Environment

earth day 2024

Planet vs. Plastic: Small Steps, Big Impact on Earth Day 2024

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is more than just a single day. It’s a global movement, a for environmental awareness and action. This year, the theme “Planet vs. Plastic” urges us to confront a critical issue: plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to our planet’s ecosystems and human health. The extensive use of plastic in our daily lives has led to devastating consequences for the environment, with plastic waste contaminating oceans, rivers, and land. Microplastics have infiltrated food chains, endangering wildlife and aquatic life as well as potentially harming human health. As we approach Earth Day, it is crucial to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Adopting a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle can help mitigate the impact of plastic on our planet, preserving its beauty and resources for future generations to enjoy. We’ve all heard the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle,” but when it comes to plastic, there’s another compelling reason to ditch it altogether: a double whammy for your health and the planet. Here’s why it’s time to break free from plastic’s grip: Threat to your health Did you know you might be unwittingly consuming plastic? Microplastics, tiny fragments less than 5 millimeters in size, are everywhere – from our oceans to our food chain. Studies suggest they can infiltrate our bodies through seafood, bottled water, and even the air we breathe. The potential health implications are still being researched, but concerns include endocrine disruption, which can affect hormones and development, and inflammation. Many plastics contain Bisphenol A (BPA) and other chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. These can mimic hormones in our bodies, potentially leading to issues like fertility problems, certain cancers, and metabolic disorders. Environmental issues Shockingly, plastic is primarily derived from fossil fuels like oil and gas. Just producing one ton of plastic releases as much greenhouse gas as burning over a barrel of oil! This contributes to climate change, a threat to ecosystems and human well-being worldwide. Our love affair with plastic has turned our oceans into a plastic soup. An estimated 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean annually, harming marine life through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat destruction. These plastics break down into microplastics, further contaminating the food chain and potentially impacting human health The vast majority of plastic doesn’t biodegrade; it accumulates in landfills for centuries. Landfill overflow not only creates a visual blight, but also releases harmful toxins into the environment. This Earth Day, the fight against plastic pollution is heating up! EARTHDAY.ORG, the leading voice behind this global movement, has set a clear target: a whopping 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040. To achieve this ambitious goal, they’re tackling the issue from two key angles. First, they’re shining a light on the dark side of plastic, raising awareness about its harmful effects on our health and the environment. They’re pushing for more research into how plastic exposure impacts us, and advocating for open communication of these findings. This knowledge is crucial for building public support and inspiring action. Secondly, they’re aiming for a straight-up knockout against single-use plastics. These flimsy, short-lived items create mountains of waste, so eliminating them is a game-changer. Stay tuned to see what strategies they unveil to kick this plastic habit for good! Simple Swaps, Big Impact: Your Anti-Plastic Starter Kit Here are few easy swaps, you can significantly reduce your plastic footprint. Let’s dive into some exciting and actionable habits that will empower you to conquer plastic in your daily life! Ditch the Disposable, Embrace the Reusable: Invest in a reusable water bottle made of stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic. Did you know that over one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute around the world? By switching to a reusable bottle, you can help reduce this staggering number and prevent plastic waste from ending up in landfills or our oceans. Plus, you’ll save money in the long run and enjoy cleaner, fresher-tasting water. Say No to Plastic Straws Carry a reusable straw (stainless steel, silicone, or bamboo) or simply politely decline plastic straws when offered.Millions of plastic straws are used daily, often for just a few minutes before ending up in landfills or oceans. These tiny culprits can pose a significant threat to marine life Embrace Reusable Bags and Package-Free Options: Single-use plastic bags are a major contributor to pollution, clogging up landfills and wreaking havoc on ecosystems its estimated that globally, over a trillion plastic shopping bags are used annually a major source of plastic pollution. Moreover opting for products with minimal or plastic-free packaging whenever possible would be sustainable practice to avoid plastic waste. Get Creative in the Kitchen: Plastic food containers may seem convenient, but they often end up in landfills or oceans after just one use. By investing in high-quality, reusable containers, you can reduce waste, save money, and keep your food fresher for longer. Plus, many reusable containers are microwave and dishwasher safe, making them a convenient and eco-friendly choice.   Let’s keep the green momentum going beyond Earth Day and integrate sustainable practices into our daily routines just by opting simple conscious sustainable practices Together, we can make a difference in preserving the beauty and vitality of our planet for years to come.

