mon, 09/01/2023 - 09:59</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--updates.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--body.html.twig x field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>COP27 was a much-awaited climate summit as vulnerable developing countries and low-and middle-income countries were expecting definitive action to be taken in light of the growing visible impacts of climate change. Up until this year, COPs had a reputation of unkept promises and ambitions. But after the devastating impacts of climate change in the form of extreme weather events, the planet was awaiting real action by world leaders. COP27 was nicknamed the ‘implementation COP’ since the promises and expectations of yesteryear’s COPs were pending action. The Egyptian Presidency also termed it as ‘Africa COP’ in an attempt to bring the focus on Africa which is one of the worst-hit regions of climate change and therefore badly in need of implementation. So did COP27 deliver?</p> <p><strong>Climate finance</strong></p> <p>‘Loss and damage’ refers to the adverse impacts of climate change causing destruction to human health, property and environment. This is typically  more common in developing countries since they lack the infrastructure to predict, prevent and mitigate natural disasters. Climate finance has always been a difficult topic in COPs since it requires the financial cooperation of developed countries. To meet this goal, enormous finances need to be pumped into developing countries to not only address loss and damage but also to ensure a just transition to clean energy. To address this, the developed countries pledged to contribute $100 billion each year to developing countries in Copenhagen in 2009. However, not for a single year since then, has this target been<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02846-3"> met</a>. Currently, the world is far off track from the Paris target ((to keep global warming to under 1.5°C)) as the use of fossil fuels continues at the same pace. And now, to meet the Paris goal , clean energy investments need to be tripled by 2030 requiring more than <a href="https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/publication/global-landscape-of-climate-finance-a-decade-of-data/">$4 Trillion dollars</a>. This can be achieved only if all developed countries pull their weight in climate finance; but this is not happening.  In 2020, the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK <a href="https://carnegieendowment.org/2022/11/21/as-financial-pledges-trickle-in-did-cop27-meet-its-goal-of-implementation-pub-88452">contributed</a> much below their targets while Germany, France, Japan and Netherlands paid billions of dollars more than their promised targets. While there are newer promises each year by developed countries, especially the USA, it seems to be unclear whether these new pledges are financed by pulling out of prior promises.</p> <p>COP27 was a historic meeting since after 30 years of delay and inaction by the developed countries, the ‘Loss and Damage fund’ was finally set up. It is important that there is unanimous agreement and understanding that the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ is not a benevolent charitable act by the developed countries but rather reparations and compensation paid to the developing countries for the climate disasters they face due to the former’s dominating share of greenhouse gas emissions. The <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/11/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-new-initiatives-at-cop27-to-strengthen-u-s-leadership-in-tackling-climate-change/">$100 billion pledge</a> (the US’s promised contribution to the Adaptation Fund) should be independent and in addition to the ‘<a href="https://unfccc.int/news/cop27-reaches-breakthrough-agreement-on-new-loss-and-damage-fund-for-vulnerable-countries">loss and damage</a>’ fund and not considered to be a substitute.  While acknowledging that the agreement of setting up a loss and damage fund is groundbreaking, it is not cause enough for celebration since the fund comes 30 years too late.  There are also other important questions such as how to quantify ‘loss and damage’, who contributes how much, who gets first priority in disbursement and whether India and China should be eligible for compensation under this fund, which remain unanswered. Developed nations seek to <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rich-nations-seek-to-turn-tables-on-india-china-with-call-to-pay-for-climate-damage-101668623893514.html">push</a> for financial contributions by India and China to the fund since they are two of the world’s top three GHG emitters. Without determining these operational questions, the loss and damage fund will remain an unfulfilled promise. </p> <p>Another financial arrangement targeting loss and damage was the <a href="https://www.v-20.org/v20-and-g7-jointly-launch-global-shield-against-climate-risks-at-cop27">Global Shield against Climate Risks</a> jointly launched by G7 and V20 countries at COP27. This will be supported by the Global Shield Financing Facility launched by the World Bank Group to better protect vulnerable nations against climate disasters by pre-arranging finance. The initiative will offer consolidated financial support to vulnerable countries before disasters occur and also complement adaptation investments. The Global Shield Financing initiative will also facilitate mobilising private finance solutions for climate disaster risk reduction. However, in the absence of adequate policy space and in light of the energy crisis in Europe exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict, private sector financiers remain unwilling to pause investments in fossil fuels.</p> <p>COP27 also witnessed the operationalisation of the Santiago network (established at COP25 in Madrid) to facilitate just transition in developing countries by catalysing technical assistance, knowledge and resources.  Apart from outcomes emanating from COP, more success in transitioning to clean energy can be found in side events such as Indonesia’s <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/indonesia-just-energy-transition-partnership-launched-at-g20">Just Energy Transition Partnership</a> to phase out coal by 2030. Although bilateral deals struck outside COP show some promise and hope, they cannot and should not be used to artificially bolster  COP’s multilateral outcomes.  