Mongabay series: Climate Connections
Mongabay-India's Climate Connections project aims to raise awareness about the nuances of India’s climate actions. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and among the world’s biggest markets. These two factors together drive energy consumption and the use of fossil fuels. Further, the country is already witnessing a massive impact due to climate change. In such a scenario, the actions planned by the government, industry, and communities for climate change mitigation in India are of critical importance for stabilising the global climate system. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, India has pledged to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. India updated its nationally determined contributions in keeping with the Paris Agreement, outlining major mitigation goals. By 2030, the country committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 % of the 2005 value; generating about 50% of its power requirement from renewable sources, and creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover. These commitments, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, are driving the trajectory of India’s growth. India is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events. The year 2020 brought in its share of climate-related calamities, including floods in many parts of the country. Cyclone Amphan that hit India and Bangladesh coasts in 2020 became the costliest cyclone on record in the northern Indian Ocean. The impacts were amplified by the coronavirus pandemic. The already slowing economy was thrown into a deep slump. These events prompted a slew of economic reforms by the Indian government, mostly focused on activities that would help adapt to the new normal, with a thrust on climate adaptation. At such a time when fresh policies are being formulated, heightened media discourse on climate action is much needed.
Ruza, a traditional water harvesting system for the water-scarce mountains
Accelerated glacier retreat in Ladakh could spawn three glacial lakes, Wadia Institute study says
[Interview] Ocean processes influence monsoon, but it’s not always climate change, says M.N. Rajeevan
Birds use waste to build nests in a Bhopal institute
Flooding caused the greatest economic damages in Asia in 2022, says WMO report
The sounds of restoration
Himalayas losing glaciers and snow: more hazards in the offing, a new study finds
Communication technologies for deep-sea fishers as cyclones intensify in the Arabian Sea
[Explainer] As heat waves increase, are India’s Heat Action Plans effective?
[Video] Restoring the perennial Thamirabarani river with people power
Palmyra leaf bags substitute plastic nursery bags to support sustainable mangrove restoration
Gymnosperms that are critical for coniferous forest health may be steadily declining in response to climate change
[Commentary] Reinforcing India’s existing legal frameworks to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework
Orchids are blooming earlier than usual in the northeast — and it’s not good news
Sikkim reels under water woes, faces the hottest June
Kolkata attempts to eliminate ‘legacy waste’ in landfills through biomining
We didn’t start the fire? Speculations over cause of Goa forest fires continue; state plans recovery
Unseasonal rain, temperature variations affect Alphonso yield and increase prices in Maharashtra
“Justice” takes centrestage in the latest Earth Commission report
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter
Environment And Health
- Marine plastic pollution is not just a waste problem; reducing production is needed too
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Majuli’s shrinking wetlands and their fight for survival
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
Beyond Protected Areas
- Climate litigation has entered the room. But could great Indian bustards be inched out?
- The dietary habits of endangered vultures
- Waterbirds adapt to nest and roost in the urban oases of Udaipur
- Understanding the elevational movements of Himalayan birds to improve conservation efforts
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Pricey guests: Urban invasive species cost the world billions every year
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination