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    Dispatch from COP29

    OWSA Contributor
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    Dispatch from COP29

    To me, one answer to the question of “who and what is next” is obvious: Young people! They’re the ones who will inherit the planet. They will inherit the fallout of rising emissions, worsening natural disasters, resource shortages, and the cascading crises that climate change causes.

    By Danielle J. Nierenberg

    Yesterday was a rest day here in Baku, but today, the United Nations Climate Change Conference gets back underway in full force.

    And, as UN Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen said, “it is climate crunch time.” The negotiations and decisions on the table this week are life-or-death questions for the future of the planet.

    Many of us here at COP29 are reflecting on what comes next – both during the second week of the conference and also more big-picture. How do we ramp up climate action in our own communities? What will our countries’ climate action plans post-COP, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), commit to? What will the future of the planet actually look like?

    Young People

    To me, one answer to the question of “who and what is next” is obvious: Young people! They’re the ones who will inherit the planet. They will inherit the fallout of rising emissions, worsening natural disasters, resource shortages, and the cascading crises that climate change causes.

    “If world leaders say we are the leaders of today – not just tomorrow – then why aren’t we at the table now, shaping the ambitions for our future?” says Bodh Maathura, a 24-year-old UNICEF Sri Lanka Youth Advocate. “Young people must be recognized as partners in creating, implementing, and monitoring the NDCs.”

    Young people aren’t fooled by empty promises and talk with no action. Youth activists at COP have been clear-eyed in pointing out that a failure to meaningfully address the climate crisis doesn’t mean solutions don’t exist – but simply that high-level leaders are unwilling to prioritize them. They can see through the BS and are demanding better – something all of us should be inspired to do, too.

    “There is a lot of money. There is enough money all around, but we also know it is going to militarism, wars and genocides. There is simply no political will,” says youth advocate Alab Mirasol Ayroso. “This is why we refuse to be sidelined and silenced. We want the world to listen, hear us and our demands.”

    Credit where it’s due goes to countries like Pakistan, which committed at COP29 to fully enshrining the rights and interests of young people in their upcoming NDC plans.

    “We must ensure our children and young people are prepared for the future they are growing into,” Honourable Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh Province in Pakistan, told UNICEF.

    …. And, G20

    Between COP29 here in Baku and the G20 Summit, a meeting of major heads of state that’s taking place in Brazil today and tomorrow, there’s plenty of opportunity to make real change. At the G20, for example, I hope countries will ratify the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, a large-scale treaty to accelerate public policy and technological solutions around the world.

    The next few days are so important, and we must keep our eyes open. Let’s follow the lead of our youth advocates in demanding that world leaders prioritize the climate, prioritize the food system, and prioritize a nourished and just future for all people and the planet!

    Danielle J. Nierenberg is an American activist, author and journalist. In 2013, Nierenberg co-founded Food Tank: The Think Tank For Food and currently serves as its president.

    Food Tank’s Dispatch from the U.N. Climate Change Conference is a special newsletter series running daily during COP29. 

    Delhi Air Pollution Crisis Deepens as AQI Breaches ‘Severe Plus’ Threshold

    OWSA Staff
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    Delhi Air Pollution Crisis Deepens as AQI Breaches ‘Severe Plus’ Threshold

    The Supreme Court mandated that restrictions under GRAP-IV remain in place even if the AQI drops below 450. Additionally, states in NCR were ordered to establish mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations of anti-pollution measures.

    The national capital, Delhi, and its surrounding areas are reeling under hazardous air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing the “severe plus” threshold. On Monday morning, Delhi recorded an average AQI of 481, with Dwarka peaking at 499, according to official data. Independent monitors like Swiss-based IQAir reported even higher numbers, with levels 17 times the acceptable standard and some areas touching 1,743. This marks the sixth consecutive day of hazardous air, plunging visibility to just 150 meters.

    The pollution crisis has far-reaching consequences beyond health. Real estate developers warn that the construction ban under GRAP-IV will delay housing projects, exacerbating costs for both developers and buyers. Public life is also severely disrupted, with restricted mobility, reduced office capacity, and halted commercial activities.

    As Delhi grapples with one of its worst pollution crises, experts emphasize the need for stricter enforcement of anti-pollution measures and collaborative efforts between states. Long-term solutions, such as transitioning to cleaner fuels, mechanizing stubble removal, and expanding green cover, are essential to prevent such crises in the future.

    For now, Delhi’s residents can only hope for winds of change—literally and figuratively—to clear the toxic air.

