Posts in category: Blog

Sustainability and the inclusive community may not seem to have much in common at first glance, but both share a common goal: creating an equitable, just, and inclusive world for all people. Sustainability is the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach to address environmental, social, and economic factors.

The LGBTQ community, which has been a recipient of issues like marginalization and social exclusion, faces systemic discrimination, exclusion, and violence, affecting their health, safety, and well-being. These two issues may seem unrelated, but they intersect in several ways:

One of the most significant is the concept of environmental justice. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Further, environmental justice includes ensuring that all communities have access to clean air, water, and land and are not unfairly burdened by pollution or other environmental hazards.

While sexual and gender identities or disabilities do not directly affect the environment, the social and cultural norms surrounding them do. For instance, heteronormativity, the assumption that everyone is heterosexual and cisgender, promotes a binary view of gender and reinforces harmful stereotypes and expectations. The same leads to a lack of diversity and inclusion in various fields, including environmental activism and sustainability. When environmental solutions are developed without considering the needs and perspectives of LGBTQ people, they may fail to address their unique challenges and priorities, such as access to healthcare, safe housing, or legal protections.

Moreover, LGBTQ people may face environmental injustices, such as pollution, climate change, or natural disasters, that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. For example, LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness are likelier to live in hazardous conditions and lack access to essential resources, including food, water, and shelter. Transgender people may also face barriers to healthcare and face, discrimination and violence when seeking medical treatment or accessing public spaces, which can impact their physical and mental health.

In addition to environmental justice, sustainability and the LGBTQ+ community intersect through issues such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and waste reduction. Many LGBTQ+ people are passionate about sustainable living and reducing their environmental impact, and many organizations and initiatives are working to promote sustainable living within the LGBTQ+ community.

Furthermore, sustainability can benefit the LGBTQ community by creating more inclusive and equitable societies. By promoting green infrastructure, clean energy, and sustainable transportation, we can reduce our carbon footprint and create more liveable and resilient cities that prioritize public health and safety. Sustainable practices can also help to reduce poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, which are often linked to environmental degradation and resource depletion. By engaging and empowering diverse communities, including LGBTQ people, in environmental decision-making, we can foster a sense of ownership and accountability towards our planet and each other.

Furthermore, sustainability and LGBTQ share common values, such as social justice, human rights, and intergenerational equity. Both movements aim to challenge and transform dominant norms and systems perpetuating inequality and exploitation and to build more sustainable and resilient alternatives prioritizing collective well-being and dignity. By recognizing and embracing diversity, intersectionality, and inclusivity, a more robust and effective sustainability movement that addresses the root causes of environmental and social problems can be created.

In conclusion, sustainability and LGBTQ are not separate issues but interconnected dimensions of our human experience and the efforts to achieve sustainability must include LGBTQ+ people. By working together to promote environmental justice, sustainable living, and inclusive sustainability initiatives, we can create a more equitable, just, and sustainable world for all people.

Thoughts compiled by: Gayatri Chadwa

Carbon offsetting is a means of balancing or negating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities, such as transportation or energy generation, by investing in projects that reduce or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon offsetting has become an increasingly popular way for individuals and companies to take responsibility for their carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating climate change.

Carbon offsetting reduces greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The projects funded by carbon offsetting can be any activity that removes or reduces carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, or implementing energy-efficient technologies.

Individuals, companies, or governments can do carbon offsetting. Individuals can offset their carbon footprint by calculating the amount of greenhouse gas emissions they produce and investing in a carbon offset project that reduces or removes an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Companies can offset their carbon footprint by investing in carbon offset projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions associated with their operations or supply chain. Governments can implement carbon offsetting as part of their climate change policy by setting a carbon price or implementing a cap-and-trade system that allows companies to offset their emissions by purchasing carbon credits.

The objectives of carbon offsetting are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. By investing in carbon offset projects, individuals, companies, and governments can support the development of renewable energy projects, reforestation, and other initiatives that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.

