Category: Environment

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China’s Unreliability in Climate Fight

Would those who kill human beings hesitate to kill plants and animals?…writes Kok Bayraq

At the UN’s  COP28, the annual international climate summit held in  Dubai in the first week of December, the Chinese side opposed the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), stating that “China would set its climate targets based on the country’s own pace of technological and economic development.”

Sun Zhen, Deputy Director General of the Climate Change Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, clearly reminded all that China is a developing country. Yes, Sun revealed a truth, albeit in a covert way, on the international stage.

If we lift the curtain, the truth is this. The Chinese people, some of whose citizens have fled the border and sought political asylum in the USA and Europe due to economic and political problems, do not have the time or mind to worry about climate.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), as an unelected power that seeks to legitimize its rule by all means, both bloody and bloodless, has neither the mind nor the inclination to think about climate.

Even so, Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General of the European Commission for Climate Action, continued to plead with the CCP. “We remain hopeful that China can impact the world and global communities by peaking carbon before 2030,” he said. What a naïve and unrealistically expectation!

Is it possible for a family whose house is a mess and whose kitchen is covered in dirt to have a clean garden? Is it possible for someone whose garden is full of wild plants to have manicured flowers in front of their doors?

When its own regime was shaken in 1989, the (CCP) preserved its throne by killing its own citizens using tanks. The regime kept the COVID-19 virus secret for two months in 2019–2020 to protect its own image. This caused the death of seven million human beings in the world and three million in the USA so far.  As twenty-two countries, government, or parliaments defined and proclaimed, China is currently committing genocide against the Uyghurs.

Is it possible for a ruling group that has no compassion for people to have compassion for animals? Can a group that uses all its means to destroy a nation, a culture, and a religion have any concern about the disappearance of flowers and trees? Can a regime that does not take responsibility for a disaster like COVID-19 and does not allow the origins of the pandemic to be investigated care about the depletion of rivers and the drying of lakes? Is it possible for such a regime to be disturbed by air and sea pollution?

The CCP continues to insult the intellectual capacity of UN officials by making an empty promise. “China had built solid data, monitoring and verification measures, as well as a legislative framework that ensured high-level integrity of the country’s voluntary and compliance carbon markets,” Sun said.

Then he confirmed once again that China cannot cooperate. “I am sorry to say that if the EU wants to lead the world using policies like CBAM, that’s simply not straight,” he said.

Previously, China had committed to peak its carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

The first reason for China’s empty promises is to divert attention during negotiations with the USA and Europe, and to prevent urgent issues such as the Uyghur Genocide and its responsibility for COVID-19 from being brought to the agenda. The second goal is to make a profit by turning American and European green energy projects into businesses China can benefit from.

The US, the UK and Australia are planning to launch CBAM-style policies. CBAM is a landmark tool to put a fair price on the carbon released during the production of carbon-intensive goods entering the EU and to promote cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries. CBAM will ensure that the carbon price of imports into the EU is equivalent to the carbon price of domestic production and that the EU’s climate targets are met. CBAM is also designed to comply with WTO rules.

In fact, CBAM may have emerged earlier and more effectively than China expected. China, realizing that the empty promises and fake data doesn’t work at this stage, is being forced to show its true face.

A staff member showcases Chinese calligraphy at China’s pavilion during COP28 in Dubai, UAE, on Dec. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

Let’s be realistic. Concerns about the effects of climate change are primarily the problem of peoples who have overcome the problem of hunger. This is not the problem of a poor society whose stomachs are not yet full and whose social justice is not yet established. If a state is worried about division, if a regime is worried about collapse, if a society is struggling with the problem of stability, it is foolishness to expect cooperation from it on the climate issue.

Yes, China is telling the truth now. It is not worried about the climate, it is worried about the “terrorist Uyghurs,” it has problems with “separatist Taiwan,” it has a headache with “anarchist Hong Kong,” it has a permanent concern about protecting the regime, but there is no such thing as climate in its mind or heart… Those who do not understand this does not understand anything about China.