Since countries even smaller than Indonesia or Vietnam, like the small island nations, lack the leverage to deal with developed countries to strike fair bilateral agreements, they might be pushed into securing loans which ultimately end as a debt trap.</p> <p><img alt="climate change" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="251c937d-bf61-4e43-bf64-7ad277872a68" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/COP27-word-cloud.jpg.jpg" width="960" height="540" loading="lazy" /></p> <p><strong>Adaptation to climate change and COP 27</strong></p> <p>Adaptation refers to ecological, social or economic adjustments in response to actual or expected climate change spurs and their effects or impacts. It refers to changes in processes, practices, and structures to mitigate potential <a href="https://unfccc.int/topics/adaptation-and-resilience/the-big-picture/what-do-adaptation-to-climate-change-and-climate-resilience-mean">damages or benefit from climate change</a> opportunities. In simple terms, countries and communities, primarily developing and vulnerable countries, need to develop adaptation solutions to combat climate change, and  implement measures to respond to the impacts of climate change that are already happening. The ‘Climate Finance’ and ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ can be used for climate change adaptation, if implemented in letter and spirit. Climate Finance may help developing and vulnerable countries invest in renewable energy to reduce emissions, whereas the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ helps such countries to become resilient and restore themselves from unavoidable losses and permanent damage arising from climate change effects. This year’s devastating Pakistan floods have been assessed at roughly<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2022/10/28/pakistan-flood-damages-and-economic-losses-over-usd-30-billion-and-reconstruction-needs-over-usd-16-billion-new-assessme"> US$ 30 billion in losses and damages</a>. In light of such and more significant financial loss due to extreme weather events, serious concerns were raised on the existing gap between current levels of adaptation and the need to respond to adverse climate change effects. It is important that countries’ ability to respond is brought in line with findings of Working Group II to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC)<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-ii/"> Sixth Assessment Report</a> (AR6). As a gap-minimising exercise, developed countries were asked to urgently and significantly scale up their provision of climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building for adaptation in order to respond to the needs of developing and vulnerable countries.</p> <p>Also, the fourth session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (aka CMA 4), recognised that the<a href="https://unfccc.int/topics/adaptation-and-resilience/the-big-picture/new-elements-and-dimensions-of-adaptation-under-the-paris-agreement-article-7"> Global Goal on Adaptation</a> (GGA) would contribute to reducing the risk of climate change. The GGA aims at enhancing adaptive capacity and resilience to reduce vulnerability and contribute to sustainable development. It requires all Parties to engage in and communicate their efforts to plan and implement climate change adaptation. Further, <a href="https://enb.iisd.org/sites/default/files/2022-11/enb12818e_1.pdf">CMA 4 reiterated</a> the significance of the role of the<a href="https://unfccc.int/Adaptation-Fund"> Adaptation Fund</a>, which finances projects and programmes that help vulnerable communities in developing countries, in climate finance architecture. Though new financial pledges made at COP 27 are a step forward, CMA 4 urged all contributors to fulfil their commitments on time and ensure the sustainability of the resources of the Fund.</p> <p><strong>Report of the Adaptation Committee</strong></p> <p>The<a href="https://unfccc.int/Adaptation-Committee"> Adaptation Committee</a> is the overall advisory body under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for assisting the consistent implementation of action on climate adaptation. To keep track of the adaptation mechanism, the Committee presented a<a href="https://unfccc.int/documents/279284"> draft supplementary guidance</a> for voluntary use by Parties. Also, a<a href="https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/ac22_6a_assess_needs.pdf"> technical paper</a> consisting of methodologies for assessing adaptation needs and their application and related gaps and lessons learned were presented. During Committee deliberations, certain Parties felt the need to involve the IPCC expertise in <a href="https://enb.iisd.org/sites/default/files/2022-11/enb12818e_1.pdf">measuring adaptation mechanisms</a>, while some disagreed, citing that the IPCC already has a full workload considering the<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/about/future-work/"> seventh assessment report</a> (AR7) cycle. Several developing countries disagreed, underscoring that the IPCC’s engagement to this date has been general and limited. They observed specific substantive action is needed for adaptation-related matters, particularly considering the utilisation of the best available science. Unfortunately, no decisions were made by the Parties in this regard. As  science-based action is the critical component of climate change adaptation, the expertise of the IPCC should be utilised to strengthen the initiatives of the Adaptation Committee. Hopefully, future deliberations will move towards embracing science for climate change adaptation.  </p> <p><strong>Mitigation</strong></p> <p>Climate change mitigation fundamentally involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are warming our planet. Mitigation strategies include adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, etc,  retrofitting buildings to become more energy efficient, developing sustainable transport and promoting sustainable use of land and forests.