    Supreme Court Intervenes

    The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance, criticizing the delay in enforcing GRAP-IV restrictions. “Some sense of urgency needs to be there,” the court remarked, pulling up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for waiting for weather improvements instead of acting proactively. The bench also directed the Centre to procure real-time stubble-burning data using satellite technology to enable prompt action.

    The court mandated that restrictions under GRAP-IV remain in place even if the AQI drops below 450. Additionally, states in NCR were ordered to establish mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations of anti-pollution measures.

    Blame Game Over Pollution

    The deteriorating air quality has reignited political blame games. Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused the BJP-led central government of inaction on stubble burning in states like Uttar Pradesh, where incidents have reportedly increased from 1,500 to 2,500 in two years. Rai contrasted this with Punjab, governed by his Aam Aadmi Party, where cases of stubble burning dropped from 47,000 to 7,500 in the same period.

    On the other hand, BJP leaders blamed the AAP-led Delhi government for poor dust control measures and lax governance. BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the AAP’s handling of pollution control, while distributing masks to residents struggling with the toxic air.

    Delhi Chief Minister Atishi called for a united, apolitical approach to address the crisis, stating, “The entire north India is in a medical emergency. We must prioritize solutions over rhetoric.”

    Health Emergency

    Health experts have termed the situation a public health emergency. Prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, and long-term complications. Hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory distress, and many residents are relying on air purifiers and masks to cope.

    Impact on Transportation

    The dense smog has disrupted air travel and rail services. As many as 14 flights, including five on Monday morning, were diverted to Jaipur and Dehradun due to near-zero visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Over 370 flights were delayed, and 11 were cancelled, adding to the chaos. Railway services were also affected, with trains like the Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and Shramjeevi Express delayed by up to three hours.

    Schools Shift Online

    Amid the choking conditions, schools across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have shifted to online classes. Following Supreme Court directives, all physical classes for students up to Class 12 have been suspended. The court emphasized the health hazards posed by the current air quality, urging authorities to prioritize student well-being.

    Restrictions Under GRAP-IV

    The government has implemented Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes stringent restrictions to curb pollution. Measures include:

    • A ban on the entry of trucks, except those carrying essential goods or running on clean fuels (CNG/LNG/BS-VI diesel).
    • Suspension of construction and demolition activities across public and private sectors, impacting major infrastructure projects like hospitals, underpasses, and the Barapula Elevated Corridor.
    • Governments and private offices are urged to operate at 50% capacity, and vehicle rationing schemes like odd-even are under consideration.

    Despite these steps, critics argue that enforcement has been slow and inadequate.

    Weather and Visibility Outlook

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts clear skies but low wind speeds for the coming days, conditions unfavourable for the dispersion of pollutants. Dense to very dense fog is expected during evenings and nights, further aggravating visibility issues.

    Image: Wikimedia

    Yunus Discusses Trump’s Presidency, Bangladesh’s Political Climate in Al Jazeera Interview

    OWSA Contributor
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    Yunus Discusses Trump’s Presidency, Bangladesh’s Political Climate in Al Jazeera Interview

    The Al Jazeera interview marked one of Yunus’s most comprehensive discussions since assuming the role of chief adviser. In the interview, Yunus addressed Trump’s recent remarks condemning alleged violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh.

    Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, expressed confidence in the stability of US foreign policy, regardless of the presidential transition, as Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 47th President of the United States. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Yunus dismissed concerns about any sudden negative shifts under Trump’s leadership, emphasizing his belief in the continuity of US policy despite changes in administration.

    “I think foreign policy of the United States is not something that switches back and forth depending on who is the President,” he said, noting that he holds no personal grievances against Trump or the Republican Party. Yunus clarified that he has friends in both major U.S. political parties but no prior personal interaction with Trump.

    Donald Trump, who previously served as president from 2017 to 2021, is set to return to the White House following his inauguration on January 20, 2025, succeeding President Joe Biden.

    Responds to Trump’s Bangladesh Comments

    In the interview, Yunus addressed Trump’s recent remarks condemning alleged violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Trump had previously claimed on social media that such violence was ignored under the Biden administration, declaring, “It would have never happened on my watch.”

    Yunus dismissed these comments as “totally baseless propaganda,” attributing them to misinformation originating from India. “The violence during the revolutionary period was not targeted at Hindus or other religious groups but was largely political,” Yunus explained, adding that many affected individuals happened to be supporters of the Awami League.