ALSO READ-Climate Minister leaves COP28 as talks reach final phase

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‘Efforts to Solution’: Sadhguru Hails COP28 UAE

Highlighting key aspects of COP28 this year, Sadhguru acknowledged the significant announcement by UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, regarding the sustainable agriculture declaration.

Jaggi Vasudev, popularly known as Sadhguru – the founder and head of the non-profit “Isha Foundation”, stated that the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) is an “effort to move the world towards a solution”.

“When we talk about moving towards the solution, this is the way human beings do things. First, we think about it; then, we talk about it; then we agree and disagree upon many things, at least what we agree upon,” Sadhguru said in a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during COP28.

Highlighting key aspects of COP28 this year, Sadhguru acknowledged the significant announcement by Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, regarding the sustainable agriculture declaration. “This is something that I am pushing for the last three decades, that soil should become an important part because the soil is not another substance,” he noted.

Sadhguru noted the recent climate action focus on soil, especially considering that over 62% of the world’s population is engaged in various forms of agriculture. Redirecting funding toward soil and agriculture, he emphasised, would contribute to solving the problem of poverty on Earth.

He underlined the necessity for countries to invest in tree-based agriculture, which would naturally and sustainably sequester vast amounts of carbon, aiding in achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Named one of India’s 50 most influential people, Sadhguru is a yoga practitioner and an active participant in global forums addressing social and economic development and leadership issues. He has launched multiple projects focusing on social upliftment, education, and the environment.

ALSO READ: COP28: Arab League Launches Three Novel Climate Initiatives

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Arab News Environment UAE News

COP28: Arab League Launches Three Novel Climate Initiatives

Dr. Mahmoud Fathallah, Director of the Arab League’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Meteorology and Head of Pavilion said the Arab region is facing a major challenge: desertification.

Inaugurating its debut at a UN Climate Change Conference, the League of Arab States Pavilion at COP28 has introduced three novel climate initiatives: the circular economy, nature-based solutions, and biodiversity.

Dr. Mahmoud Fathallah, Director of the Arab League’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Meteorology and Head of Pavilion, made this announcement in a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). He described desertification, drought, and food security as the most prominent challenges resulting from climate change in the Arab region.

Looking ahead to future cooperation on climate issues within the Arab world, Fathallah announced that the next meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment, scheduled for October 2024, will focus on participation in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP 16), set to take place in Saudi Arabia in December 2024.

He said the Arab region is facing a major challenge: desertification. This environmental phenomenon has already impacted an area of approximately 9 million square kilometres, representing a staggering 68% of the total landmass in Arab countries. The Maghreb region in Africa bears the brunt of this issue, with over half (53.4%) of its land affected by desertification. Additionally, a further 3.6 million square kilometres are considered at risk, according to the Joint Arab Economic Report 2022.

He added that Arab countries will be convening in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for preparatory meetings in advance of the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). Scheduled for February 26th to March 1st, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEA-6 presents a crucial opportunity for international collaboration on environmental issues.

He stated that specialised Arab organisations, acting as the technical arm of the League of Arab States, are playing a vital role in this fight. They are actively involved in preparing studies and reports on desertification and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development (AOAD), in particular, is dedicated to equipping Arab experts with the knowledge and skills needed to address these pressing environmental concerns.

Fathallah stated that the AOAD, in cooperation with the League of Arab States, held a high-level regional dialogue on the sidelines of its participation in COP28 under the title “Addressing the interrelated challenges of climate change, peace and food security in the Arab region with a focus on fragile societies and countries in conflict.”

He pointed out that the dialogue made it clear that the Arab region is the most water-scarce and the most dependent on food imports in the world, with high rates of malnutrition in the region, noting that the overexploitation of the region’s resources has led to a severe deterioration in ecosystems.

Fathallah stated that the Arab countries have approved national programmes and policies that have been integrated into their development programmes to mitigate the effects of climate change and adaptation plans.