Carbon offsetting is an essential tool in the fight against climate change. It allows individuals, companies, and governments to take responsibility for their carbon footprint and support the development of projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. Carbon offsetting can also be cost-effective for companies to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their sustainability goals.

Since carbon offsetting is vital in the fight against climate change, it is an essential element that corporates must consider. In addition to the above, another significant advantage of carbon offsetting is that it allows companies to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their sustainability goals without significantly changing their operations.

Carbon offsetting can also provide economic benefits by supporting the development of renewable energy projects and other initiatives that create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, carbon offsetting can help to raise awareness about the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Amongst so many benefits, the concept suffers from some disadvantages; one of the primary disadvantages of carbon offsetting is that it can be challenging to accurately measure and verify the impact of carbon offset projects.

Additionally, there is the risk of greenwashing, where companies invest in carbon offset projects to appear environmentally responsible without making significant changes to their operations.

Lastly, carbon offsetting can create a moral hazard by allowing companies to continue emitting greenhouse gases without significantly reducing their emissions.

We have understood the concept of carbon offsetting, but how do corporates worldwide embrace the concept?

Carbon offsetting has become essential for companies to reduce their carbon footprint and take responsibility for their environmental impact. Many corporations are embracing Carbon offsetting as part of their sustainability efforts worldwide. Here are some examples of how companies are approaching carbon offsetting:

· Microsoft: In 2020, Microsoft announced that it would become Carbon negative by 2030, meaning it would remove more Carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. To achieve this, the company has committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2025 and investing in carbon offset projects to address its remaining emissions.

Microsoft has also created an internal carbon fee that charges business units for their emissions and uses the funds to invest in carbon reduction and removal projects.

· Amazon: In 2019, Amazon pledged to become Carbon neutral by 2040 and launched a $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund to invest in carbon reduction technologies and renewable energy projects. The company has also invested in several carbon offset projects, including a Texas wind farm and a Costa Rica reforestation project.

· Apple: Apple has committed to becoming Carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and product lifecycle by 2030. The company has already achieved carbon neutrality for its global corporate operations and is now focusing on reducing emissions from its manufacturing and supply chain. Apple has also invested in several carbon offset projects, including a mangrove restoration project in Colombia and a renewable energy project in China.

After understanding the global perspective, it is necessary to understand how India and Indian companies embrace Carbon Offsetting. India is home to many companies embracing Carbon offsetting as part of their sustainability efforts. Here are some examples of how Indian companies are approaching carbon offsetting:

• Infosys: In 2020, Infosys became Carbon neutral by offsetting its emissions by purchasing carbon credits from renewable energy projects. The company has also committed to sourcing 100% renewable energy by 2022.
• Tata Motors: Tata Motors has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 30% by 2025 and becoming Carbon neutral by 2030. The company has invested in several renewable energy projects and is also exploring Carbon offsetting options to address its remaining emissions.
• Mahindra Group: Mahindra Group has committed to becoming Carbon neutral by 2040 and has invested in several renewable energy projects. The company is also exploring Carbon offsetting options, including investing in renewable energy projects and reforestation initiatives.

However, the above are just a handful of examples of how Indian companies embrace carbon offsetting; there are plenty more to follow.

According to a report by CDP India, 34 Indian companies disclosed information on their Carbon offsetting activities in 2020, up from 30 in 2019. The report also found that Indian companies purchased 5.8 million carbon credits in 2020, up from 3.8 million in 2019, representing a 53% increase.

However, the report noted that while Indian companies increase their use of carbon offsets, they must prioritize reducing their emissions first. The report found that only 12% of Indian companies have set a science-based emissions reduction target, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Therefore, carbon offsetting is an essential tool for corporations to take responsibility for their carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change. However, it is crucial for companies to prioritize reducing their emissions first and to carefully vet carbon offset projects to ensure they are credible and compelling.