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Climate Change and Energy Sector

Energy systems consist of all the infrastructure needed to collect, produce, distribute, store, and consume power for our homes, businesses etc. From manufacturing to agriculture, and health care to transportation, the nation depends on a stable energy supply. The energy sector is the major contributor to climate change through its high GHG emissions and in turn, changes in climate can disrupt energy networks themselves, stress infrastructure, and pose safety risks to people. Rising population, economic growth, and changing patterns are the key factors to increase energy demand. Energy system is vulnerable to a wide range of climate change impacts. These include rising temperatures and heat waves, cold and snow events, severe drought, intense rainfall, sea level rise, hurricanes, and wildfires. While these impacts differ from one region to another, they will continue to affect all areas of the country. Moreover, impacts to one part of the energy system or in one region can affect other parts of the system or other areas. Today 70% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions come from fossil fuel combustion for electricity generation, in industry, buildings and transport – and these emissions are projected to rise. Overview: Global Scenario: Climate change may affect the energy sector at both local and regional scales. Climate change threatens the ways in which power reaches our homes and businesses. For example, Key Findings on Projected Climate Change Implications for Energy Sector in Pakistan 1. Reduction in water availability for hydropower generation. The most likely impact of global warming is the recession of Himalayan glaciers that is the largest source of fresh water supply in the country, and this would very likely affect the country’s power generation systems. 2. Extreme climate events damaging oil, gas, and power infrastructure. The other major likely impact on the energy sector is damage to oil and gas infrastructure due to heavy precipitation leading to flooding. 3. Hotter temperatures increase energy demand. Due to increase in air conditioning requirements particularly in summer, energy demand is expected to increase. Further, climate change induces higher temperatures, and evaporation will increase electricity needs for pumping water for agriculture irrigation. 4. Warmer air and water temperatures may affect efficiency of nuclear and thermal power plants. Increase in water temperatures used for cooling of nuclear and thermal power plants will affect the power plants’ efficiency.

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Connecting People and Planet: How Tech is Transforming Wildlife Conservation on World Wildlife Day 2024

