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Category: Environment

  • UAE President Affirms COP28’s Role in Protecting Planet

    UAE President Affirms COP28’s Role in Protecting Planet

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed affirmed that sustainability remains at the heart of the UAE’s support for global climate action….reports Asian Lite News

    President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received at Qasr Al Bahr Majlis the team overseeing the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).

    During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed affirmed that sustainability remains at the heart of the UAE’s support for global climate action. His Highness also emphasised the need to enhance international solidarity and cooperation in pursuit of practical solutions to climate challenges.

    The meeting was attended by members of the National Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 UAE.

    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was briefed by the COP28 team about the conference preparations and the four pillars of the COP28 Action Agenda, including fast-tracking a just and orderly energy transition; fixing climate finance; putting nature, lives, and livelihoods at the centre of climate action; and enhancing inclusivity in national climate action.

    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed affirmed that by hosting COP28, the UAE is building upon its enduring legacy of environmental stewardship first championed under the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, while empowering youth, women, and civil society to contribute to mobilising international efforts to combat climate change.

    Moreover, His Highness noted, the UAE is extending an invitation to the world to foster cooperation and joint action in collective efforts to achieve outcomes that benefit the global community. His Highness underscored that the COP28 team’s endeavours to accelerate effective climate action serve all of humanity in light of the climate crisis. Under the UAE Presidency, COP28 will lead the global effort to protect the planet and safeguard the wellbeing of future generations.

    His Highness affirmed that the UAE will leverage its diverse international partnerships in efforts to pursue inclusive dialogue and cooperation while focusing on practical climate solutions and fostering sustainable social and economic development.

    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the importance of preparations to host COP28, emphasising that the UAE possesses essential capabilities such as modern infrastructure, a commendable track record in sustainability and environmental conservation, recognition as a successful convener of global events, and deep-rooted relations with other countries. His Highness commended the efforts of the COP28 team in overseeing the conference and striving to achieve its objectives.

    Members of the Higher Committee overseeing preparations to host COP28 include H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Vice Chairman of the COP28 UAE Higher Committee; Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development; Muhammad Abdullah Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Protocol and Strategic Narrative; and Lieutenant-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.

    Members also include Lieutenant-General Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Director-General of the State Security Department at Dubai Police; Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police; Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); Rashid Saeed Al Ameri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Presidential Court for the Government Coordination Sector; Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Hosani, representing the Supreme Council for National Security.

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  • Hawaii wildfire death toll hits 99

    Hawaii wildfire death toll hits 99

    More than 2,200 structures have been destroyed by the blaze, with roughly 86 per cent of them being residential buildings…reports Asian Lite News

    The death toll from the devastating wildfires in the US state of Hawaii’s Maui Island has increased to 99, authorities said on Tuesday.

    Addressing reporters, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said that “there are 99 so far”, and about 25 per cent of the affected area has been searched, reports Xinhua news agency.

    “The scale of destruction is incredible,” said Hawaii Governor Josh Green.

    More than 2,200 structures have been destroyed by the blaze, with roughly 86 per cent of them being residential buildings, according to the governor.

    In an interview on Monday, the Governor warned that 10 to 20 more wildfire victims could be found daily as search crews continued combing through scorched ruins on the island .

    The wildfire is now the deadliest in more than a century in modern US history, surpassing the Camp Fire that erupted on November 8, 2018, in California and killed at least 85 people.

    The Lahaina fire, which has burned 2,170 acres, was 85 per cent contained as of Monday evening, Maui County officials said in its latest update. 

    The wildfires have nearly completely destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist spot on Maui and once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

    It’s home to around 13,000 residents.

    Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric, alleging a downed power line on Maui caused the deadly wildfire.

    The cause of the fires has not been determined, but plaintiffs said in the 37-page document that the utility company’s equipment could be a possible source of ignition.

    Hawaiian Electric, which operates the utility that serves Maui, had come under scrutiny for not turning off power despite weather forecasters’ warnings that dry, gusty winds could create critical fire conditions.

    The plaintiffs said the destruction “could have been avoided” if the utility company shut down its power lines before the high winds hit the island.

