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Category: Environment

  • Chennai Airport resumes operations after cyclone Fengal 

    Chennai Airport resumes operations after cyclone Fengal 

    The airport had temporarily suspended operations on Saturday due to strong winds and heavy rainfall caused by cyclones…reports Asian Lite News

    Flight operations at the Chennai International Airport resumed early on Sunday morning after Cyclone Fengal crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. 

    Speaking to ANI, Shiva, a passenger travelling to Abu Dhabi via Air Arabia flight, said, “We have been waiting here since 8 PM last night. I am from Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. The airline we booked with is not responding to us, and we haven’t even received a water bottle or food from them. 

    “I request the airline to respond and ensure the comfort of passengers. They should have arranged a place for us to wait, but in this weather, we are waiting in an open area. Honestly, I have suffered a lot this time. I have been travelling and working abroad for the past 25 years, but I have never faced such treatment from any airline. Yes, it’s a natural calamity, but the airline should have at least responded to the passengers. They should either arrange an alternate flight or refund the amount to us as soon as possible,” he added. 

    The airport had temporarily suspended operations on Saturday due to strong winds and heavy rainfall caused by cyclones. Airlines had issued travel advisories and updated their flight schedules in response to the continuous downpours in Tamil Nadu. Several passengers experienced delays, with many stranded at the airport for 8 to 10 hours due to the sudden cancellation of flights. 

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fengal, which had been stationary over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, was classified as a cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 65-75 km/h, gusting up to 85 km/h. 

    The IMD stated that the cyclone would gradually weaken into a deep depression within the next three hours and continue to move west-southwestward. 

    “The Cyclonic Storm “FENGAL” [pronounced as FEINJAL] over north coastal Tamilnadu & Puducherry remained practically stationary during the past 1 hour and lay centred at 0030 hrs IST of today, the 01st December over the same region near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E, close to Puducherry, as a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph. The cyclonic storm “FENGAL” will move west-southwestwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression during the next 3 hours. The system is being continuously monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Chennai & Karaikal,” IMD posted on X. 

    Cyclone Fengal made landfall on Saturday night between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm IST, near Puducherry, with wind speeds of 70-80 km/h, gusting up to 90 km/h. As a precautionary measure, people in affected areas have been relocated to relief camps near Kalpakkam in the Chengalpattu district. 

    The cyclone’s impact led to heavy rainfall and gusty winds, disrupting road and air services and affecting normal life in Puducherry and various parts of Tamil Nadu.  

    Chennai, Nov 30 (ANI): A man walks on a waterlogged road following a heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Fengal, in Chennai on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

    IMD predicts extremely heavy rainfall in Puducherry 

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted extremely heavy rainfall in Puducherry on Sunday as Cyclone Fengal made landfall on the coast on Saturday evening. 

    According to IMD, Puducherry is likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall today and “moderate” for December 2. The cyclone made landfall on the Union Territory’s coast at 7 in the evening on Saturday. 

    According to IMD, the isolated places over north Tamil Nadu are likely to witness “heavy to very heavy rainfall” today. The weather department had informed that the wind speed along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts would reach “70-80 kilometres per hour gusting to 90 kmph”. 

    “It is likely to prevail till the night of November 30 and gradually decrease thereafter,” IMD said in its National Bulletin. 

    Cyclonic Storm Fengal crossed the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts on Saturday late night and is likely to continue moving west-southwestward, weakening into a deep depression within the next few hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. 

    According to the IMD, the cyclone crossed the coast near Puducherry between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm IST, with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph gusting up to 90 kmph. 

    “The Cyclonic Storm FENGAL crossed North Tamil Nadu & Puducherry coasts near latitude 12.05°N and longitude 79.9°E, close to Puducherry, between 2230 hrs IST and 2330 hrs IST yesterday, the 30th November as a cyclonic storm with wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph. It lay centred at 2330 hours IST yesterday, the 30th of November over north coastal Tamilnadu & Puducherry near latitude 12.0°N and longitude 79.8°E, close to Puducherry. It will continue to move west-southwestwards slowly and weaken gradually into a deep depression during the next 3 hours,” IMD said in a post on X. 