  The natural world is facing unprecedented challenges. Habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, climate change – these threats are pushing countless species to the brink of extinction. Yet, amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges: digital innovation. This World Wildlife Day, let’s celebrate how technology is revolutionizing wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper connection between people and planet. For decades, wildlife conservation relied heavily on traditional methods. Dedicated individuals ventured deep into the wild, meticulously collecting data and observing animal behavior. While these efforts remain essential, the scale and complexity of today’s conservation needs demand more. This is where technology steps in, offering a powerful suite of tools: Satellite-based object detection In the dynamic field of wildlife and forest conservation, where every moment is crucial, the integration of cutting-edge technology has emerged as a game-changer. Satellite-based object detection, fueled by advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, is revolutionizing the way researchers and conservationists approach the challenges of monitoring and preserving our planet’s precious ecosystems. Poachers often target remote areas, making it difficult for rangers to patrol effectively.Real-time satellite image analysis can detect signs of poaching activity like vehicle tracks near watering holes or sudden changes in vegetation patterns. An algorithm identifies fresh vehicle tracks near a known elephant corridor in a satellite image. Rangers receive an alert and are dispatched to the area, potentially preventing poaching activity. Traditional methods of tracking wildlife migrations (GPS collars) can be expensive and limited in scope. Object detection in satellite imagery can identify and track animal herds based on their size, shape, and movement patterns. Satellite images reveal a large group of migrating wildebeest approaching a critical river crossing point. Park rangers can be deployed to monitor the crossing and ensure safe passage for the animals. Monitoring vast landscapes for subtle changes in habitat quality due to invasive species or drought can be time-consuming.Algorithms can analyze satellite imagery for changes in vegetation health, water availability, and land cover. Analysis of satellite images reveals drying up of watering holes in a critical wildlife reserve during a drought. Conservationists can take preventive measures like transporting water to the area or relocating animals. Tracking illegal wildlife trafficking routes is difficult due to their clandestine nature.Object detection can identify suspicious activity like frequent movement of vehicles near protected areas or known smuggling routes.Satellite imagery analysis detects unusual truck activity near a border known for illegal wildlife trafficking. Authorities can investigate the area and potentially intercept illegal wildlife shipments.   Citizen Scientists and AI for Wildlife Conservation  The vast scale of wildlife monitoring presents a significant challenge for conservationists. However, innovative solutions are emerging, blurring the lines between artificial intelligence (AI) and citizen science. One such example is Wildbook, a cloud-based platform developed by the non-profit Wild Me. Combining the power of AI with the collective eyes of citizen scientists, Wildbook tackles the task of wildlife identification through a collaborative approach: Citizen scientists upload photos of wildlife to the platform, including those captured via camera traps, personal observations, or even social media. Advanced computer vision algorithms analyze these images, identifying species based on distinctive markings and patterns, such as stripes on a zebra or spots on a cheetah. Deep learning allows the platform to continuously improve its accuracy as more images are added and analyzed. Identifying endangered pangolins: Thousands of pangolin scale images are uploaded by citizen scientists, allowing Wildbook’s AI to learn subtle variations and accurately identify individual pangolins, crucial for anti-poaching efforts. Monitoring whale shark populations: Citizen scientists and researchers contribute photos of whale shark dorsal fins, enabling Wildbook to create a global catalogue and track individual whale sharks across vast expanses of ocean, providing valuable insights into their migration patterns and population health. Tracking jaguars in the Amazon: Camera trap images uploaded by researchers and local communities are analyzed by Wildbook’s AI, revealing individual jaguars and their territories, informing conservation strategies to protect these elusive big cats. AI and Anti Poaching While AI presents challenges in the fight against wildlife crime, its potential for proactive anti-poaching efforts is undeniable. One such example is the  Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security (PAWS), a groundbreaking software developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota. AI can also help boost anti-poaching efforts. The software Protection Assistant for Wildlife Security (PAWS) takes in past poaching records and the geographic data of the protected area to predict poachers’ future behavior, and design poaching risk maps and optimal patrol routes for rangers. PAWS leverages the power of artificial intelligence to: Analyze vast amounts of data: PAWS ingests historical poaching records, ranger patrol reports, and geographical data of protected areas. Predict poacher behavior: By analyzing past patterns, PAWS can predict areas with a higher likelihood of future poaching activity. Generate risk maps: This information is then translated into real-time poaching risk maps, highlighting areas where rangers should focus their patrols for maximum impact. Optimize patrol routes: PAWS also suggests optimal patrol routes, considering factors like terrain, accessibility, and predicted poaching hotspots, allowing rangers to cover more ground efficiently. During its trial run in the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia, a critical habitat for endangered species like tigers, PAWS delivered remarkable results. Doubled snare detection: By utilizing PAWS-generated risk maps and patrol routes, rangers were able to double the number of snares detected and removed during their patrols in the first month. Enhanced protection: This not only deterred potential poaching activities but also protected vulnerable wildlife populations within the sanctuary. Technological innovation holds immense potential to ensure a future where people and planet thrive together. However, ensuring equitable access to these tools and fostering greater collaboration among conservationists, scientists, engineers, and the public are crucial for success. By harnessing the power of digital solutions, we can move beyond awareness and translate it into tangible action, creating a future where wildlife flourishes and our connection to the planet strengthens. This World Wildlife Day, let’s pledge to embrace the digital revolution in wildlife conservation. Let’s connect with the natural world through technology, and together, create a future where people and planet are one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM63BWdQlXs&t=29s

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circural economy ; Sustainable consumption and production

