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Euronews
08-07-2025
- Euronews
Majority of UNESCO World Heritage sites face severe water risk
Nearly 73 per cent of World Heritage sites are at high risk of water-related hazards, according to analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and UNESCO. From the Taj Mahal to the Royal Monastery of Santa MarIa de Guadalupe, more than 1,100 inscribed sites were assessed for four types of water risk: drought, water stress, riverine flooding and coastal flooding. Using the WRI's Aqueduct platform, the sites were then categorised by severity, with some facing dual, overlapping issues. 'We found that 21 per cent of the sites faced both a water scarcity challenge, whether that was water stress or drought, as well as a flooding challenge, whether that was riverine and coastal,' Samantha Kuzma, Aqueduct Data Lead at the WRI, tells Euronews Culture. '[This] makes it really difficult to manage the water resources around [the sites] when they're dealing with both extremes.' These water risks are most prevalent in so-called hotspots, where changes to the water cycle, or an increase in human demand, can combine to create extreme environmental challenges. Within the European Union alone, 65 per cent of sites are facing at least one severe water risk, with hotspots predominantly in the Mediterranean - especially Spain and Greece. One notable example is the Acropolis of Athens, which has struggled with both flooding and extreme heat in recent years - the latter of which forced temporary closures last year. '[The Site] is suffering from a multitude of different environmental related challenges that are now starting to limit the ability of tourists visiting that Site,' says Kuzma. 'And if tourism is affected, then all of the economies that are supported by tourism around those sites are impacted, and the community that depends on that is impacted. So there are these real, tangible impacts that we can see when one of these sites is affected.' To combat this, the Acropolis implemented a new drainage system to prevent further flooding, which has so far proven successful. For other sites, however, solutions remain difficult due to a lack of resources and preparedness - but mostly cost. The Museum of Making, which is housed in a UNESCO inscribed Silk Mill in Derby, UK, reportedly spent six-figures on repairs following severe flood damage back in 2023. In their report, the WRI recommends nature-based solutions, such as revitalising wetlands to capture flood waters; enacting national conservation policies to protect against industrial developments; and an elevation of water's status as a global common good. 'I think to adequately protect not only these sites, but also the communities that surround them, we have to think bigger,' explains Kuzma. 'It's thinking about how we can work within these watersheds (an area of land where water drains into a water body like a river or lake) to enact solutions and have healthier, more resilient watersheds.' The 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee began in Paris on Sunday, during which representatives from 21 of the States Parties to the Convention will review reports on the conservation of its inscribed properties, along with new nominations. The global share of World Heritage sites exposed to high-to-extremely high levels of water hazards is expected to rise from 40 to 44 per cent by 2050, but Samantha hopes our human connection to these prestigious places will continue to drive collective solutions driven by ingenuity and passion. 'These sites really represent our connection to nature and to culture; they help us have that emotional connection to the areas around us,' she says. 'And if we can use that emotion and that connection to feel inspired, then I think that can help us push further towards scaling the types of solutions that we see.'
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Changing the goods transport paradigm with autorickshaws
As India's cities grow more digital and delivery-driven, the pressure on urban logistics is steadily rising. Yet navigating India's dense, informal, and congested urban fabric requires a kind of fleet that is both agile and affordable. Passenger autorickshaws may be considered here. Many autos are underutilised for much of the day, operating mainly during peak hours. Drivers, often earning inconsistent incomes, use off-peak hours to carry small parcels in informal arrangements. The vehicle is there. The demand is there. What is missing is the regulation of the service through a transparent policy guideline. Many autos are underutilised for much of the day, operating mainly during peak hours. Drivers, often earning inconsistent incomes, use off-peak hours to carry small parcels in informal arrangements (Parwaz Khan /HT PHOTO) Currently, most passenger autos operate under contract carriage permits that prohibit the transportation of goods. The Motor Vehicles Act includes an exemption for vehicles under 3,000 kg from needing a separate goods permit. However, this clause is interpreted and implemented inconsistently across states. While some allow dual use under defined conditions, others require prior approvals or offer no guidance at all. The result is a regulatory grey zone where informal practice outpaces formal policy. According to urban freight studies from the Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research at IIT Delhi and the World Resources Institute (WRI), dual use could raise utilisation by 30-50% and increase monthly driver income by ₹3,000-5,000. For small merchants, access to nearby, affordable delivery options could lower logistics costs and expand their service reach. A 2023 WRI study found that using passenger autorickshaws for small goods delivery costs nearly 50% less than using dedicated three-wheeler cargo vehicles. Even if just 10% of India's estimated $40 billion urban and last-mile logistics market loads could be shifted to autorickshaws, the potential savings could exceed $2 billion annually. These savings would be shared across drivers, merchants, platforms, and of course, the end-users. Currently, there is a structural gap in the vehicle ecosystem. Loads under 20 kg are typically handled by two-wheelers or informal foot delivery. Freight over 300 kg moves through standard goods carriers. But many small businesses operate in the middle, dealing with 20 to 300 kg per trip. Without a flexible and cost-effective option, they often resort to paying for cargo vehicles that are oversized for their needs. Autorickshaws could fill this gap seamlessly. By law, passengers are allowed to carry up to 50 kg of luggage in an autorickshaw. If it is considered safe to carry that weight along with a passenger, it is entirely reasonable to allow the same payload when the vehicle is operating alone on a goods-only trip. Some states have begun to act. In Kerala, the Motor Vehicle Rules permit dual use under basic safety and cleanliness conditions. Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Chandigarh follow similar principles. Their rules do not explicitly prohibit carrying goods, so long as the cargo is non-hazardous, hygienic, and does not cause discomfort. Tamil Nadu even outlines the responsibilities of drivers toward both passengers and goods consignors. Other states are more restrictive. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan require prior approval from regional transport authorities. These permissions often include conditions on types of goods and zones of operation. While these rules are grounded in safety and planning concerns, the lack of a unified framework has hindered wider adoption and scale. The ministry of road transport and highways, working with state departments, could issue a model rule clarifying the application of the national exemption for light vehicles. This could include guidelines on permissible weight and size limits, hours of operation, hygiene and safety standards, restricted goods categories, and simple registration processes. This would give states a shared baseline to adapt to local conditions. Drivers would have a legally sanctioned way to diversify earnings. Platforms could on-board local fleets for structured delivery services. Small businesses would gain a cost-effective logistics option. Urban authorities could reduce redundant trips and better manage traffic flows. It would bring into the formal economy a widespread but unrecognised practice. There are environmental advantages, too. Light commercial vehicles contribute disproportionately to urban air pollution. Dual use of autos in circulation could cut emissions by reducing separate freight trips, more so with the growing adoption of electric autos. Concerns around safety or enforcement are valid but manageable. Bringing informal delivery practices into the formal fold allows authorities to set standards, offer oversight, and partner with platforms to track compliance. Some practical considerations will require attention. Public access to passenger services should not be compromised, particularly during peak hours or in high-demand zones. Light-touch measures such as visible markings for dual-use vehicles, periodic fitness checks, and optional insurance schemes for participating drivers may help build trust. The focus must stay on unlocking the underutilised potential of autorickshaws for short-haul delivery, not overloading the model with standards that cities are not yet equipped to enforce. Jagadish Shettigar is a former member, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council. The views expressed are personal
News18
01-07-2025
- News18
Water Scarcity Behind Growing Pollution, Groundwater Loss At Taj Mahal: WRI Report
The analysis revealed that 73% of UNESCO's non-marine heritage sites face at least one form of severe water risk The Taj Mahal, one of the world's most iconic monuments, is under growing threat from severe water-related risks, according to a new analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI). The findings were published on Tuesday, July 1, as part of WRI's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas. The report highlights that the Taj Mahal is facing increasing water scarcity, which is contributing to pollution and depleting groundwater levels, both of which are harming the centuries-old marble mausoleum. These risks pose a long-term threat not only to the monument's physical structure but also to its cultural and historical significance. Built in the 17th century and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors each year. However, WRI's data shows that the monument is one of over 1,200 UNESCO-listed sites that are now exposed to serious water-related challenges, including drought, water stress, flooding, and pollution. The analysis reveals that 73% of UNESCO's non-marine heritage sites face at least one form of severe water risk. Specifically, 40% are exposed to extreme water stress, while 37% are at risk from severe drought. The report also notes that by 2050, the global share of World Heritage Sites facing high to extremely high levels of water stress is expected to rise from 40% to 44%. Regions like South Asia, including northern India, are expected to face the worst impacts due to existing water shortages combined with increased climate stress and upstream water extraction. First Published: July 01, 2025, 19:14 IST
The Print
22-06-2025
- Science
- The Print
World's ancient forests are at risk. Why we should worry
