India

Tamil Nadu’s initiative to enhance water policy and management: Updates expected by January

Between 1995 and 2015, 90% of disasters were weather-related, causing significant human and economic losses. In 2020 alone, weather-related disasters led to 15,000 deaths and a cost of approximately US$ 171 billion. India reported a loss of 6811 lives from hydro-meteorological hazards between April 2018 and March 2021.

The pricing and market return of businesses now reflect their sustainability practices. The scarcity of resources has prompted businesses to adopt a more efficient and strategic approach to resource utilisation. This prudent resource management has heightened the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability practices in today's context.

Wetlands are multi-functional landscapes between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife, support groundwater recharge, moderate climate, control flood and fulfill the livelihood of the communities. Covering nearly 12% of the global area, these contribute significantly to ecosystem services, sustaining human well-being.

To meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement, India must install an additional 300 GW of utility-scale solar and wind energy by 2030, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. However, the land-intensive nature of renewable energy poses environmental and social challenges that need to be responsibly managed.

Traditional salt workers from the Little Rann of Kutch recognised for their role in wild ass conservation

Agricultural developments have played a pivotal role in the emergence of sedentary human civilisation. The agri-food sector remains crucial globally, yet conventional farming methods persist.

National Green Tribunal urges Coastal Zone Management Authorities to address rising sea levels and island submergence

As the world's largest region in both geography and population, with a vast network of smallholder farmers combined with dense urban settings and food sovereignty concerns, Asia-Pacific is a hotbed of opportunity for food and agriculture technology startups.

Plastic pollution of freshwater ecosystems in India is increasing - particularly that of rivers informs this paper titled 'Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems of India: Current trends and future perspectives' published in ACS OMEGA.