    “By failing to shut off the power during these dangerous fire conditions, defendants caused loss of life, serious injuries, destruction of hundreds of homes and businesses, displacement of thousands of people, and damage to many of Hawaii’s historic and cultural sites,” said the complaint.

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  • UK launches hub to help companies be more sustainable 

    UK launches hub to help companies be more sustainable 

    The hub provides resources and advice on cost-effective climate initiatives, credible carbon credits, business grants, green loans, sustainability training, reducing waste and sourcing green suppliers…reports Asian Lite News

    The Government has launched a new sustainability hub to support Britain’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to save on their energy bills and decarbonise.

    The UK Business Climate Hub, developed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the National Grid and NatWest, aims to provide support for the estimated 5.5 million SMEs in the UK.

    The hub provides resources and advice on cost-effective climate initiatives, credible carbon credits, business grants, green loans, sustainability training, reducing waste and sourcing green suppliers.

    It also has a suite of tools like a free carbon calculator to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions.

    It comes as SMEs face significant challenges to decarbonise in line with net zero targets due to fewer resources and less capital to invest compared to large corporates.

    According to the FSB, SMEs account for 99.2% of the UK’s total business, three-fifths of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector, which means they are critical to the economy’s progress towards net zero.

    Meanwhile, research from the Sage and International Chamber of Commerce found that 90% of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change but find it difficult to know how or where to start to find the right solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.

    Business leaders and ministers on the new Net Zero Council are calling on smaller businesses across the country to develop net zero sector roadmaps.

    More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching Net Zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so

    The UK Business Climate Hub encourages them to join the SME Climate Commitment – a pledge to halve greenhouse gas emissions before 2030, achieve net zero emissions before 2050 and disclose progress on a yearly basis.

    The hub includes advice on green initiatives to help businesses on this pathway, including paying less for electric vehicles, generating green energy and selling it back to the grid, getting low-carbon heat pumps and installing solar panels.

    The Government says such measures can also help businesses save on company overheads amid the cost-of-living crisis.

    Energy minister Graham Stuart said: “More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching Net Zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so. The new UK Business Climate Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find practical advice to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills. Whether it’s fitting a low-carbon heat pump, generating energy with solar panels, or reducing the emissions from shipping goods, the new support will ensure businesses can drive towards Net Zero.”

    Martin McTague, national chair of the FSB, said: “We are pleased to have contributed to the new UK Business Climate Hub that will provide businesses with trusted tools and information to help them navigate the net zero transition. SMEs recognise their role in net zero but many still find it challenging to access the relevant support and resources to play their part. This new official platform for advice and support will really help. In addition to helping small firms become more energy and resource efficient, the hub also has the opportunity to empower small firms to take ambitious steps towards net zero, ultimately ensuring that they also benefit from the economic opportunities created in a net zero economy.”

    It comes as the Net Zero council, comprising CEOs from leading companies including Co-op, HSBC, Siemens and Cemex, also published a new business roadmap framework on Monday to help businesses to work with others in their sector to create tailored action plans for their own industry to decarbonise.

    Shirine Khoury-Haq, co-chair of the council, and chief executive of the Co-op Group, said: “None of us will get to net zero without all of us getting to net zero, so ensuring that every business and every sector has a clear plan for delivering this non-negotiable target is key.

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  • Deadliest wildfires in modern US history devastate Maui Island

    Deadliest wildfires in modern US history devastate Maui Island

    The Lahaina fire, the devastating wildfire that leveled Lahaina, was 85 per cent contained as of Sunday night, the Maui County said in an update on Monday…reports Asian Lite News

    As the death toll rose due to the wildfires in Hawaii’s Maui Island has incrased to 96, the US state’s Governor Josh Green warned that 10 to 20 more wildfire victims could be found per day as search crews continue to comb through the scorched ruins.

    These wildfires are the deadliest in more than a century in modern US history, surpassing the Camp Fire that erupted on November 8, 2018 in California that killed at least 85 people, reports Xinhua news agency.

    The wildfires have nearly completely destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist spot on Maui and once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

    It’s home to around 13,000 residents.

    In an interview with CBS News on Monday, Green said that there was a grim expectation of further casualties.

    “There are more fatalities that will come. The fire was so hot that what we find is the tragic finding that you would imagine, as though a fire has come through and it’s hard to recognise anybody,” he said.

