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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Study: Only 24% present-day glaciers will remain if world gets warmer by 2.7°C
If the world gets warmer by 2.7°C due to the current trajectory of climate policies, only 24% of the world's present-day glaciers will remain, said a new study published in Science signalling that glaciers are more sensitive to global warming than had been previously estimated. Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C — as adopted in the Paris climate agreement — could preserve up to 54% or twice as much glacier mass, the study said. The study comes just a day after a huge portion of a glacier in the Swiss village of Blatten, in the Alps, collapsed into the valley, burying most of a mountain village in the foothills. The projected figures in the study were for global scenarios, and skewed by the very large glaciers around Antarctica and Greenland. The study cautioned that even if temperatures stopped rising today, the world's glaciers would still lose 39% of their mass, compared to 2020 levels, and that would lead to a sea level rise of 113 mm. Among the most vulnerable regions, as per the study, were glaciers in Scandinavia, Rockies in Western Canada and the US, and European Alps. In Scandinavia, no glacier ice would be left at 2°C warming while Rockies and European Alps would see only 10-15% glaciers left at the same levels of warming. Even at a level of 1°C warming, these regions will lose half their ice, the study noted. 'Our study makes it painfully clear that every fraction of a degree matters,' says co-lead author Dr Harry Zekollari from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. 'The choices we make today will resonate for centuries, determining how much of our glaciers can be preserved,' he said. 'Glaciers are good indicators of climate change because their retreat allows us to see with our own eyes how climate is changing…[but] the situation for glaciers is actually far worse than visible in the mountains today,' says co-lead author Dr Lilian Schuster from the University of Innsbruck. Though Indian glaciers — particularly those in western South Asia — show a lower projected loss of 5% under current warming, the study underscores that these regions are highly sensitive to additional warming. For every extra 0.1°C increase in global temperatures between 1.5°C and 3°C, glacier loss accelerates rapidly — by about 2% globally, with even steeper losses in Indian sub-regions. India's key river basins – Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra – support millions of livelihoods in north India, north east and the Indo-Gangetic plains. In the Hindu Kush Himalayas, only 25% of ice from 2020 levels will be left at 2°C of warming. To get these results, a team of 21 scientists from 10 countries used eight glacier models to calculate the potential ice loss of the more than 200,000 glaciers worldwide, under a wide range of global temperature scenarios. The study used advanced simulations over multi-centennial timescales, revealing that some glacier systems — particularly in the polar regions — might take up to a thousand years to fully respond to today's climate.
India Today
22-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Heatwaves are making nights warmer than ever: Why it's dangerous for our health
A new study has revealed that nearly 76% of India's population is now living in districts marked as "high" or "very high" heat risk report, released by Delhi-based think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), highlights the increasing danger caused by extreme heat and humidity across the study, which assessed 734 districts using 40 years of climate data (1982–2022), found that 417 districts, which is more than half of India, are under high to very high heat These include major states and union territories like Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar BECOMING HOTTER THAN DAYSWhile daytime temperatures continue to rise, the report also found that very warm nights, when minimum temperatures exceed the 95th percentile of historical norms, are increasing even faster than very hot has serious implications for health. While daytime temperatures continue to rise, the report also found that very warm nights, when minimum temperaturesexceed the 95th percentile of historical norms, are increasing even faster than very hot days. (Photo: Reuters) High night temperatures can be more dangerous because the body doesn't get a chance to cool down after daytime heat rise in very warm nights is most noticeable in districts with a large population," the study noted, citing cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Jaipur, Delhi, and Chennai, where summer nights have become significantly hotter over the past OF HEAT ON HEALTHDoctors have warned that prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity is taking a visible toll on people's health."We are seeing a spike in cases of persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, dehydration, and poor sleep quality," said Dr. Arunesh Kumar, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine, Paras Health, with chronic conditions like asthma are particularly vulnerable, since the heavy, moisture-laden air can worsen respiratory discomfort. Doctors have warned that prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity is taking a visible toll on people's health. () High humidity also interferes with the body's natural cooling mechanism by limiting the evaporation of sweat, which leads to overheating and increases the risk of heat exhaustion or even CEEW study further found that summer humidity in northern parts of the country has climbed from 30-40% to 