Categories
Environment Environment and WIldlife USA

Power Outages Hit Thousands in Colorado Snowstorm

Over 53,000 customers lost power in Colorado on Thursday, mainly in metro Denver and the Front Range, reported poweroutage.us….reports Asian Lite news

Colorado faced a significant snowstorm on Thursday, causing flight cancellations and the closure of a crucial highway linking Denver to ski resorts. Concurrently, severe weather struck other regions, with Kansas and Missouri experiencing hailstorms and possible tornadoes.

Over 53,000 customers lost power in Colorado on Thursday, mainly in metro Denver and the Front Range, reported poweroutage.us.

The storm, commencing Wednesday night, brought heavy, wet snow typical of March, particularly impacting the Front Range region. Accumulations reached up to 3 feet in higher elevations by Thursday, with Denver receiving around 9 inches.

Interstate 70, a primary east-west route, shut down due to stranded vehicles, primarily trucks lacking tire chains. Though no injuries were reported, the closure may extend to passenger vehicles as the storm escalates.

Motorists were advised to carry essential supplies in case of prolonged closures. Despite benefiting the ski industry, the storm prompted closures of schools and government offices. Several ski resorts ceased operations, exacerbating disruptions caused by the extreme conditions.

Matt Inzeo, spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation, assured continuous efforts to maintain open roads amidst the challenging weather. While the storm was a boon for skiing enthusiasts, it posed significant challenges to residents and travelers across the region.

The aftermath of the storm underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in facing such extreme weather events.

ALSO READ: Biden opposes plan to sell US Steel to Japanese firm

Categories
Environment World World News

UNEA Set to Address Triple Planetary Crisis

Observers said there are 20 draft resolutions and two decisions on the table, among them a resolution on the metals and minerals issue, reports Vishal Gulati

In the backdrop of 2023 being the warmest year on record, with resultant heatwaves, storms and droughts causing havoc, heads of state and more than 5,000 representatives and leaders will gather in Nairobi in Kenya from Monday for the five-day sixth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) to strengthen multilateral effort to address the planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

The Assembly, which usually meets biennially and sees visionaries from the business sector, governments, scientific institutions, and civil society, is the world’s top decision-making body on matters related to the environment and includes all 193 UN member states.

Observers told IANS that there are 20 draft resolutions and two decisions on the table, among them a resolution on the metals and minerals issue.

“UNEA-VI will place particular focus on how stronger multilateralism can help us to do this,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen earlier this month.

“It will drive united, inclusive and multilateral action that addresses every strand of the triple planetary crisis as one indivisible challenge.”

In the run-up to the UNEA, aptly called “world’s parliament on the environment,” ministers and partners of the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) launched a Clean Air Flagship effort to provide a platform to boost regional coordination and private sector engagement, data-led policy action, financing, science and advocacy.

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis will deliver his address at the opening of the high-level segment that will be held on February 29 and March 1.

The segment will consist of an opening plenary with statements by key dignitaries, national statements; three leadership dialogues, a multi-stakeholder dialogue, and a closing plenary meeting during which UNEA will take action on the draft Ministerial declaration as well as the draft resolutions and decisions.

India will be represented by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change’s Additional Secretary Naresh Pal Gangwar.

Government leaders plan to use the Assembly to renew calls for progress on the sustainable development goals, a global blueprint for protecting the planet and promoting prosperity. Just 15 per cent of the goals, which come due in 2030, are on track.

“We must find practical ways to advance the human rights to a healthy environment, which is crucial for sustainable development,” said Leila Benali, Morocco’s energy transition minister and the President of UNEA-VI.

“We know that when we protect the natural world, public health improves. When we focus on sustainable solutions to the climate crisis, our economies get stronger.”

Also on the agenda of the Assembly will be ways to tackle the dramatic increase of wasteful and fuel-intensive plastics, which is feeding the climate crisis.

More than 99 per cent of plastic is made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, the substances responsible for 86 per cent of C02 emissions in the last decade. Plastic pollution reinforces the need for a binding plastics treaty as well as a fossil fuel treaty that can tackle the root cause of both the plastics pollution crisis and the climate crisis through phasing out oil, gas and coal production.