The Circular Economy: Embracing Sustainable Consumption and Production

In an era when our planet’s resources are being depleted  at an alarming rate, the circular economy has emerged as a beacon of hope. The circular economy is a holistic idea that emphasizes sustainable consumption and production, as opposed to the traditional linear economy, which follows the “take, make, dispose” method that result in resource depletion. So whether you are an individual looking for ways to live more sustainably or a business seeking long-term viability, join us as we explore why the circular economy is a game-changer in achieving both personal and business sustainability.  Let’s take a closer look at this unique method and see how it’s altering industries and encouraging a more sustainable future. What is the Circular Economy? The circular economy is a regenerative economic system designed to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources.it is based on less use of resources but for long term and recycling and regenerating the resources. The circular economy tries to reuse things after their initial usage rather than discarding them, it involves various strategies. The concept of circularity enables us to advance sustainable consumption and production, as well as the transition to inclusive green economies, by demonstrating how to reduce and eliminate waste and pollution through intelligent design, how to keep products and materials in use, and how to regenerate and grow natural wealth through economic and fiscal policies that nurture and embrace nature-based solutions. What’s Wrong with the “Take-Make-Dispose” Model? The traditional “Take-Make-Dispose” model, also known as the linear economy, has been the dominant economic model for decades. However, this linear approach is increasingly being criticized for its inherent flaws and negative consequences on the environment. One of the major flaws of the linear economy is resource depletion. In this model, resources are extracted from nature at an unsustainable rate to meet growing consumer demands. This relentless extraction leads to the depletion of natural resources such as minerals, fossil fuels, and forests. As a result, we are facing scarcity and potential future shortages of vital resources. Another significant drawback of the linear economy is waste generation. The focus on short-term consumption and high production volumes leads to a massive generation of waste throughout various stages of product life cycles. This waste often ends up in overflowing landfills or incineration facilities, contributing to pollution and environmental degradation. The environmental impact of the linear economy cannot be overlooked either. The production processes involved in creating goods contribute to air and water pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. These activities have detrimental effects on ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to endangered species and loss of habitat. In contrast to this wasteful approach lies the concept of a circular economy that aims to address these challenges by promoting sustainable lifestyle choices and responsible production/consumption practices. By shifting towards a circular model that prioritizes reuse, recycling, repairability, and sustainable resource management, we can minimize waste generation while maximizing resource efficiency in a resource-constrained world. This transition requires reimagining how products are designed, produced, consumed, and disposed of while embracing innovative technologies that enable closed-loop systems where materials can be reused or repurposed instead of discarded after use. Overall, understanding the flaws of the traditional linear economy helps us recognize the urgent need for a transition towards a circular economy that promotes sustainable practices and responsible consumption to ensure a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient future. Extending product lifestyle Extending the lifespan of items is an important strategy in the circular economy. This entails creating items that are long-lasting, repairable, and upgradeable. Consumers can enjoy products that endure longer and require fewer replacements, lowering overall waste, by urging producers to prioritise durability. Reuse and Renovation Products in a circular economy are developed with the goal of being reused or reconditioned. Items are collected, fixed, and reintroduced into the market rather of being discarded. Not only does this decrease trash, but it also generates jobs and economic prospects in the repair and refurbishing industries. Recycling and Material Recovery Recycling plays a crucial role in the circular economy by recovering valuable materials from products at the end of their life cycles. These materials can then be used to create new products, reducing the need for virgin resources and lowering environmental impacts. The circular economy necessitates a rethinking of product design, consumption, and waste management. Although some consider recycling to be insufficient, it is nonetheless an important procedure. Individual Benefits of adopting a Circular lifestyle: 1. Save money through product longevity and responsible consumption Adopting a circular lifestyle can have numerous benefits for individuals like yourself. One of the key advantages is the potential to save money through product longevity and responsible consumption. By embracing the principles of a circular economy, you can prioritize buying products that are designed to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements through repairing and remanufacturing strataegies,Rather than buying for new product again and again.  This approach not only saves you money in the long run but also encourages responsible production and consumption practices. 2. Reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet Another important benefit is the positive impact on the environment. By actively participating in a circular economy, you contribute to reducing your environmental footprint and help create a healthier planet. The linear economy, which promotes a take-make-dispose model, often leads to excessive waste generation and resource depletion. In contrast, adopting sustainable lifestyle choices supports practices such as recycling, reusing, and repairing materials and products. This reduces waste sent to landfills while conserving natural resources. 3. Experiencing the joy of Conscious Consumption Embracing a circular lifestyle unlocks unique experiences and allows you to discover the joy of conscious consumption. By shifting away from mindless consumerism towards mindful decision-making, you become more aware of your choices and their consequences. This newfound awareness can lead to greater appreciation for quality over quantity, encouraging more intentional purchases that align with your values. The circular economy provides numerous advantages that go beyond environmental conservation: Reduced Environmental Impact: The circular economy considerably

