Environment and Biodiversity

31st May – Mangroves in South India,  Sri Lanka Labeled ‘Critically Endangered 

• Coastal mangroves in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives have been rated as “critically endangered” by the IUCN, highlighting severe conservation challenges. 
• The IUCN’s first global assessment, released on May 22, evaluated mangroves from 36 regions, including tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate coasts. 
• Areas in South India, particularly Muthupet in Thiruvarur district, Ramanathapuram, and parts of southern Kerala, have been identified as severely endangered. 
• Mangroves are crucial for biodiversity, providing essential goods and services to local communities, protecting coastlines, supporting fisheries, and mitigating climate change effects. 
• Loss of mangrove ecosystems has severe environmental and socio-economic impacts, especially for coastal populations that depend on them. 
• Despite the critical forecast, Tamil Nadu has made significant progress in mangrove conservation, with mangrove area increasing from 23 square kilometres in 2001 to 45 square kilometres in 2021. 
• The state has involved local communities by forming 20 village mangrove groups, encouraging long-term sustainable use and scientific management of mangrove resources. 
• Restoration efforts have intensified following damage from the Gaja Cyclone, with the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission, supported by the World Bank, restoring about 25 square kilometres of mangroves. 
• There are further plans to restore an additional 15 square kilometres, with an emphasis on strengthening mangrove ecosystems to support local wildlife and communities. 
• These conservation initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of community involvement and scientific management in addressing the environmental challenges faced by mangrove ecosystems.  

30 May – Wet Bulb Temperature 

• India is currently facing an intense heatwave affecting states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, with the combination of high temperatures and high humidity significantly impacting daily life. 
• Understanding humidity measurement is crucial in determining discomfort levels during a heatwave, involving three types of temperatures: dry bulb, wet bulb, and dew point. 
• Temperature of the dry bulb – Refers to the average air temperature measured by a monitor without moisture. 
• Temperature of the wet bulb – Measures the coolest temperature air can achieve through evaporating water at steady pressure, with a damp cloth wrapped around the thermometer bulb. The wet bulb temperature is vital for measuring humidity as it indicates the air’s capacity to hold water and helps assess the effect of evapotranspiration on plants and human comfort. 
• Temperature at the dew point – Indicates the temperature at which the air becomes fully saturated (100% humidity), causing water vapor to turn into dew. 
• The wet bulb temperature is significant because higher humidity reduces the cooling effect of evaporation, making conditions more uncomfortable as wet bulb and dry bulb temperatures approach each other. 
• People previously considered 35°C wet bulb temperature as the upper limit of safe human endurance, but new research indicates this threshold may be lower. 
• Penn State University researchers discovered that core body temperatures can rise at lower levels of heat and humidity. Wet-bulb temperatures around 31°C with over 50% humidity, or combinations like 38°C with 60% humidity, can pose serious health risks. 

29th May – Urbanization Boosts Night-Time Warming in Indian Cities: Study

• A new study from the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar reveals that increasing urbanization is causing warmer nights in over 140 major Indian cities.
• The study found that night temperatures in cities rose 60% more than in non-urban areas, primarily due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.
• Cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Rajkot saw the most significant temperature rise, with Delhi-NCR and Pune also experiencing major changes.
• The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect occurs when city infrastructure, especially buildings made of concrete and asphalt, absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, leading to warmer night temperatures.
• This release of heat not only increases nighttime temperatures but also affects the local climate, altering rain patterns and increasing pollution levels.
• The study focused on the impact of urbanization on local temperatures over the last twenty years (2000–2020), showing an average temperature rise of 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade due to urbanization, which accounts for 37.73% of the total urban heat.
• The study found that cities warmed up almost twice as fast as the rest of the country, indicating a strong influence of urban growth on local climates.
• Regional variations were observed, with night temperatures rising more noticeably in northwest, northeast, and southern India, while urbanization’s impact was greater in the eastern and central parts of the country, which are experiencing rapid growth.
• These differences highlight the need for tailored urban planning and climate resilience strategies based on the development stage and regional needs of each area.

28th May – New Algal Species Discovered in Kerala’s  Western Ghats by Phycologists

• Scientists from Catholicate College’s Department of Botany discovered a new species of algae in the Western Ghats, a significant advancement in understanding the region’s biodiversity.
• The researchers Merin Grace Jiji, Binoy T. Thomas, and Thomas V.P. found the new species in the Kumbhavurutty forests in the Kollam district, naming it Oedocladium sahyadricum.
• The Western Ghats provide unique weather and soil conditions that support a wide range of land microalgae growth.
• Oedocladium sahyadricum is notable for its dioecious nature, advanced operculum, oval oogonium, and oospore for reproduction. It grows as a soft green mat in wet soil, turning yellowish-green with age, and thrives during the rainy season.
• The Western Ghats span about 1,600 km along India’s west coast and are older than the Himalayas.
• Recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biodiversity, the Ghats are home to approximately 7,402 species of flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, and 179 amphibian species, with many endemic species.
• The Western Ghats influence India’s monsoon patterns by intercepting rain-laden monsoon winds.
• The highest point is Anamudi Peak in Kerala, standing at 2,695 meters.
• The Valley of Flowers in the Western Ghats is known for its seasonal blooms of endemic alpine flowers.
• UNESCO declared the Western Ghats a World Heritage site in 2012 due to its exceptional biodiversity and endemic species.