ALSO READ: Talks on Fossil Fuels Heat Up at COP28

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Talks on Fossil Fuels Heat Up at COP28

As COP28 comes to a close, some of the major topics are still being discussed behind closed doors, such as the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and the Global Stocktake.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday proposed a deal at COP28 on phasing out fossil fuels, telling negotiators that “now is the time for maximum ambition and maximum flexibility,” as UN climate talks in Dubai head into the home stretch, UN News reported.

As COP28 entered its final 48 hours, the UN chief delivered a clear message to government negotiators: “We must conclude the conference with an ambitious outcome that demonstrates decisive action and a credible plan to keep 1.5-degree goal alive, protecting those on the frontlines of the climate crisis.”

As COP28 entered its final 48 hours, the UN chief delivered a clear message to government negotiators: “We must conclude the conference with an ambitious outcome that demonstrates decisive action and a credible plan to keep 1.5-degree goal alive, protecting those on the frontlines of the climate crisis.”

Negotiators are engaged in intense negotiations to hammer out a deal on key agenda items including the future of the use of fossil fuels, ramping up renewable energy, building resilience to climate change and ensuring financial support for vulnerable countries, according to UN News.

Speaking to reporters today, Guterres warned of humanity’s race against time as our planet is “minutes to midnight” for the 1.5 degree limit, referring to one of the keystone global warming targets set by the 2015 Paris Agreement. “And the clock keeps ticking.”

And yet, with COP28 so close to the finish line, there is still a “gap that needs to be bridged, said the Secretary-General.

Against this backdrop, he noted that “now is the time for maximum ambition and maximum flexibility. Ministers and negotiators must move beyond arbitrary red lines, entrenched positions and blocking tactics,” he said.

Urging countries to go into “overdrive to negotiate in good faith and rise to the challenge”, the Secretary-General also cautioned that any “compromise for solutions”, must not come at the cost of “compromising on the science or on the need for the highest ambition.”

He underscored that in a “fractured and divided world, COP28 can show that multilateralism remains our best hope to tackle global challenges.”

Speaking to reporters just ahead of the Secretary-General, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said negotiations on an outcome document have a chance to begin a new chapter that delivers for people and planet.

He underscored the importance of finance as “the bedrock to scale-up climate action on all fronts”.

He stressed that the highest levels of ambition are possible on both, “but if we reduce on one, we reduce our ability to get either.”

To reach a meaningful deal, the many “unnecessary tactical blockades” seen along the COP28 journey must be removed, and “incrementalism” must be rejected, according to the climate chief.

He reminded negotiators that the world is watching and “there is nowhere to hide.”

“One thing is for certain: ‘I win – you lose’ is a recipe for collective failure. Ultimately it is 8 billion people’s security that is at stake”.

Following the landmark Paris COP, Dubai is the first time that a UN climate summit surveys progress towards achieving the goals agreed in 2015.

This so-named Global Stocktake is still being assessed and could pave the way to ambitious national climate action plans, or NDC’s that countries are due to submit in 2025.

Guterres has called for countries to step up their efforts to ensure maximum ambition on two fronts, namely ambition on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and on delivering climate justice.

On Monday he stressed that the Global Stocktake must recognize the “need to phase out all fossil fuels on a time-frame consistent with the 1.5-degree limit – and to accelerate a just, equitable and orderly energy transition for all.”

COP28, which stands for the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is taking place in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 to December 12 this year. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Yousaf slams Cameron as ‘petty’ over Erdogan COP28 threat

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Climate Action Rooted in Equity, Justice: India at COP28

At COP28 climate conference, India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav says equity, justice must be the basis for global climate action, reports by Vishal Gulati

Stating that India has achieved 40 per cent of electric installed capacity through non-fossil fuel sources, nine years ahead of the 2030 target, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, said on Saturday that “equity and climate justice must be the basis for global climate action and the developed countries should take the lead”.

