India Animal Fund

India’s Only Backbone Organization That Works in the Animal Welfare Space

National Saffron Mission Has It Addressed Saffron Decline in Kashmir?

In this article, Athar Parvaiz says 12 years on, Kashmir's climate-sensitive saffron is yet to get sprinkle-irrigation under National Saffron Mission (NMS). The NMS, launched in 2010 to rejuvenate saffron cultivation in Kashmir by helping counter erratic rainfall among other challenges, is yet to ensure reliable sprinkler irrigation for saffron crop, the most basic requirement for the crop which is extremely sensitive to climatic conditions such as droughts. Irrigation plays a crucial role in saffron productivity. Farmers say that they heavily rely on natural rainfall for getting a satisfactory saffron yield.

Norway is Europe's Greenest Country According to a New Study

A new study by solar experts at Hemsol reveals that Norway is the greenest country in Europe. Norway leads the list with the second-highest share of renewable energy. Austria follows closely in second place, with its citizens utilizing public transportation the most. Finland secures third place, with Iceland and Sweden rounding out the top five in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Competition Laws Must Adapt To Support the ESG Mandate

In this article, lra Gayatri Jha reasons that in order to attain the overarching ESG Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets, the government must consider making exceptions in competition laws to facilitate effective ESG-related collaborations. This, the author contends, is essential to realize the SEE Social, Economic, and Environmental) security of both the present and future.

Beyond 1.5°C What Lies Ahead?

2023 was Earth's hottest year ever recorded, beating the previous record set in 2016 by a huge margin. 2023 was also the first in which the world was close to 1.5°C (1.48°C) hotter than the pre-industrial average (1850-1900). We are brushing against the threshold scientists urged us to limit long-term warming to. Some scientists, including former NASA climatologist James Hansen, predict 2024 will be humanity's first year beyond 1.5°C. As once dire warnings from climate experts become our shared reality, what can you expect?

ES (D) G Empowering Sustainable Development Goals

Rodrigo Fernandes is director of ES(D)G (Empowering Sustainable Development Goals) at Bentley Systems. Here, we are in conversation with him for TerraGreen.

COP28 Chronicles India's Ambitious Climate Agenda for a Sustainable Future

In this article, Amit Patjoshi asserts that India has made commendable strides towards its climate goals, actively participating in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Green Hydrogen Mission. These endeavours underscore a robust commitment to cleaner and renewable energy sources. By fostering a sustainable ecosystem, the Government of India is not only benefiting the nation but also making a substantial contribution to global climate efforts. The author applauds India's unwavering commitment, setting a positive example for the world in the pursuit of a greener future.

Waste to Wonder

Zinc Mining Waste Can Be a Source for Essential Plant Nutrients

Geeta Dham A Museum with a Twist

In this article, Rajshekhar Pant introduces us to Dr Yashodhar Mathpal-a multifaceted talent recognized internationally in academic circles as one of the top experts in prehistoric archaeology, particularly in the field of cave art. Additionally, as an acknowledged painter, he has to his credit numerous solo exhibitions in various European countries and the USA.

The Alternative Tracks Waiting to Be Tapped

Book Review by Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jr

Christmas As It Used to Be, As It Should Be

In this article, Dr Elsa Lycias Joel reflects on her childhood Christmas experiences. She notes that modern living room conversations often focus on the bygone era when Christmas held more profound meaning than just cakes, gifts, and carol services. Despite concerns about the future decline of the Christmas spirit, she highlights the present season as an opportunity for connection, reconciliation, and meaningful conversations. The power of \"Merry Christmas\" becomes even merrier when shared with a small cake in hand.

CORWA Spreads Its Wings Further to South CORWA-Bengaluru Formed

The Confederation of Resident Welfare Associations (CORWA) serves as the Pan India Apex Body for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAS) across the country. CORWA's primary objective is to advocate for a sustainable urban environment, with RWAs playing a crucial role in local urban governance. This article focuses on the inception of CORWA - Bengaluru.

The Issue of Single-Use Plastic Pens

Green Forest Ink is an initiative designed to promote the use of eco-friendly newspaper pens, aiming to replace conventional plastic body pens. Crafted by rural women in India, the production of these pens not only provides them with a livelihood but also empowers them. Continue reading to learn more about this impactful initiative led by Gurugram teenagers like Sadhika Anand.

Soil and Water A Source of Life

World Soil Day, observed annually on December 5, is dedicated to raising global awareness about the pivotal role soil plays in sustaining life. The sustenance of our planet relies on the critical connection between soil and water. In this article, Muskaan Negi and S K Bhardwaj emphasize that soil and water, essential for nutrient absorption by plants, intricately bind our ecosystems together.

Mumbai Festivals Highlight Environmental Concerns

Manu Shrivastava says Mumbai has now become the Festival City of India with a new-found focus on environment given the devastating effects of climate change, vehicular pollution, and dipping quality of air. The festivals are promoting sustainable living, awareness about climate change and eco-friendly practices and bringing together people from different walks of life to celebrate nature, discuss environmental issues and share ideas on how to protect the environment.