    The official statement added that residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain indoors and follow all instructions from local authorities to ensure their safety. 

    Meanwhile, people living in nearby areas have been shifted to relief camps near Kalpakkam in Chengalpattu district, in the wake of Cyclone Fengal. (ANI) 

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  • Massive 411-mile snowstorm to hit Britain 

    Massive 411-mile snowstorm to hit Britain 

    Temperature is likely to fall below zero in Scotland, while in England and Wales, it will hover around 4-5 degree Celsius…reports Asian Lite News

    Large parts of the UK are under warning of severe weather as a 411-mile (661 km) snowstorm is set to bring down temperature ahead of the holiday season. Weather maps across the country have turned orange and alerts have been issued for commuters. The long-range forecast has been issued for November 30 to December 9, with December 7 marked as peak day for snow flurries, according to WX Charts’ projections. Parts of Newcastle, Cumbria, Northumberland and Greater Manchester are expected to bear the brunt. 

    “The largely dry, settled theme may be punctuated by brief unsettled spells though with areas of low pressure possibly crossing the UK, bringing some spells of wind and rain,” the Met Office said in its warning. 

    It added that things will become more “settled” towards the middle of December. The three regions that are expected to stay dry are Midlands, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

    “Temperatures generally near average, but some overnight frost is likely, and rather cold by day where any fog persists,” the Met alert further said. 

    The Mirror reported that Plymouth and Southampton are bracing for up to 75-80mm rain, and areas such as London, Birmingham and Cardiff may see 35-40mm downpour. 

    Temperature is likely to fall below zero in Scotland, while in England and Wales, it will hover around 4-5 degree Celsius. 

    The latest weather update comes a week after Storm Bert caused widespread flooding and some areas of UK. 

    Looking ahead at December 13 to December 27, the Met Office forecast detailed: “Across the south of the country, high pressure is signalled to be prevalent through the second half of December. Less settled weather is more likely at times though, especially across the north and west. 

    “This means wetter and windier spells are possible with a risk of some snow, especially across northern hills. These weather systems are expected to move fairly promptly, with settled spells developing between them, with settled conditions perhaps becoming UK-wide. As a result of these, frost and fog will be notably present where skies clear overnight. 

    “Temperatures generally close to average through the period, or slightly above in areas which are wet and windy.” Discussing how the period will be “unsettled”, the BBC Weather team advised: “There is only a small amount of variability in weather patterns in the period ahead. A quite active and mostly mild North Atlantic pattern could continue over much of the UK meaning that spells of wind and rain are likely. Any high pressure influence would be rather temporary. 

    “However there could be occasions when a colder north-westerly flow develops, consistent with the centre of low pressure moving towards the eastern North Atlantic. As a result, temperatures could be a little lower at times, especially in Northern Ireland and Scotland with a possibility of occasional wintry precipitation, even at lower levels.” 

    The snow is expected to begin in western Scotland around midday on December 9 and spread to Northern Ireland, mid Wales, Cumbria, and Lancashire by midnight on December 10, potentially causing disruptions in northern and western region By midnight on December 11, snow is expected to retreat, primarily affecting western Scotland before clearing across the UK by 6am on December 11. 

    Netweather’s December also has similar forecast, saying: “This means that there could be snow for some, particularly on high ground and in the north. Overall, the weather during this period is expected to be more unsettled, but not particularly wet, with high pressure often quite close to the south and/or west of the British Isles.” 

    As westerly winds dominate and the possibility of a mid-Atlantic ridge forms, conditions in northern Britain may grow colder with an increased chance of snow, especially in exposed regions. 

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  • Storm Conall brings more rain 

    Storm Conall brings more rain 

    The number of flood warnings is expected to continue dropping as the flood-hit areas will see drier weather over the next few days…reports Asian Lite News

    Storm Conall has brought another day of rain to southern England, causing disruptions including cancellations of train services. There are currently 71 flood warnings in England with flood-hit areas still recovering from the days of downpours during Storm Bert. 

    The new storm caused fewer issues as it passed over southern England on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, because it was forecast to strengthen as it moved towards the Netherlands. The number of flood warnings is expected to continue dropping as the flood-hit areas will see drier weather over the next few days. 