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Climate Change and Pakistan

Introduction Generally, when we use the term climate then most people merge it with the weather, but these are two terms and different. Firstly, we will take an overview of the climate and the weather. So, Weather “The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time as regards heat, cloudiness, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc. it is short-term conditions.” Climate “Long-term conditions of the weather of a particular area is known as the climate. Different regions have different weather as well as climate conditions.” Climate can be divided into three further types, But here the question is what is climate change? Climate Change “Climate change refers to significant, long-term changes in the global climate.” The global climate is the connected system of sun, earth and oceans, wind, rain and snow, forests, deserts and savannas, and everything people do, too. The climate of a place, say, New York, can be described as its rainfall, changing temperatures during the year, and so on. Climate change includes both the global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Pakistan Pakistan occupies a land area of over 880,000 square kilometers and forms part of the South Asian subcontinent. It is bordered by India on the east, China on the northeast, and Iran and Afghanistan on the west. The country has a diverse topography that includes permafrost and alpine regions, temperate, topical, and sub-tropical ecosystems, and coastal areas. Pakistan’s diversity extends to its climatic, socioeconomic, and environmental characteristics, which differ significantly from region to region. The country has four provinces, the Punjab, the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Sindh, Baluchistan, and two federally administrated territories: The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and the Northern Areas. In addition, the territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), is under the administration of the Government of Pakistan. Each province or territory is further divided into administrative units known as districts. Pakistan’s coastline with the Arabian Sea stretches to over 990 km. It consists of two distinct units in terms of physiographic outline and geological characteristics. The coastal and offshore geology of Pakistan tectonically exhibits both active and passive features. Climate and Climate Change in Pakistan Pakistan mostly has an arid climate but some regions have a cold climate at high altitudes. Pakistan enjoys a considerable measure of variety. The north and north-western high mountain ranges are extremely cold in winter while the summer months from April to September are very pleasant. The vast plains of the Indus Valley are extremely hot in summer and have cold weather in winter. The coastal strip in the south has a temperate climate. There is a general deficiency in rainfall. In the plains, the annual average rainfall ranges from 13 cm in the northern parts of the lower Indus plains to 89 cm in the Himalayan region. Rains are monsoonal in origin and fall late in summer. The average rainfall is 76 cm per annum. Pakistan has four kinds of seasons, which are as follows, Pakistan’s climate is a continental type of climate, characterized by extreme variations in temperature, both seasonally and daily, because it is located on a great landmass north of the Tropic of Cancer (between latitudes 25° and 36° N). large area containing dry climate conditions. These are the seasons that are expanding and decreasing due to climate change in Pakistan. Well-renowned international institutions like the EPA IUCN and many others institutions recognized Pakistan as a climate change-affected country.  We should be careful about environmental circumstances and crises. Effects of Climate Change on Pakistan Pakistan’s Climate Change has wide-range effects on the environment and people in Pakistan. As a result of ongoing climate change, the climate of Pakistan has become increasingly volatile over the past several decades; this trend is expected to continue. In addition to increased heat, drought, and extreme weather conditions in some parts of the country, the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas threatens many of the most important rivers of Pakistan. Between 1999 and 2018, Pakistan was ranked the 5th worst affected country in terms of extreme climate caused by climate change. Pakistan has very little contribution to climate change about less than 1% but it is affected by it too much. According to the world bank research, Pakistan is the most affected country in the world by the climate change. Pakistan is 5th number in the world that is most affected by climate change.  It is very vulnerable to climate change, also it has the high effects of climate change. Pakistan has a lot of the effects of climate change we can categorize these as follows, Now we will describe these effects one by one in detail. Their description will tell us about the conditions of the environment and their relations with climate change. Temperature Increase The annual increase in temperature in Pakistan is 0.57°C. it is observed from 1901 to 2000. This can be increased in the next decades if we ignore everything that is causing climate change. it also affects the rainfall patterns in the region. The major cause of the disasters and the increase in central Pakistan is a 3-5% decrease in cloud cover is said to have an increase in sunshine hours and a recorded increase in mean temperature of 0.9°C. Ice-Caps It is the geographic location of Pakistan that it has the world’s largest ice-caps after the earth ice poles in the north and the south. According to the recent report by the IPCC, climate change in the region escalating the melting rate of the glaciers. It is also a major cause of disasters in Pakistan like floods. Unfortunately, Pakistan haven’t the storage sites for the water so this is increasing the sea level. As well there is a danger of the loss of the icecap’s biodiversity and migrating species in Pakistan.  Agriculture The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) for the Asia region noted that agriculture is very sensitive to climate change and we know

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How SDG 6 Dealing with Drinking Water and Sanitation