    He acknowledged isolated incidents of violence against minorities but stated they were “completely exaggerated” and rooted in political conflicts rather than religious tensions. Yunus reiterated that his interim government has worked to restore stability and protect all communities in Bangladesh.

    Interim Government Reforms and Tenure

    The chief adviser also shed light on the interim government’s plans, highlighting its primary objective of preparing for elections. Yunus expressed his intention to hold elections as soon as possible while refraining from contesting them.

    “The duration of the interim government will be less than four years,” he noted, though he emphasized that the timeline depends on public and political consensus. Yunus reaffirmed his commitment to state reforms, stating, “It’s all a question of what people want, what the political parties want.”

    On the matter of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Yunus said that her extradition would depend on the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.

    The interview marked one of Yunus’s most comprehensive discussions since assuming the role of chief adviser. His tenure has drawn both praise and scrutiny, particularly for his efforts to balance political reforms with maintaining stability in a deeply polarized nation.

    Image: Wikimedia

    Childhood and Climate Change: Born and Growing up in a Gas Chamber

    OWSA Contributor
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    Childhood and Climate Change: Born and Growing up in a Gas Chamber

    Alarmingly, carbon deposits have been found in the lungs of children as young as four undergoing unrelated surgeries. This condition, known as anthracosis or “black lungs,” is usually observed in adults exposed to heavy smoke and dust.

    By Rashmi Sinha

    This opinion piece was scheduled to be published on Children’s Day.

    Protecting our children from pollution has never been more urgent. While we grew up breathing relatively cleaner air and eating less adulterated food, yet feel miserable and stressed due to high AQI and chemically laden food. What will happen to today’s children who are starting their lives facing significant degradation in both?

    In India, with a birth of 25 million children each year, a child is born almost every 30 seconds, and as you read it, one of those newborns is taking her first breath in an air thick with pollution—a gas chamber of our own making. Her embryonic lungs and organs are too vulnerable to bear the weight of the dust-filled, toxic air she inhales. This pollution takes a toll with every breath, harming her delicate body. How can we expect her to grow up strong to reach her full potential? Will she ever have the chance to compete, like an Olympic athlete, against those who grow up in healthier conditions?

    As poet Gabriela Mistral said, “We are guilty of many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children… A child cannot wait.” These words are especially true today. If we fail to protect children from environmental harm, we risk abandoning an entire generation to a life of illness and diminished potential.

    Pollution and climate change are not just altering the planet; it is reshaping the very childhood and impacting health. The 2021 Children’s Climate Risk Index by UNICEF shows us that, by 2021 one billion children globally are at extreme risk due to climate change, with 13.4 million in India suffering from severe water scarcity. This crisis impacts children the most. Their lungs, immune systems, and other organs are still maturing, making them especially vulnerable to pollution, extreme heat, and contaminated water.

    Children at risk

    Dr. Shalini Misra, pediatrician at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute Delhi, explains, “Hazardous air pollution affects their developing lungs, leading to symptoms similar to asthma, cases of bronchiolitis, and a heightened vulnerability to pneumonia. Children under the age of eight are especially at risk, as their lungs are still growing, and their higher breathing rates make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution.

    Alarmingly, carbon deposits have been found in the lungs of children as young as four undergoing unrelated surgeries. This condition, known as anthracosis or “black lungs,” is usually observed in adults exposed to heavy smoke and dust, such as coal miners and smokers. The presence of carbon in children’s lungs at such an early age can disrupt lung development, setting the stage for respiratory diseases in later life”.

    She further informs, “Research has shown that pregnant women exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to experience preterm labour and deliver low birth weight babies, contributing to increased infant mortality rates. Infants and toddlers cannot wear masks, leaving them defenceless against smog”.

    “As a mother of a child with wheezing issues, I have personally experienced the distress of this situation. It is disheartening to realize that we have failed our future generations, making it impossible to truly wish them a Happy Children’s Day.”

    Dr. Renu Srivastava, Strategy Director Newborn Child Health – UPTSU-IHAT, quotes the World Bank Report of 2019, ‘the death rate in India due to ambient Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 the most harmful pollutant – was highest for newborns less than 7 days old. In India, the Haryana-Delhi-UP-Bihar-WB corridor has the highest levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air in the world.

    Pathways to a Healthier Future

    These are small particulates with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, and are about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair. India’s climate challenges loom large. According to the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), over 75% of Indian districts, home to more than 638 million people, have become hotspots of extreme climate events—cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The intensity and unpredictability of these events have surged in recent decades, taking lives, disrupting essential services, and forcing families to relocate. Entire communities bear the brunt of climate impacts, with women and children often suffering the most.