Every year, the people of Planet Earth produce 2.1B metric tons of solid waste; 16% of the same gets recycled, thus, saving 700M metric tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. However, 46% of trash, enough to fill 368,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, is disposed of unsustainably, i.e., they are either landfilled, incinerated, littered, or illegally dumped in the environment.

Therefore, a 16% recycling rate is not enough, and we need education, legislation, and action to combat this growing environmental and humanitarian crisis. Global Recycling Day, celebrated annually on March 18th, is a launchpad for businesses and individuals looking to make an impact.

Being in its fourth year, Global Recycling Day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the importance that recycling plays in preserving our natural resources and securing the future of our planet.

While there is some debate about the top six, most count water, air, oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals among the most important (and exploitable) natural resources. The Global Recycling Foundation names recyclables as “the Seventh Resource,” as recyclables supply 40% of the world’s raw material needs.

There is an abundance of a manufactured resource called “Plastic”, which produces more than 380M metric tons of virgin plastic, and a devastating 91% of it is never recycled. An even more adverse fact is that between 4.8M and 12.7M tons of plastic annually enter the oceans.

Another concern is deforestation; our world’s forests are logged for paper and pulp to create cardboard packaging and building materials. With the world overreaching in the name of economics, an estimated two-thirds of the world’s tropical rainforests have been destroyed or degraded to date. Such exploitation of resources has sparked concerns annually, leading to the launch of “Global Recycling Day.”

On March 18th, 2018, Global Recycling Day was established. People throughout the globe were encouraged to recycle, and the same has been encouraged through thousands of events worldwide. Social media campaigns have been a highlight to raise awareness and encourage recycling. All the efforts have created a discussion on a global level on recycling routines among everyone, from global leaders to companies to individual citizens.

The theme of Global Recycling Day 2023 is Creative Innovation, and the idea is to be creative and think out of the box to bring out new ways of recycling and reduce the burden on the environment. It is essential to highlight that putting recyclables in the bin is insufficient, and we need to be proactive and find new ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

History and Evolution

Since becoming an U.N.-recognized day in 2018, millions of people and businesses have joined hands to boost awareness about recycling through the Global Recycling Day initiatives.

Annual reports by various research and other government agencies estimate that the Earth might not live in the next decade if we do not curb our litter. Natural resources are threatened as pollution closes in on climate change as well. The previous decade has seen the most extreme temperatures in history, which causes not only natural devastation but also economic.

We all acknowledge that we must make significant changes to save our planet and lives, and this is precisely why Global Recycling Day was created in 2018. The holiday emphasizes the importance of recycling and conservation by educating the world about the status of our essential resources. The Global Recycling Foundation sets out the explicit goals of Global Recycling Day.

The foundation communicates directly with world leaders to combat the issue as a global team. Approximately 700 million tons of CO2 emissions were saved by recycling this year, and this will increase to one billion tons by the year 2030. Many other people, organizations, and governments directly endorse the global green agenda, facilitating higher recyclable numbers.

We have the power to make lasting changes to combat the climate crisis, and recycling is one essential goal recognized in the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The Global Recycling Day timeline is as follows:

The Earth produces billions of tons of natural resources each year, but eventually, those resources will run out shortly. Global Recycling Day aims to combat this. The circular economy places a strong emphasis on recycling, which helps to safeguard our natural resources. Recycling prevents more than 700 million tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly, which is anticipated to reach one billion tonnes by 2030. Recycling is undoubtedly a front-line strategy in the battle for the survival of both people and the Earth.

Newspapers, plastic water bottles, soda cans, cereal boxes, and milk cartons are common everyday recyclable items. If we put effort into recycling items we usually throw away, we can impact the Earth and our lives more profoundly.

Carbon credits are a vital tool in the fight against climate change. The concept of carbon credits revolves around creating a market-based incentive for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Carbon credits are tradable permits that allow individuals and organizations to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases. Each credit represents a tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. The idea behind carbon credits is to incentivize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by giving companies a financial incentive to reduce their carbon footprint. On the other hand, carbon offsetting involves investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to offset one’s emissions.

