Target Dreams

During the first day of COP28 in Dubai, countries reached a historic agreement to operationalise the long-demanded Loss and Damage Fund.  This fund aims to financially assist developing nations in recovering from climate disasters, addressing the disproportionate impact on these nations. The immediate infusion of over $400 million into the fund is seen as a major step forward. The Purpose and Impact of the Loss and Damage Fund The Loss and Damage Fund provides financial assistance to developing countries affected by climate disasters, covering both economic and non-economic losses. Developed nations are obligated to contribute resources to help these countries cope with climate change impacts.  A study estimates a $1.5 trillion loss globally in 2022, with least developed countries experiencing an 8% GDP loss on average. Historical Responsibility: Industrial Era and Greenhouse Gas Emissions The Industrial Era, starting in 1850, significantly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions, with

This Post is based on the article "Need for Climate Smart Agriculture in India" Which is Published in the The Hindu on 25th November 2023.  Introduction: The 21st century confronts humanity with two paramount challenges: climate change and food insecurity. Ongoing climate-related impacts, such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones, are adversely affecting lives and livelihoods globally. Challenges for Agriculture: Severe droughts in the southern continents, including India, are negatively impacting agricultural production and farmers' livelihoods. Population growth and dietary changes are escalating the demand for food, placing additional strain on traditional farming practices. Climate change is rendering traditional farming less productive, necessitating farmers to reevaluate their methods. Adapting to Climate Change: Farmers worldwide are adopting adaptation measures to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) emerges as

This Post is based on the article "Recognising the impact of climate change on health"  Which is Published in the The Hindu on 22nd November 2023.  Introduction: As India prepares for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), a critical concern emerges regarding the impact of climate change on the country's health.  The vulnerability of India's population to climate risks is exacerbated by inadequate health systems. Direct Health Impacts: Climate change directly contributes to increased sickness and mortality rates. Indirectly, it influences nutrition, diminishes working hours, and heightens climate-induced stress.  The rising global temperatures, surpassing the agreed-upon limit of 1.5°C in the Paris Agreement, pose a severe threat.  Recent records indicate 2023 witnessed historically high temperatures and heat waves, with the situation expected to deteriorate further. Double Burden of Morbidity: India fa

This Post is based on the article " Resisting Landslides- Building resilience against landslides " Which is Published in the The Indian Express  on 23rd August 2023.   Fragile Himalayan Ecosystem The Himalayas, a young and rugged mountain chain, are susceptible to various natural and human-induced activities.  Tectonic movements, erosion, weathering, and climate events like heavy precipitation and freezing/thawing pose threats, resulting in landslides, floods, and avalanches.  Human activities further accelerate stress on this delicate ecosystem. Urgent Measures for Resilience:  To combat these challenges, the region must establish resilience against geo-hazards through an integrated approach.  This includes deploying a network of sensors, real-time monitoring, and AI/ML-based Early Warning Systems (EWS).  These tools can help anticipate and mitigate the impact of natural processes, environmental degradation, and human actions. Climate Change and Vulnerability The impacts of

Drought is an extended period of dryness within the natural climate cycle, capable of manifesting anywhere in the world. It represents a gradual-onset disaster characterised by insufficient precipitation, leading to a deficit in water supply. The ramifications of droughts are far-reaching, profoundly impacting economies, public health, agriculture, energy production, and the overall natural and physical environment. Classification of Drought: 1. Meteorological Drought: Meteorological drought occurs when an extended period with inadequate and unevenly distributed rainfall is experienced. As defined by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a drought is recognized when the average annual rainfall is less than 75% of the historical average. Causes: Scanty monsoon rains and subpar precipitation Delayed onset or premature withdrawal of the monsoon Prolonged interruptions in monsoon rainfall 2. Hydrological Drought: Hydrological drought transpires when the available water in various res