    All residents of Lahaina have either escaped or perished in the fire, but it could take 10 days for a full death toll to be determined as crews could find “10 to 20 people per day probably until they finish”, the Governor told CBS News.

    Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said at a news conference that canines had searched only 3 per cent of impacted areas.

    The Lahaina fire, the devastating wildfire that leveled Lahaina, was 85 per cent contained as of Sunday night, the Maui County said in an update on Monday.

    More than 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed and 2,170 acres have burned as a result of the Lahaina fire, according to the assessment of the Pacific Disaster Center, an applied research center managed by the University of Hawaii, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    The assessment showed that the estimated cost to rebuild could reach $5.52 billion. 

    Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric, alleging a downed power line on Maui caused the deadly wildfire.

    The cause of the fires has not been determined, but plaintiffs said in the 37-page document that the utility company’s equipment could be a possible source of ignition.

    Hawaiian Electric, which operates the utility that serves Maui, had come under scrutiny for not turning off power despite weather forecasters’ warnings that dry, gusty winds could create critical fire conditions.

    The plaintiffs said the destruction “could have been avoided” if the utility company shut down its power lines before the high winds hit the island.

    “By failing to shut off the power during these dangerous fire conditions, defendants caused loss of life, serious injuries, destruction of hundreds of homes and businesses, displacement of thousands of people, and damage to many of Hawaii’s historic and cultural sites,” said the complaint.

    Hawaiian Electric spokesperson Jim Kelly told NBC News and other news outlets that the company would not comment on pending litigation, saying its immediate focus is supporting emergency response efforts and restoring power.

    Shares of Hawaiian Electric plunged 39 per cent on Monday amid Wall Street concerns over the company’s potential liability in the Maui wildfires.

    Last year, California’s largest utility Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) reached a $117 million settlement agreement in connection with the 2017 North Bay fires and the 2018 Camp Fire.

    The 2017 fires were sparked by downed power lines owned by PG&E, and the Camp Fire was sparked by faulty electrical equipment operated by the same company, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

    PG&E was driven into bankruptcy in 2019 and since then, power companies in California, Oregon and Nevada have decided to preemptively shut off power when high, dry winds could spark catastrophic fires.

    ALSO READ-93 lives lost in Maui Wildfire, deadliest US fire in a century

  • 93 lives lost in Maui Wildfire, deadliest US fire in a century

    93 lives lost in Maui Wildfire, deadliest US fire in a century

    The death toll surpassed 2018’s Camp Fire in California, which killed 86 people…reports Asian Lite News

    The raging wildfire that swept through Lahaina town on the Hawaiian island of Maui this week has killed at least 93 people, making it the most deadly US fire in a century.

    Maui County officials said early Sunday that firefighting crews are continuing to extinguish flare-ups in the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui fires. In the Upcountry Maui fire, three structures in Olinda and 16 structures in Kula were destroyed, CBS News reported. 

    Earlier on Saturday, Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned that the death toll could rise “significantly” as forensic work continues to identify the victims, the BBC reported.

    “It will certainly be the worst natural disaster that Hawaii ever faced…We can only wait and support those who are living. Our focus now is to reunite people when we can and get them housing and get them health care, and then turn to rebuilding,” Green reportedly said Saturday as he toured the devastation site.

    It is thought that more than 2,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed since the fires broke out. The majority of these were homes in the Lahaina area, the British news broadcaster reported.

    The death toll surpassed 2018’s Camp Fire in California, which killed 86 people.

    Multiple media reports said that the Hawaii emergency management records do not indicate the warning sirens sounded before the fire hit the town.

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  • Death toll rises to 80 in Hawaii wildfires 

    Death toll rises to 80 in Hawaii wildfires 

    The fires have become the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii’s history…reports Asian Lite News

    The death toll from Hawaii’s Maui wildfires surged to 80 as the search teams sifted through the smoking blazes of Lahaina town. The officials are determined to find out how the inferno spread so rapidly through the historic resort area with so little warning, reported Al Jazeera.

    Hawaii’s Attorney-General on Friday said that she will conduct a probe into how the authorities responded and acted to the deadly wildfires that have taken the lives of at least 80 people and have left 1,418 people at emergency evacuation shelters.