27th May – Environmental Activists Sue Norway Over Its Deep-Sea Mining Plans

• Norway recently approved a controversial plan to explore minerals on the ocean floor over an area larger than Britain.
• This decision was made by Norway’s parliament in January after a government-funded study concluded that the environmental impact would be minimal.
• Environmentalists have challenged the decision in court, claiming the environmental assessments were not thorough, and they filed their case in Oslo, arguing the project could have negative environmental effects.
• Deep-sea mining refers to extracting minerals from the ocean floor, with three main types: extracting polymetallic nodules, mining seafloor sulphide reserves, and removing cobalt crusts from deep-sea rocks.
• These minerals are vital for manufacturing various tech components like cellphone parts and batteries for green energy.
• Deep-sea mining is economically beneficial, but it poses serious environmental risks, including noise, vibrations, light pollution, and sediment plumes, potentially disturbing marine ecosystems and species such as corals and sponges.
• Climate litigation has emerged as a key tool to hold governments and businesses accountable for their climate actions or inactions.
• Climate lawsuits have increased significantly, from 884 cases in 2017 to over 2,180 by 2022, with groups like children, women, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples often involved.
• A notable climate case was won by a group of elderly Swiss women in April 2023 in Europe’s top human rights court, where they sued their government for insufficient climate action.
• Another key case was in Montana, USA, in August 2023, where a judge ruled that the state government’s approval of fossil fuel projects without considering climate impacts violated the constitutional right to a healthy environment.
• While not all cases are successful, such as a 2017 case in India by a young girl from Uttarakhand that was dismissed, the trend in climate litigation reflects increasing global reliance on legal solutions to address climate challenges.

25th May – Research Shows Sun’s Magnetic Field Originates Closer to Surface

• Solar activity, especially solar storms, can have significant effects on Earth, causing auroras and disruptions to power and communication systems.
• Recent strong solar storms included coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares that affected Earth earlier this month.
• A new study reveals that the sun’s magnetic field is generated much closer to the surface than previously thought, about 20,000 miles (32,000 km) below the surface instead of 130,000 miles (209,000 km).
• This discovery was published in Nature and was made using advanced computer models on NASA supercomputers.
• The solar dynamo is the process responsible for generating the sun’s magnetic field, involving the movement of plasma and changes during the 11-year solar cycle.
• Sunspots are darker, cooler spots on the sun’s surface and are linked to solar magnetic activity like solar flares and CMEs.
• Dynamo theory explains how the solar magnetic field is created through the solar dynamo, driven by plasma flow inside the sun and influenced by the α-effect and Ω-effect.
• The solar cycle lasts for 11 years, during which the magnetic field reverses direction, driven by solar spin, convection, and helical turbulence.
• The solar dynamo impacts the heliosphere, the bubble-like region of space dominated by the solar wind, which affects cosmic rays, space weather, and Earth’s weather systems.
• Solar flares are intense bursts of radiation caused by sunspots releasing magnetic energy, disrupting GPS and communication systems on Earth.
• Solar flares follow an 11-year energy cycle, and their classifications range from A, B, C, M, to X, with X being the strongest.
• The Carrington Event in 1859 is a historical example of how solar flares can severely impact modern technology, signaling potential risks in today’s increasingly digital world.

25th May – Proposal to Treat Breastfeeding as Carbon Offset Emerges

• Breastfeeding is now being seen as an environmentally friendly practice that supports economic growth and contributes to sustainable development.
• Growing concerns about the health impacts and environmental damage caused by commercial milk formulas have led researchers to advocate for recognizing women’s nursing in GDP calculations and as potential carbon offsets.
• Commercial milk formulas significantly harm the environment due to the use of resources like water, and their production results in greenhouse gas emissions. These formulas require extensive dairy farming, processing, transporting, and packaging, leading to high environmental costs.
• The promotion of commercial formulas has also decreased breastfeeding rates, negatively impacting maternal and child health.
• Breastfeeding is a natural, renewable resource with minimal environmental impact and significant economic benefits by reducing healthcare costs through improved health outcomes for both babies and mothers.
• Breastfeeding produces much lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to formula feeding, making it an eco-friendly choice.
• Despite its benefits, breastfeeding is often overlooked in national business plans and food production systems. Advocates suggest including it in national budgets and GDP to promote gender equality and sustainable development.
• If breastfeeding is recognized as a carbon offset, funds from the commercial formula industry could be redirected to promote and support breastfeeding, benefiting both the environment and public health.
• Breastfeeding significantly contributes to waste reduction and resource conservation, as it eliminates the need for packaging, shipping, and disposal associated with formula.
• Formula use generates considerable waste, with the U.S. alone discarding about 86,000 tons of metal and 364,000 tons of paper annually, increasing the carbon footprint of formula production.
• If 90% of U.S. families breastfed exclusively for six months, over 900,000 tons of CO2 could be saved each year, equivalent to removing 200,000 cars from the road, highlighting the environmental benefits of breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding not only improves health for babies and mothers, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and reducing the global carbon footprint.

24th May – What is Cyclone Remal?