</p> <p>On the mitigation front, <a href="https://unfccc.int/news/cop27-reaches-breakthrough-agreement-on-new-loss-and-damage-fund-for-vulnerable-countries">a work programme</a> was launched which is to be implemented immediately after COP27 and is proposed to continue till 2026 when a decision on its extension will be discussed. The main agenda of this program will be the urgent scaling up of mitigation ambition and implementation. The decision text urges rapid transformation of energy systems to a more secure, reliable and resilient one. It emphasises the acceleration of clean and just energy transition. It was also decided that a <a href="https://climatechampions.unfccc.int/what-is-the-global-stocktake/">global stocktake</a> will be done in the next COP in Dubai where governments will revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as well as expedite efforts to phasedown unabated coal power and phase-out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.</p> <p>Though the intent of the work programme is in good faith,  the final decision text on mitigation measures has hardly any mention of a benchmark needed to restrict temperature to 1.5 °C.  <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2022#:~:text=The%20world%20is%20not%20on,cent%20to%20avoid%20global%20catastrophe.">UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2022</a>  has found that policies currently in place point to an alarming 2.8°C scenario rise by the end of the century. Unless the world cuts its emissions by a good 45 per cent, this spells catastrophic consequences for our planet which is already reeling from the ill effects of climate disasters. Yet there is no significant decision on this issue and this is a serious cause of concern.  Furthermore, there is no mention in the text about peaking emissions by 2025 which is deemed necessary by science beyond which countries are required to drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This is as per the recommendations of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report which recommends that in order to limit global warming to less than 1.5 °C, global greenhouse gas emissions should peak before 2025 at the latest, and be reduced by 43% by 2030. In general COPs have an infamous reputation wherein such decision texts tend to get submerged in a labyrinth of inconsequential jargon rather than any specific commitments towards enabling climatic action.</p> <p>Another worrying factor is the status quo regarding the deep divide and lack of consensus between the global north and the global south. The Egypt COP saw both these sides spending a lot of time cutting down each other's proposal and watering down each other's texts. India highlighted the disproportionate use of the carbon budget and the need for equity under the basic principles of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/common-but-differentiated-responsibilities">common but differentiated responsibilities</a> (CBDR) based on the differences in levels of economic development between countries under the Paris Agreement. </p> <p>India also tried to push the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/india-for-phase-down-of-all-fossil-fuels-not-just-coal/articleshow/95480567.cms">phasedown of all fossil fuels, not just coal</a> which was turned down by quite a few developed countries.  The controversy surrounding the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-cop27-cover-text-india-pushes-for-equity-on-action-on-fossil-fuels-101668277797958.html">promotion of  “low-emission” energy</a> along with renewables which could be interpreted as oil and gas as fossil fuels that are less polluting when burned than coal seems more favourable to the developed countries whose energy mix is dominated by these fuels. On the other hand, India, being a developing country, is still not in a position to cut out coal from its energy mix entirely. According to India, selective singling out of emission sources and branding them as either harmful or green and sustainable cannot be scientifically valid as all of these are sources of greenhouse gases and hence it is unjust to single out coal, a fuel developing countries are greatly dependent on.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong></p> <p>COP27 opened up to a lot of expectations and hope, and it has finally ended with  <a href="https://countercurrents.org/2022/11/cop-27-concludes-without-conclusion/">not-so-promising conclusions</a>.  . The outcomes did not live up to COP's slogan this year which was  “Together for implementation”. It was anything but that with no consensus among nations on a number of issues including the all-important proposal to phase out all fossil fuels, not just coal, which India tried really hard to push. What came as a saving grace to this COP is the momentous and historic Loss and Damage fund. The fund was finally established after nearly three decades of to and fro and agreed upon during the wee hours of the conference which ran a good two days beyond the deadline. The next few months are allocated to chalk out the details of how the mechanism will work and how much will rich countries contribute and who the exact recipients will be. This will then be taken up at the COP28 meeting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next year.  With the UAE being a major hydrocarbon producer and a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, environmentalists fear that the host country could take a soft stance on fossil fuels.</p> <p>Our planet is in the <a href="https://media.un.org/en/asset/k12/k12p31t118">“emergency room”</a>. Governments and corporations should set aside their personal goals of growth and profit maximisation and work together for the sake of our planet and people. For this to happen, the phase-down of fossil fuels should happen at an unprecedented pace and the greenwashing of false solutions must end. We are running out of time and any tactics employed to delay a just and inclusive transition will prove catastrophic.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-tags--updates.html.twig x field--node--field-tags.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--field-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--field-tags.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/climate-change" hreflang="en">Climate Change</a></li> <li><a href="/tags/cop-27" hreflang="en">cop 27</a></li> </ul> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--field-tags.