In 2022, the Assembly ended with countries agreeing to launch negotiations on a legally binding global instrument to end plastic pollution.

That was one in a recent string of ambitious international agreements on environment. Last September, countries and businesses inked a landmark pact to prevent pollution from chemicals and waste.

Two months later, at the UN Climate Change Conference, countries vowed for the first time to transition away from the fossil fuels that are superheating the earth and driving climate change.

Researchers find that if no action is taken, annual plastic production will rise 22 per cent between 2024 and 2050, and plastic pollution will jump 62 per cent between 2024 and 2050. By continuing with business as usual, the world would generate enough litter between 2010 and 2050 to cover the entire island of Manhattan with a 3.5-km-tall heap of plastic — nearly 10 times the height of the Empire State Building.

With a strong UN plastics treaty that incorporates the right mix of nine plastic reduction policies, however, plastic pollution could be virtually eliminated in 2040 — with the generation of mismanaged waste reduced by 89 per cent to a more manageable 10 million metric ton per year in 2040.

Categories
Environment Lite Blogs UAE News

Rain brings vibe energies to people of Oman

Oman welcomes rain as gift of nature, many took selfies and reels, reports Vinod Raghavan

MUSCAT: Rains lashed for the second day in the Sultanate of Oman, bringing to a halt of all activities, as the authorities did not wanted the people to face any hardships due to water logging or traffic snarls.

Traffic snarls are not only seen in big cities of the world, but it can cause road blocks even on the Sultan Qaboos Street on any rainy day.

But, the difference between big cities and Oman is you can’t hear any honking or racing their vehicles in the Sultanate, but they patiently waits to move the snarls at their own pace.

The MET Department had already announced earlier that two days Sunday-Monday will be raining, but as human nature, one cannot resist of not leaving their home to fulfill the responsibility towards their work too.

Besides, rain it was a day for International cycling race – 13th edition of Tour of Oman, which also caused the blockage of roads in Muscat governorate, but the expats and nationals took it in their stride.

While, many taking advantage of public holiday and enjoying the rare rain in Oman, didn’t wanted to miss the nature’s gift.

Corniche in Muttrah was a buzzed with people taking selfies and reels.

Anita Rajan, a local actor resident of CBD, Ruwi, has been vying to shoot the famous Bollywood number Rim Jhim Ghire Sawan, Sulag Sulag Jaye Mun, Bheege Aaj Is Mausam Mein, Lagi Kaisi Yeah Agan picturised on Amitabh Bachchan and Moushami Chatterjee in the 80s capturing the rain in Mumbai’s scenic places with sea, traffic and open parks, was lucky enough to capture various locations of Muscat.

Accompanied along-with Kabeer Yousuf, known journalist and actor, helped her in shooting the song at the picturesque Corniche against the roaring Arabian sea.

ALSO READ-GMC: Environment, Tech, Creation Take Centre Stage

Categories
Environment Environment and WIldlife India News

Assam’s ‘Elephant Girl’ Gets Padma Shri

Parbati Baruah spent 40 years addressing and reducing human-elephant conflicts and fought against gender stereotypes in this profession….reports Asian Lite News

Parbati Baruah, aged 67, affectionately dubbed the ‘Elephant Girl’ (Hasti Kanya) in Assam, has been honoured with the Padma Shri. She holds the distinction of being India’s pioneer female mahout, or elephant keeper.

Baruah got the award in recognition of her work in animal conservation and dispelling preconceptions to make a name for women in a field that has historically been dominated by men.

Born into the Gauripur royal family in the Goalpara district of Assam, Barua and her father Prakritish Barua caught their first elephant together when Barua was 14 years old in the Kachugaon woods of Kokrajhar district.

She spent 40 years addressing and reducing human-elephant conflicts and fought against gender stereotypes in this profession. Human-elephant confrontations have a long history in Assam, and Baruah was instrumental in developing government regulations to keep them under control.

She developed into a master at taming wild elephants. Her expertise on the behavior of elephants made her well-known not just in Assam but also in nearby states — West Bengal and Odisha.

Baruah also assisted the forest authorities in driving the troublemakers back into the forests from agricultural fields.