    The office of Attorney-General Anne Lopez said in a statement, “The Department of the Attorney-General will be conducting a comprehensive review of critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during, and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawaii islands this week.”

    The fires have become the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii’s history and have surpassed the Tsunami that killed 61 people on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1960, reported Al Jazeera.

    This week at least three fires have erupted, caused by dry conditions, hot temperatures and strong winds from a passing hurricane.

    However, for the first time, the residents of Lahaina were permitted to return to their homes to assess the damage caused by fires.

    Moreover, according to the officials, the search teams with cadaver dogs could still find more dead from the fire that burnt 1000 buildings and left thousands homeless. They added that it will require many years and billions of dollars to rebuild, Al Jazeera reported.

    Further information revealed that the victims of the fire had died while trying to rescue them from the fast-moving blaze.

    The island however includes emergency sirens which are supposed to warn of natural disasters and other threats but they did not work during the fire.

    Even after three days of the disaster, it is still unclear whether some residents got any warning before the fire blazed their homes.

    Referring to the warning sirens, Hawaii Governor Josh Green told CNN, “I authorised a comprehensive review this morning to make sure that we know exactly what happened and when.”

    US President Joe Biden spoke with Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Friday after the latter completed a survey of destruction across Maui.

    White House in a statement said, “The Governor provided the President with a firsthand update and assessment of Hawaii’s latest needs, and thanked the President for the support of FEMA and other federal agencies,” CNN reported.

    On Thursday, US President Joe Biden declared Hawaii wildfires a “major disaster” and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas impacted by the wildfires since August 8. Biden’s action makes federal funding available to impacted people in Maui County.

    A White House statement said, “Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing.”

    The assistance announced by Biden includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, according to the White House statement. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Bezos, Sanchez Announce $100 Mn Pledge to Aid Hawaii’s Wildfire Recovery Efforts

  • Bezos, Sanchez Announce $100 Mn Pledge to Aid Hawaii’s Wildfire Recovery Efforts

    Bezos, Sanchez Announce $100 Mn Pledge to Aid Hawaii’s Wildfire Recovery Efforts

    More than 1,000 buildings had been destroyed in Lahaina, a coastal town with a rich history that attracts some two million tourists a year….reports Asian Lite News

    Billionaire Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez have announced a $100 million fund to help with recovery efforts for the wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.

    Eighty people were confirmed to have been killed by wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, according to officials, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the state’s history.

    In an Instagram post late on Friday, Sanchez wrote that they “are creating a Maui Fund and are dedicating $100 million to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves”.

    “Jeff and I are heartbroken by what’s happening in Maui. We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated.

    The immediate needs are important, and so is the longer term rebuilding that will have to happen – even after much of the attention has subsided,” she added.

    According to earlier reports, Bezos purchased a 14-acre estate on La Perouse Bay for an estimated $78 million last year. The bay is less than 20 miles south of fires in South Maui.

    In May, Bezos, 59, and Sanchez, 53, got engaged and threw engagement parties. They started dating in 2018 and reportedly went public with their relationship after the Amazon billionaire divorced his first wife MacKenzie Scott in 2019.

    Meanwhile, West Maui, where Lahaina is located, is still without power and water. Search crews are still in the area looking for wildfire victims.

    More than 1,000 buildings had been destroyed in Lahaina, a coastal town with a rich history that attracts some two million tourists a year.

    Wildfires on Hawaii’s Maui island and Big Island began on Tuesday night. The cause is still not known but once lit, hurricane winds and dry weather helped fuel the flames.

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  • G20 ministers agree on blue economy principles

    G20 ministers agree on blue economy principles

    The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future…reports Asian Lite News

    The Group of 20 (G20) environment and climate ministers “resolve[d] to pursue environmentally sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development” in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the objective of achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) by 2030, and commitments to address pollution. They also adopted a set of voluntary principles on sustainable and resilient ocean-based economy.

    In an outcome document, the ministers express their determination to avoid siloed actions to address environmental crises and challenges and “acknowledge the urgent need to strengthen policies and mobilize financing.” They further underscore that “eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is indispensable for sustainable and climate resilient development pathways.”