    As Storm Conall passed over England, nearly 50mm of rain fell on Dartmoor and 20-30mm in some other parts of southern England. But many of the areas that were flooded during Storm Bert saw less rain with totals at around 3mm-8mm, so further problems were averted. 

    The upcoming days will see higher pressure, which will bring dry weather across flooded areas, allowing time for the flood water to disappear. In parts of south-east England, trains were cancelled along three routes due to flooded tracks, while five other routes were facing disruption on Wednesday morning. 

    Gatwick Express trains will continue to see delays and cancellations into the evening, with the service advising commuters who use the service to start return journeys as soon as possible due to disruptions. Thameslink passengers travelling to Welwyn Garden City have been advised to use alternate routes due to some suspended services, while others are still reduced. 

    The worst of Conall is being felt in the Netherlands. Stronger winds were felt in eastern England later on Wednesday as the storm developed over the North Sea. 

    Flood warnings – which mean flooding is expected – remain concentrated along the River Severn, from Shropshire into Gloucestershire, the Bristol Avon, as well as the River Nene in Northamptonshire. 

    A severe flood warning for the Billing Aquadrome holiday park – where a major incident was declared over the weekend – and nearby businesses along the Nene remained in place until late Wednesday afternoon. Emsworth, in Hampshire, has also recorded a water level in the West Brook area as “high and rising rapidly”, with heavy rain expected to reach nearly 40mm. 

    Heavy rainfall and strong winds brought by Storm Bert over the weekend led to at least five deaths, while homes, roads and rail networks faced major disruption. Many communities are still cleaning up after homes and businesses were inundated by floodwater. Conall is the third “named” storm of the season, after Ashley and Bert. 

    The storm was named by the Dutch Weather Service, which along with the Met Office and Met Eireann in Ireland, name storms for ease of communication. The storms list – first launched in 2015 – for each year generally runs from early September until late August the following year, coinciding with the beginning of autumn. 

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  • Biden praises COP29 deal 

    Biden praises COP29 deal 

    The president hailed the goal as “ambitious,” though poorer nations quickly decried it as inadequate…reports Asian Lite News

    President Joe Biden praised the COP29 deal Saturday as a “significant step” to fighting global warming, and pledged continued action by America despite his incoming successor Donald Trump’s climate skepticism. 

    “While there is still substantial work ahead of us to achieve our climate goals, today’s outcome puts us one significant step closer,” Biden said in a statement. 

    After two exhausting weeks of negotiations in Azerbaijan, the pact hammered out commits developed nations to pay at least $300 billion a year by 2035 to help developing countries green their economies and prepare for worse disasters. 

    Biden hailed the goal as “ambitious,” though poorer nations quickly decried it as inadequate. 

    The Baku meeting kicked off shortly after Trump won a new term in the White House, potentially setting the stage for him to undo actions by Biden’s administration. 

    Biden, who leaves office on January 20, said he was “confident” the United States “will continue this work: through our states and cities, our businesses, and our citizens, supported by durable legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.” 

    “While some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution that’s underway in America and around the world, nobody can reverse it — nobody.” 

    $300 billion deal insufficient, say advocates 

    Meanwhile, the voices of the most vulnerable were sidelined, human rights and civil society participation ignored, and accountability swept under the rug, say climate advocates on the conclusion of two-week UN climate change negotiations on Sunday with countries adopting a $300 billion a year global finance target to help poorer nations.  

    They say the package on mitigation, adaptation, and finance fails to deliver on the promises of the Paris Agreement and leaves the most vulnerable to pay the price for this inaction. 

    The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) closed with a new finance goal to help countries to protect their people and economies against climate disasters, and share in the vast benefits of the clean energy boom. 

    With a central focus on climate finance, COP29 brought together nearly 200 countries in Baku, Azerbaijan, and reached a breakthrough agreement that will: Triple public finance to developing countries, from the previous goal of $100 billion annually, to $300 billion annually by 2035 and secure efforts of all actors to work together to scale up finance to developing countries, from public and private sources, to the amount of $1.3 trillion per year by 2035. 

    Responding to outcomes, a negotiator said, “2024, the hottest year on record, marks the moment at which rich countries like the US and Japan pulled purse strings tight on the poor and fossil fuel-driven economies like Saudi Arabia attempted to splinter the global coalition in support of climate action, leaving the world’s most vulnerable to find the compromises. But despite those headwinds and a chaotic process, a deal was done.” 