‘Queen of the Elephants’ is the title of a book written about her by British travel writer and naturalist Mark Roland Shand, published in 1996. Later, the BBC produced a documentary that was widely praised.

Following at least 40 years of continuous service as a mahout, Parbati committed her life to animal conservation, and she is presently a part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Asian Elephant Specialist Group (IUCN).

This is her family’s second Padma honor. The central government earlier also awarded the renowned folk singer Pratima Pandey Barua, her sister, a Padma Shri.

Pramathesh Barua, an award-winning filmmaker, is also related to this family.

ALSO READ: Maldives President Greets India on Republic Day Amid Tensions

ALSO READ: Nepal PM Extends Republic Day Wishes to India

Categories
-Top News Environment UAE News

UAE reaffirms commitment to sustainable future

Minister Al Mazrouei’s remarks were made on the International Day of Clean Energy, observed on 26th January each year…reports Asian Lite News

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised the increasing global efforts towards achieving environmental sustainability. He highlighted the UAE’s outstanding global efforts in clean energy through innovative strategies and substantial investments, solidifying its position as a global hub for sustainable energy.

Minister Al Mazrouei’s remarks were made on the International Day of Clean Energy, observed on 26th January each year. The day commemorates the establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2009, a proposal jointly submitted by the UAE and Panama and later adopted by the United Nations.

“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a sustainable future. As a global leader in the energy landscape, the UAE will continue to expand on its clean energy projects,” he said.

“The resounding success of COP28 reflects the pioneering role of the UAE in shaping a future fuelled by clean energy. COP28 delivered on its promises and so will the UAE. We will continue to work diligently to meet our ambitious climate commitments.”

He added that at the centre of these commitments are the updated targets of the UAE Strategy 2050 that ensure a balanced, sustainable, affordable energy supply with the ultimate goal of reaching net-zero by 2050.

In its first stage, the strategy calls for reducing emissions from the water and energy sectors and reaching a 0% contribution of clean coal in the energy mix. The strategy seeks to increase individual and institutional energy consumption efficiency by 42-45% by 2030, compared to 2019. Also, to triple the share of renewable energy by 2030, increase the installed clean energy capacity from 14.2 GW to 19.8 GW by 2030, surge the share of installed clean energy capacity in the total energy mix to 30% by 2030, and increase the contribution of clean energy generation to 32% by 2030 to ensure the country is on track to achieve its climate change mitigation goals.

The Minister highlighted that climate action is at the heart of the UAE’s development plans. The country was the first Gulf country to sign and ratify the iconic Paris Agreement and to announce a Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The UAE’s leadership realised early on the importance of a gradual, pragmatic transition in the energy sector and, over 20 years ago, charted a path for diversifying the national economy.

Al Mazrouei stated, “The UAE has an impressive track record in the energy transition field. So far, it has invested over US$57 billion in clean energy projects at home and abroad. Additionally, through the UAE-US Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), we seek to mobilise US$100 billion and deploy 100 new gigawatts of clean energy by 2035. The UAE aspires to be a role model for an ambitious, yet pragmatic transition to clean energy sources. We continue to meet today’s global energy needs, while investing heavily in the clean energy systems of tomorrow.

ALSO READ: UAE President, Bahrain King Discuss Middle East Peace

Categories
Business Environment India News

India’s Coal Power Surge

This reflects a robust increase in domestic production of coal to meet the growing energy demand in the country…reports Asian Lite News

The country’s power generation based on domestic coal increased by 7.14 per cent to 872 billion units during April-December of the current financial year, compared to 813.9 billion units generated in the same period of the previous fiscal.

This reflects a robust increase in domestic production of coal to meet the growing energy demand in the country, the Ministry of Coal said in a statement on Monday.

Coal import by power plants for blending decreased substantially by 40.66 per cent to 17.08 million tonnes (MT) during April-December, from 28.78 MT in the corresponding period of the previous year, despite the escalating power demand. It showcases the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in coal production and minimising overall coal imports, the statement said.

In India, power is generated from conventional (thermal, nuclear and hydro) and renewable sources (wind, solar, biomass etc.).

However, coal is the major source of power generation, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the total electricity generated.