Sustainable development goals SDGs are the world’s best plan to build a protected world for people and our planet by 2030. Adopted by United Nations members in 2015, to eliminate poverty and promote prosperity by protecting the environment. They consider that we should eliminate other social issues with poverty like illiteracy, and inequality, and build a developed economy. As well as they are working for climate change. They also include other environmental issues like energy, water, technology, and all other related issues. Journey to SDG’s The SDGs are formed as the result of several events which are based on Earth conservation and human well fair. We will discuss these events as a journey toward the SDG’s. At the time of the Earth Summit in Rio, Brazil in 1992. More than 178 countries adopted Agenda 21, to make a partnership between human life protection and environmental conservation. Then UN Members adopted Millennium development goals at Millennium Summit in September 2000, to reduce extreme poverty by 2015 World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, Nations are united to remove poverty. It was a multilateral partnership and construction of SDG’s. At the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio, Brazil in June 2012, members adopted a document “FUTURE WE WANT”. In 2013 General Assembly formed a 30-member Open Group to pile up the SDG’s. January 2015, Assembly starts work on the post-2015 development agenda. Finally 2030 agenda for SDGs was adopted with 17 SDGs at the UN SDG Summit in September 2015. Some other agreements are also included in this construction of the SDG. Like Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The last one is HLPF (High-Level Political Forum), now it is the basic platform for UNSDGs. 17 SDG’s There are 17 sustainable development goals which are as follows, No poverty Zero hunger Good health and well-being Quality Education Gender equality Clean water and sanitation Affordable and clean energy Decent work and economic growth Industry, innovation and the infrastructure Recent inequalities Sustainable cities and communities Responsible consumption and production Climate action Life below water Life on land Peace, justice, and strong institutions Partnership for the goals Sustainable Development Goal 6(Clean Water and Sanitation): It is very important to include water in the SDGs because millions of people lack the basic drinking water service. Billions of people lack managed sanitation. The rapidly growing population needs water for existence, so it is a very important step to include water sanitation in UNSDGs. There are some targets and goals to conserve water for coming generations set by UN experts. Firstly we need to discuss the 6th goal that what it is, “This is a goal set by UN Experts to conserve fresh water and provide the whole world with clean and good quality water, and also promotion of water treatment and sanitation.” It has some purpose and targets with the indicators. Major purpose: The major purpose is to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” Targets and Indicators: These are as follows. Targets Indicators Access to safe and affordable drinking water Population proportion with clean water use Achieve end open defecation, good sanitation, and hygiene conditions Promotion of managed sanitation, including hand washing facility. Achieve water cleaning by reducing every kind of pollution Proportion of safe water treatment Bodies of water with good-quality water Ensure wise use of water by addressing the scarcity of fresh water Change in water use Indication of water stress Implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management. Degree of implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management Protect and restore water-related ecosystems Change in extant water-related ecosystems These were the targets and the indicators of the Goal now we will come to the progress made in the previous years for clean water and sanitation. Progresses Progresses are divided into four different periods. Progress in 2015-16 Progress in 2017 Progress in 2018 Progress in 2019 Progress in 2015-16: There are several signs of progress made in 2015-16.these are as follows, Improved sanitation: 9 billion People used improved sanitation facilities including hand washing facilities. Around 68% global population used the above facilities. Clean drinking water: More progress made in drinking water. 91 %( 6.6) billion people have access to good quality drinking water, which was 82% in 2000. Integrated water resource management: It is the plan of implementation of the world summit. 65 %( of 130) countries reported that IWRM plans were there at the national level in 2012. Progress in 2017: There was a lot of reduction in open defecation particularly in rural areas. This was a substantial acceleration in the progress. A 2017 survey found that 80 %( 0f 174) countries working for the clean water and sanitation. And water treatment ODA for Water resources: Is $8.6 billion per year investment This increased by 67% since 2015 Progress in 2018: 79 countries reported that 59% of water was treated safely. In 2017-18, 157 countries reported that implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management improved by 45% on average. 40 %( of 153) countries share transeboundry water resources. Transboundary covered just 59% in 2017. Progress in 2019: Drinking water: 19% of people have basic drinking water service. Managed sanitation It increased 45% which was 28% in 2000. Hand washing: 60% of people have hand washing facilities with soap and 38% in low-developed countries Integrated Water Resource Management: Low and middle implemented in 80 %( of 175) countries ODA: Increased $8.6 to $9 billion. Indicating importance These are the progress made for goal 6(clean water and sanitation) Problems We know that struggles made a lot of progress in goal 6 means to say that water cleaning and sanitation. But there are a lot of problems related to goals and progress. We will discuss one by one, as follows, Drinking Water Scarcity: 785 billion people on Earth lack the basic facility of clean drinking water. In 2016, 1/3 of primary schools lacked the basic facility of clean drinking water, affecting the

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Aerosols; Important Part of Atmosphere and Climate Systems

