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The Plastic Tide| Confronting the Crisis of Marine Pollution

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The oceans, covering over 70% of our planet, are essential to the survival of countless species, including humans. Not only do they provide us with half of the oxygen we breathe, but they also absorb a significant amount of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. However, the health of our oceans is in grave jeopardy. The Stark Reality of Marine Plastic Pollution The UNEP has issued an alarming warning, plastic constitutes 85% of marine litter, and by 2040, the volume of plastic pollution entering marine environments is projected to nearly triple. This means that an additional 23-37 million metric tons of plastic waste will flood our oceans every year, equating to about 50 kg of plastic per metre of coastline worldwide. This deluge of debris is not just unsightly; it’s deadly. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that billions of pounds of trash and pollutants enter our oceans annually. This pollution pr...

Heatwave Crisis in India: lack of awareness hurting more than hot temperature

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1.       Heatwave: Just drinking water isn't Enough. It's really concerning to see so many people suffering from extreme heat and heatwave events these days. This summer is making us think about how our actions are affecting the environment that sustains our lives on this planet. We are currently experiencing the hottest summer in human history. Medical experts advise that the body's core temperature should not go over 40°C (104°F). Prolonged exposure to temperatures above this level can cause heat stroke, organ failure, and potentially fatal consequences such as coma or death. When it's hot environment, you sweat a lot and lose water and salt from your body. This can make your body low on important minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can affect how your body works. It could even lead to seizures, trouble breathing, or death. Our bodies are mostly made of water, and if that balance gets messed up, it can cause big problems. Not having enough water ca...

Venezuela Glaciers | Victims of Climate Change

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Venezuela might be the first country to lose all its glaciers, with the Humboldt glacier disappearing faster than expected. Scientists thought it would last another decade, but it’s melting much quicker than predicted. What are Glaciers? According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), glaciers typically form in areas where average annual temperatures are near the freezing point.This usually happens in high, cold areas like mountains. Snow from winter piles up and, because it's so cold, it doesn’t melt completely in the summer. Over time, this snow gets packed down into ice, forming a glacier Why are Glaciers Disappearing? Glaciers are disappearing mainly because of climate change. Greenhouse Gas Emissions : Since the Industrial Revolution, burning fossil fuels has released large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Heat Trapping : These GHGs act like a blanket, trapping heat in the atmosphere. While they allow sunlight to ...

UAE-Oman thunderstorm: A Wake-Up Call on Climate Resilience

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A massive thunderstorm system hit the United Arab Emirates and Oman between the 14 th - 16 th  of April 2024, unleashing torrential rains that caused widespread chaos and devastating damage. The unrelenting downpours inundated streets and homes, making daily life incredibly challenging for countless residents. Tragically, the storm exacted a heavy toll in Oman, where approximately 20 lives were lost due to the extreme conditions, according to official reports from the country's National Committee for Emergency Management. Onset, strike, and Path of Destruction The storm's powerful strike began in Oman on Sunday, April 14th, as it relentlessly battered the region with intense rainfall and gusty winds. The deluge triggered widespread power outages, crippled transportation networks, and turned airport runways into waterlogged pathways, forcing the suspension of flight operations at multiple airports across the country (Oman Meteorological Authority).  As the ‘storm system’ tracke...

Building Climate Change Resilience Among Uttar Pradesh’s Brick Kiln Workers

Uttar Pradesh, the leading brick producer in India, is home to approximately 22,500 brick kilns employing around two million workers, including migrants. These workers, forming an informal workforce, endure deplorable working conditions and face increasing threats from climate change. The Climate Agenda, a dedicated climate campaigning organization, has been working relentlessly to build climate resilience among this vulnerable group. This article highlights a few of the actions and their outcomes achieved under one of TCA’s current campaigns named “ Buniyaad ”. The campaign is aimed to ensure just technology transition within the brick kiln sector of Uttar Pradesh and I am trying to highlight here the direction we have taken to safeguard and improve the livelihoods of brick kiln workers amidst escalating climate challenges. “ Buniyaad”  is contributed and strengthened by the presence of multiple Partners including Purpose and Chambal Media, IIT Kanpur, IIT BHU whereas The Climate ...