COP28 Drove Momentum towards a Sustainable Future

The UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, recently concluded in Dubai, UAE. COP28 made significant progress on various fronts, including the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP27. It also conducted the inaugural 'Global Stocktake' and laid the groundwork for a fossil-fuel-free future through a groundbreaking decision. In this article, Dr Anil Pratap Singh sheds light on the deliberations that transpired at COP28, emphasizing India's pivotal role in the conference.

Water For People Enabling Access to Water and Better Sanitation for All

The US-based non-profit organization 'Water For People' (WFP), established in 1991, has been actively involved in India since 1996, dedicated to the mission of ensuring equitable access to water for everyone to meet their needs. Over the years, WFP has expanded the scope of its interventions, earning a well-deserved reputation as a pioneer in implementing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programmes tailored to the requirements of communities, schools, and healthcare centres. Continue reading to learn more...

Addressing Food Loss and Waste - Start-ups and Ideas

In this article, Ram Ramprasad addresses the issue of food loss and waste, presenting several start-up examples and innovative solutions for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Deforestation-Free Supply Chains A Promising Route to Achieve Climate Targets!

As countries strive to achieve the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, Dr Pratibha Baveja, Karishma Vohra, Sanjana Das and Vishal Dev highlight the often-ignored linkages that exist between climate and forests. Moving towards responsible sourcing of forest and agriculture-based commodities can facilitate the halting of deforestation and conversion in supply chains which can significantly contribute to achieving the global climate targets.

Bohada's Mask Magic Transcending Generations

Gajanan Khergamker writes that in North Maharashtra, according to tradition, Palghar District's Mokhada taluka stands as a testament to a 250-year-old festival that reaches its climax in the final three days, immersing its residents in a magical realm of a mythological past. The tribal mask festival called Bohada is celebrated in Mokhada roughly during the Shimga festival, and spans a duration of five to 15 days. Remarkably, each participating tribal member has been engaging in the festival for generations, cherishing fond memories of family members dancing throughout the night adorned in age-old masks and costumes.

Collaborative Financing Solutions for Impactful Climate Action H&M Group and DBS Drive the Agenda

H&M Group is taking a leadership position in establishing collaborative financing solutions that enable the necessary decarbonization of fashion supply chains. To realize this ambition, the H&M Group, together with Southeast Asia's largest bank, DBS, has initiated a collaborative finance tool-a first-of-itskind green loan programme that facilitates supply chain decarbonization in the apparel sector.

CITES Endangered Species on Stamps - Celebrating the Varied Forms of Wild Fauna and Flora with Stamps

The CITES is an international agreement established to regulate and monitor the trade of wild animals and plants to ensure their conservation and sustainable use. It is a global agreement aimed at protecting biodiversity and preventing overexploitation of species due to international trade. The book \"CITES Endangered Species on Stamps\" gives details about the CITES convention. There are 360 images of the stamps released by the UNPA from 1993 to 2023, and stamps with the CITES logo released by Poland, Chile, and Japan for endangered species day and first day covers are shown in the book. This book would be very useful to environmentalists, foresters, philatelists, and students alike.

The Critical Role of Satellite Connectivity For Advancing India's Renewable Energy Output

In this article, Jairam NV encapsulates how satellite connectivity is transforming the renewable energy output in India.

Saving the Oceans One Straw at a Time!

In this article, Dr Marianne Furtado de Nazareth shares her experience of using paper straws in the UK. She feels paper straws are biodegradable and do not take hundreds of years to break down as some plastic products do.

People, Profits, and Planet

Joint Responsibility for Working towards Sustainable Development

Alliance to End Plastic Waste Contributing to a Cleaner and More Sustainable Future

Eileen Cai is Chief Advisor, APAC Regional Projects Director at Alliance to End Plastic Waste. Here, we are in conversation with her for TerraGreen.

North Atlantic's Major Current System - Threatened by Climate Change

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a crucial element in the Earth’s climate system and is influenced by both atmospheric and thermohaline factors. In this article, Pitamber Kaushik highlights how increased ocean heat content and greater cold freshwater inputs from melting Arctic ice sheets caused by climate change threaten the AMOC. In the event of an AMOC collapse, more pronounced extreme weather events including heat waves, cold waves, drought, and flooding are anticipated, which would create a vicious cycle of climate crisis. Keep reading to learn more…

El Niño-Induced Winter Precipitation

A careful examination of how mountains impact precipitation changes during El Niño and La Niña events in western North America could be the key to developing more informed water conservation plans along the Colorado River, according to new research.

The Hurdles in Decarbonizing India

In the global push for sustainable development, India’s commitment to decarbonization is noteworthy. However, navigating from promise to reality reveals unique challenges. There exist hurdles along this low carbon development path that must be addressed. The World Bank’s study on ‘Decarbonizing Development’ emphasizes the four fundamental pillars that underpin this strategy. In this article, Ramita Rajesh explores these four fundamental pillars and concludes that India’s accomplishments in emissions reduction and renewables indicate progress towards sustainability, but the quest remains filled with hurdles. Turning environmental commitments into tangible actions is imperative.

Innovations and Breakthrough in Energy Efficiency Solutions in the Water Heating Sector

In this article, Rajesh Sachdev explores the innovations and breakthroughs that have emerged in the field of water heating. Hot water is a vital necessity in our daily lives, and a significant amount of energy is consumed in its production. Mr Sachdev discusses the advancements and developments in water heating technologies that address this essential need while promoting energy efficiency.