Latest news with #UnitedNationsEnvironmentProgramme
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
A flexible approach to World Environment Day
Listen to article Every year on June 5, people worldwide observe World Environment Day. It's a crucial reminder that we must protect our surroundings, or face severe consequences like higher medical costs, reduced productivity, increased poverty and societal decline. While many awareness campaigns by governments and NGOs are largely superficial, a small part of society genuinely participates with limited resources. In contrast, wealthier groups often spend significantly to lead commemorative efforts, leveraging their financial power. Notably, over the past twenty years, there's been almost a tenfold increase in social engagement on this day. This resurgence echoes the original environmental pledge made in the early 1970s, which aimed to renew humanity's commitment to protecting and conserving our environment. When the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established this day for global environmental commemoration, climate change was only just emerging. At that time, temperatures in the Global South weren't as extreme as they are today, especially for the large populations already living with limited resources. In June, many southern South Asian cities now experience temperatures consistently above 40 degrees Celsius. Consequently, most awareness activities for this day are held indoors. Those who can't afford air conditioning must rely on fans, bearing the brunt of their marginalised status. In contrast, those who can afford air-conditioned venues — often from government or business sectors -— celebrate the day in comfort. In our region of hot climate, the most effective awareness activity for this occasion, tree plantation, faces significant hurdles. The intense heat, even in the early or late hours, makes it quite challenging for participants. Furthermore, summer is far from ideal for planting trees; the monsoon season, which follows shortly after, is much more suitable. For these reasons, we've largely abandoned tree plantation as a commemorative activity. Instead, organisations here have gravitated towards indoor, rhetoric-based activities to raise awareness. These events, often labeled as seminars, workshops, conferences, debates or symposia, are presented to the public as significant awareness-raising efforts. Unfortunately, the focus of these events often strays from their intended purpose. Instead of prioritising insightful and inspirational presentations and speeches, much attention is given to formalities. This includes inviting VIPs as chief guests, serving refreshments and distributing mementos and giveaways. This often leaves the "awareness" aspect taking a backseat to event logistics and ceremonial aspects. A significant hurdle for observing this day in Pakistan, particularly when it comes to tree planting activities, is the start of summer vacation on June 1. This means our most promising target audience — students — are out of reach. No institution can realistically ask students to return solely for this activity after they've been dismissed for their holidays. Beyond students, we lack a community that voluntarily participates in these awareness campaigns. If we resort to forced nominations, such as government or corporate employees, their engagement and attentiveness will likely be low compared to those who willingly participate to learn. In essence, this situation severely limits our ability to both plant trees effectively and involve students to create a wider impact. Both the government and civil society, along with the business sector, largely organise environmental awareness activities for this day. They're doing so without considering the intense heat, which poses a significant risk to both organisers and participants. While those with access to safe transportation might not face many issues commuting for field activities, individuals without good quality conveyance will suffer from the heat, having to travel to venues and meet others under the open sun. Ultimately, the primary goal for the leaders of all these sectors is to demonstrate their environmental commitment to their superiors, competitors, donors and critics, regardless of the challenging conditions. Pakistan has been observing World Environment Day since the late 1980s. Even back then, June was a hot month, yet the suitability of this timing for Pakistan's climate was never really discussed. The main goal, not just in Pakistan but in many donor-dependent developing countries, seems to be to follow Western practices and project an image of environmental awareness. Pakistan's civil society already observes numerous other days dedicated to various important issues, so the odd timing of World Environment Day doesn't get much attention. A few NGOs have, on occasion, floated the idea of proposing a National Environmental Day that aligns with local educational calendars and weather conditions, but this has never progressed beyond a mere suggestion. The environmental civil society sector in Pakistan is relatively small and often works in isolation. As for the government, there's a perceived lack of initiative to develop innovative solutions. Their primary role is often seen as complying with directives rather than initiating "out-of-the-box" thinking. UNEP is our best bet in this situation. If we bring this issue to their attention, they're likely to consider the document that established June 5 as World Environment Day. They just need to make a small change, adding that countries aren't obligated to observe the day exactly on June 5. Instead, they could observe it locally at their convenience. The main goal isn't just to show unity, but to spread environmental awareness globally. The Global South, in particular, needs more outreach, as many people there aren't yet ready to act on environmental messages. If signatories of the Paris Agreement can develop their own contributions to meet their obligations, then a day of such environmental importance should also be flexible for countries to observe according to their unique circumstances.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Satellite image shows wildfires ravaging holiday island as tourists evacuated