• A new low-pressure area was found over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal on May 22, 2024, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• IMD predicts the storm will move northeast, likely turning into a depression by May 24 and gaining strength as it continues in this direction. It is expected to be in the northeast and northwest Bay of Bengal by the evening of May 25.
• United States Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) stated that the conditions are favorable for the storm’s intensification due to warm sea surfaces (28-29°C) and low vertical wind shear, providing thermal energy and a stable atmosphere for growth.
• Predictions from the US Global Forecasting System (GFS) suggest the formation of Cyclone Remal in the northwest Bay of Bengal by the morning of May 26. The Weather Channel (TWC) also acknowledges the likelihood of a cyclonic storm but suggests a low chance of it becoming a severe cyclonic storm.
• IMD forecasts light to moderate rain in some districts of West Bengal and Odisha on May 25–26, while other districts may experience heavy rain. Similar weather conditions are expected in parts of northeast India, including Mizoram, Tripura, and south Manipur.
• TWC predicts heavy rain exceeding 200 millimeters in Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from May 26–28.
• Local governments and residents in potentially affected areas are advised to monitor the situation closely and prepare for adverse weather, highlighting the importance of accurate weather forecasts and disaster preparedness in cyclone-prone regions.
• The Bay of Bengal is the world’s largest bay, covering more than 2,172,000 square kilometers. It borders India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
• A unique phenomenon in the bay is the occurrence of low-frequency radio waves known as “Whistlers,” caused by lightning.
• The Bay is home to the endangered Olive Ridley turtle and the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.
• The Bengal Fan, the world’s largest submarine fan, is located here. The region experiences frequent cyclones, with a main cyclone season from April to November.

24th May – La Nina Expected Later This Year, Impacting Global Weather

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts above-normal rainfall for the upcoming monsoon season in India due to favorable La Niña conditions expected by August and September, as El Niño conditions have been weakening since the beginning of the year.
• El Niño and La Niña are crucial climate phenomena within the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, influencing global weather patterns.
• El Niño: Characterized by weaker trade winds and warmer sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• La Niña: Marked by stronger trade winds and cooler sea surface temperatures due to increased upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water.
• Global Impact of ENSO:
  • Precipitation: El Niño usually results in drier conditions in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, while increasing rainfall in the Southern United States and parts of South America. Conversely, La Niña tends to bring more rain to Southeast Asia and Australia, while causing dryness in parts of South America and the Southern United States.
  • Temperature: El Niño can cause cooler temperatures in parts of North America and Western Europe and warmer conditions in Western South America. La Niña generally leads to cooler temperatures in the eastern Pacific and warmer temperatures in certain regions of North America.
  • Tropical Cyclones: More hurricanes are observed in the Atlantic Ocean during La Niña, while fewer hurricanes occur during El Niño.
• Impact on India and Surrounding Regions:
  • La Niña is associated with increased rainfall, which can lead to flooding, mudslides, and landslides, especially in the east and northeast of India. Conversely, El Niño can result in reduced rainfall and potential drought-like conditions.
• Climate Change and ENSO:
  • Recent research indicates that climate change may alter the ENSO cycle, potentially leading to more frequent and intense El Niño events. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that climate change could affect the strength and frequency of weather events like El Niño and La Niña.
• La Niña Conditions:
  • La Niña is characterized by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator, leading to increased rainfall in Southeast Asia, Australia, and South America, and dryness in the southwestern U.S. La Niña events occur approximately every 3 to 5 years, lasting 9 to 12 months, and are linked to stronger Atlantic storms and colder winters in the northwest U.S. Additionally, La Niña typically strengthens the jet stream in the Pacific, altering storm paths across North America.

23rd May – Oldest Known Human Viruses Discovered In 50,000-Year-Old Neanderthal Bones

• Neanderthals lived in Eurasia and disappeared around 40,000 years ago. Theories for their extinction include environmental changes, competition with modern humans, and pandemics.
• Molecular scientist Marcelo Briones and his team found viral DNA fragments in 50,000-year-old Neanderthal bones. This indicates that Neanderthals may have been affected by viruses similar to adenovirus, herpesvirus, and papillomavirus.
• DNA extraction from ancient remains is challenging, but Briones’ team identified viral genomes showing the potential presence of these pathogens in Neanderthal populations.
• Neanderthals’ last confirmed presence was in Gibraltar. Genetic studies suggest they interbred with Homo sapiens, contributing up to 2% of modern Eurasian DNA.
• Theories for Neanderthal extinction include climate change, dietary limitations, and competition with humans. The rapid disappearance of their tool culture, Mousterian, aligns with their extinction timeline.
• Neanderthals’ high energy needs and low birth rates made them vulnerable to environmental changes. They had difficulty adapting to rapidly changing conditions.
• Ancient DNA analysis has revolutionized our understanding of human development. Techniques like shotgun sequencing allow for the recovery of severely damaged DNA. This has led to new insights into historical plagues and human migration, including analysis of 4,500-year-old Ethiopian remains and a 1.9 million-year-old extinct species.

23rd May – What is Workplace Gaslighting?