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links--inline.html.twig * links--node.html.twig * links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'addtoany_standard' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * addtoany-standard--node--updates.html.twig * addtoany-standard--node.html.twig x addtoany-standard.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_37 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/cop27-hit-or-miss" data-a2a-title="COP27 - A hit or miss?"><a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_google_gmail"></a><a class="a2a_button_whatsapp"></a><a class="a2a_button_telegram"></a><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"></a><a class="a2a_button_reddit"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a><a class="a2a_button_copy_link"></a></span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> Mon, 09 Jan 2023 04:29:27 +0000 subramani.muthukumar 1293 at https://climateconnection.org.in https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/cop27-hit-or-miss#comments How pop culture influences climate change https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/how-pop-culture-influences-climate-change <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--updates.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">How pop culture influences climate change</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-author--updates.html.twig * field--node--field-author.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--field-author.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class='field__items'> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author/madhuvanthi-rajkumar-researcher-environment-and-climate-action-solid-waste-management" hreflang="en"> Madhuvanthi Rajkumar, Researcher - Environment and Climate Action &amp; Solid Waste Management</a></div> </div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--updates.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" about="/users/subramanimuthukumar" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">subramani.muthukumar</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/user/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--updates.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden">Wed, 04/01/2023 - 11:59</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--updates.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--body.html.twig x field--text-with-summary.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>‘Pop culture’  otherwise known as popular culture refers to the mainstream cultural elements of people’s lives at a given point in time. It is  often driven by the West and  can include any popular and ‘in vogue’ music, fashion, art, television and movies, food habits, physical wellness and even relationships. Pop culture can also be called consumer culture since it reflects people’s and society’s lifestyle choices as a consumer and is often associated with trends of mass consumption. As can be expected, pop culture has changed vividly over the years,  starting from the industrial revolution to the introduction of mass media, televising sports, boot-cut jeans, the Rolling Stones, and nightclubs to today’s disruptor of social media. Before social media, pop culture trends were usually trail blazed by an actor, musician, athlete etc., either due to their own personal choices or by their association with brands. However, we now live in the  digital age, and pop culture trends are now created and made ‘viral’ by ‘</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-an-influencer/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>influencers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>’, particularly social media influencers.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>An influencer is a person who creates digital content and has a substantial ‘following’ on social media. In other words, an influencer is a person who is able to influence or persuade mass consumers towards any behavioural or materialistic choices. The ‘influencer trend’ exploded particularly during COVID-19 when everyone was cooped up in their homes with digital media being the only form of available social interaction.  Big Tech like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, and the corporates harnessed the power of influencers and their impressionable followers to market and advertise a range of products.  These decisions are driven by mob mentality which allows people  to believe that these trends symbolise status and affluence in society. They then  start endorsing and adopting these cultural trends in their own lives to feel part of mainstream society. Consumers value influencers’ opinions more than traditional advertisements since they perceive influencers to be ‘someone like them’. The potential of influencers to penetrate into consumers’ minds and homes has not been lost on fashion and beauty brands which have been progressively </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://searchengineland.com/marketers-take-notice-the-creator-economy-is-booming-386598"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>investing</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> more and more in influencer marketing than traditional ‘celebrity’ advertisements.  </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Influencers driven trends can vary from just copying innocuous dance moves to downright dangerous challenges. Somewhere in this vast spectrum lie influencer driven trends that are a serious source of concern on account of the nature and amount of burden that they are placing on planet Earth.  </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>One of these  is the burden which originates from the fashion industry - an industry that relies heavily on influencers for its brand image and marketing. Fast fashion gets its name because the process moves so fast from ideation to prototype, mass production and mass consumption. Fast fashion brands like </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://brightly.eco/blog/fast-fashion-brands-sustainability"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>H&amp;M, Zara, Forever 21, Shein</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>, etc make cheap and fashionable clothing primarily meant to be worn only for a short period of time. This is because fast fashion brands continuously release ‘seasonal’ fashion trends at a price so cheap that consumers can economically afford to use the clothes only for a couple of months before throwing them away.  