There are two main types of carbon credits:

· Certified Emission Reductions (CERs)

· Verified Emission Reductions (VERs)

CERs are carbon credits issued under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. Developing countries earn them for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through clean energy projects or other sustainable development initiatives. CERs are considered high quality and subject to rigorous standards and verification processes.

VERs, on the other hand, are carbon credits that are not issued under the CDM but are instead issued by third-party organizations to companies that have reduced their emissions through voluntary action. VERs are considered lower quality than CERs, as they are not subject to the same rigorous standards and verification processes.

The Kyoto Protocol is a legally binding international agreement that requires developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by a certain amount. Under the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries can offset their emissions by investing in CERs issued by developing countries that have reduced their emissions through clean energy projects or other sustainable development initiatives.

The Paris Agreement, which replaced the Kyoto Protocol, is a global agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Paris Agreement uses carbon credits as a way to reduce emissions. However, the Paris Agreement allows for a broader range of carbon credit mechanisms, including VERs, as long as they meet specific standards and are subject to rigorous verification processes.

India is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases but is also a significant player in the global carbon market. The country has set ambitious targets for reducing its emissions, including increasing its share of renewable energy to 40% by 2030. India has several carbon credit projects, including the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the National Clean Energy Fund. These projects aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable development in the country. India’s carbon credit projects have successfully reduced emissions and promoted sustainable development. The country will likely play a crucial role in the global carbon market in the coming years.

The Government of India has passed an amendment to the Energy Conservation Act 2001, which leads to establishing a carbon credit market in India (The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022).

The amendment provides a legal framework for a carbon market with the objective of incentivizing actions for emission reduction. Under the amendment, the entities can register as “Registered Entities” for the carbon credit trading scheme. The central government or any authorized agency will issue the carbon credit certificate, and any other person or entity may also purchase ESCerts or carbon credit certificates voluntarily.

Section 2 of the amendment introduces alternative forms of carbon markets and their key characteristics. Section 3 is a brief history of carbon markets under the United Nations. Section 4 describes the existing emission mitigation market-based instruments in India and the details of the carbon credit market in the proposed amendment to the Energy Conservation Act 2001. Section 5 outlines the key takeaways from a stakeholder consultation meeting with industry representatives at CEEW and the proposed recommendations. Section 6 is our recommendation for the way forward.

The Government of India’s announcement of setting up a carbon credit trading scheme is path-breaking. Based on stakeholder discussions, the key recommendation is that India must align the initial phase of the transition process with developing an ETS similar to other ETSs prevalent in Asia and worldwide, like the EU-ETS and Korean ETS.

The Indian government should not intervene in the voluntary offset carbon market and let it function efficiently and independently. However, India’s compliance market, i.e., the ETS, should reflect its national circumstances and economic structure while learning from the experiences of other ETS systems worldwide.

Furthermore, Indian stakeholders should view the domestic ETS as an instrument for decarbonization and domestic climate finance rather than international climate finance. Ideally, the process for setting up the same should be clean and straightforward and avoid the pitfalls of fungibility-related issues that could confuse market participants. Enough time should be given to market participants and regulators to understand the operational nature of the ETS through a pilot phase. To achieve success, we must start by clarifying all necessary concepts and bring all the stakeholders to par with an evolved understanding of alternative forms of the market, which is also the motivation behind this issue brief.

Because of the shared responsibilities that India has agreed to and its own Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals determined as per the Paris Agreement, India remains committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 45% while aiming at generating 50% of its power from renewable energy sources and reaching net zero emissions by 2070. The market for carbon credits in recent times has increased by 164% globally, according to 2021 estimates. The market valuation for carbon credits globally is also anticipated to reach $100 billion by the end of 2030.