    Chiara Martinelli, Director at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, said the EU and rich countries have failed to deliver for the most vulnerable. 

    “Rich countries own the responsibility for the failed outcome at COP29. The talk of tripling from the $100 billion goal might sound impressive, but in reality, it falls far short, barely increasing from the previous commitment when adjusted for inflation and considering the bulk of this money will come in the form of unsustainable loans. This is not solidarity.” 

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “This was a complex negotiation in an uncertain and divided geopolitical landscape. I commend everyone who worked hard to build consensus. You have shown that multilateralism — centred on the Paris Agreement — can find a path through the most difficult issues. 

    “I appeal to governments to see this agreement as a foundation — and build on it.” 

    Indian expert Dipak Dasgupta, who is a Distinguished Fellow, TERI, said, “The $300 billion agreed, if absolutely firmly in the form of grant or highly concessional public money from developed countries as a group and not from loans from multilateral development banks or private sources, as was also agreed, is welcome. That would make a difference. Second, if the goal of $1.3 trillion remains firmly intact, again as agreed, and to be now spelled out concretely in the Baku to Belem roadmap, that is welcome, especially as it incorporates many other critical paragraphs spelled out explicitly in the agreement — from first loss to guarantees and other innovative financing, and to search for additional climate financing revenue instruments.” 

    Even as the deal was gavelled through, the Indian delegate, Adviser, Department of Economic Affairs, Chandni Raina, raised objections. “We wanted to make a statement prior to any decision on the adoption. However, this is for everyone to see this has been stage-managed and we are extremely disappointed with this incident.” 

    Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate Trends, said, “The decision to have a new climate finance goal that replaces the $100 billion per year has been marred with the difficulties of squeezing any money out of the developed world, which is under obligation to provide resources. The $300 billion from all sources by 2035 remains uncertain and unclear but the best possible in times of geopolitical tensions existing across the world. 

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  • Climate finance talks hit roadblocks as COP29   

    Climate finance talks hit roadblocks as COP29   

    The draft left out a crucial sticking point: how much wealthy nations will pay poor countries. …reports Asian Lite News

    Countries of the world took turns rejecting a new but vague draft text released early Thursday which attempts to form the spine of any deal reached at United Nations climate talks on money for developing countries to transition to clean energy and adapt to climate change. 

    The draft left out a crucial sticking point: how much wealthy nations will pay poor countries. A key option for the lowest amount donors are willing to pay was just a placeholder “X.” Part of that is because rich nations have yet to make an offer in negotiations. 

    So the host Azerbaijan presidency managed to unite a fractured world on climate change, but only in their distaste for the plan. Negotiators at the talks — known as COP29 — in Baku are trying to close the gap between the $1.3 trillion the developing world says is needed in climate finance and the few hundred billion that negotiators say richer nations have been prepared to give. 

    No figure for climate cash leaves many disappointed 

    Independent experts say that at least $1 trillion is needed in finance to help transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels and toward clean energy like solar and wind, better adapt to the effects of climate change and pay for losses and damages caused by extreme weather. 

    Colombia’s environment minister Susana Mohamed said without a figure offered by developed nations, “we are negotiating on nothing.” 

    Panama’s Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez said the “lack of commitment transparency feels like a slap in the face to the most vulnerable.” 

    “It is just utter disrespect to those countries that are bearing the brunt of this crisis,” he said. “Developed countries must stop playing games with our life and put a serious quantified financial proposal on the table.” 

    Gomez listed places where negotiators worked on the issue: South Africa, Germany, the Philippines, Egypt, Austria, Switzerland, Dubai, Colombia and a few times here in Baku, asking “For God’s sakes, what’s the next stop? Mars? Do we need to go to outer space to get a quantitative number from our developed countries to be able to start negotiating here?” 

    Esa Ainuu, from the small Pacific island of Niue also blasted the lack of a number in the draft deal. “For us in the Pacific, this is critical for us,” Ainuu said. “We can’t escape to the desert. We can’t escape somewhere else. This is reality for us. If finance is not bringing any positive, (then) why’re we coming to COP?” 

