Ecology and Environment

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Featured Articles
September 2, 2024
The promise and pitfalls of India’s BioE3 Policy
The strategic objectives and challenges of India's BioE3 Policy
The transition to a bio-based economy could affect various stakeholders (Image: GetArchive; CC0 1.0)
August 30, 2024
India’s efforts at water pollution control: Legislative frameworks and real-world impacts
This article traces the evolution of the legislative framework for water pollution in India and its implications for wastewater treatment standards in the country. 
Open drains in Alwar (Image Source: IWP Flickr photos)
August 2, 2024
Wayanad landslide tragedy: Balancing nature and development
There is a need for a multi-faceted approach to disaster management, combining advanced monitoring, early warning systems, community preparedness, and sustainable land use practices to mitigate future risks.
Aftermath of a 2022 landslide on Nedumpoil ghat road (Image: Vinayaraj, Wikimedia Commons; CC BY-SA 4.0)
July 10, 2024
A silent crisis in Indian farmlands: The disappearing trees
Millions of trees are fast disappearing from India's farmlands. What are its implications for agriculture and the environment?
Disappearing trees over Indian farmlands (Image Source: WOTR)
June 9, 2024
Environmental tech startups: Powering a sustainable future
India’s funding jumped from $225 million in 2018 to $1.5 billion in 2023, marking a compounded annual growth rate of 140%
Green startups: Powering a sustainable future (Image: Needpix)
June 7, 2024
Misguided ocean carbon capture: Hype outweighs science
Scientists question effectiveness of nature-based CO2 removal using the ocean
Ocean ecosystem (Image: PxHere, CC0 Public Domain)
Films & video resources relating to the Kyoto Protocol
Here's a list of short films and videos on the Kyoto Protocol
Rama Mani
Posted on 28 Aug, 2009 05:36 PM

After Kyoto
27 Minutes: English
Effect of climate change on the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta regions
The Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghana delta belt comprises of 105,000 sq. kms of which 2/3rds is in Bangladesh. The Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghana system has the largest catchment area of 1,100,000 km². The delta region is particularly vulnerable to seasonal floods, heavy run-offs from melting snows, and tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. Inspite of this, it is one of the most thickly populated regions on Earth.
Rama Mani
Posted on 28 Aug, 2009 02:28 PM

The delta belt is home to approximately 125-140 million people. And over 300 million people are supported by the delta. The density of population in the Delta region is 200 people / sq.km. making it one of the densest regions in the world.

The delta region is a high-rainfall region and receives 60-80 inches of rainfall every year.
References of the impact of climate change on river deltas and other coastal areas
A short compilation of articles and reports on the impact of climate change on river deltas and other coastal areas
Rama Mani
Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 04:48 PM

Mumbai Marooned: An Enquiry into Mumbai Floods 2005 - Final Report ,
By Conservation Action Trust - Click here

Enquiry-mumbai-floods-2005-final-report
Impact of climate change on river deltas and other coastal areas in India
While global warming is a matter of worldwide concern, among the most vulnerable areas are the coastlines of less developed tropical countries such as India. The river deltas, in particular, are already facing the brunt of climate change and these adverse impacts can be expected to increase dramatically in the course of this century.
Rama Mani
Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 04:23 PM

The effects are most visible in the Sunderbans. Literally the 'beautiful forest', these wetlands at the mouths of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems are among the largest mangrove forests in the world. About 62% of this area of some10000sq km lies in Bangladesh but there is a significant Indian portion in the state of West Bengal.
Quick reference: Climate change impacts on freshwater ecosystems in the Himalayas (CCIFEH)
Climate change impacts on freshwater ecosystems in the Himalayas (CCIFEH) is a joint initiative of WWF-India and WWF Nepal, funded by WWF-The Netherlands.
Rama Mani
Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 04:01 PM

The programme entails a panorama of actions working towards understanding future climate change impacts on Himalayan river ecosystems and vulnerable communities for the development of adaptation strategies; implementation of pilot sites; and raising the awareness of climate change impacts on Himalayan river basins, in addition to urging specific adaptation strategie
Impact of climate change on the Himalayan glaciers
40% reduction has occurred in the Himalayan glaciers in the last 40 years. 67% of the glaciers have retreated in the last decade. Gangotri is retreating at the rate of 28 m per year. Global warming and its consequent melting of glaciers would result in floods, fast and furious run-offs, erosion of the topsoil and sedimentation of the rivers. This could also lead to changes in the course of the rivers in the region.
Rama Mani
Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 03:30 PM

The Himalayas' permanent ice cover is around 97,000 sq.km. with 12,930 sq.km. volume of ice and snow: 10-20 % are covered by glaciers and 30-40% are seasonal snowfalls. The Himalayan streams and rivers are fed by the melting of snow and ice of approximately 500 sq.km / year.
Impact of climate change on water resources
Sea-level rise and coastal delta flooding will result in large-scale migration, affecting traditional fishing communities, agriculture, tourism as well as industries and urban agglomerations along the coast. The stress on water resources will impact agriculture, especially rain-fed agriculture; as well as health; changing temperatures and moisture levels will affect insects and plants; and also our forests and pasture lands. Livelihoods will be at stake for the millions.
Can we do something about these impacts? Is something already happening? Yes, on both counts.
Rama Mani
Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 02:30 PM

India has contributed immensely to the body of scientific research and analysis that underpins the understanding of the global impacts of climate change. There is, to a slightly lesser degree, an understanding of specific regional impacts. More needs to be done here, especially understinding micro-level impacts.
How sea level rise can affect communities around the world: Impacts on man and nature
Detrimental effects of sea level rise are projected to be global but some differences remain between regions and countries. A brief look at the phenomenon as well as its consequences
Rama Mani
Posted on 26 Aug, 2009 10:54 AM

Sea level rise and decrease are ancient phenomena related to the geologic glacial/interglacial cycles. But since the 19th century and the industrial revolution, an acceleration of sea level rise has been observed through tide gauge measurements and satellite altimetry.
How changing climate and melting glaciers affects nations across the globe: Spotlight on the Himalayas
In the next decade, the Himalayas are projected to suffer from devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and landslides - Is climate change the culprit?
Rama Mani
Posted on 25 Aug, 2009 05:11 PM

As observed by the United Nations Environment Program (GRID-Arendal) ice and snow are major components of the climate system. That is why human induced climate change can be first observed in Polar Regions where most of Earth's snow and ice are concentrated. In these areas global warming induces the progressive melting of ice and snow.
Summary for policymakers: Synthesis of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report
A brief overview of the sector-wise projected impacts of climate change on agriculture, water resources, human health as well as industries and settlements
Rama Mani
Posted on 25 Aug, 2009 03:43 PM

Altered frequencies and intensities of extreme weather, together with sea level rise, are expected to have mostly adverse effects on natural and human systems.
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