The position India is in right now stands to profit from the trade in carbon credits. However, for now, the Indian government intends to restrict international trade to an extent to meet the targets envisioned under the Paris Agreement. The government’s recent steps towards promulgating an indigenous carbon credits market and its focus on developing domestic trade on carbon offsets should be seen as a long-term strategic advantage for the country.

Carbon credits are a vital tool in the fight against climate change. They provide a market-based incentive for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and successfully promote sustainable development in developing countries.

The two main types of carbon credits, CERs and VERs, have different standards and verification processes, with CERs generally of higher quality. Carbon credits are regulated by international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, which set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and provide a framework for using carbon credits. Using carbon credits will likely continue to be an essential tool in the fight against climate change in India and worldwide.

Climate change impacts the water balance of our planet, and depending on the region and the time of year, the climate crisis influences the amount of water in rivers, potentially resulting in flooding or drought.

River flow is an essential indicator of water resources available to humans and the environment. The amount of available further depends on factors like direct interventions in the water cycle or land use change. For example, if water is diverted for irrigation or is regulated via reservoirs or forests are cleared, and monocultures grow in their place, this can impact river flow.

Researchers, over the years, have successfully broken down the influence of factors like climate change impact, natural factors, geographical locations of rivers and many more. The researchers have analyzed data from 7,250 measuring stations worldwide, and the study published in the journal Science demonstrated that river flow changed systematically between 1971 and 2010. The study further revealed complex patterns in regions such as the Mediterranean and north-eastern Brazil, which had become drier, while the volume of water increased in Scandinavia.

Climate change is one of the most significant threats to the health and well-being of rivers worldwide. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events contribute to the decline of river ecosystems and the services they provide. This essay will explore the devastating impact of the climate crisis on rivers worldwide, present facts and figures, and provide solutions to the problem.

The primary question is to understand the cause of the decline in the river ecosystem and the overall climate crisis. To understand the answer to the above question, researchers have conducted multiple computer simulations that use global hydrological models fed with observed climate data from the period studied (1971 to 2010).

The model calculation results closely matched the observed river flow analysis and explained that climatic conditions could explain the observed trends in the flow volumes. Additionally, the researchers included water and land management in their simulations to study the influence of the above factors.

Interestingly, during both simulations, the results remained the same: “Changes in water and land management are not the cause of global changes in rivers.”

Impact of the climate crisis on rivers worldwide

Some of the impacts of the climate crisis on the river ecosystem can be summarised as follows:

· Reduced water availability

The climate crisis is causing a decrease in river water availability due to reduced precipitation and increased evaporation, resulting in a water scarcity crisis in many regions worldwide.

· Increased frequency of floods and droughts

The climate crisis is leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. These events can devastate river ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

· Alteration of river flows

Climate change is causing changes in the flow of rivers, as melting glaciers and snowpacks alter the timing and quantity of river flows. The above can significantly impact river ecosystems and the organisms that depend on them.

· Pollution

The climate crisis is exacerbating water pollution problems by increasing the likelihood of algal blooms and harmful pathogens in rivers. Changes in precipitation patterns can cause an increase in nutrient runoff from agricultural lands, leading to more significant pollution of rivers.

According to the United Nations, people who live in areas that face water scarcity are expected to increase from 1.9 billion in 2019 to 3 billion by 2050. The Colorado River Basin, which provides water to 40 million people in seven US states, is experiencing its worst drought in more than 1,200 years due to climate change. Furthermore, a study by the US National Academy of Sciences found that global warming could cause a 10-30% decline in the flow of the Amazon River over the next century. In many developing countries, women and children are responsible for collecting water, and the time and energy required for this task can prevent them from pursuing education or economic opportunities.

Solutions to the problem

To solve the climate crisis impact on rivers, it becomes critical to integrate climate and development objectives and continue to identify and finance projects at the country level that tackle mitigation and adaptation while channelling appropriate sources and structures of financing toward the projects for maximum impact. Some of the solutions to solve the drying rivers problems are:

· Reducing GHG emissions

By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources, we can slow the pace of climate change and mitigate its impacts on rivers worldwide.