The role of atmospheric aerosols on the Earth system is a subject of growing interest due to their impact on the Earth-atmosphere climate system, air quality, and human health. Ground-based remote sensing has emerged as a powerful technique for characterizing the suspended aerosol. The term aerosol is a catch-all for many kinds of little bits of stuff that end up suspended in the atmosphere, from the surface of the planet to the edges of space. They can be solid or liquid, infinitesimally small or big enough to see with the naked eye. Definitions An aerosol (abbreviation of “aero-solution”) is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. According to the Merriam Webster; “a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas” but when we study environmental physics then we describe it in other terms or relate it with the atmosphere. It can be defined as Atmospheric Aerosols; “Atmospheric aerosol an aerosol contains solid or liquid particles in suspension (e.g., dust particles). In the atmospheric aerosol” Typical concentrations are 103 particles cm-3 (over the ocean), 104 particles cm-3 (over the country), and 105 particles cm-3 (over cities). The size ranges from aggregates of a few hundred molecules (diameter about 1 nm) to the largest particles (about 10 μm). The removal of the aerosol from the atmosphere depends on the size of the particles. Aerosols come from both natural and human sources—and sometimes both at once. Dust, for example, is scoured from deserts, the dried-out edges of rivers, dry lakebeds, and more. Its concentrations in the atmosphere rise and fall with climate; in cold, dry, periods in the planet’s history like the last ice age, more dust filled the atmosphere than during warmer stretches of Earth’s history. But humans have affected that natural cycle, making some places dustier than they otherwise would be and keeping other areas damp. Types and Sources of Aerosols There are sources, that we can use for the classification or the base for the types of aerosols. This is as follows, Types according to sources So, we will take an overview of these one by one briefly. Types According to Sources We can divide the aerosols into two categories based on the sources of the aerosols, these are as follows, Natural aerosols Anthropogenic(human-made) aerosols Natural “The aerosols have the natural sources of origin known as the natural aerosols” The bulk of aerosols(about 90 percent by mass) have natural origins. Volcanoes, for example, eject huge columns of ash into the air, as well as sulfur dioxide and other gases, yielding sulfates. Forest fires send partially burned organic carbon aloft. Certain plants produce gases that react with other substances in the air to yield aerosols, such as the “smoke” in the Great Smoky Mountains of the United States. Likewise, in the ocean, some types of microalgae produce a sulfurous gas called dimethyl-sulfide that can be converted into sulfates in the atmosphere. Sea salt and dust are two of the most abundant aerosols, as sandstorms whip small pieces of mineral dust from deserts into the atmosphere and wind-driven spray from ocean waves flings sea salt aloft. Both tend to be larger particles than their human-made counterparts. it also can be further divided into the two groups Organic Aerosols natural organic materials: smoke, pollen, spores, or bacteria Inorganic Aerosols natural inorganic materials: fine dust, sea salt, or water droplets Anthropogenic “The aerosols have the sources of origin by the human known as the anthropogenic aerosols” The remaining 10 percent of aerosols are considered anthropogenic, or human-made, and they come from a variety of sources. Though less abundant than natural forms, anthropogenic aerosols can dominate the air downwind of urban and industrial areas. Fossil fuel combustion produces large amounts of sulfur dioxide, which reacts with water vapor and other gases in the atmosphere to create sulfate aerosols. Biomass burning, a common method of clearing land and consuming farm waste, yields smoke that’s comprised mainly of organic carbon and black carbon. Automobiles, incinerators, smelters, and power plants are prolific producers of sulfates, nitrates, black carbon, and other particles. Deforestation, overgrazing, drought, and excessive irrigation can alter the land surface, increasing the rate at which dust aerosols enter the atmosphere. Even indoors, cigarettes, cooking stoves, fireplaces, and candles are sources of aerosols. The anthropogenic can be further divided into the following groups Primary aerosols Primary aerosols contain particles introduced directly into the gas. Secondary aerosols secondary aerosols form through gas-to-particle conversion or reaction of the primary aerosols. Effects of Aerosols Aerosols have an important influence on atmospheric chemistry and physics: they affect the atmospheric chemical composition they can reduce visibility they have important impacts on air quality and human health (e.g., aerosols can cause breathing problems) they serve as nuclei for cloud droplets or ice crystals in ice clouds aerosols have a lot of other effects but we will discuss here the environmental effects as well the health effects, spatially the human health effects. Health Effects Acid rain causes diseases Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of sulfuric acid, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrochloric acid into the atmosphere. These gases represent aerosols and eventually return to earth as acid rain, having several adverse effects on the environment and human life. Surface Deposition of Pollutants When aerosols absorb pollutants, it facilitates the deposition of pollutants to the surface of the earth as well as to bodies of water. This has the potential to be damaging to both the environment and human health. Cause pandemic Aerosols in the 20  μm range show a particularly long persistence time in air-conditioned rooms due to their “jet rider” behavior (move with air jets, gravitational fall out in slowly moving air); as this aerosol size is most effectively adsorbed in the human nose, the primordial infection site in Covid-19, such aerosols may contribute to the pandemic.   Lungs Diseases Aerosol particles with an effective diameter smaller than 10 μm can enter the bronchi, while the ones with an effective diameter smaller than 2.5 μm can enter