    Mohamed Adow, director of the think tank Power Shift Africa, also expressed disappointment at the lack of a figure. “We need a cheque but all we have right now is a blank piece of paper,” he said. 

    Iskander Erzini Vernoit, director of Moroccan climate think-tank Imal Initiative for Climate and Development, said he was “at a loss for words at how disappointed we are at this stage to have come this far without serious numbers on the table and serious engagement from the developed countries.” 

    Even United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “I don’t think you can go on and on and on without clarifying the key aspects of the negotiation.” 

    Lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev emphasized how balanced the plan was, but all sides kept saying it was anything but balanced and pointed time was running out. “We would like to correct the balance. It is completely tilted,” Pakistan delegate Romina Khurshid Alam said. 

    The European Union’s climate envoy Wopke Hoekstra called the draft “imbalanced, unworkable, and not acceptable.” And Xia Yingxian, a member of China delegation, also said the current draft text contains many “unsatisfied and unacceptable” parts. 

    In a statement, the COP29 Presidency stressed that the drafts “are not final.” “The COP29 Presidency’s door is always open, and we welcome any bridging proposals that the parties wish to present,” the Presidency said in a statement. It added that possible numbers for a finance goal will be in the next draft on Friday. 

    COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev convened the Qurultay — a traditional Azerbaijani meeting — where negotiators spoke to hear all sides and hammer out a compromise. He said that “after hearing all views, we will outline a way forward regarding future iterations.” 

    Other areas that are being negotiated include commitments to slash planet-warming fossil fuels and how to adapt to climate change. But they’ve seen little movement. 

    European nations and the United States criticized the package of proposals for not being strong enough in reiterating last year’s call for a transition away from fossil fuels. 

    “The current text offers no progress” on efforts to cut the world’s emissions of heat-trapping gases, said Germany delegation chief Jennifer Morgan. “This cannot and must not be our response to the suffering of millions of people around the world. We must do better.” 

    U.S. climate envoy John Podesta said he was surprised that “there is nothing that carries forward the … outcomes that we agreed on last year in Dubai.” The United States, the world’s biggest historic emitter of greenhouse gases, has played little role in the talks as it braces for another presidency under Donald Trump. 

    But members of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance such as Colombia, Ireland and Denmark, who are pushing for an end of fossil fuels, said the lack of wording on transitioning away from fossil fuels is not a deal killer for them. 

    Days earlier, the 20 largest economies met in Brazil and didn’t mention the call for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Guterres, who was at that meeting, said official language is one thing, but reality is another. 

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  • UAE climate minister affirms collective action 

    UAE climate minister affirms collective action 

    Dr. Al Dahak emphasised that the significance of COP28 lies in it being the most inclusive conference hosted to date…reports Asian Lite News

    Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered the UAE’s National Statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, reaffirming the country’s commitment to promoting multilateral collective action and inclusivity in realising the world’s climate goals. 

    In the presence of the Heads of States, Presidents, and representatives of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE’s significant role in hosting COP28 last year in Dubai, as well as focusing on its historic outcomes. HE expressed the UAE’s confidence that COP29 will achieve great success, resulting in a more sustainable future for future generations and the planet. 

    Dr. Al Dahak emphasised that the significance of COP28 lies in it being the most inclusive conference hosted to date. The minister also outlined how COP28 also marked the first ‘Global Stocktake’ of the world’s efforts to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Al Dahak went on to stress that COP28 achieved outstanding success with the adoption of the historic ‘UAE Consensus’, which brought together 198 parties to endorse a practical roadmap to achieve a just, orderly, and equitable energy transition. 

    She further stressed COP28’s role in activating the essential Loss and Damage Fund as well as other key achievements that paved the way towards delivering greater global climate action. 

    “The UAE continues to build on the successes of COP28 by implementing ambitious initiatives that utilise innovation, technology and forge strategic partnerships to enhance its sustainable impact. These include the launch of the ‘Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative’, which aims to accelerate the development of innovative solutions to address the global water scarcity crisis,” said Dr. Al Dahak. She added that the UAE looks forward to hosting the UN 2026 Water Conference, in collaboration with Senegal, where it hopes to accelerate action on Sustainable Development Goal 6. 

    The minister added, “As part of the shared vision of the COP Presidencies Troika, which represents a partnership between COP28, COP29, and COP30, the UAE is committed to working closely with Azerbaijan and Brazil to strengthen unified efforts, accelerate global energy transformation, enhance climate financing, as well as advance adaptation and resilience in response to climate challenges. 

    Dr. Al Dahak emphasised the UAE’s substantial progress toward achieving Net Zero by 2050, driven by its dedicated and impactful efforts, including tripling its renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency by 2030, and investing $55 billion (AED 200 billion) to ensure that the country’s growing energy demand is met. She noted the UAE’s success earlier this year, in collaboration with the United Nations and the Republic of Panama, in establishing the International Day of Renewable Energy. 

    Dr. Al Dahak went on to underscore the importance of technology as an enabler in accelerating climate action, noting that the UAE achieved a technological milestone in October 2024 by utilising green hydrogen in the production of iron and steel. This was made possible through the establishment of a sustainable industrial facility as a pilot project by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, and Emirates Steel to produce steel using green hydrogen. This project is part of the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, which aims to position the UAE as a leading producer and exporter of low-emission hydrogen by 2031. 

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  • Wintry weather causes school closures 

    Wintry weather causes school closures 

    Earlier, there had been warnings for northern England and the Midlands, while snow also fell in areas not covered by the alerts, including central London….reports Asian Lite News

    Large parts of the UK were blanketed with snow as the country got its “first taste of winter”, which brought school closures, train delays, difficult driving conditions and an appeal to check in on vulnerable people. 

    Met Office yellow severe weather alerts for snow and ice were in place across northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, central and southern Wales, and eastern counties from the Scottish Borders to Norfolk, with forecasters warning of potential hazards through this week. 

    Earlier, there had been warnings for northern England and the Midlands, while snow also fell in areas not covered by the alerts, including central London. 

    The cause is an Arctic maritime air mass, meteorologists said, which means it will be extremely cold all week. 

    More than 220 schools were closed across the UK, including about 140 in Wales. The University of Derby also closed its campuses in Chesterfield, Buxton and Leek because of the weather. 

    There were delays and cancellations across the rail network causing disruption for thousands of passengers. 

    By 1pm on Tuesday, 44 of 196 train services (56%) planned by East Midlands Railway were cancelled or delayed by at least 30 minutes, according to the trains.im punctuality and reliability website. Figures for other operators include LNER (57%), CrossCountry (19%), Transport for Wales (11%) and West Midlands Trains (15%). 

    South Western Railway was running trains at a reduced speed on all lines on Tuesday because of conditions. Local authority gritters were out across the UK but a number of roads were deemed impassable and closed on Tuesday morning because of the conditions. 

    In Scotland, two people were taken to hospital in Dundee after a multi-vehicle crash in Ballinluig, Perthshire, at about 8am. An investigation is under way and Police Scotland has asked people to avoid the area if possible. 

    Darren Clark, the severe weather resilience manager for National Highways, urged drivers to keep their distance and reduce their speed. “Even in conditions that seem normal, and where the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway,” he said. 

    “Drivers should plan their journeys, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel.” The Met Office said 12cm of lying snow was reported at Watnall, Nottinghamshire, while Scotland recorded its coldest early winter temperatures since 1998 with a reading of -11.2C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire. 

    The Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said the cold Arctic air over the UK meant “continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week” with new warnings likely. 

    “The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales.” 

    The Met Office had warned people that the “first taste of winter” was on its way, advising people to get their woolly jumpers ready. 

    The warning came after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season this week. The amber warning covers the east and north of England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts coming into place for the south-east, south-west and London at 8am on Tuesday, lasting until 6pm on Saturday. 

    The charity Age UK warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including elderly people. The Age UK director, Caroline Abrahams, said the charity was worried that the loss of the winter fuel payment had caused many older people to be “extra fearful” about turning on their heating this winter. 

    “With high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses,” she said. 

    Amid the difficulties and warnings there were, of course, snowball fights, sledging and the chance to enjoy the incredible beauty of a snowy day. 

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  • India calls for climate justice, carbon space at COP29 

    India calls for climate justice, carbon space at COP29 

    Singh pointed out that the historically high carbon emission pathways of developed nations have left very little room for the Global South to grow within the carbon budget…reports Asian Lite News

    India on Tuesday emphasised the urgent need for developed countries to take leadership in mitigating climate change and providing adequate carbon space for developing nations, highlighting the disproportionate financial burden on the Global South. 

    Delivering the national statement at the COP 29 summit in Baku, Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh called for ambitious, clear climate finance decisions, stressing that the evolving needs of developing countries must be addressed to ensure sustainable development and poverty eradication. 

    Singh pointed out that the historically high carbon emission pathways of developed nations have left very little room for the Global South to grow within the carbon budget. “Our growth trajectories for fulfilling the primary needs of sustainable development and poverty eradication cannot be compromised,” he said. 

    He further emphasised that, despite the Global South’s minimal contribution to the problem, countries in this region continue to bear significant financial burdens due to climate actions for mitigation and the losses caused by climate change. “This severely limits our capacity to meet our developmental needs,” Singh added. 

    carbon market

    He also stressed the importance of climate justice in the decision-making process at COP29. “The decisions on NCQG must be ambitious and unambiguous, taking into consideration the evolving needs and priorities of the developing countries,” Singh asserted. 

    Singh highlighted the urgency of the upcoming round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due next year, warning that the breach of carbon space could become imminent towards the end of this critical decade. “It is imperative that the developed countries show leadership in mitigation actions, as required under the Paris Agreement, by not just advancing their net-zero targets but providing enough carbon space for developing countries like ours to develop,” he said. 

    India’s climate efforts were also highlighted, with Singh noting that India has exceeded its 2015 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on emission intensity reduction and renewable energy generation. “India’s renewable energy capacity has nearly tripled from its 2014 levels, and we are on course to achieve the 500 GW target by 2030,” he said. 

    Singh also called for the establishment of new, ambitious climate finance goals to meet the evolving needs of developing countries. “The decisions must be ambitious and unambiguous, taking into consideration the evolving needs and priorities of the developing countries, and their commitment to sustainable development and eradication of poverty,” he added. 

    At COP29, Singh emphasised the urgency of ensuring that the next round of NDCs, due for submission next year, take into account the crucial need for carbon space and financial support for developing countries. “What we decide here will determine the course of history,” Singh concluded, urging all countries to work with determination towards making COP29 meaningful and impactful in its outcomes. 

    India has also continued its leadership on the global stage with initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Biofuel Alliance. Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to cooperating fully for a successful COP29 and ensuring that the outcomes reflect the urgent needs of developing nations in the fight against climate change. (ANI) 

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  • Met Office issues woolly jumpers alert 

    Met Office issues woolly jumpers alert 

    The unusually mild and dry weather conditions of November so far are set to be replaced by more typical patterns….reports Asian Lite News

    It could be time to get out the woolly jumpers, the UK Met Office has warned, as an Arctic blast brings the threat of plummeting temperatures, sleet, snow and ice. 

    The unusually mild and dry weather conditions of November so far are set to be replaced by more typical patterns. A yellow weather warning for northern Scotland kicks in at 4pm on Sunday, extending to southern Scotland and northern England on Monday evening into Tuesday. 

    The Met Office posted on X on Saturday: “Woolly jumpers at the ready! Temperatures are set to drop next week with wintry weather on the way.” 

    The Met Office meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said it could be “quite a chilly start to the day” for many on Sunday and plenty of showers were expected to hit, particularly across northern parts of Scotland in the afternoon. 

    Sunday’s yellow weather warning from 4pm to 11am Monday is for northern Scotland, including the Orkney and Shetland islands. It warns of wintry showers with hail, sleet and some snow leading to slippery surfaces and difficult travel conditions. Snowfalls of up to 10cm are possible on high ground by Monday morning. On lower ground, the snow could rise to between 1cm and 3cm. 

    A second weather warning for southern Scotland, northern England, the East Midlands and north Wales is in place from 7pm on Monday until 10am on Tuesday. Forecasters predict rain, sleet and snow, with snowfall of up to 20cm on ground above 300 metres. 

    The forecast adds: “There is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, where 5cm to 10cm would prove much more disruptive, but this remains very uncertain.” 