    The toll of extreme heat extends beyond physical health, disrupting access to food, water, and education. Displacement due to extreme weather has become common, and this, too, affects children’s development and security. Water scarcity adds yet another burden, especially for girls, who often miss school to walk long distances to fetch water for domestic use.

    Floods pose yet another deadly risk, bringing threats of drowning, contamination, and disease. Floodwaters overwhelm communities, destroying homes, contaminating drinking water, and exposing children to waterborne diseases and malnutrition. Stunting and undernutrition are lasting impacts that no child should endure, yet these are the realities in many flood-prone areas of India.

    Amid these grim realities, however, there are pathways to a healthier, more sustainable future. Tackling climate change requires a multifaceted approach, including transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Additionally, fostering sustainable agriculture, conserving forests, and promoting reforestation efforts can help absorb carbon dioxide and restore natural ecosystems. Lastly, governments, businesses, and individuals must collaborate to adopt policies, technologies, and behaviours that support climate resilience, environmental protection, and a low-carbon economy.

    Mitigate Climate Change

    Stubble-burning in Punjab and surrounding areas is a key cause of Delhi pollution, and can be tackled through crop diversification. By moving away from reliance on single crops, we can build agricultural systems more resilient to climate extremes as well as control farm residuals and dependence on groundwater. The urban population can work on conserving water and be more discreet in the use of private transportation.

    National and international governments and agencies with scientists, engineers, experts, designers, recycling experts, and farmers need to come to a Round Table to explore the most effective ways to mitigate climate change. The efforts must go beyond awareness; they must lead to concrete action. Our children’s futures depend on decisive steps to curb emissions, enforce air quality standards, and invest in sustainable waste management.

    By supporting innovations like drought-resistant crop varieties, establishing market linkages, stubble, and farm residual management, and leveraging technology to support farmers, the manufacturing industry, and transportation, we can shape a future where our children have clean air to breathe, nutritious food to eat, and safe environments to grow in.

    Climate action isn’t just about building resilient agriculture or regulating industrial waste; it’s about honouring our duty to protect the lives, dreams, and potential of our youngest and most vulnerable. Climate change may be vast in scope, but our responsibility is urgent and unmistakable.

    Let us keep the essence and spirit of Gabriela Mistral close as a powerful reminder of what is truly at stake, ‘many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now, her bones are being formed; her blood is being made. To her, we cannot answer ‘Tomorrow.’ Her name is Today.’

    Rashmi Sinha is Co-Founder VillageNama and a former UNW India Consultant and Former State Project Director Mahila Samakhya Uttar Pradesh.

    Sri Lanka Elections: NPP Vows Responsible Use of Two-Thirds Majority

    OWSA Contributor
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    Sri Lanka Elections: NPP Vows Responsible Use of Two-Thirds Majority

    JVP General Secretary, Tilvin Silva outlined the pressing challenges facing the new government following the Sri Lanka Elections. The challenges, he said, include tackling rural poverty, revitalizing the economy, and fostering national unity.

    Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power of President Anura Dissanayake has swept the 2024 parliamentary elections raking in a two thirds majority winning 159 out of 225 seats in the assembly.

    The NPP painted the island winning across ethnicities and religious groups and made history wining the Northern Jaffna district.

    NPP has pledged to wield its newly acquired two-thirds parliamentary majority responsibly, ensuring it is used to rebuild the country rather than entrench power.

    Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the JVP, addressed the media following the NPP’s landslide victory, emphasizing the weight of their responsibility. “We understand the trust placed in us,” Silva said. “There was scepticism in society about granting a two-thirds majority, and we didn’t seek it. But now that the people have given it, we will handle this excessive power with care and responsibility.”

    Acknowledging past abuses of power by previous governments, Silva assured voters that the NPP would avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and corruption. “Leaders in the past misused power to oppress the people, becoming intoxicated by it. We will not follow that path,” he declared.

    Silva outlined the pressing challenges facing the new government, including tackling rural poverty, revitalizing the economy, and fostering national unity. “Our mandate is to rebuild the country, strengthen democracy, and end corruption. We aim to create a clean Sri Lanka where everyone can live with dignity,” he said.

    Voters Reject ‘Ethno-religious’ Nationalism

    The NPP’s victory marked a turning point in Sri Lankan politics, with voters rejecting traditional parties and ethno-religious nationalism. Silva highlighted the significance of the election outcome, saying, “For 70 years, elitist and hegemonic politics ruled this nation. That era is now over. The people, regardless of ethnicity or religion, have united as one nation to bring about this change.”