Delivering India’s national statement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) here, Yadav said, “As we gather here, India looks forward to the global stocktake’s outcomes and hope they will provide meaningful and relevant inputs for deciding on enhanced climate action.

“The resource mobilisation under the new collective quantified goal must be guided by the needs and requirements of the developing countries.

“India firmly believes that equity and climate justice must be the basis for global climate action. This can be ensured only when the developed countries take the lead in ambitious climate action.”

Stating that it is of paramount importance to repose the trust and confidence in the principles and processes of the convention and its Paris Agreement, the minister said, “Let us all reaffirm our commitment to work together for the common objective for greener, cleaner and healthier planet as we have one earth, we are one family and share one future.

Expressing gratitude to the UAE government for hosting the climate talks, Yadav said India also congratulates the COP28 Presidency for steering this COP (conference of parties) as the “COP for action”, which became evident on the very first day with the successful operationalisation of the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’.

India has been at the forefront of supporting action-oriented steps at the global level in response to climate change.

“We have always held the view that people and planet are inseparable and human wellbeing and nature are intrinsically linked,” he stressed.

“The call given to the global community by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join Mission LiFE — Lifestyle for Environment — bears testimony to India’s action-oriented approach.

“Furthering the ideals of Mission LiFE, India launched the Green Credit Initiative at COP28 on December 1 to create a participatory global platform for exchange of innovative environmental programmes and instruments.

“Earlier this year, we saw the historic adoption of the Green Development Pact by the G20 nations as part of the New Delhi Declaration,” Yadav said.

The Union minister also said that India has now finalised its third national communication based on GHG (greenhouse gas) inventory of 2019 along with initial adaptation communication.

“It underscores our consistent contribution towards climate action while also prioritising the development and well-being of our people,” he said.

To decouple economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, he said, India has successfully reduced the emission intensity vis-a-vis its GDP by 33 per cent between 2005 and 2019, thus achieving the initial NDC target for 2030, 11 years ahead of the scheduled time.

“India has also achieved 40 per cent of electric installed capacity through non-fossil fuel sources, nine years ahead of the 2030 target. Between 2017 and 2023, India has added around 100 GW of installed electric capacity, of which around 80 per cent is attributed to non-fossil fuel-based resources.

“We have, therefore, revised our NDCs (nationally determined contributions) upwards, indicating our deep commitment towards enhanced climate action,” Yadav said.

In addition to its domestic initiatives, India’s contribution to climate action has been significant through its international efforts such as International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), creation of LeadIT, Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) and the Big Cat Alliance.

“The Global Biofuel Alliance, launched when the G20 leaders met in Delhi earlier this year, seeks to serve as a catalytic platform fostering global collaboration for advancement and widespread adoption of biofuels,” he added.

ALSO READ: Stop Fighting, Focus on Climate Justice, Children’s Plea to COP28

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Lahore Tops Global Pollution Charts Again

Millions of people’s lives and health have been impacted by the ongoing pollution issue in Lahore, the second-biggest metropolis in Pakistan….reports Asian Lite News

With poor air quality, the provincial capital topped the worldwide pollution index once more on Thursday, ARY News reported.

Lahore has the worst air quality in the world, with an early air quality index (AQI) of 400, which is considered “hazardous.”

Millions of people’s lives and health have been impacted by the ongoing pollution issue in Lahore, the second-biggest metropolis in Pakistan.

The five types of pollution that are used to compute the AQI are particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and ground-level ozone, according to ARY News.

An AQI grade of 150-200 is deemed unhealthy; 201-300 is more detrimental; and 300 and above is severely dangerous.

Wintertime air density is higher than summertime air density, which leads to the downward movement of airborne pollutants and other harmful particles, according to experts, ARY News reported.