    On accelerating climate action, the ministers emphasize the importance of the first Global Stocktake (GST) at the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) to assess collective progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

    They underscore the need for “enhancing action and support towards achieving the global goal on adaptation (GGA)” and commit to “work to successfully implement” funding arrangements on loss and damage. Highlighting the continued importance of public, grant-based, and concessional finance to enable climate action, they also call for accelerated, adequate, and additional mobilization of climate finance from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), International Financing Institutions (IFIs), the private sector, and other sources.

    Annexed to the outcome document are the ‘Chennai High Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue/Ocean-based Economy’ that, ministers agreed, “may be implemented by the G20 members on a voluntary basis, based on national circumstances and priorities.” Guided by these principles, the G20 members will: prioritize Ocean health; acknowledge and address the links between the Ocean and climate; promote social and intergenerational equity and gender equality; and promote the use of marine spatial planning. They will also: leverage science, technology, and innovation; recognize, protect, and utilize Indigenous and traditional knowledge; establish and implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; strengthen international cooperation; and enhance ocean finance.

    The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ The G20 members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the UK, the US, and the EU.

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  • Health and sustainability drive adoption of organic farming in India

    Health and sustainability drive adoption of organic farming in India

    Organic farming in India holds immense potential for organic producers. A report by IMARC Group reveals that India’s organic food market has witnessed substantial growth, reaching US$ 1,278 million in 2022…writes Maninder Singh

    Sustainability has emerged as the prevailing trend across industries, and it is equally making waves in the agricultural sector through the adoption of organic farming practices.

    With Indian consumers becoming conscious of sustainable lifestyle choices, the nutritive value of food items is emerging as their primary concern. Consequently, organic farming is gaining traction across the country as a feasible alternative to traditionally grown food cultivated using pesticides, artificial growth hormones, and other harmful chemicals.

    Organic Farming- a holistic approach towards sustainable food production

    Organic farming is a sustainable agricultural practice based on ecologically friendly methods. It involves growing crops naturally, without using chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

    It embraces the use of organic waste, biofertilizers, bio-boosters, and bio-pesticides to foster ecologically sustainable agricultural practices and create an environment that allows diverse plant and animal species to flourish. It also incorporates practices like crop rotation and organic manure to facilitate sustainable farming.

    The growing awareness of health hazards associated with pesticides and chemical fertilisers is catapulting India’s organic farming sector to new heights. Furthermore, the increased nutritional content found in organic food, coupled with the reduced exposure to pesticides, is driving the popularity of organic farming among health-conscious consumers in India.

    Organic Farming: a thriving sector in India

    Organic farming in India holds immense potential for organic producers. A report by IMARC Group reveals that India’s organic food market has witnessed substantial growth, reaching US$ 1,278 million in 2022.

    It will likely expand and reach US$ 4,602 million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 23.8% from 2023 to 2028. Another report by IFOAM Organics revealed that India was one of the top three countries in 2020 to experience significant growth in the land area dedicated to organic agriculture.

    Furthermore, as India takes on the G20 presidency, it shoulders the crucial task of addressing food insecurity, with a strong dedication to promoting organic and natural farming practices for the betterment of farmers and the agricultural sector.

    To that end, the Central Government is set to unveil a novel initiative known as the PM PRANAM (Prime Minister’s Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana) scheme.  This innovative program aims to save the soil and promote the balanced use of traditional fertilizers, alongside bio-fertilizers and organic fertilizers.

    With a substantial budget of Rs 370128.7 crores, this endeavour will not only ensure food security but also prioritise environmental sustainability by optimising agricultural practices. Hence, forward-thinking farmers in India are capitalising on sustainable farming by tapping into its potential.

    India’s gradual transition towards organic farming is driven by several positive health impacts. Below are some of the factors motivating the shift towards organic agricultural practices:

    Organic foods are toxin-free. Chemical fertilisers composed of antibiotics and hormones can cause severe health disorders in the long run, which may also prove fatal. For instance, pesticide residues in urine may cause ADHD in children. It may also reduce sperm count in males.