The cost of cutting down retail prices by these fast fashion brands is borne by </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://studentbriefs.law.gwu.edu/ilpb/2021/10/28/fast-fashion-getting-faster-a-look-at-the-unethical-labor-practices-sustaining-a-growing-industry/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>exploited labourers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> and the </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>planet</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>. The abysmal working conditions and wages given to the fast fashion company’s factory workers including child labour have been exposed many times. Fast fashion is unsustainable and likely to speed up climate change as the fashion industry generates </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://earth.org/fast-fashion-statistics/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>double</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> the amount of CO2 compared to even the well-acknowledged emissions from the aviation and maritime shipping industries combined.  According to UNEP, the fashion industry is the second biggest consumer of water and contributes to </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/un-alliance-sustainable-fashion-addresses-damage-fast-fashion"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>2-8%</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> of global carbon emissions. An average consumer purchases </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/why-you-should-rethink-your-next-fashion-purchase"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>60% </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>more garments than from 15 years ago; however, each piece of clothing is kept only half as long. In the USA, about </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200710-why-clothes-are-so-hard-to-recycle"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>85%</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> of the total clothing produced ends up in landfills. The synthetic fibres used in fast fashion are also responsible for </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://brightly.eco/blog/fast-fashion-brands-sustainability"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>one-third of the microplastics </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>found in the oceans.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Another industry where overproduction and overconsumption have boomed in the last decade (with the marketing dominated by influencers) is the </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.trvst.world/sustainable-living/environmental-impact-of-cosmetics/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>cosmetics and beauty industry</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>. The problems with this industry are twofold; one is the unsustainable and non-essential plastic packaging that typifies these products and the second is the toxic chemicals used in the products which leak into the environment. Annually, around </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/1/25/the-ugly-side-of-beauty-the-cosmetics-industrys-plastic-packaging-problem"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>120 billion units</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> of cosmetic and beauty products are produced globally and most often at the end-of-life stage they are incinerated or end up in </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/1/25/the-ugly-side-of-beauty-the-cosmetics-industrys-plastic-packaging-problem"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>landfills</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>. The plastic packaging these come in often contain mixed materials which are difficult to separate and do not have value enough to be recycled.  Since the aesthetics of the packaging and branding are a major selling point in the cosmetics industry, companies tend to spend indiscriminately  on packaging (including non-essential packaging).  Research has shown that </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-05/the-ugly-side-of-the-makeup-aisle-is-made-out-of-plastic-waste"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>70%</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> of the cosmetic industry’s carbon emissions can be cut down by using reusable packaging. Many beauty products, particularly, exfoliators contain </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/microplastics-microbeads-what-you-did-not-know-about-self-care-products-71619"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>microbeads</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>, usually made of plastic, which end up in oceans  causing lethal harm to the marine animals consuming them. The industry also employs a lot of single-use items such as </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.sigmatest.org/blog/cosmetics-as-emerging-pollutants/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>makeup removal wipes and sheet masks</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> which are often non-recyclable and non-compostable, ultimately ending up in landfills. While consumers are gradually becoming aware of the impacts of toxic chemicals in their beauty products, </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://sublimelife.in/blogs/sublime-stories/a-green-guide-to-all-things-greenwashing"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>greenwashing</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> by the cosmetic industry by using terms such as ‘organic’, ‘natural’, ‘clean’ and ‘vegan’ makes people live with a false sense of sustainability.