Consequently, a region becomes covered with a layer of contaminated particles, which include a lot of carbon and smoke. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistan Gears Up for General Elections

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Chennai Floods: TN Seeks Rs 5,000 Cr Central Assistance

CM MK Stalin requested PM Modi to send a central team to review the damages caused by the Cyclone Michaung in Tamil Nadu….reports Asian Lite News

Amid the destruction caused by Cyclone Michaung in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an immediate interim relief fund of Rs 5060 crores.

CM Stalin also requested the PM to send a central team to review the damages caused by the Cyclone in the state.

The letter will be given to PM Modi in person by DMK MP TR Baalu in Delhi.

Tamil Nadu CM also inspected the cyclone affected areas on Wednesday morning.

In the late hours of Tuesday, CM Stalin posted on X and said that the entire government machinery has been working hard to remove the effects of Cyclone Michaung.

“The entire government machinery, such as ministers, officials, police, sanitation workers, and corporation workers are working hard to quickly remove the effects of the Cyclone Michaung calamity that surrounds us. I request that many more comrades should immediately join hands with the relief work along with the members of the club who are helping in the field. Members of the affected areas come quickly!” CM Stalin said on X.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Michaung has weakened into a deep depression over central coastal Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department informed on Wednesday.

“Cyclonic Storm “MICHAUNG” weakened into a Deep Depression over Central Coastal AP. About 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla and 50 km southeast of Khammam. To weaken further into a Depression in next 06 hours and further into a WML during subsequent 06 hours,” the IMD said.

The flooding in Chennai following heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Michaung has claimed 17 lives so far, officials said on Tuesday.

The Greater Chennai police, through a release issued on December 5, stated that 17 people have been reported dead in various incidents due to floods in the city.

According to the police, as many as 10 incidents of drowning and electrocution have been reported for which medical assistance was rendered.

Flood warning announcements through the public address system were also being made by GCP in coordination with Greater Chennai Corporation for those living in the low-lying areas along the Adyar River bank, an official release stated.

The state officials were also trying their best to respond to distress messages on social media and extend timely and necessary assistance, sources said.

In an attempt to flush rainwater out of the city, another corporation of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, dispatched twelve 41-HP motors to Chennai for flood relief operations. (ANI)

Cyclone Michaung Weakens into Deep Depression

Cyclone Michaung has weakened into a deep depression over central coastal Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department informed on Wednesday.

“Cyclonic Storm “MICHAUNG” weakened into a Deep Depression over Central Coastal AP. About 100 km north-northwest of Bapatla and 50 km southeast of Khammam. To weaken further into a Depression in next 06 hours and further into a WML during subsequent 06 hours,” read a post on the official IMD handle on social media platform X.

As Cyclone Michaung made landfall on Tuesday, an incessant downpour lashed Chennai even as its fury from Monday ebbed significantly. The rains and the subsequent flooding from the storm brought the state capital to a standstill, disrupting normal life and also resulting in fatalities and property damage.

In a release issued on Tuesday, December 5, the Greater Chennai police stated that 17 people have been reported dead in various incidents due to floods triggered by the cyclone in the city.

According to the police, as many as 10 incidents of drowning and electrocution have been reported for which medical assistance was rendered.

Earlier, on Tuesday, DMK MP Kanimozhi said the Tamil Nadu government is much more prepared to deal with the situation than in 2015, when incessant rains caused flooding in Chennai, causing loss of lives and property damage.

“In the last two days, we had more than 33 cm of rainfall, which is much more than what we had in 2015. However, the government was better equipped to deal with the situation this time. Many people have been evacuated (from low-lying areas) and moved to (relief) shelters,” Kanimozhi told ANI on Tuesday.

“As many as 411 relief shelters have already been arranged. Water has also been pumped out of most of the areas and power has been restored to more than 60-70 per cent of the houses,” the DMK MP added. (ANI)

ALSO READ: ‘India Poised to Become Third-Largest Economy by 2030’

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Chennai Down Under

Chennai, Dec 04 (ANI): A view of the waterlogged road following heavy rainfall triggered by cyclone Michaung, in Chennai on Monday. (ANI Photo)

Tamil Nadu state government has asked the authorities about the availability of ready-made items including rice-dals-vegetables and their quality to arrange food for those staying in the relief camps…reports Asian Lite News

Eight people have lost their lives while multiple roads and subways are closed due to waterlogging in the wake of the Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Michaung’, which is expected to make landfall on the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh between Nellore and Machilipatnam today.

“Traffic has been closed on Manjambakkam to Vadaperumbakkam Road due to the release of water from the Puzhal Lake,” police said on Tuesday.

The police further informed that 8 deaths have been reported so far in the state.

“A dead body of an unidentified man aged about 70 years who was found dead at the platform near the Vaidyanathan flyover, Padmanaban (M/50), Senthurai, Natluun, Dindigul district was electrocuted and died at loan square road, Murugan (M/35), died by fallen tree on himself at Besant Nagar, a dead body of an unidentified woman aged about 60 years was found dead at Foreshore Estate Bus Depot, Ganesan (M/70 years) of Thuraipakkam was electrocuted while walking on the road near his house,” Tamil Nadu police said.

“Dharath (M/53 years) died due to a compound wall collapse at Ellaiamman Boyd Street, Sehlim (M/50), was found dead in the rainwater inside the School campus, Mirajul Islam (M/19) of Assam State, who stayed at Kotturpuram Corporation School relief Centre died due to epilepsy today,” the police added.

The police also added that many families including pregnant women, children, and senior citizens were rescued from different areas who were stuck due to wreak havoc of Cyclone Michaung.

Around 17 subways including the Ganesapuram Subway, Gengureddy Subway, Sembium (Perambur), Villivakkam and Duraisamy Subway are closed due to water logging, the police informed further.

“Fallen trees have been removed at 58 places in the GCP limit,” police said.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin on Tuesday morning inspected the Cyclone affected areas in the state. The Tamil Nadu CM inspected the rain relief camp set up in Kannapar Thital, Chennai. There are 162 relief centres in which 43 are operated accommodating 2477 Chennai residents. There are 20 kitchens operational providing food to these relief centres.

The state government has asked the authorities about the availability of ready-made items including rice-dals-vegetables and their quality to arrange food for those staying in the relief camps.

Earlier CM Stalin said ” We have reduced/prevented loss of life to a great extent due to systematic improvements and comprehensive structural preparations. Rescue and relief work is going on at a wartime pace.”

5000 workers from other districts are moved to Chennai for the mitigation works. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and other top officials are monitoring operations at the Integrated Command &Control Center. For the Chennai corporation the focus is on prioritizing rescue operations, providing food to individuals relocated to relief centers and clearing roads.

The bridge in the Nerkundram area is surrounded by water overflowing from the Koovam River. Due to release of water from the Chembarambakkam Lake Madha engineering college near Chembarambakkam was partially submerged. Water reached nearly neck level and people struggled to walk.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said “Severe Cyclonic Storm “MICHAUNG” over Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts moved northwards with a speed of 07 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 0530 hours IST of today, the 5th December 2023 over Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh coast near Latitude14.9°N and Longitude 80.2°E, about 20 km east of Kavali, 50 km north-northeast of Nellore, 200 km north of Chennai, 110 km south-southwest of Bapatla and 170km south-southwest of Machilipatnam.”

It further said that Cyclone ‘Michaung’ is likely to cross south Andhra Pradesh during the forenoon of December 5 with a maximum wind speed of 90-100 Kmph.

“As the system is nearly moving northwards close to the coast, some parts of the wall cloud region lie overland. The system is likely to move nearly northwards parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla during the forenoon of 5th December as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph,” the IMD added.

Chennai Airfield remains closed for arrival and departure operations till 0900 hrs IST tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions.

Public life was severely affected in Chennai as heavy rains lashed several parts of the city. Several areas, including Wallajah Road, Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chepauk, outside Omandurar government multispecialty hospital and other low-lying areas, were inundated due to persistent heavy rainfall.