Coal-based power generation in the country witnessed a growth of around 10.13 per cent during April-December of the current financial year compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, while overall power generation grew 6.71 per cent during the same period, according to the official statement.

Coal-based power generation in India has played a significant role in meeting the country’s energy demands. India is currently experiencing a substantial increase in power demand, driven by a combination of factors like industrial growth, technological advancements, population growth, economic development etc.

The government persists in its efforts to further enhance coal production, aiming to increase availability and reduce dependence on imported coal, thereby safeguarding foreign reserves, the statement added.

ALSO READ: Moody’s Predicts Inflation Return by 2025

Categories
Environment India News

Cold wave grips Delhi: Flights, trains delayed

The minimum temperature in Delhi on Sunday morning was recorded to be 8.5 degree celsius, as per IMD….reports Asian Lite News

The National Capital woke up to another chilling morning on Sunday as the temperature was recorded in single digit, causing inconvenience to passengers as several flights and trains were delayed.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), visibility at Delhi-Palam was reduced from 400 meters at 2:00 am to 100 meters at 2:30 am on Sunday, and it further reduced to 0 meters since 3:00 am.

The minimum temperature in Delhi on Sunday morning was recorded to be 8.5 degree celsius, as per IMD.

In another post on X, the IMD said, “Fog layer is very clearly visible over the plains of north India from Punjab to Bihar across Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, northwest Rajasthan, and north Madhya Pradesh at 6:30 am today.”

“Dense to Very Dense Fog observed in isolated pockets over Delhi, North Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh,” the weather department added.

Nearly a dozen passenger trains to the national capital were also running behind schedule.

As per the northern railways, around 11 trains like the Amritsar-Nanded Express, Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Exp, Ambedkarnagar-Katra, and Manikpur-Nizamuddin Express, among others, were delayed due to dense fog conditions.

Similarly, at Delhi airport, people were seen waiting for their flights that were late by several hours. Some of the flights were also announced as canceled, causing inconvenience to the passengers.

“My flight was delayed because of fog. It was supposed to land here at 4:45 am, but it landed at around 5:35 am,” said Neha Beniwal, a passenger who came from Bahrain.

Delhi airport authorities also issued an advisory, stating that passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight operations.

Notably, the IMD has predicted Very Dense fog conditions on January 22. Foggy conditions are likely to prevail for the rest of the days until January 27.

People were seen sitting around a bonfire to keep themselves warm as the cold wave continued in Delhi.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, low visibility was recorded in several parts of Northern India, causing inconvenience to passengers traveling by train and air. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Delhi police takes stock of security arrangements ahead of R-Day

Categories
-Top News Environment

‘Climate change may claim 14.5 mn lives by 2050’

The report analysed six major consequences of climate change: floods, droughts, heat waves, tropical storms, wildfires and rising sea levels…reports Asian Lite News

Climate change threatens to cause an additional 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide by 2050, according to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report published here.

The report, jointly compiled by the WEF and the consulting firm Oliver Wyman, is based on “scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the most likely trajectory for the planet’s rising average temperature, 2.5 to 2.9 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels”.

The report analysed six major consequences of climate change: floods, droughts, heat waves, tropical storms, wildfires and rising sea levels.

Flooding alone is estimated to cause 8.5 million deaths by 2050, posing “the highest acute risk of climate-induced mortality”, according to the study. Droughts, as the second leading cause of climate-related mortality, are forecast to claim 3.2 million lives.

Heat waves, on the other hand, are expected to cause the highest economic losses, an estimated $7.1 trillion by 2050. The report warned that climate crisis will further exacerbate global health inequality and the most vulnerable populations will suffer the most.

Regions such as Africa and southern Asia will remain particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, due to their limited resources such as infrastructure and essential medical equipment.

The WEF, in the report, called on global stakeholders to take decisive and strategic action to reduce emissions and mitigate the negative health impacts of climate change.

“Recent progress will be lost unless critical emission reduction and mitigation measures are improved, and decisive global action is taken to build climate resilient and adaptable health systems,” said Shyam Bishen, head of the Centre for Health and Healthcare and member of the Executive Committee at the WEF.