A startling satellite image reveals the devastating wildfires engulfing a Greek holiday island. The European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel-2 captured the image on Monday (23 June), showing a thick plume of smoke billowing from the island and drifting south-west across the Aegean Sea. The government declared a state of emergency following the outbreak of the fires on Sunday, leading to several villages being evacuated. As of Tuesday, the wildfires are still raging, with hundreds of firefighters, aided by aircraft, tackling multiple blazes. The fires have caused significant disruption, including power cuts, water shortages, and property damage. Indeed, as of 24 June 2025, wildfires continue to blaze on the Greek island of Chios. Hundreds of firefighters, backed by aircraft, have been battling numerous wildfires in various parts of the island for the third day running. What Qatar airspace closure means for holidays as airlines cancel flights Authorities have issued multiple evacuation orders, demanding that locals and holidaymakers leave parts of the island. Towering walls of flames tore through forest and agricultural land on Chios, where authorities have declared a state of emergency and have sent firefighting reinforcements from Athens, the northern city of Thessaloniki and the nearby island of Lesbos. By Tuesday morning, the fire department said 444 firefighters with 85 vehicles were tackling the blaze on scattered fronts. Eleven helicopters and two water-dropping planes were providing air support. Emergency services have issued evacuation orders for villages and settlements in the area since Sunday, when fires broke out near the island's main town. The fire department has sent an arson investigation team to Chios to examine the cause of the blaze. 'We are faced with simultaneous fires in multiple, geographically unconnected parts of the island — a pattern that cannot be considered coincidental,' Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said Monday from Chios. Authorities, he said, were 'very seriously examining the possibility of an organized criminal act, in other words arson.' The minister said police forces on the island had been reinforced, while military patrols had been doubled. 'Whoever thinks that they can play with the lives of citizens and cause chaos with premeditated actions will be led to court,' Kefalogiannis said. 'Arson is a serious crime and will be dealt with as such.' Wildfires are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers. In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee. More than 100 died, including some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the Mediterranean is warming 20% faster than the global average, fuelled by human-caused climate change. "Coastal zones face heightened disaster risks, including flooding and erosion, and the salinization of river deltas and aquifers that sustain food security and livelihoods. By 2050, water demand is projected to double or even triple," the organisation states online.
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Environment ministry organises workshop on objectives of biodiversity strategy
DOHA: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has organised a workshop entitled, 'National Targets of the National Biodiversity Strategy,' as part of the activities of the project to support early action for the Global Biodiversity Framework - Qatar, in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The workshop was held under the patronage of Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, and was attended by a select group of experts, consultants, and representatives of relevant national authorities. In his speech during the workshop, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Nature Reserves Dr Ibrahim Abdullatif Al Maslamani emphasized that the ministry attaches great importance to protecting biodiversity, as it is a fundamental pillar for the sustainability of environmental resources and a guarantee of food and water security and human well-being. He pointed out that these efforts fall within the implementation of the environmental development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030. Dr Al Maslamani explained that the workshop aims to review and update the national objectives within the National Biodiversity Strategy for the 2025-2035 period, enhance their alignment with the requirements of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030), and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change strategy. He pointed out that through this project, the ministry seeks to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy for biodiversity conservation, based on the latest global scientific practices and the principle of active participation by various national entities, including government institutions, academic bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. For his part, Director of the Wildlife Development Department at the ministry Yousef Al Hamar noted that biodiversity is the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems and a pivotal factor in the sustainability of natural resources and the enhancement of food and water security. He stressed that preservation represents a national and international commitment, and is part of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy, and the ministry's strategy, in addition to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The workshop featured multiple discussion sessions, including reviewing national targets and linking them to the global biodiversity framework, reviewing the next steps to update the strategy, and presenting participants' comments and suggestions. At the conclusion of the workshop, the project organizers expressed their thanks and appreciation to the participants, affirming their continued cooperation with all relevant parties during the next phases, leading to the adoption of the National Biodiversity Strategy for the State of Qatar, which will enhance the country's efforts to conserve its natural diversity for the benefit of current and future generations.