· Encouraging efficient use of water

By implementing more efficient irrigation techniques, reducing water waste, and increasing water-saving technologies, we can reduce water demand and ensure it is used more efficiently.

· Protect and restore river ecosystems

Protecting and restoring river ecosystems can help ensure they remain healthy and resilient in the face of climate change. The same include reducing pollution, controlling invasive species, and protecting riparian zones.

· Increase public awareness

By increasing public awareness of the impacts of climate change on rivers and the importance of protecting them, we can build support for action and help to drive policy changes that can make a difference.

The devastating impact of the climate crisis on rivers worldwide is a significant threat to human well-being and the planet’s health. However, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing water use efficiency, protecting and restoring river ecosystems, and increasing public awareness, we can help mitigate these impacts and ensure that rivers remain healthy and resilient to climate change. We must act now to protect our precious rivers and ensure a sustainable future for all.

The reality of climate change is seriously changing the whole arena for policy, governance, and research on river and river basin management. Almost all the stakeholders are feeling the impacts of the disruptive effects of climate change. Nevertheless, most countries’ policy strategies barely consider climate change’s direct and cascading effects.

This inaction hampers adequate adaptation to climate change and progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing the various categories of action like the disruption of water and sediment flows, pollution, flood risk, water abstraction, and nature conservation, along with climate adaptation as just one more distant issue, will rarely be a good strategy.

It carries the risk of high cumulative costs, maladaptation, the need for repeated interventions and an increase in conflicting interests. How soon and practical is the question we all need to answer?

Australia’s coal power fleet suffered forced outages for many hours over 2022, making the grid short of forecast coal generation for nearly one-quarter of the year. As per the latest analysis from Watt Clarity- the 44 operational units explain high levels of “unavailability”, leading to prolonged outages.

The above, however, excludes the “Liddell”,- which will be completely unoperational shortly. Read more

News Credit: RENEW ECONOMY

Picture Credit: Unknown

“The action is a victory for multilateralism”,– said Secretary-General António Guterres congratulating the UN member countries for finalizing a text to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, calling it a “breakthrough” after nearly two decades of talks.

“It is the global efforts to counter the destructive trends facing ocean health, now and for generations to come,” said the UN chief in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, hours after the deal was struck at UN Headquarters in New York, where tough negotiations on the draft treaty have been underway for the past two weeks.

The agreement reached by delegates of the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, better known by its acronym BBNJ, is the culmination of UN-facilitated talks that began in 2004.

The United Nations High Seas Treaty is a legal framework being developed to manage better and protect the high seas, which cover more than two-thirds of the world’s oceans and play a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate and supporting marine biodiversity.

The treaty aims to fill gaps in the existing legal framework for the high seas, which is fragmented and lacks the necessary mechanisms to address the many challenges facing this global commons, including overfishing, climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss.

One of the treaty’s key provisions is establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas, which would be designated and managed by an international body. These MPAs would help protect vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as deep-sea corals and seamounts, and provide critical habitat for threatened and endangered species.

Another critical aspect of the treaty is creating a mechanism for sharing the benefits of marine genetic resources, such as medicines and new biotechnologies, discovered on the high seas. The treaty would establish a central repository of information on these resources and set out principles for equitable sharing and use.

Furthermore, the treaty would also establish a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The same would include provisions for monitoring and assessing the state of marine biodiversity and addressing threats to its conservation and sustainable use.

The treaty is expected to be implemented through a series of protocols to establish the specific rules and procedures for carrying out its provisions. The said protocols will be negotiated by member states and address issues such as establishing and managing marine protected areas, sharing benefits from marine genetic resources, and monitoring and assessing marine biodiversity.

The treaty will be monitored by an international body, likely to be established through the treaty body itself. This body would oversee the treaty’s implementation, including establishing the marine protected areas (MPA) and sharing benefits from marine genetic resources. It would also be responsible for monitoring the state of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction and taking action to address threats to its conservation and sustainable use.