    Silva also criticized the use of nationalism to divide communities, a strategy that had dominated past elections. “The Rajapaksas relied on Sinhala Buddhist nationalism, while others used Tamil and Muslim nationalism. This election has rejected all forms of ethnic and religious extremism.”

    Concluding his address, Silva expressed optimism for a new political era centred on the needs of ordinary citizens. “This is a victory for the people, ending decades of division and corruption. Together, we will rebuild Sri Lanka,” he affirmed.

    Will COP29 Deliver the Trillions?  Can Countries Agree on a New Climate Finance Target?

    OWSA Contributor
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    Will COP29 Deliver the Trillions?  Can Countries Agree on a New Climate Finance Target?

    Round-the-clock negotiations in Baku on the always thorny topic of money are reportedly moving slowly. Delegates from developing nations are calling for more and for faster progress on new funding for loss and damage and accelerated clean energy goals.

    The latest round of UN climate negotiations, COP29, opened this past Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, following a year that broke multiple extreme heat records and saw widespread climate-driven chaos – from wildfires to destructive floods and hurricanes – hit nearly every corner of the world. A major increase in financial commitments to assist vulnerable countries in mitigating and adapting to climate impacts is the main goal of this year’s conference, which has been dubbed the “climate finance COP.”

    The UN’s main climate science body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has issued increasingly dire warnings about the accelerating pace of global warming. Substantial investments are needed in clean energy technologies, infrastructure, and adaptation measures to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, IPCC says.

    Developing countries, particularly small island nations and least developed countries, are disproportionately vulnerable to climate impacts like sea level rise, extreme weather events, and droughts. They require significant financial support to build resilience, transition to low-carbon economies, and compensate for loss and damage.

    A Heads-up for the G20

    The midway point at COP29 comes as leaders are heading to Brazil for next week’s G20 summit. 

    Round-the-clock negotiations in Baku on the always thorny topic of money are reportedly moving slowly. Delegates from developing nations are calling for more and faster progress on new funding for loss and damage and accelerated clean energy goals.

    Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which convenes the annual COP meetings, had a message for G20 leaders early on Saturday before they hopped on their planes for Rio de Janeiro:

    “Climate finance progress outside of [the UNFCCC process] is equally crucial, and the G20’s role is mission-critical…the global climate crisis should be order of business Number One, in Rio next week,” Stiell said in his message.

    “The [G20] Summit must send crystal clear global signals. That more grant and concessional finance will be available; that further reform of multilateral development banks is a top priority, and G20 governments – as their shareholders and taskmasters – will keep pushing for more reforms.”

    Finally, the UN climate chief said that “in turbulent times and a fracturing world, G20 leaders must signal loud and clear that international cooperation is still the best and only chance humanity has to survive global heating. There is no other way.”

    Climate Action an Imperative

    Earlier in the week, Stiell gave a stark assessment of the stakes: Worsening climate change and the socioeconomic damage it inflicts mean “billions of people simply cannot afford for their government to leave COP29 without a global climate finance goal.”

    “So, for leaders here and back in capitals – make it clear that you expect a strong set of outcomes. Tell your negotiators – skip the posturing – and move directly to finding common ground,” he said

    In his opening remarks on Tuesday to the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that 2024 has been “a masterclass in climate destruction.” He emphasized the critical role of climate finance in addressing the crisis: “The world must pay up, or humanity will pay the price…climate finance is not charity, it’s an investment. Climate action is not optional, it’s an imperative.”

    Stiell later echoed this sentiment: “Let’s dispense with the idea that climate finance is charity. An ambitious new climate finance goal is entirely in the self-interest of every single nation, including the largest and wealthiest.”

    Beyond the $100 Billion Pledge

    In 2009 at the 15th Conference of UNFCCC Parties (COP15) in Copenhagen, developed countries committed to mobilizing $100 billion per year in climate finance by 2020. While this target was finally met in 2022, it has been criticized as insufficient and delayed.

    At COP29, negotiators are aiming to set a new, more ambitious target for climate finance. Developing countries are pushing for a significantly higher figure, potentially in the trillions of dollars per year. However, discussions on the exact amount and the modalities for delivering the funds remain contentious.

    An Early Breakthrough on Carbon

    A significant breakthrough on the opening day at COP29 was the adoption of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, paving the way for a UN-backed global carbon market. This market will facilitate the trading of carbon credits, incentivizing countries to reduce emissions and invest in climate-friendly projects.