ALSO READ-Palestinian envoy slams UK ‘double standards’ towards Israel

Categories
Environment UAE News

UAE Hospitality Leader Pledges $2 Million to UNICEF for Climate Action

Abdulla’s continuous support over the years has played a pivotal role in advancing UNICEF’s mission…reports Asian Lite News

Abdulla Al Abdulla, Chief Operating Officer and Group General Manager of Central Hotels and Resorts, the UAE’s rapidly expanding hospitality entity, underscores his resolute dedication to combatting the Climate Crisis. He has pledged a substantial $2 million to bolster UNICEF’s programmatic response at the recently concluded COP28.

This substantial contribution will be strategically allocated to target projects addressing climate change’s direct and indirect consequences. Abdulla’s continuous support over the years has played a pivotal role in advancing UNICEF’s mission. 

His remarkable generosity underscores the importance of collective action in mitigating the impact of climate change on children worldwide. The pledged funds will be instrumental in implementing targeted projects that aim to create a sustainable future for children globally.

“In the face of the climate crisis, my commitment to UNICEF’s cause at COP28 is more than a pledge; it’s a promise to safeguard the future of our planet and the well-being of generations to come,” said Abdulla.  

Before signing the agreement, Abdulla served as a panelist moderated by Financial Times. He discussed important topics, including climate resilience and adaptation, with a specific emphasis on water security.

UNICEF acknowledges Abdulla’s significant investment as a catalyst for positive change and a vital step forward in realizing our shared vision. 

“UNICEF is grateful for the generous donation from Abdulla al Abdulla and for his commitment to help address the impacts of climate change in vulnerable communities. Over 1 billion children are at extremely high risk of severe and destructive climate hazards. This commitment will help UNICEF save and protect children’s lives,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden.

This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges and underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the next generation. 

ALSO READ-Emiratisation Targets Activated For 12K More Companies

Categories
Environment India News

Flight Affected As Fog Cripples Delhi Airport

The 120 affected flights included 21 international departures, 23 international arrivals, 33 domestic departures, and 43 domestic arrivals….reports Asian Lite News

The national capital continues to grapple with biting cold and fog, impacting visibility and causing delays and cancellations in flight and train operations on Wednesday morning.

Flight movement to and from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport remained affected with around 120 flights including international ones getting delayed by several hours. 53 flights were also announced cancelled on Wednesday due to fog and other operational issues.

According to the Delhi Airport Flight Information Display System (FIDS) data, the 120 affected flights included 21 international departures, 23 international arrivals, 33 domestic departures, and 43 domestic arrivals.

Apart from the 120 flights affected, a total of 53 flights have been cancelled citing fog and other operational reasons, as per the FIDS data recorded till 8 am on Wednesday. This includes 21 domestic arrivals, 16 domestic departures, 13 international departures, and 3 international arrivals.

Meanwhile, around 20 passenger trains to Delhi were running behind schedule on Wednesday.

According to the Northern Railways, two trains namely Puri-Nizamuddin Purushottam Express and Hyderabad-New Delhi were delayed by around 6-6.30 hours.

Similarly, Azamgarh-Delhi Junction Kaifiyat Express and Ambedkarnagar-Katra were also running behind schedule and are likely to arrive late by around five hours.

A four-and-a-half-hour delay is expected on the arrival of the Katihar-Amritsar Express, the railways’ data mentioned.

Six trains namely, Rewa-Anand Vihar Express, Vasco-Nizamuddin Express, Bhopal-Nizamuddin Express, Khajarao-Kurukshetra, Amritsar-Mumbai and Manikpru-Nizamuddin are likely to arrive late by around 2-2.45 hours.

In addition to these, eight long-distance trains are delayed by around 1-1.30 hours, as per the railways. This included Howrah-Kalka Mail, Saharsa-New Delhi Vaishali Express, Prayagraj-New Delhi Express, Muzaffarpur-Anand Vihar, Chennai-New Delhi and Jammutawi-Ajmer, the railways said.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, visibility was recorded below 200 metres in several parts of the country including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, West Rajasthan, West and East Uttar Pradesh at around 5.30 am on Wednesday.

Further, as per IMD, dense fog was observed in isolated areas of Delhi, East Rajasthan, East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on Wednesday morning. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India Launches Women Leadership Lounge at Davos