Chennai Airport resumes operations

Chennai Airport has resumed operations after being temporarily shut down due to heavy rains that caused flooding and waterlogging on the runways, said an airport official.

The airport will be open for both arrivals and departures from 0900 hours IST onwards.

According to a statement released by the airport authorities, the rains have stopped, and the water has receded. However, there is a lot of slush and filth on the runways and taxiways, which is being cleared by four Civilian Firearms Teams (CFTs) and additional manpower.

The Chennai Team has confirmed that all CNS and ATM facilities are functioning normally, and the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) will be withdrawn shortly. Airlines and other stakeholders have been informed about the resumption of operations and have been asked to plan their flights accordingly.

Air Traffic Management (ATM) will prioritize departures to clear the backlog of stranded passengers at the airport. There are currently 21 aircraft on the ground and around 1500 passengers in the terminals. The F&B Concessionaire has ensured that adequate food is available at all outlets. (ANI)

ALSO READ-UN Reports Severe Flooding in Ethiopia Affecting 1.5 Million People

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US pledges $3 bn for Green Climate Fund

The latest pledge would be additional to another $2 billion previously delivered by the US…reports Asian Lite News

The United States has pledged $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund, Vice President Kamala Harris said in Dubai at the UN COP28 climate summit.

The fund, with more than $20 billion in pledges, is the largest international fund dedicated to supporting climate action in developing countries.

The latest pledge would be additional to another $2 billion previously delivered by the US.

Sources said the pledge was subject to the availability of funds. The politically divided U.S. Congress needs to authorize the funding. Harris announced the pledge in her address to the summit.

“Today I am also proud to announce a new $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund which helps developing countries invest in resilience, clean energy, and nature-based solutions,” she said.

The fund’s facilitators said in October that the current second round of replenishments had brought in about $9.3 billion in pledges to fund projects in climate-vulnerable counties between 2024 and 2027.

Even so, pledges so far represent a fraction of roughly $250 billion that developing countries would need every year by 2030 just to adapt to a warmer world, according to the United Nations. In addition to supporting climate adaptation, the fund also finances projects to help countries shift to clean energy.

Harris, who was representing the US at COP28 in place of President Joe Biden, was part of a US delegation that also includes climate envoy John Kerry and dozens of senior administration officials and cabinet members.

“It was important for both the president and vice president to ensure that a leader from the United States was at COP,” an official said, adding that Harris wanted to “make sure we are telling the world the story of progress that we have made in the US.”

Meanwhile, physicians, activists and country representatives at this year’s COP28 U.N. climate summit in Dubai have called for greater global efforts to protect people from the increasing health and safety risks posed by climate change.

With global temperatures set to continue climbing for decades, experts say countries will need to boost funding for healthcare as heatwaves become more dangerous and diseases like malaria and cholera spread.

Climate-related impacts “have become one of the greatest threats to human health in the 21st century”, COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber said in a statement.

Late on Saturday, 123 of the nearly 200 countries gathered at COP28 signed a declaration acknowledging their responsibility to keep people safe. The declaration made no mention of fossil fuels, the main source of climate-warming emissions.

Thanks to climate change, cases of malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress are already on the rise in some regions.

A small group of physicians in white coats and climate activists held a small demonstration within the COP28 compound to raise awareness of the issue on Sunday.

“We are in a lot of trouble,” said Joseph Vipond, an emergency physician from Alberta, Canada. He recalled the case of a child dying from an asthma attack made worse by smoke inhalation from Western Canada’s record wildfires this year. “This is having real world impacts.”

Climate change is also increasing the frequency of dangerous storms and more erratic rainfall.

In September Storm Daniel killed more than 11,000 people in Libya, and last year’s massive flooding in Pakistan fueled a 400% increase in malaria cases across the country, according to the World Health Organization.

Governments and philanthropic bodies are expected later on Sunday to announce new financing for climate-related health issues.

The World Bank on Sunday launched a new Climate and Health program to explore possible interventions and public health solutions for developing countries.

Ten of the world’s top development banks including the World Bank also said on Sunday they would work together to help countries track climate impacts, including public health risks, and to identify investment opportunities and priorities.

In a statement, the banks said the window of opportunity to secure a liveable planet was “rapidly closing”.

Microsoft co-founder turned philanthropist Bill Gates said scientists were working on new treatments for and prevention of mosquito-spread malaria as the rise in temperatures creates more hospitable habitat for the insects to breed.

“We have new tools at the lab level that decimate mosquito populations,” said Gates, whose foundation supports public health research and projects for the developing world.

“These new innovations give us a chance, at a reasonable cost, to make progress.”

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke on Sunday at COP28, urging reform to the world’s insurance system as another key requirement to keep people safe.

“Right now insurance companies are pulling out of so many places, they’re not insuring homes, they’re not insuring businesses,” Clinton said, addressing a panel on women and climate resiliency 

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Asia News Environment

Earthquake of Magnitude 4.8 Hits Pakistan

The quake occured on Saturday night at 23:52:22 IST at a depth of 24 km…reports Asian Lite News

An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 on the Richter Scale struck Pakistan on Saturday night, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) informed.

The quake occured on Saturday night at 23:52:22 IST at a depth of 24 km.

“Earthquake of Magnitude:4.8, Occurred on 03-12-2023, 23:52:22 IST, Lat: 32.06 & Long: 69.86, Depth: 24 Km, Location: Pakistan,” read a post on the official NCS handle on X.

No casualties have been reported. More details are awaited.

Meanwhile, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 on the Richter Scale struck the Philippines on Monday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported.

The quake occurred on Sunday night at 01:19:42 IST at a depth of 82 km in Mindanao.

The NCS posted from its official handle on X, “Earthquake of Magnitude:6.8, Occurred on 04-12-2023, 01:19:42 IST, Lat: 9.03 & Long: 126.70, Depth: 82 Km ,Location: Mindanao, Philippines.”

No casualties were reported in the incident till the filing of this report and more details are awaited.

Earlier, on Saturday, a strong earthquake in the southern Philippines claimed at least one life as thousands were ordered to evacuate, including in Japan, after tsunami warnings that were later lifted, Al Jazeera reported.

The earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 7.6 according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) and 7.5 according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre, struck off the coast of Mindanao island at a depth of 32km. It was followed by four major aftershocks exceeding magnitudes of 6.0 over several hours on Sunday.

The initial quake occurred at 10:37 pm (14:37 GMT), triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific region. Residents along the east coast of Mindanao evacuated buildings, with a hospital also emptied as people sought higher ground, according to Al Jazeera.

The US Tsunami Warning System initially projected waves of up to 3 meters (10 feet) along some parts of the Philippine coast but later declared no tsunami risk.

“Based on all available data, … the tsunami threat from this earthquake has now passed,” it said.

Tsunami waves of up to 1 meter (3.2 feet) were expected in Japan’s southwest coast, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) anticipated minimal damage from the quake but warned of potential aftershocks.

Raymark Gentallan, police chief of the coastal city of Hinatuan near the epicenter, reported power outages but no casualties or significant damage. Evacuated villagers returned home, and civil aviation officials found no major damage to airports in the south.

On Sunday, numerous villagers who sought refuge in evacuation centres have now returned to their homes, as confirmed by officials.

Following thorough inspections, civil aviation authorities have assured that several airports in the south experienced no significant damage, and flight operations remain uninterrupted.

Images shared on social media by the local administration in Hinatuan, home to approximately 44,000 people, depict numerous residents and lines of vehicles heading towards elevated areas. One sizable shelter accommodated several dozen people during the evacuation, Al Jazeera reported.

Earthquakes are frequent in the Philippines, situated on the Ring of Fire, a seismic activity-prone belt of volcanoes encircling the Pacific Ocean. (ANI)

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