40-50% in the last decade, making early mornings feel warmer and worsening heat stress, especially for outdoor workers in the Indo-Gangetic TEMPERATURES AND EARLY HEATWAVESThe year 2024 was the hottest on record in India and worldwide, and 2025 isn't far country experienced its first heatwave this year as early as February 27–28, more than a month earlier than the previous to the World Health Organisation, over 1.66 lakh people died globally due to heatwaves between 1998 and 2017. According to the World Health Organisation, over 1.66 lakh people died globally due to heatwaves between 1998 and 2017. () In India alone, over 48,000 heatstroke cases and 159 deaths were reported in 2023, although experts believe the actual numbers are likely HAS LONG-TERM EFFECTSHeatstroke is often viewed through a narrow lens: a medical emergency requiring quick hydration and this dangerous condition doesn't end when the fever breaks or the pulse stabilises, according to Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director, International it leaves behind, both mentally and physically, can quietly compromise an individual's ability to work, focus, and live well," Dr. Vora told Vora added that many survivors suffer from fatigue, chronic dehydration, muscle cramps, and even cognitive issues like memory loss or difficulty has major implications for workers in both outdoor and indoor settings. Heatstroke is often viewed through a narrow lens: a medical emergency requiring quick hydration and cooling. (Photo: PTI) "Over time, the psychological strain of working in relentless heat, or the trauma of having experienced heatstroke, can lead to chronic anxiety, irritability, and depression. Workers report feelings of dread before each shift, knowing what's in store," he recommended that employers invest in shaded break zones, water stations, and restrooms, and include heat-exposed workers in mental health and wellness TO STAY SAFE FROM HEATSTROKEAs temperatures soar, the risk of heatstroke also RS Mishra, principal director, internal medicine at Fortis Hospital, outlined key strategies to prevent heat-related illnesses:advertisementStay hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich light, breathable clothing and use accessories like hats and outdoor activity during peak sun hours (10 am – 4 pm).Take frequent breaks if working outside, and stay in the the symptoms of heatstroke, like dizziness, cramps, and confusion, and seek immediate help if they cooling methods such as fans, cold showers, or wet clothes on pulse light, water-rich foods and monitor at-risk groups like the elderly and India battles growing heat stress, both individuals and policymakers will need to take urgent action to adapt and protect public health.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Jump of over 62% in tractor sale in last 8 years sign of farmers' prosperity in UP, says govt
1 2 Lucknow: Tractor ownership in UP registered a jump of over 62% — from 88,000 in 2016–17 to 1,42,200 in 2024–25, the state govt said on Wednesday. The trend, a state govt spokesperson claimed, has been fuelled by the rise in income of farmers. "Tractors are no longer used only for ploughing. They play a key role in levelling land, spraying fertilizers and pesticides using power sprayers, making bunds, sowing seeds using seed drills, planting and digging potatoes, and managing crop residues," he said. Notably, the govt provides nearly 50% subsidy on all farming equipment operated through tractors. These tools help reduce labour costs and make farming tasks like land preparation, sowing, harvesting, and threshing much easier and more efficient. As a result, both farmers' incomes and the number of tractors are expected to rise in the coming years. On a national level too, tractor sales are following a similar trend. As per available data, the current financial year is expected to witness a record-breaking sale of 10 lakh tractors—marking the highest ever annual tractor sales in India. Previously, the record was set in FY 2023-24 when 939,713 tractors were sold. "CM Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly emphasized that the interests of farmers are a top priority for his govt. Highlighting the state's vast agricultural potential — from its nine agro-climatic zones and fertile Indo-Gangetic belt to abundant water resources and a massive labour force — he envisions Uttar Pradesh as the "food basket of the country," the spokesperson said. He said that the state govt believes that there was a strong need to combine traditional farming knowledge with modern agricultural science. To make this possible, the govt is actively raising awareness among farmers through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and the Million Farmers' School program. These platforms are not only educating farmers but also encouraging them to adopt new and innovative farming practices. Several long-pending irrigation projects like the Bansagar project, National Saryu Canal Project, and Arjun Sahayak Project have been completed, increasing irrigation capacity. Transparent procurement systems for wheat and paddy at Minimum Support Price (MSP), timely payments, and the inclusion of more crops—especially millets—under MSP have further strengthened the agricultural system. Additionally, for nearly 50 lakh sugarcane farmers, timely payments, modernization of sugar mills, establishment of new mills, extension of the crushing season, effective implementation of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, and the timely availability of seeds and fertilizers have all contributed to increasing farmers' income. As a result, the state has seen record growth in crop production, particularly in pulses and oilseeds.