• Gaslighting in workplaces is a significant issue affecting employees’ mental health and job performance. It involves undermining a person’s reality, causing them to question their memory, perception, and reasoning.
• This psychological manipulation often comes from authority figures such as bosses or senior coworkers, leading to a toxic work environment.
• Characteristics of Workplace Gaslighting include:
  • Denying or distorting facts: Managers may deny previously approved requests.
  • Trivializing concerns: Comments like “You’re just too sensitive” diminish legitimate worries.
  • Shifting blame: Incorrectly attributing failures to employees.
  • Withholding information: Keeping essential information to set employees up for failure.
  • Isolation tactics: Preventing the victim from forming supportive relationships by spreading rumors.
  • Using intimidation: Employing threats or aggressive behaviors to maintain control.
• These behaviors harm not only individuals but also the overall workplace atmosphere, reducing morale and productivity.
• Addressing Gaslighting involves:
  • Promoting a transparent culture: Encouraging open communication and ensuring employees can report issues without fear.
  • Providing training: Educating employees and managers on gaslighting and psychological abuse.
  • Establishing clear policies: Defining consequences for gaslighting to prevent and address it.
  • Offering support mechanisms: Providing counseling services and mediation programs for affected employees.
  • Encouraging accountability: Ensuring appropriate actions are taken against those who engage in gaslighting to prevent recurrence.

22nd May – Science Alert: ‘Doomsday Glacier’ Melting at a Terrifying Rate

• Thwaites Glacier, also known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” is located in West Antarctica and is experiencing rapid melting, significantly impacting global sea levels.
• Recent studies show that the rate of ice loss has accelerated, primarily due to warming ocean currents attacking the glacier from below.
• The glacier’s ice shelf has been breaking down quickly, indicating deeper changes in its structure and stability.
• If Thwaites Glacier melts completely, it could contribute to a sea level rise of about three meters (ten feet), leading to severe flooding in coastal areas worldwide within a few decades if current trends persist.
• The melting of Thwaites Glacier could destabilize the entire Antarctic ice sheet, potentially causing a domino effect where nearby ice bodies also melt faster, exacerbating sea level rise.
• Thwaites Glacier is about the size of Florida and currently accounts for about 4% of global sea level rise. The sloping bed below the glacier facilitates warm water intrusion, accelerating melting.
• The glacier’s ice shelf is thinning, and if Thwaites collapses, sea levels could rise by over 65 centimeters. The underwater robot Icefin has revealed processes contributing to the glacier’s melting.
• The glacier’s grounding line—where the ice transitions from grounded to floating—is moving backward, indicating further instability.
• Sea-level rise is currently at 3.6 mm per year, up from 1.4 mm per year in the 20th century, largely due to climate change. Melting glaciers, ice masses, and thermal expansion of ocean waters contribute to this rise.
• Vulnerable areas like Miami and Bangkok face amplified effects of rising sea levels due to sinking land. Additionally, melting Arctic ice impacts global circulation, potentially affecting weather systems.
• If current warming trends continue, sea levels around Antarctica could rise by up to three meters by the year 2300.

21st May – Over 90% Indians Want Green Policies, Climate Action

• The “Climate Change in the Indian Mind, 2023” study, conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and CVoter, found that 91% of respondents believe global warming is real.
• 59% of participants are “very worried” about climate change. 52% attribute global warming to human actions, while 38% blame natural environmental changes.
• 83% worry about the impact of global warming on plants and animals, and 82% are concerned for the Indian population.
• 71% believe global warming significantly affects local weather, and 76% think it impacts the monsoons.
• 78%+ of respondents think the Indian government should increase efforts to combat global warming. 86% strongly support policies to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070, as per the 26th UN Climate Change Conference agreement.
• Thwaites Glacier, or the “Doomsday Glacier,” is melting rapidly, causing significant global sea level rise.
• Ocean acidification has increased by about 30% since the Industrial Revolution due to higher CO2 levels, affecting marine life.
• Arctic regions are becoming greener as rising temperatures allow more shrubs and trees to grow.
• Solar dimming projects aim to reduce global warming by injecting light-reflecting particles into the stratosphere.
• Paris Agreement targets are not being met by many countries, with few on track to meet their CO2 emission goals.
• Climate refugees are expected to become a major crisis, potentially displacing millions by 2050 due to severe weather.
• An average tree absorbs about 48 pounds of CO2 annually, while humans emit about 33 billion tons globally.
• Less than 6% of schoolchildren received thorough climate education as of 2021.
• Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, causing more deaths annually than other weather-related events.
• Climate change could cost global economies $23 trillion by 2050 due to extreme weather and disrupted agriculture.

20th May – Sariska Tiger Reserve: Supreme Court Orders Mine Closures

• On May 15, the Supreme Court of India directed the Rajasthan government to close 68 mines less than one kilometer from the Sariska Tiger Reserve. This decision aims to prevent illegal mining in this critical tiger habitat, addressing issues since the 1990s.
• The court’s ruling supports the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986, which prohibit quarrying near tiger reserves.
• Historical Context and Judicial Interventions:
  • In October 1991, a local NGO filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) about mining in Sariska, leading to an interim order halting mining.
  • Justice M. L. Jain established a fact-finding group, confirming the reserve’s importance.
  • In April 1993, the court ordered the closure of 262 mines in the area.
  • By the mid-2000s, reports from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) indicated ongoing violations, prompting orders for a one-kilometer safety zone.
  • Inconsistent enforcement and border disagreements slowed progress.
• Continued Challenges and Supreme Court’s Reinforcement in 2020s:
  • In the 2010s, the court became stricter. In 2014, it reaffirmed the ban on mining within a one-kilometer safety zone around Jamua Ramgarh.
  • In 2022 and 2023, the court updated its approach but maintained a strict no-mine zone near conservation areas.
• Issues with Boundary Demarcation and Local Concerns:
  • Implementation challenges include unclear reserve boundaries and discrepancies between area statements and actual maps, facilitating illegal mining.
  • Local concerns include the inclusion of revenue villages within the reserve, which residents argue violates their rights.
• More About Sariska Tiger Reserve:
  • Located in Alwar district, Rajasthan.
  • Became a wildlife reserve in 1955 and a tiger reserve in 1978.
  • All tigers were poached by 2004, but reintroduction efforts began in 2008 with tigers relocated from Ranthambore.
  • The reserve includes medieval temples and a fortress.
  • Besides tigers, it hosts leopards, sambars, and chitals.
  • Part of India’s Project Tiger initiative.
  • Covers approximately 800 square kilometers.

18th May – Adani’s Sri Lankan Wind Energy Project Challenged In Supreme Court

• Adani Green Energy has launched a $442 million wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn, Sri Lanka, approved by the Sri Lankan Board of Investment in February 2023. This represents a significant advancement in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals but raises environmental and transparency concerns.
• Legal Challenges and Environmental Concerns:
  • Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) filed a Fundamental Rights petition with the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on May 16.
  • WNPS is concerned about potential harm to Mannar Island’s unique wildlife, including its role as a critical point in the Central Asian Flyway, a major migration route for birds and habitat for native water birds and bats.
• Transparency and Assessment Issues:
  • The petition highlighted concerns over the opaque approval process and the lack of information regarding financial terms and the nature of the government-to-government agreement with India.
  • There are doubts about the Environmental Impact Assessment conducted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka, with allegations of possible flaws in assessing environmental impacts.
• Economic Aspects and Power Pricing:
  • Sri Lanka agreed to pay $0.0826 per kWh for electricity generated by the project, a step towards integrating green energy into the national grid. The pricing and economic implications are under scrutiny due to Sri Lanka’s economic difficulties.
• More About Adani Green Energy’s Wind Energy Project:
  • Adani Green Energy aims for 45 gigawatts of green energy by 2030. Their wind energy project will incorporate hybrid energy production, combining wind and other sources for increased reliability and efficiency.
  • Adani Green won a major $6 billion solar bid for an 8-gigawatt project from SECI and has partnered with TotalEnergies SE, expanding its global clean energy footprint.
  • Adani’s efforts contribute to India’s goal of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

17th May – Scientists Discover 1.5 Billion-Year-Old “Giant” Viruses In Yellowstone

• Scientists discovered giant viruses in Yellowstone National Park, dating back approximately 1.5 billion years. These viruses have larger genes compared to most viruses and do not harm humans.
• Significance: The discovery provides insights into early Earth conditions and the origins of life by studying the environment and biological processes during the formation of early single-cell organisms.
• Research Methodology: DNA samples were collected from hot springs, revealing genes from bacteria, algae, and archaea. About 3,700 potential viruses were identified, with roughly two-thirds classified as giant viruses.
• Yellowstone National Park:
  • Established as the world’s first national park in 1872.
  • Covers over 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
  • Located atop a supervolcano with over 10,000 thermal features and 500 geysers, including Old Faithful.
  • Home to diverse wildlife, including Canadian lynx and grizzly bears.
  • Contains Yellowstone Lake, one of North America’s largest lakes.
  • Contributed to the creation of the National Park Service in 1916.
• Giant Viruses:
  • Discovered in 2003 with the Mimivirus, visible with a light microscope.
  • Characterized by large genomes, containing over 1,000 genes, which allow them to produce proteins and function more independently from host cells.
  • The Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus is notable for having genes for translation, previously thought to be exclusive to cells.
  • Other examples include Pandoraviruses and Pithovirus sibericum, found in 30,000-year-old Siberian ice, demonstrating their durability.

16th May – 2023 Summer Hottest in 2,000 Years, Studies Show

• Extreme Weather: Rising global temperatures have led to extreme weather events, including the hottest summer in the northern hemisphere in 2023, which impacted a wide area with severe effects such as wildfires in the Mediterranean, damaged infrastructure in Texas, and overloaded power lines in China.
• Scientific Analysis & Findings:
  • Temperatures on land between 30 and 90 degrees north latitude were 2.07 degrees Celsius higher in summer 2023 compared to pre-industrial levels.
  • There were 2.2 degrees Celsius more warm days than the long-term average from 1 AD to 1890, highlighting the severity of recent global warming trends.
• Contributing Factors:
  • El Niño, a climate pattern associated with increased global temperatures, exacerbated the intense heat of summer 2023, leading to longer and more severe heatwaves and drought periods.
• Impact on Human Health:
  • Research in PLOS Medicine indicated that heatwaves contributed to about 1% of global deaths annually from 1990 to 2019, comparable to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Asia experienced over half of these heat-related deaths, while Europe had the highest death rate per capita from heatwaves.
• El Niño Climate Pattern:
  • El Niño is characterized by abnormal warming of the Pacific Ocean near the equator, affecting global weather patterns.
  • Occurs approximately every 2 to 7 years, usually in winter, altering rainfall patterns with increased rain in the southern US and Peru, and droughts in Indonesia and Australia.
  • Named “El Niño” (Spanish for “the Christ Child”) by Peruvian fishers due to its December occurrence.
  • Can elevate global temperatures and disrupt marine food chains, with effects lasting up to a year.
  • Each El Niño event varies in strength, duration, and impact, necessitating monitoring to prepare for associated weather-related events like droughts, floods, and changes in crop yields.

14th May – Sei Whales Return to Argentina After Century

• For the first time in over a century, sei whales have been observed near Argentina’s Patagonian coast, marking an important milestone in marine conservation and signaling a rebound after a drastic decline due to historical whaling.
• In the 1920s and 1930s, sei whales faced intense hunting pressure from whaling operations around Argentine waters, severely reducing their numbers and leading to their near disappearance from the region.
• The near extinction of the sei whale led to a global ban on commercial whaling, which has been crucial in their gradual recovery and return to former habitats.
• Sei whales belong to the baleen whale family, known for their streamlined bodies, bluish-grey color, growing up to 62-66 feet in length and weighing between 28-45 metric tons. They have tall, curved dorsal fins and small, pointed flippers.
• Their diet mainly consists of small fish and plankton, which they filter from the water using baleen plates. They consume around 900 kg of food daily, including copepods and krill.
• Recent observations of sei whales have been monitored by researchers from Argentina’s CONICET scientific agency, led by biologist Mariano Coscarella. They use advanced technologies like satellite trackers and aerial drones.
• The project, supported by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project, aims to provide insights into conservation success and enhance future protection efforts for sei whales and other marine species.
• Sei whales (scientific name “Balaenoptera borealis”) are the third largest rorqual species, after blue and fin whales. They are typically solitary or found in small groups and migrate between cold polar and warm temperate seas.
• They can swim up to 50 km/h and have unique asymmetrical head coloration. Historically, they were heavily targeted after the depletion of larger whale species, resulting in significant population declines.
• Current threats include ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, impacting their global population.

14th May – 2024  World Wildlife Crime Report

• The 2024 World Wildlife Crime Report was released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on May 13, 2024, covering illegal wildlife trade from 2015 to 2021.
• Rhino and pangolin were the most affected animal species, with rhino horn market at 29%, pangolin scales at 28%, and elephant ivory at 15%. Additional affected species include eels, crocodilians, parrots, cockatoos, carnivores, turtles, tortoises, snakes, and seahorses.
• Cedars and Sapindales were the most affected plant species, with cedars and sapindales market at 47%, rosewoods at 35%, and agarwood and other Myrtales at 13%. Other affected plants include golden chicken fern and orchids.
• Seizures of biodiversity products include corals at 16%, crocodilians at 9%, elephants and bivalve molluscs each at 6%, among other species.
• Commodity seizures include coral pieces at 16%, live specimens at 15%, and animal product medicines at 10%. Other commodities include animal meat, shells, and small leather products.
• The report highlights the persistence of wildlife trafficking despite global efforts and notes the adaptability of traffickers.
• Recommendations include stronger international cooperation, increased investment in data and analytical capabilities, addressing corruption and modernizing criminal justice responses, and implementing strategic interventions to combat wildlife trafficking.
• The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy recognizing the connection between wildlife trafficking and broader organised crime networks.

13th May – India’s Pronouncements at the 19th Session of the UNFF

• At the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) in May 2023, India highlighted its progress in forest protection due to effective management and policy application, showing a steady growth in forest land over the past 15 years.
• India will have the third-largest net gain in forest area annually from 2010 to 2020 due to this growth.
• India emphasized its commitment to nature and wildlife protection, noting the expansion of a network of over a thousand protected areas, including wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tiger reserves, and biosphere reserves.
• Key conservation efforts such as Project Tiger and Project Elephant are marking significant milestones, showcasing India’s role in global wildlife protection.
• India introduced the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global initiative to protect seven big cat species, involving 97 countries. The alliance aims to combat illegal wildlife trade and poaching, with India pledging $100 million for the first five years.
• The UNFF was established in October 2000 by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, with the goal of promoting forest management, conservation, and sustainable development.
• The forum is headquartered at the United Nations in New York and includes all UN member states, operating under the Economic and Social Council’s jurisdiction.
• UNFF follows a multi-year program of work, focusing on specific forest policy aspects each year, guided by the Forest Instrument adopted in 2007.
• The forum facilitates cooperation on forest issues with international and regional organizations, holds biennial sessions to assess progress, and produces the Global Forest Resources Assessment report.
• UNFF supports other international environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

10th May – What is Climatisation of Forests?

• During the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, the report “International Forest Governance: A Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches” was released by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), marking the first global synthesis in 14 years.
• The report highlights the trend of ‘climatisation’ of forests, where the focus has shifted to valuing forests primarily as carbon sinks, overshadowing their crucial ecological and social roles.
• The shift is driven by political and financial interests in carbon sequestration to combat climate issues, often neglecting long-term sustainability and socio-ecological justice.
• Despite progress in reducing deforestation, crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing socio-economic inequalities persist. The commodification of forests for carbon capture risks worsening these issues and undermining effective forest management.
• Market-based solutions like forest carbon trading and zero-deforestation supply chains have gained traction, but may exacerbate inequities and negatively impact sustainable forest management. Non-market mechanisms such as state regulation and community-led initiatives are suggested as more equitable and effective alternatives.
• The report calls for policymakers to revalue forests beyond carbon sinks, emphasizing long-term investments in sustainable and equitable outcomes. It advocates for policies that address power imbalances and protect the rights and livelihoods of resource-dependent communities.
• Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to reduce its impact on global warming. It can occur naturally in forests, oceans, and soil, or through engineered technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS).
• Forest carbon trading is an economic mechanism that values carbon stored in forests, allowing companies or nations to offset emissions by investing in forest conservation projects, trading carbon credits representing a ton of CO2 absorbed or not emitted.
• Zero deforestation supply chains involve companies committing to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains, targeting commodities like palm oil, soy, beef, and timber. The goal is to promote biodiversity conservation and reduce carbon emissions while maintaining supply demands.