India Today
20-06-2025
- General
- India Today
The big fat Indian wedding is quietly triggering a climate chaos
The lavish "big fat Indian wedding" is a cultural spectacle known for its opulence, grandeur, and increasingly, its food over 10 million weddings taking place annually in India, these events have become one of the country's major sources of food wastage and a driver behind rising methane to Feeding India, an NGO working to combat hunger, anywhere between 30 and 50 kilograms of food is wasted at an average Indian wedding. In elite weddings, the amount can soar to a staggering 800 Globally, food waste is a serious concern. The Food Waste Index Report 2024, released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), a UK-based non-profit, states that one crore (10 million) meals are wasted every day report also highlights that household waste makes up the largest share, more than 60%, of this global food India, much of the wedding-related food waste is due to oversized buffets, inaccurate guest estimates, and a general lack of awareness about food donation. Photo: Generative AI by Ayushi Shrivastava) THE CLIMATE CONSEQUENCEThe consequences of this waste extend beyond empty plates. It's contributing significantly to environmental discarded food ends up in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a greenhouse gas that is around 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of warming can linger in the atmosphere for over 20 years and is responsible for roughly 30% of the rise in global temperatures since pre-industrial change has already exceeded the thresholds set by the Paris Agreement. Food waste from weddings and other events continues to fuel this crisis. The UNEP report notes that 'human-caused methane emissions could be reduced by as much as 45% within the decade,' a change that could prevent nearly 0.3C of global warming by 2045 and keep the planet within the 1.5C limit targeted by the Paris as one billion tons of food is wasted globally each year, about one-third of the world's population experiences food insecurity. Of these, 783 million people struggle with hunger. Globally, food waste is a serious concern. (Photo: Getty) This stark contrast calls for immediate action. Mindful consumption, better planning, and raising awareness about food recovery and donation can significantly reduce food wastage, especially at weddings. Institutional frameworks must be established to streamline food involved in food redistribution should be certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure food safety and 2018, the Delhi government took a notable step to reduce food waste by capping the number of guests allowed at weddings. A similar trend emerged naturally during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions led to smaller, more intimate gatherings. However, such measures shouldn't be limited to times of smaller, more mindful celebrations can significantly reduce the enormous food waste typically generated at weddings. It's a step toward both environmental sustainability and social celebration of love and union should not come at the cost of the planet or hungry mouths. A shift towards responsible celebrations can make the big fat Indian wedding truly great for Reel
NDTV
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Bollywood Actress Dia Mirza Buys BMW iX Electric SUV Worth Rs 1.39 Crore
Bollywood celebrities are slowly adopting luxury electric vehicles, and the latest to join the list is Dia Mirza. The actress, known for her environmental activism, appears to be advancing her agenda with her latest purchase, a fully electric BMW iX. Classified as a luxurious electric vehicle in the Indian market, the EV comes at a starting price of Rs 1.39 crore (ex-showroom) and seems to be a perfect fit for the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Ambassador's garage. The update on Dia Mirza's new BMW iX was shared on Instagram with pictures and videos of her taking the delivery. With this EV in her garage, the actress has joined the list of celebrities like Riteish Deshmukh, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Ibrahim Ali Khan as an owner of the vehicle. Additionally, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has also been seen driving the vehicle. Dia Mirza's new EV also gets unique features, such as a hexagonal steering wheel and an extensive curved display that includes a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. The iX is also equipped with numerous features, such as an electrochromic panoramic glass roof and multi-functional seats that offer memory and massage capabilities. Dia Mirza's BMW iX xDrive50 comes packed with a 111.5 kWh battery pack, which offers a WLTP range of 635 km on a single charge. The charge from the battery is transferred to two electric motors, one placed on each axle, giving it all-wheel-drive capacity. The combined output of these motors is rated at 523 hp and 765 Nm torque. When put to use, they can propel the SUV from zero to 100 kmph in 4.6 seconds. The battery can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 35 minutes using a 195 kW DC charger, in 97 minutes with a 50 kW DC charger, in roughly 5.5 hours with a 22 kW AC charger, and in about 11 hours when using an 11 kW AC charger.