Scroll.in
20-05-2025
- Health
- Scroll.in
57% districts facing extreme heat risk: Study
Fifty-seven percent of the districts in India are now facing extreme heat risks, showed a new study published by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water on Tuesday. These districts are home to 76% of the country's population. The study by the Delhi-based not-for-profit think tank and policy institution found that the 10 states and Union Territories most prone to heat risk were Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. It assessed heat conditions in 734 districts using 35 indicators to track how climate change reshaped heat risks between 1982 and 2022. Four hundred and seventeen of these districts were in the 'high to very high risk' extreme heat categories. These included some rural districts in Bihar, Kerala, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, which have a large number of outdoor agricultural workers, according to the study. Two hundred and one districts faced moderate risk, the study showed. Even though the remaining 116 districts were in the low-risk category, they were only relatively less exposed and were not immune to the problem, the study found. The study found three trends. There was an alarming rise in very warm nights, increasing relative humidity in northern India – particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plain – and more intense heat exposure in dense, urban and economically-critical areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bhopal and Bhubaneswar. Warmer nights About 70% of the districts had faced more than five additional 'very warm nights' each summer between 2012 and 2022, as compared to the climatic baseline between 1982 and 2011, the study found. 'Very warm nights' refer to nights where the temperature stays unusually high, or warmer than what used to be normal 95% of the time in the past. By contrast, only about 28% of the districts faced a similar increase on 'very hot days'. The warmer nights were rising faster than hot days, the study found. This makes it more difficult for the human body to cool down and recover from the heat faced during the day. Relative humidity rising in northern India The relative humidity had increased by up to 10% in the Indo-Gangetic plain over the last decade, the study found. While coastal areas typically record 60% to 70% relative humidity, North India had historically experienced levels of about 30% to 40%. However, over the past decade, this increased to 40% to 50%, the study noted. Arunabha Ghosh, the think tank's chief executive officer, said that heat stress was no longer a 'future threat – it's a present reality'. 'Increasingly erratic weather due to climate change – record heat in some regions, unexpected rain in others – is disrupting how we understand summer in India,' said Ghosh. 'But the science from the study is unequivocal: we are entering an era of intense, prolonged heat, rising humidity, and dangerously warm nights. Ghosh added: 'We must urgently overhaul city-level Heat Action Plans to address local vulnerabilities, balance emergency response measures with long-term resilience, and secure financing for sustainable cooling solutions.'
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Capital in grey scale: In a matter of hours, PM10 rises by up to 44 times
New Delhi: At 5pm on Wednesday, the hourly PM10 concentration in southwest Delhi's Najafgarh was 68 micrograms per cubic metre. It had spiralled immensely to 2,969 micrograms per cubic metre by 8am on Thursday. The reason why the coarse pollutants jumped 44 times within a few hours was the wind that brought dust from west Rajasthan, according to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee . In fact after the dust intrusion, the hourly PM10 concentration across the city jumped in no time. Though DPCC's hourly PM10 data was unavailable for Wednesday night, the data showed that the concentration was below 200 micrograms per cubic metre. This crossed 1,200 micrograms per cubic metre early on Thursday, with some monitoring stations recording an hourly PM10 level of 2,000 micrograms per cubic metre. The hourly PM10 touched 2,163 micrograms per cubic metre at Sri Aurobindo Marg in south Delhi at 8am on Thursday compared with 133 at 4pm on Wednesday. In northwest Delhi's Ashok Vihar, the hourly PM10 concentration soared from 204 micrograms per cubic metre at 3pm on Wednesday to 2,396 at 9 on Thursday morning. The 24-hour average national ambient air quality standard for PM10 is 100 micrograms per cubic metre and that of the World Health Organization is 45 micrograms per cubic metre. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, Research and Advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment, said, "During summer months, Delhi experiences wind-blown dust events that impact the PM10 levels. In an urban environment, coarse particles of dust mix with combustion material and turn toxic." She added that controlling dust required massive urban redevelopment with adequate green infrastructure, including urban forests and green areas, and green walling like Aravali forest and massive plantations on the periphery to act as wind and dust barriers. Cities in the Indo-Gangetic plain face dangerously high PM10 levels due to dust storms, dry conditions and strong winds lifting dust in summer, especially when winds blew in from the west or southwest, pointed out Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst, EnviroCatalysts. "To combat this, we need large-scale roadside plantations, grass cover on exposed areas and scientific vacuum cleaning of roads. However, tackling other pollution sources — like vehicles, industries and waste burning — is equally critical because they emit far more hazardous PM2.5 particles, which are more respirable than the coarse PM10 dust," said Dahiya. Dahiya also noted that the recent spike in PM2.5 and PM10 signified a growing problem arising from combustion-related pollution in Delhi. "This could stem from waste burning at landfills, upwind crop stubble burning or forest fires. These add to the city's perennial pollution burden," he said. The overall AQI in the city also saw a sharp deterioration. The 24-hour average AQI was 292 at the higher end of the 'poor' category on Thursday when just a day earlier, it was 135 in the 'moderate' range, according to the Central Pollution Control Board bulletin released at 4pm. A higher AQI than this, 294, was last recorded on Feb 16.