8th May – World Bank Report on Agri-food System

• The World Bank’s report, “Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System”, highlights the potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agrifood sector, which contributes about a third of global emissions.
• In India, replacing a quarter of the country’s 8.8 million diesel irrigation pumps with solar pumps could cut agrifood emissions by 11.5 million tonnes annually. Cost-saving measures alone could achieve 80% of the mitigation potential for agriculture in India.
• The report identifies the top agrifood system emitters, including China, Brazil, India, the United States, and Indonesia, which account for 55% of global agrifood emissions, with the top 20 emitters responsible for 67%.
• High-income countries are encouraged to support low- and middle-income countries in adopting low-emission farming methods, while middle-income countries could reduce up to three-quarters of global agrifood emissions through greener practices.
• Achieving the goal of halving agrifood emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 requires annual investments of $260 billion. Benefits of cutting agrifood emissions include improvements in human health, food and nutrition security, job quality, and profits for farmers, with potential benefits exceeding $4 trillion.
• Solar irrigation pumps use photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy for water pumping, offering a sustainable alternative to fuel-based pumps. They reduce dependency on fossil fuels, decrease GHG emissions, and provide a consistent water supply, especially beneficial in remote areas.
• Enteric fermentation in ruminants (e.g., cows, sheep, goats) produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. It is a major focus for reducing livestock-related GHG emissions through dietary adjustments, genetic selection, and management practices.

8th May – Russia’s Batagaika Crater Expands Rapidly Due to Thaw

• The Batagaika Crater, also known as Batagay, is located in the permafrost regions of Siberia, Russia and is known as the “gateway to the underworld.”
• Discovered in 1991 via satellite imagery, the crater formed after a hillside collapse in the Yana Uplands of northern Yakutia, Russia, exposing ancient permafrost layers up to 650,000 years old.
• The crater is expanding at an alarming rate of 35 million cubic feet per year due to permafrost thaw driven by rising global temperatures.
• The thaw rate around the crater’s cliff face is approximately 40 feet (12 metres) per year, significantly contributing to its growth.
• The width of the Batagaika Crater increased from 2,600 feet (790 m) in 2014 to 3,250 feet (990 m) by 2023, resulting in the loss of ice and sediment equivalent to over 14 Great Pyramids of Giza.
• The crater provides crucial insights into the effects of climate change on permafrost regions and serves as a natural laboratory for studying ancient environmental conditions.
• Ongoing research focuses on monitoring the expansion rate and its implications for the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, emphasizing the need for global environmental strategies.
• Permafrost is ground that remains completely frozen for two or more consecutive years, covering about 15% of the Northern Hemisphere. It stores significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, which can be released as it thaws, impacting global temperatures and causing ecological changes.
• The Yana Uplands is a remote plateau region in northeastern Siberia, Russia, characterized by harsh Arctic climate, sparse vegetation, and permafrost. It features barren, rocky terrain with elevations up to 2,000 meters and is sparsely populated, primarily by indigenous Yakut people. The area is known for its paleontological discoveries and evidence of ancient human presence.

7th May – Marine Heatwaves Trigger Widespread Coral Bleaching in Lakshadweep Sea

• Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reports widespread coral bleaching in the Lakshadweep Sea due to marine heatwaves.
• Extensive surveys across Lakshadweep islands show significant bleaching of hard coral species since late October 2023.
• Marine heatwaves are rare events with ocean temperatures exceeding the 90th percentile of historical data, risking coral bleaching and endangering marine ecosystems, according to NOAA.
• K.R. Sreenath, senior scientist at CMFRI, warned of a potential biodiversity crisis and multispecies mortality if the situation worsens.
• Shelton Padua, another senior scientist, linked heatwaves to excessive heat atmospheric transfer and shifts in ocean currents, also threatening seagrass meadows.
• Ecological damage from heatwaves could lead to a collapse of the local marine food web, affecting numerous species and causing significant economic losses in livelihoods, tourism, and fisheries.
• CMFRI is located in Kochi and operates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), focusing on marine biodiversity, aquaculture, and fishery environment.
• Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel symbiotic algae due to stress from changes in temperature, light, or nutrients, causing them to turn white and increasing their risk of death. This impacts marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Marine heatwaves are prolonged periods of unusually warm ocean temperatures, leading to coral bleaching, disruption of ocean food chains, and harm to marine life. They are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
• The Lakshadweep Sea, located in the southeastern Arabian Sea near the western coast of India, is known for its rich marine biodiversity, coral reefs, and as a major fishing ground.