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The problematic pop culture trend which is exacerbating these existing problems is ‘influencer marketing’ on social media. The main objective of influencer marketing is to encourage continuous consumption.  Fashion and beauty brands ‘give away’ products and samples for free to influencers who then create ‘viral trends’ using these products. The most recent viral trend on social media is the ‘</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/gen-z-loves-shopping-hauls-can-they-ever-be-sustainable"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>fashion hauls</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>’. This essentially means that influencers shop for clothes or beauty products in large quantities and showcase it on social media for their viewers to be influenced to do the same. While this is very good for the profitability of companies, it is extremely dangerous for the planet. People have stopped consuming for daily use and survival and instead consume to show off on social media. People not only buy from social media but also buy for social media. Fashion and makeup become crucial in constructing the identity of a person. Therefore, consumers,  particularly the younger generation, are driven by the need to identify themselves as fashionable rather than ethical or sustainable. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>There are other viral Gen Z trends such as creating digital content whose sole purpose is to stimulate people’s Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.genzinsights.com/asmr-catching-gen-zs-attention-with-a-whisper"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>(ASMR)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>. People buy material things only to waste them by destroying them aesthetically and ‘satisfyingly’ on video. To further influencers’ engagement on social media, large quantities of food and electronic items are used and wasted in the most unsustainable way. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The current pop culture trend of overconsumption of resources, especially popular among Gen Z, requires continuous and rapid extraction of resources, most of which are derived from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy and the process of their extraction, use and disposal emit large amounts of greenhouse gases. The ‘use and throw’ culture of this generation has led to ever-increasing production, consumption and disposal of material things. The linearity of this process not only strains the earth by depleting its natural resources but also by improper disposal of waste which allows non-biodegradable and toxic materials to sustain in the environment and subsequently enter our food chain causing adverse health impacts to human, animals including marine life and the ecosystem.  </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>While destructive pop-culture led trends can primarily be attributed to  Gen Z, it is also important to note that there are many </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/17/gen-z-on-how-to-save-the-world-young-climate-activists-speak-out"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>young activists </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>in this generation who are going against the flow. They are participating in the fight against climate change and against big fossil fuel corporations. There are also some young </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.thebetterindia.com/283224/best-sustainable-influencers-of-instagram-share-zero-waste-tips-tricks-hacks/"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>influencers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> who choose to promote an environmentally sustainable lifestyle - and that restores our faith in the younger generation. These young activists could play a huge role in reaching out and raising awareness amongst their own generation who lead an unsustainable life of overconsumption of resources, particularly clothing and cosmetic products. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>As our young people grow up, faced with pressures and battles unknown until this generation,  it is also becoming increasingly clear that if we want young people to choose right and not fall prey to social media trends, robust foundations need to be laid at home and in the school. School curriculum must go beyond the 3 traditional R’s (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic)  to inculcate the 7Rs - Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle, Rot (compost) for sustainable living.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--text-with-summary.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-tags--updates.html.twig x field--node--field-tags.html.twig * field--node--updates.html.twig * field--field-tags.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--field-tags.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/climate-change" hreflang="en">Climate Change</a></li> </ul> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/field/field--node--field-tags.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links--inline.html.twig * links--node.html.twig * links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap_barrio/templates/navigation/links--inline.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'addtoany_standard' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * addtoany-standard--node--updates.html.twig * addtoany-standard--node.html.twig x addtoany-standard.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_37 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/how-pop-culture-influences-climate-change" data-a2a-title="How pop culture influences climate change"><a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a><a class="a2a_button_twitter"></a><a class="a2a_button_google_gmail"></a><a class="a2a_button_whatsapp"></a><a class="a2a_button_telegram"></a><a class="a2a_button_linkedin"></a><a class="a2a_button_reddit"></a><a class="a2a_button_email"></a><a class="a2a_button_copy_link"></a></span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'modules/contrib/addtoany/templates/addtoany-standard.html.twig' --> Wed, 04 Jan 2023 06:29:35 +0000 subramani.muthukumar 1289 at https://climateconnection.org.in https://climateconnection.org.in/updates/how-pop-culture-influences-climate-change#comments