So what makes forests so important – ancient ones in particular – and how are human activities driving their rapid decline? According to a new World Resources Institute (WRI) report, the world lost more primary rainforest in 2024 than in any other year in at least the last two decades. The WRI defines primary forest as 'old-growth forests that are typically high in carbon stock and rich in biodiversity'. The world's oldest forests are facing growing pressure from all sides. Their decline isn't just an environmental concern – it carries serious consequences for people, climate stability and global biodiversity. Whether as carbon sinks or as irreplaceable habitats, ancient trees provide widespread benefits. A 2022 review published in PubMed Central highlighted just how vital they are across ecosystems worldwide. While their role in storing carbon and supporting biodiversity may be well known, did you know they also help regulate below-ground conditions critical for forest regeneration? Or that they have a higher carbon density – storing more carbon within the same footprint – than younger forests? Whether a tree is ancient or not depends on the species, according to the UK's Woodland Trust. Take the birch, for example: it grows quickly and might be considered ancient at 150 years old, whereas a yew might take 800 years to reach a similar stage (there's one yew tree, just outside London, that's thought to be 2,500 years old). Indeed, the world's oldest tree, in eastern California, is thought to be the world's oldest living thing at more than 4,850 years old – older than the pyramids at Giza. Whether hundreds or thousands of years old, the role of ancient trees and woodland worldwide is clear. As the UK's Forestry Commission explains: 'They are teeming with wildlife – rich irreplaceable communities of often rare species that have developed over centuries and found their last refuge here.' This is true of similar ecosystems in the Amazon, Congo Basin and Southeast Asia, the WRI report notes. The loss of primary forest can also have an impact on local temperatures and rainfall that can compound the local effects of climate change. But, as the PubMed review stresses, the benefits of ancient trees and woodlands extend far beyond the planet. They're also 'part of our combined cultural heritage, providing people with aesthetic, symbolic, religious, and historical cues'. Equally, consider the therapeutic benefits of forest bathing, the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, for our mental and physical health. Add to that the fact that some 1.6 billion people are thought to rely on forest resources for their livelihoods and the consequences of the loss of ancient woodland become clear. Forests at risk Human activity has dramatically reduced ancient forests worldwide. Take the UK, for example, which was at one time thought to be 75% covered by wildwood. Today, that figure is just 10%, with only a quarter of that being ancient woodland. According to the WRI report, 6.7 million hectares of primary rainforest were lost in 2024 alone, largely due to massive wildfires. Globally, an area equivalent to England and Wales is lost to deforestation each year. Climate change is accelerating the loss of ancient forests. Rising temperatures threaten woodlands worldwide, from the Amazon to the boreal forests of Canada and Russia. A recent University of Leeds study warns that up to 90% of temperate rainforests in some areas could disappear by 2100 – even with immediate emissions cuts, at least 9% may still vanish. As these vital carbon sinks degrade, they release stored carbon into the atmosphere, intensifying global warming and creating a dangerous feedback loop. Tackling deforestation and protecting forests How can we break this cycle? It starts with tackling the problem at both ends: preventing deforestation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A 2023 study found that protected areas are effective, but focusing on regions most at risk of deforestation – such as agricultural frontiers in the Amazon and Indonesia – is crucial. Financial incentives for conservation and sustainable land use are also highly effective. Where forests have already been cleared, reforestation plays a critical role. That's where initiatives like launched by the World Economic Forum, step in. The ambitious goal: conserve, restore and grow one trillion trees by 2030. The initiative unites public and private sectors, and collaborates with UpLink – the Forum's platform for early-stage innovation – to drive forward-thinking solutions and support the next generation of environmental entrepreneurs. This article first appeared in the World Economic Forum. Read the original piece here.
Fashion Value Chain
14-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Chargeurs PCC Targets 46% CO₂ Cut with New ESG Strategy
Global textile leader Chargeurs PCC has announced a bold new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) plan aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions by 46% by 2030. The strategy addresses every aspect of the company's operations—from product design to supplier relationships—positioning Chargeurs PCC as a trailblazer in sustainable transformation within the textile industry. CEO Gianluca Tanzi stated, 'We are committed to leading the industry's shift toward sustainability by innovating responsibly and integrating real, measurable action across the value chain.' Key Highlights of the ESG Plan: Carbon Reduction: 11% emissions cut achieved at its Lainière de Picardie site in 2024. Emission mapping started across the supply chain to reach 46% overall CO₂ reduction by 2030. 'Local for Local' Model: Focus on regional development, sourcing, and production to minimize environmental impact and boost local economies. Sustainable Products: Expanded Sustainable 360 line made from natural, recycled, and bio-based fibers . Innovations include Zero Dye Water interlinings and monomaterial polyester products for better recyclability. Water & Microplastic Management: Site-wide water risk assessments using WRI's Aqueduct tool . Ongoing efforts to reduce chemical use and microplastic release . Biodiversity Commitment: 75% of the Lainière de Picardie site preserved as natural habitat. 2024 saw 1,500 trees planted in Brazil through a partnership with WeForest . Participation in COP16 Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration projects worldwide. Social Responsibility & Transparency: 80% of suppliers SMETA-audited; full audit coverage underway. Use of Transaction Certificates for traceability. Developing an internal Restricted Substances List (RSL) —60% of products and 90% of substances already compliant. With this comprehensive ESG roadmap, Chargeurs PCC strengthens its role as a pioneer in ethical innovation, ensuring a climate-resilient, transparent, and regenerative textile ecosystem.