    The wintry weather will mean there is a risk of power cuts, travel disruption and icy surfaces, as well as a “slight chance” that rural communities will be cut off. 

    Drivers have been advised to allow more time for journeys and make sure they have the winter essentials in their cars: “Warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger.” 

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued yellow cold weather alerts for large parts of England, stretching from Sunday evening to Monday. It covered the east and west Midlands upwards. 

    The Met Office said temperatures overnight on Sunday into Monday were likely to be below zero in much of northern England and Scotland. Glaisyer said there could be “quite a hard frost likely on Monday morning, and this could lead to some icy stretches”. She urged travellers to “take care during Monday morning’s rush-hour”. 

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  • Delhi schools go online as air pollution worsens

    Delhi schools go online as air pollution worsens

    The decision came after the Sub-Committee for operationalisation of the GRAP called an emergency meeting in view of the rising pollution…reports Asian Lite News

    Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Sunday evening the discontinuation of the physical classes for all students except Class 10 and 12 in the wake of rising air pollution in the national capital.

    “With the imposition of GRAP-4 from tomorrow, physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 and 12. All schools will hold online classes, until further orders,” the Delhi Chief Minister wrote on X.

    Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (‘Severe+’Air Quality) in Delhi-NCR from Monday amid worsening air.

    The decision came after the Sub-Committee for operationalisation of the GRAP called an emergency meeting in view of the rising pollution owing to unfavourable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR.

    On Sunday, Delhi’s daily average Air Quality Index clocked 441 at 4 p.m., as per the Daily AQI Bulletin by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and further rose to 457 at 7 p.m.

    The Sub-Committee while comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality scenario in the region as well as the forecasts for meteorological conditions and air quality index made available by IMD/IITM during the meeting observed that the average AQI for Delhi at 4 p.m. on Sunday was recorded as 441 which started to steadily rise further. At 6 p.m., the average AQI for Delhi clocked 452, which had escalated to 457 at 7 p.m. due to the continuing unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions.

    Keeping in view the prevailing trend of deteriorating air quality of NCR and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee took the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of GRAP — ‘Severe+’ Air Quality (Delhi’s AQI > 450), with effect from 8 a.m. of November 18 (tomorrow) in the entire NCR.

    This is in addition to the preventive/restrictive actions mentioned under Stage I, Stage II and Stage III of GRAP already in force. Various agencies responsible for implementing measures under GRAP and Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) of NCR and DPCC have also been advised to ensure strict implementation of actions under Stage-IV of revised GRAP in addition to all actions under Stage-I, Stage-II Stage-III of GRAP already in force, during this period.

    An 8-point action plan as per Stage-IV of GRAP is applicable with immediate effect from 8 a.m. of November 18 (tomorrow) in the entire NCR. This 8-point action plan includes steps to be implemented/ ensured by different agencies and Pollution Control Boards of NCR and DPCC.

    These steps are:

    Stopping entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/providing essential services). All LNG/CNG /Electric/BS-VI Diesel trucks shall however be permitted to enter Delhi.

    Not permitting LCVs registered outside Delhi, other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, to enter Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.

    Enforcing a strict ban on the plying of registered BS-IV and below diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/providing essential services.

    Banning C&D activities, as in the GRAP Stage III, also for linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines, telecommunication etc.

    NCR state governments and GNCTD may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes even for Classes 6 to 9, and Class 11 and conduct lessons in an online mode.

    NCR state governments/GNCTD to take a decision on allowing public, municipal and private offices to work on 50 per cent strength and the rest to work from home.

    The Central Government may take appropriate decisions on permitting work from home for employees in its offices.

    State governments may consider additional emergency measures like the closure of colleges/educational institutions and closure of non emergency commercial activities, permitting running of vehicles on odd-even basis of registration numbers etc.

    Further, CAQM appeals to the citizens of NCR to adhere to the Citizen Charter under GRAP and assist in the effective implementation of the GRAP measures aimed towards sustaining and improving the air quality in the region, in addition to the Citizen Charter of Stage-I, Stage-II and Stage-III.

    Children, the elderly and those with respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or other chronic diseases are advised to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors, as much as possible.

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