4th May – India, Kenya to Discuss Cheetah Sourcing for Wildlife Sanctuary

• India is interested in sourcing cheetahs from Kenya for the next phase of Project Cheetah.
• A delegation of Kenyan officials will visit India later this month to discuss translocation details and the number of cheetahs available.
• The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has been chosen for this phase of the project.
• The plan is to introduce 8 to 14 cheetahs annually over five years, depending on availability.
• Currently, 27 cheetahs are in Kuno National Park: 13 adults and 14 cubs. 10 cheetahs have died due to illnesses and infections.
• India seeks additional cheetahs from Kenya due to the high mortality rate in the existing population.
• The Kenyan visit may also include an assessment of preparations at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
• Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce cheetahs to India after their local extinction in 1952.
• Eight African cheetahs were translocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park in September 2022.
• The project’s goals include establishing a sustainable cheetah population, restoring the species’ historical range, and enhancing biodiversity.
• Key components include intensive monitoring, habitat management, and community engagement.
• The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northern Mandsaur and Nimach districts in Madhya Pradesh.
• Covering 368.62 square kilometers, it is home to leopards, chital, sambar, nilgai, sloth bear, and four-horned antelope.
• Established in 1974, the sanctuary is named after the nearby Gandhi Sagar Dam and is a haven for bird watchers.
• The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large feline in the subfamily Felinae.
• Cheetahs are solitary, with females raising cubs independently, and play a crucial role as top predators.
• Unique traits include non-retractable claws for traction, purring instead of roaring, high-pitched chirps, poor night vision, and tails that act as rudders during high-speed chases.

2nd May – First Walrus Death From Bird Flu in Arctic

• Christian Lydersen from the Norwegian Polar Institute reported the first walrus death from bird flu on Hopen Island in the Svalbard archipelago.
• Six dead walruses were found in Svalbard, about 1,000 kilometers from the North Pole; tests confirmed bird flu presence, though the strain (H5N1 or H5N8) was unclear.
• The discovery is concerning as walruses gather during summer ice melt, and while bird flu primarily affects avian species, mammals can contract it by consuming infected birds.
• Previous cases of bird flu in sea lions and fur seals have been documented.
• Risk exists for polar bears consuming infected walrus carcasses; one polar bear in Alaska has died from bird flu.
• Researchers urge continued monitoring to prevent further spread among marine mammals.
• Christian Lydersen is a Norwegian marine biologist with over 200 scientific papers, known for research on marine mammals, particularly seals, and their response to climate change and human activities.
• Svalbard is a remote Arctic archipelago between Norway and the North Pole, consisting of several islands including Spitsbergen, known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and unique international status.
• Hopen Island is a small, uninhabited island in Svalbard, known for its rugged terrain, polar bears, and bird species like the pink-footed goose, serving as a nature reserve and a site for climate change research.

1st May – Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH): World’s Deepest Blue Hole discovered in Mexico

• The Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH) in Chetumal Bay off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is the world’s deepest known blue hole, extending at least 1,380 feet (420 meters) below sea level.
• TJBH surpasses the previous record holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South China Sea, by 390 feet (119 meters).
• Scientists have not yet reached the bottom of TJBH, indicating it could be deeper.
• Blue holes are vertical caverns or sinkholes filled with water, found in coastal regions with soluble bedrock such as limestone, marble, or gypsum.
• They form when surface water dissolves minerals and widens cracks in the rock, leading to collapse.
• Blue holes typically have tidally influenced water with fresh, marine, or mixed chemistry and may provide access to submerged cave passages.
• Initial measurements of TJBH in 2021 using echo sounders recorded a depth of 900 feet (274 meters).
• A December 2023 expedition using a conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profiler revealed different water layers, with conditions below 1,312 feet (400 meters) similar to the Caribbean Sea and nearby coastal reef lagoons.
• The similarity in water conditions suggests TJBH may be connected to the ocean via a hidden network of tunnels and caves.
• Future research aims to explore TJBH’s maximum depth and the potential for unexplored biodiversity.
• Other famous blue holes include Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas, Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt, and Great Blue Hole in Belize.
• In 2012, researchers found unique bacteria in blue holes in the Bahamas, thriving in complete darkness, suggesting extreme environments might host lifeforms adapted to unique conditions.

1st May – Alok Shukla Awarded Goldman Environmental Prize for 2024

• Alok Shukla, a 43-year-old environmental activist from Chhattisgarh, India, has been awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for 2024.
• Shukla led a campaign to protect 445,000 acres of the Hasdeo Aranya forests from 21 proposed coal mines.
• Hasdeo Aranya forests cover 657 square miles, providing habitat for endangered species like tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.
• The forests are home to 92 bird species and 167 rare and medicinal plant species. Approximately 15,000 Indigenous people (Adivasi) rely on these forests for their livelihood and cultural identity.
• The forests sit atop 5.6 billion tons of coal. Despite being declared a “no-go” zone in 2010, mining attempts continued. Adani Enterprises received permissions for five coal mines between 2011 and 2015.
• Save Hasdeo Movement: Shukla is a convenor of the Save Chhattisgarh Movement and the Save Hasdeo Aranya Resistance Committee. He organized protests and used the hashtag #SaveHasdeo on social media.
• Shukla’s efforts led to the cancellation of 21 coal blocks by the state government in July 2022. His work has become a model for environmental justice in India.
• Goldman Environmental Prize: Established in 1989 by Richard and Rhoda Goldman, awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists from six continents. Each recipient gets a $200,000 award and global recognition.
• India is the second-largest coal consumer and producer, generating 761 million tons in 2022-2023, with 21% coming from Chhattisgarh. The Hasdeo Aranya forests are a critical catchment area for the Hasdeo River, which supports 741,000 acres of farmland.