Finally, the United Nations High Seas Treaty represents a critical step in managing and protecting the high seas. Its provisions on marine protected areas, the sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources, and the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity are all essential for ensuring this global commons’ long-term health and productivity. As the treaty is implemented and monitored, it will be necessary for member states to work together to ensure that it effectively achieves its goals and protects the high seas for generations to come.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, and rising sea levels are a major contributing factor. As the Earth’s temperature continues to rise, the polar ice caps are melting, leading to a significant increase in the volume of water in the world’s oceans. This increase in water volume is causing sea levels to rise, which has significant implications for the planet’s coastal regions and low-lying areas.

According to recent data, global sea levels have risen by an average of 3.7 millimetres per year over the past decade. Since the early 1990s, sea levels have risen by over 8 centimetres, and the rate of increase is accelerating. If current trends continue, sea levels could rise by as much as 1 meter by the end of the century.

According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Greenland ice sheet alone has lost an average of 278 billion tons of ice per year between 2006 and 2015, and the Antarctic ice sheet has lost an average of 155 billion tons of ice per year over the same period. The melting of these ice sheets has contributed significantly to the overall rise in sea level.

Furthermore, glaciers worldwide are also melting at an accelerating rate. The World Glacier Monitoring Service reports that glaciers have lost an average of 267 billion tons of ice annually between 2000 and 2019. This melting has contributed about 21% of the overall rise in sea level.

The thermal expansion of seawater is another significant factor contributing to rising sea levels. As the oceans absorb heat, the water expands, and the sea level rises. According to the IPCC, thermal expansion contributed about 40% of the overall rise in sea level over the past century.

The global sea levels rose to nearly 3.6 millimetres per year between 2006- 2009, but between 2012 and 2019, the rate of increase was 4.8. This acceleration is due in part to the increasing rate of ice melt in Greenland and Antarctica.

The consequences of rising sea levels are already being felt around the world. In some areas, coastal communities are experiencing more frequent and severe flooding, which can cause damage to homes and businesses and lead to the displacement of populations. Low-lying islands and coastal regions are particularly vulnerable; some already face the prospect of being completely submerged by rising sea levels.

The economic impacts of rising sea levels are also significant. In the United States alone, it is estimated that by 2050, the cost of coastal damage and adaptation could be as high as $200 billion per year. In some areas, the cost of adaptation may be too high, leading to the abandonment of entire communities.

Several factors contribute to this rise in sea level:

· The most significant is the melting of the polar ice caps. The Arctic ice cap, for example, has lost an average of 13.1% of its mass per decade since the late 1970s, while the Antarctic ice cap has lost an average of 118 billion tons of ice annually since 2002.

· The expansion of seawater as it warms is another primary reason for rising sea levels. As the Earth’s temperature rises, the oceans absorb more heat, causing the water to expand and the sea level to rise. This thermal expansion is responsible for about half of the sea level rise over the past century.

The consequences of rising sea levels are significant and far-reaching:

o Coastal cities and communities are at risk of being inundated by water, which can cause flooding, erosion, and damage to infrastructure. In some areas, entire islands risk disappearing beneath the waves. Rising sea levels also affect the world’s food supply, as low-lying agricultural areas risk being flooded and destroyed.

o Additionally, rising sea levels also have economic implications. The cost of adapting to sea level rise can be high, with estimates ranging from $200 billion to $1 trillion per year by the end of the century. In some areas, the cost of adaptation may be too high, leading to the displacement of populations and loss of property.

In conclusion, rising sea levels are a significant and growing problem caused by climate change. The melting of the polar ice caps and the thermal expansion of seawater contribute to this rise, which has far-reaching consequences for coastal communities, the world’s food supply, and the global economy. Urgent action is needed to address this issue, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in adaptation measures, and working to build more resilient communities.

