February 16, 2024 Introduction: Kerala has witnessed a steady rise in dangerous human-wildlife interactions in recent years. Attacks from elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, and especially wild boars have posed an increasing threat to human life. Government data showed 8,873 wild animal attack incidents in 2022-23 alone, resulting in 98 human deaths. Crop and livestock losses […]
February 16, 2024 Introduction: What is Green Hydrogen? Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources like solar or wind instead of fossil fuels, hence it has zero carbon emissions. It is produced through a process called electrolysis which separates hydrogen and oxygen from water. As a clean fuel, green hydrogen is important […]
February 13, 2024 Introduction: The ongoing “white and iron” dzud in Mongolia has reached a “critical” level, with over 90 per cent of the country facing high levels of risk from the unique weather phenomenon, according to a recent report by UN agencies. About 190,000 herder households are struggling with inadequate feed, skyrocketing prices and […]
February 13, 2024 Introduction: The pristine Gupteswar Forest, adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple in Odisha’s Koraput district has been declared as the fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site (BHS) of the state as per a recent government notification. The site is spread over 350 hectares of demarcated area. What are Biodiversity-Heritage Sites (BHS) Under Section 37 of India’s […]
February 12, 2024. Introduction: The Shimoga district of Karnataka state in India reported two deaths in 2024 due to Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) – a viral hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. With origins traced to Kyasanur forest, it is a re-emerging health risk. History and Background Transmission Dynamics Clinical Features Management With ecological […]
February 12, 2024 Introduction: The State of the World’s Migratory Species – 2024 report was launched by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty on February 12, 2024. It provides the first comprehensive global assessment on the conservation status and threats facing migratory animals. The report […]
February 9, 2024 Introduction: NASA has begun conducting marathon research flights across Asia in order to improve air pollution forecasting models. The flights aim to collect detailed data on air pollution sources and behavior to enhance warning systems for the public. Millions of deaths each year are linked to air pollution. The flights involve NASA’s […]
February 8, 2024 Introduction: A report by Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) says that the world experienced unprecedented heat in 2023, breaking temperature records and sounding the alarm on climate change. 2024 is on track to be even hotter. Main Points 2024: Continuing the Trend The Bigger Picture 2023 smashed the 1.5°C ceiling, and 2024 […]
February 8, 2024 Introduction: The government has proposed constructing a 6-lane elevated highway through Bangalore’s Bannerghatta National Park, sparking protests from environmentalists concerned about the impacts on wildlife and habitat. Bannerghatta National Park is an important biodiversity hotspot home to endangered Asian elephants, tigers, and other species. Project Overview The National Highways Authority of India […]
February 8, 2024 Introduction: The Mahmudia wetland is part of the vital Danube Delta ecosystem in Romania. Eight years ago, it was restored into a thriving wetland habitat using EU funds, transforming the area and providing livelihoods and climate resilience for locals. However, recent flooding in 2023 submerged nearly 1,000 hectares of nearby farmland, reverting […]