    James Grabert, head of the Mitigation Division at UN Climate Change, the shorthand by which the UNFCCC secretariat is known, said that this historic agreement will provide countries with a “valuable tool” to meet their climate targets and drive sustainable development.

    With COP29 coming on the heels of presidential polls in the United States, impact of a new US Administration on global climate action has been on the minds of many in the corridors of Baku Centre.

    At a press conference, President Hilda Heine of the Marshall Islands and Ireland’s Environment Minister Eamon Ryan stressed that despite worries about a US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the combat against climate change is a global effort that requires global cooperation towards a better economy for all. The two leaders also cited the ongoing progress by states and cities as reasons for hope.

    A Just Transition, Not a ‘Stampede of Greed’

    Before heading to the G20 summit in Brazil, Guterres held several climate-related meetings, including one on critical minerals essential for renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.

    These minerals, such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are crucial for the transition away from fossil fuels, with demand expected to triple by 2030.

    Many of these minerals are found in Africa, which could benefit financially. However, there’s concern about a “resource curse,” where countries where these resources are located don’t benefit.

    Guterres emphasized managing demand without triggering a “stampede of greed” that exploits and crushes the poor but instead ensures local communities benefit.

    Dario Liguti from the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) also highlighted the need for “sustainable exploitation of these minerals”, especially in emerging markets, to protect the environment and support local communities. In April, the UN chief formed a High-Level Panel to ensure countries and communities with these resources benefit the most.

    Youth Activism and Climate Justice

    Young people around the world are increasingly demanding climate action and climate justice. They are calling on governments and businesses to take bold steps to reduce emissions, protect vulnerable communities, and create a sustainable future for all.

    After meeting with youth representatives and climate advocates at COP29, the Secretary-General posted on social media that he understood their frustrations: “You have every right to be angry. I am angry too…because we are on the verge of the climate abyss, and I don’t see enough urgency or political will to address the emergency.”

    Basmallah Rawash, a Climate Activist with Care About Climate, said, “We are not the ones that are supposed to carry the burden of mitigation. We are not the ones who have caused this, but we are the ones that will carry the burden of the biggest struggle at the moment.”

    The decisions made in Baku will have far-reaching consequences for generations to come. It is imperative that negotiators reach an ambitious agreement that delivers the finance needed to build a resilient and low-carbon future for all.

    Delhi Imposes GRAP-IV Restrictions as AQI Crosses 450; Government Mulls Odd-Even Vehicle Scheme

    OWSA Staff
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    Delhi Imposes GRAP-IV Restrictions as AQI Crosses 450; Government Mulls Odd-Even Vehicle Scheme

    The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) outlined strict actions, including a total ban on construction activities, limitations on vehicle movement, and a potential shift to work-from-home arrangements for both public and private offices.

    With Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surging to a hazardous 457 on Sunday evening, authorities have announced the implementation of anti-pollution measures under GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan) starting Monday, November 18, at 8 am. The measures aim to address the severe air quality crisis, which has worsened over the past week.

    The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) outlined strict actions, including a total ban on construction activities, limitations on vehicle movement, and a potential shift to work-from-home arrangements for both public and private offices. The Delhi government has also been urged to consider the “odd-even” vehicle scheme to reduce vehicular emissions.

    Key Restrictions Under GRAP-IV

    Vehicle Bans

    Entry of all trucks, except those carrying essential goods, CNG, or electric trucks, is prohibited.

    BS-IV and below-diesel Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are barred from Delhi roads.

    Construction Halts

    All construction and demolition activities, including major projects like highways, flyovers, and roads, are suspended.

    Workplace Adjustments

    Offices may be directed to operate at 50 per cent capacity, with the remaining workforce working from home. A similar arrangement is under consideration for central government employees.

    Educational Shifts

    Classes 6-9 and 11 are likely to transition to online mode, while primary classes remain suspended under Stage III measures.

    Public Advisory

    Elderly individuals, children, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions have been advised to stay indoors.

    The Delhi Metro has added 60 trips to accommodate increased public transport use, and citizens are encouraged to carpool or use public transit to minimize road congestion.

    AQI Hits ‘Severe Plus’ Levels

    Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season on Wednesday, and the situation has only worsened. On Sunday, AQI levels in areas like Bawana (490), Ashok Vihar (487), and Wazirpur (483) ranked among the highest in the city, pushing the overall index into the ‘severe plus’ category.