Climate change has had a tremendous effect on communities worldwide, impacting the lives of millions. While some communities have been able to adapt and mitigate these effects, many have suffered the consequences of a changing climate and have seen drastic environmental changes. To understand the impact of climate change on communities, it is essential to look at the specific challenges these communities have faced and the various ways they have responded.

One of the most significant effects of climate change on communities is increasing temperatures. Rising temperatures have caused an increase in the intensity and frequency of heat waves and droughts, which have had a devastating effect on agricultural production in many parts of the world. For example, heat waves have caused crop yields to decrease by as much as 15% in India. The above significantly impacted the livelihoods of many farmers in the country and food security for the entire population.

In addition to rising temperatures, climate change has caused several extreme weather events, such as floods, hurricanes, and typhoons. These events have significantly impacted communities, especially those living in coastal areas or near rivers. For example, in 2018, Hurricane Florence caused extensive flooding in North Carolina, resulting in billions of dollars in damages and displacing thousands of people. Climate change is also responsible for increasing the intensity of these extreme weather events, making them more destructive and costly.

The effects of climate change have also been felt in the form of sea level rise. Sea levels have risen more than 8 inches since the beginning of the 20th century, and they are projected to rise another 1 to 8 feet by the end of the century. This has caused significant damage to coastal communities, eroding coastlines and flooding low-lying areas. In the United States, sea level rise has generated billions of dollars in damage to coastal cities, with the most severe effects being felt in Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Finally, climate change has had a significant impact on human health. Rising temperatures have caused an increase in the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. Extreme weather events have also caused a rise in water-borne and air-borne diseases and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

Overall, climate change has had a significant effect on communities all around the world. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and spreading diseases have devastating effects on people’s lives. To mitigate the impact of climate change, communities must work together to reduce their carbon emissions and develop resilient adaptation strategies.

The world is facing an environmental crisis. Pollution levels have reached a critical level, with cars being one of the leading sources of pollution. Governments worldwide are attempting to set up measures to reduce vehicle environmental impact and pollution levels. One of these measures is carpooling – sharing car journeys with fellow commuters.

Carpooling is a great way to reduce emissions and promote sustainable travel. It works by having two or more people travel in one car rather than each person driving their vehicle. This reduces the number of cars on the road, thus reducing the pollution produced by vehicles. Carpooling also helps to save money, as it reduces the cost of petrol and parking fees. Carpooling can also reduce traffic congestion, as fewer cars on the road mean less traffic.

Carpooling can be done in a variety of different ways. For example, people can join an existing carpool, such as one organized by their workplace or school. Alternatively, people can use online carpooling platforms to connect with other commuters in their area and arrange a ride. Carpooling apps are becoming increasingly popular, allowing people to find and arrange carpools with other commuters easily.

For carpooling to be effective, it is essential for there to be a good network of carpools to join. This means there should be enough carpools in an area for people to join, and the carpools should be convenient for commuters. For example, carpools should run during peak times, when most people are commuting, and should be near commuters’ homes and workplaces.

To encourage carpooling, governments can provide incentives, such as reduced parking fees or even free parking for carpools. Governments can also provide subsidies for carpooling apps and support for initiatives that promote carpooling. Furthermore, governments can work with employers to set up employee carpools.

In addition to governments, employers can also play a role in encouraging carpooling. Employers can incentivize employee participation in carpools, such as reduced parking fees or free carpooling apps. Employers can also provide subsidies for carpooling apps and support initiatives that promote carpooling.

Carpooling is an effective way to reduce pollution levels and promote sustainable travel. It reduces the number of cars on the road, thus reducing emissions and traffic congestion. Carpooling also helps to save money, as it reduces the cost of petrol and parking fees. With the right incentives, carpooling can be an effective way to reduce pollution levels and help to create a more sustainable future.

Along with this article is an example that the Netherlands plans to incorporate and adopt to reduce pollution, promote a sustainable lifestyle and reduce the burden of vehicles on the roads; additionally, an added advantage of leading a healthy lifestyle by riding a bicycle… let us explore!

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