    Organic farming, on the other hand, is free of toxins, as it employs natural and cost-effective alternatives known as biofertilizers. The living microorganisms in bio fertilisers enhance the soil’s health and fertility, besides providing plants with the required nutrition.

    Furthermore, research indicates that organic food consumption reduces exposure to approximately 700 harmfulchemicals found in traditionally cultivated fruits and vegetables. Scientific studies also reveal that organic foods are 50% less likely to contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, which is a known carcinogen.

    Organic foods contain high antioxidants: Organic foods are abundant in antioxidant compounds that protect our cells from free radicals, known for accelerating chronic conditions such as cancer and heart ailments.

    Research from Newcastle University reveals that organic foods have approximately 60% higher levels of antioxidants compared to conventionally cultivated crops. Additionally, the absence of chemical fertilisers and pesticides makes organic foods rich in phytochemicals that reduce the risk of many health disorders.

    Environmental impact of organic farming: Mankind’s overall well-being is significantly impacted by environmental health. Organic farming relies on healthy practices for safeguarding our planet. It plays a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity and conserving soil to foster a sustainable and diverse ecosystem. Furthermore, organic farmers leverage soil-building practices, such as crop rotation and composting, to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, while concurrently enhancing soil quality and minimising erosion.

    Besides creating healthier soil, organic farming techniques increase carbon sequestration, thus, promoting overall environmental well-being. Moreover, it contributes to water conservation by utilising methods such as mulching and cover cropping, which help retain soil moisture, thus reducing the reliance on irrigation.

    In an era marked by growing environmental concerns, organic farming shines as a beacon of sustainability. Furthermore, the exponential surge in India’s population poses significant challenges in ensuring an adequate food supply for everyone. Consequently, prioritising sustainable food cultivation methods to meet the country’s growing food requirements, is the pressing need of the hour.

    Nevertheless, the higher production costs make organic foods expensive. That said, the personal and environmental benefits of organic foods make them an attractive option among health and eco-conscious consumers.

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  • Amazon nations miss agreed deforestation Goal

    Amazon nations miss agreed deforestation Goal

    While Colombian President Gustavo Petro wants other countries to match his pledge to ban new oil exploration, Brazil is considering exploring new areas at the mouth of the Amazon river….reports Asian Lite News

    The eight countries that share the Amazon basin have fallen short of an agreed goal to end deforestation, leaving each nation to pursue its own conservation goals.

    Delegates from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela have assembled in the Braziliancity of Belem for a two-day summit on the issue, the first such gathering in 14 years, reports the BBC.

    A joint statement on Tuesday, named the Belem declaration, created a new alliance to combat deforestation, but left each country to pursue its own conservation goals. 

    It also said the new alliance would aim to “prevent the Amazon from reaching a point of no return”.

    The statement also included commitments to enhance co-operation on issues like water management, health, sustainable development and common negotiating positions at global climate summits.

    Addressing the “severe worsening of the climate crisis” in his opening speech at the summit on Tuesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said “the challenges of our era, and the opportunities arising from them, demand we act in unison”.

    “It has never been so urgent,” the BBC quoted the President as saying.

    Differences in opinion however, was witnessed at the summit.

    While Colombian President Gustavo Petro wants other countries to match his pledge to ban new oil exploration, Brazil is considering exploring new areas at the mouth of the Amazon river.

    The summit came less than a week after it was revealed that the level of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil has dropped to its lowest since 2017.

    According to the data shared by the Brazilian space agency Inpe on Aug 3, 500 sq km of rainforest were cleared the country last month which was 66 per cent less compared to July 2022, reports the BBC.

    Inpe said that the area of forest cut down in the first seven months of 2023 was smaller than that razed in the same period in 2022.

    When President Lula took office in January, he had promised to halt the damage done during his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro’s four-year term.

    Bolsonaro had promoted mining in indigenous lands in the Amazon and forest clearances soared at the same time as resources to protect the forest were cut.

    Preserving the Amazon is a central part of efforts to tackle climate change.

    The rainforest is a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change and 60 per cent of it is located in Brazil.

    The billions of trees that make up the Amazon, often called “the lungs of the planet”, hold vast amounts of carbon, accumulated over centuries, and every year their leaves continue to absorb carbon dioxide that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere and contribute to the rise in global temperatures.

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