    Government’s Next Steps

    The Delhi government is deliberating the implementation of the odd-even vehicle rule, which alternates road access for vehicles based on their registration numbers. This measure has previously been employed during similar crises. Authorities are also considering expanding work-from-home recommendations to reduce non-essential travel and emissions further.

    As air quality continues to deteriorate, experts urge the public to take precautionary measures and reduce outdoor activities to safeguard health.

    $200 Million World Bank Support for Kerala Farmers and Agribusinesses

    OWSA Staff
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    $200 Million World Bank Support for Kerala Farmers and Agribusinesses

    The new project will support 400,000 farmers, foster agri-business growth, and access $9 million in commercial finance. The programme aims to boost climate resilience and commercial finance for SMEs, especially women-led businesses.

    The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a new $200 million program to help farmers in Kerala adapt to climate change and promote the growth of agri-entrepreneurs in the state. The approved project, named the Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) Project will directly benefit 400,000 farmers and aims to raise at least $9 million in commercial finance, particularly for women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture sector.

    Kerala, known for producing spices like cardamom, vanilla, and nutmeg, is a major contributor to India’s agri-food exports, accounting for about 20 per cent of the country’s total exports in this category. However, the agricultural sector has faced significant challenges in recent years due to climate change, including natural disasters such as floods and forest fires. These impacts, coupled with difficulties in accessing broader markets, have left farmer households vulnerable.

    Agricultural Value Chains

    The KERA project will focus on building climate resilience in Kerala’s agricultural value chains by helping farmers transition to climate-smart practices. This includes the replanting of climate-resilient varieties of key crops like coffee, cardamom, and rubber. The project will also expand Kerala’s food parks into rural areas, providing essential infrastructure such as water, power, and waste management to support food processing businesses.

    “This project will further infuse private sector investment and integrate agricultural value chains for the benefit of farmers and SMEs,” said Auguste Tano Kouamé, the World Bank’s Country Director for India. “It will also assist agri-based SMEs, particularly those led by women, in gaining access to commercial finance by offering training on business plans and improving their financial viability.”

    The program will facilitate productive alliances between farmers and agribusinesses, enhancing the link between producers and buyers. It will also promote the development of agri-tech startups, helping to increase productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    The $200 million loan, provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 23.5-year maturity, including a six-year grace period, and is expected to play a key role in strengthening Kerala’s agricultural sector while creating jobs and boosting incomes.

    Image: World Bank

    2024 On Track to be Hottest Year on Record as Warming Hits 1.5°C

    OWSA Contributor
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    2024 On Track to be Hottest Year on Record as Warming Hits 1.5°C

    Even though the 1.5°C threshold has been exceeded temporarily, continued warming could make such events more frequent and severe, intensifying impacts on biodiversity, human health, and food security.

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated that 2024 is on pace to become the hottest year on record, with global average temperatures predicted to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. This temporary surge in warming is attributed largely to the effects of El Niño, compounded by persistent human-driven greenhouse gas emissions.

    This year, temperatures have surpassed previous records, with heightened effects on ecosystems and communities across the globe. For instance, the summer of 2024 saw record-breaking temperatures worldwide, exacerbating heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and heavy rainfall events. The Arctic and Antarctic regions experienced unprecedented warming, accelerating the melting of glaciers and reducing sea ice to historically low levels. This decline in ice cover poses serious long-term implications for sea-level rise, which threatens coastal regions and increases the likelihood of extreme weather events.

    António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, emphasized that these alarming temperature trends highlight the urgent need for global leaders to adopt ambitious climate action. He urged countries to curb greenhouse gas emissions aggressively and called for a rapid shift to renewable energy sources, which could mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. Additionally, he advocated for expanded early warning systems and preparedness measures to support communities that are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate instability.

    Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the WMO, underscored the role of El Niño in boosting global temperatures this year. However, he cautioned that these extreme conditions may soon become the “new normal” unless immediate steps are taken to address climate change.

    Changes in Rainfall Patterns

    Even though the 1.5°C threshold has been exceeded temporarily, he warned that continued warming could make such events more frequent and severe, intensifying impacts on biodiversity, human health, and food security.

    Beyond record temperatures, 2024 has also seen concerning changes in rainfall patterns, often leading to severe flooding in some areas while exacerbating droughts in others. These shifts in precipitation have disrupted agriculture and heightened food insecurity risks in vulnerable regions. With climate-driven events pushing more populations to migrate, there is also an emerging risk of geopolitical tensions over resources like water and arable land.

    The WMO report comes as governments worldwide prepare for the COP29 climate conference, where discussions are expected to focus heavily on setting more stringent emissions targets and advancing renewable energy solutions. Guterres and other leaders hope these climate negotiations will catalyze significant investments in sustainable infrastructure and mobilize support for communities already affected by climate change.

    The recent data from WMO reflects a critical moment for global climate policy, underscoring the risks of inaction. With 2024 likely to mark an unprecedented high in global temperatures, scientists and environmental advocates are calling for an urgent, united response to limit warming and foster a more resilient, sustainable future.

    COP29: Energy transition must not trigger a ‘stampede of greed’ – Guterres

    OWSA Contributor
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    COP29: Energy transition must not trigger a ‘stampede of greed’ – Guterres

    The United Nations system is coming together to help implement the Panel’s findings, working with Member States and other stakeholders to establish the recommended High-Level Expert Advisory Group to accelerate action on key economic issues.

    Climate talks at COP29 in Baku on Wednesday turned to the pressing issue of how to manage the demand for minerals essential to producing electric vehicles and solar panels without triggering a “stampede of greed” that exploits local communities and crushes the poor. 

    “We are here to respond to a key challenge: turning the energy transition towards justice,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, asking the participants at a roundtable discussion to weigh in on the work of his Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

    The panel launched last year at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates with the aim of bringing together governments, international organizations, industry and civil society to develop common and voluntary principles to guide extractive industries “in the name of justice and sustainability”.

    In Baku, the UN chief, who convened today’s event, said that the renewables revolution is powering forward. Last year – for the first time – the amount invested in grids and renewables overtook the amount spent on fossil fuels.

    Past mistakes and the rush for resources

    Demand for the minerals critical to the transition are expected to surge – as governments triple global renewables capacity by 2030 – as promised – and phase out fossil fuels, Mr. Guterres said.

    “For developing countries rich in those resources, this is a huge opportunity: to generate prosperity, eliminate poverty and to drive sustainable development. But too often this is not the case,” he warned, and added: “Too often we see the mistakes of the past repeated in a stampede of greed that crushes the poor.”

    We see a rush for resources, with communities exploited, rights trampled, and environments trashed – UN Secretary-General António Guterres

    Indeed, the rush for resources led to the exploitation of local communities exploited, the trampling of rights and the trashing of environments. “We see developing countries ground-down to the bottom of value chains, as others grow wealthy on their resources,” said the UN chief.

    It was against the backdrop of this sad reality and calls from developing countries for action that the Panel had been established, he said.

    The Panel’s latest report identifies seven voluntary principles and five actionable recommendations to embed justice and equity across critical mineral value chains.

    “These aim to empower communities, create accountability, and ensure that clean energy drives equitable and resilient growth. That includes advancing efforts to ensure maximum value is added in resource-rich developing countries,” the Secretary-General explained.

    The United Nations system is coming together to help implement the Panel’s findings, working with Member States and other stakeholders to establish the recommended High-Level Expert Advisory Group to accelerate action on key economic issues, including benefit sharing, value addition and fair trade.

    Developing countries in the driver’s seat

    The UN chief said that developing countries will drive this process with indigenous peoples, local communities, young people, civil society, industry and trade unions present at discussions, alongside governments.

    “We will also take forward the recommended global traceability, transparency and accountability framework for the entire mineral value chain. This will help to drive responsible production, safeguarding human rights and the environment,” he added.

    All leaders – in government, industry and civil society – should join the UN and its partners from developing countries, local communities and beyond, to accomplish this task, Mr. Guterres insisted.

    “As demand for critical energy transition minerals surges, so must action. Together, let us turn the transition towards justice and equity,” he said.

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    Bangladesh

    Yunus Warns of ‘War-Like Situation’ Amid Political Crisis and Rising Tensions

    The high-stakes meeting brought together 20 leaders from various political parties and organisations in two separate sessions, as Yunus sought to shore up support amid reports of internal tensions within his interim government and growing external pressure.
    Climate change

    New Projections Show Extreme Glacier Loss Already at 2°C

    Staying close to 1.5°C on the other hand preserves at least some glacier ice in all regions, even Scandinavia, with 20-30 per cent remaining in the four most sensitive regions; and 40-45 per cent in the Himalayas and Caucuses; stressing the growing urgency of the 1.5°C temperature goal and rapid decarbonization to achieve it.
    Agri-business

    Sri Lanka and New Zealand Eye Stronger Economic and Educational Ties

    Beyond trade, both nations expressed keen interest in enhancing vocational training collaboration, with a specific focus on developing industry-aligned skills for Sri Lankan youth.

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