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Zero Waste Kitchen Hacks: Small Changes, Big Impacts for a sustainable lifestyle

what is zero waste movement? and how it could helps you in better sustainable lifestyle.we have provided you step by step guidelines and strategies to be a part of zero waste waste movement. What is zero waste? The definition of zero waste according to the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) is as follows: “Zero waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”   A zero waste kitchen is a concept and lifestyle approach where individuals and households aim to minimize waste generated in their kitchen as close to zero as possible. The core principle of a zero waste kitchen is to reduce, reuse, and recycle effectively to prevent unnecessary waste from ending up in landfills or polluting the environment. Welcome to the world of zero waste kitchen hacks, where minor adjustments to your daily schedule can have a big impact on the environment. lets dive into each hack to make sustainable living a breeze. 1. CLOTH NAPKINS OVER PAPER TOWEL Replace paper towels with cloth napkins. For spills, cleaning, and meals, keep a stack on hand. Use cloth napkins for both regular meals and exceptional events like dinner parties. This small approach can contribute to minimize deforestation and conserve the natural resources.   2. BREAKING FREE FROM PLASTIC REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS: One of the most common single-use plastic items in our daily kitchen routine is plastic bags. To break free from this plastic menace, consider investing in reusable shopping bags made from durable materials like organic cotton or jute. These bags not only reduce plastic waste but also have stylish appearance for log duration. Keep a few reusable bags in your car or by the front door so they’re always on hand for your shopping needs. STAINLESS STEEL OR GLASS CONTAINERS: Ditch your plastic food containers and replace it with ones  made of glass or stainless steel. Stainless steel containers are best for packing lunches and storing snacks, as they are durable and lightweight. Glass containers are also a perfect option for meal prep and food storage. They are microwave-safe, don’t retain odors, and keep your food fresh without the need for plastic wrap. Instead of disposable straws for dipping hot and cold beverages opt for stainless steel straws as they are more durable and adds style and sleek to your kitchen. Keep a set of stainless steel straws at home and carry one with you in a reusable travel pouch, so you’re always prepared to enjoy your drinks without contributing to plastic pollution. SAY NO TO PLASTIC WRAP Plastic wrap is infamous for its single-use nature  and have negative environmental impacts. Instead of embracing plastic wrap to cover leftovers or wrap sandwiches, we should opt for sustainable alternatives. Beeswax wraps are a fantastic choice. They are made from organic cotton infused with beeswax, resin, and jojoba oil. These wraps are pliable and can be molded to cover bowls or wrap food items. Silicone lids are another option, providing an airtight seal without any plastic waste. These alternatives are washable and reusable, reducing your kitchen’s plastic footprint.   3. COMPOSTING FOOD SCRAPS The foremost priority should reduce ,reuse and recycle the waste but organic waste can not only be managed properly but it will also act as conditioner for you garden and boost your healthy living. Imagine a kitchen where each apple core, banana peel, and coffee grind is used to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. For the environment, composting food scraps is like magic. It is the skill of transforming something that was formerly regarded as garbage into a useful resource. You may establish a composting sanctuary where food scraps serve as the building blocks for stronger plants and a  greener earth in your backyard or even on your apartment balcony. Additionally, there is an inherent satisfaction in knowing that the leftovers from your kitchen are benefiting the Earth rather than being thrown away. It’s a simple deed that has a big impact on the path to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way of life. Look into community resources like municipal composting programs’ or community gardens that will willingly convert your food scraps into fresh produce if you’re still any difficulty about starting your own composting system. Additionally, it is common for chicken owners to feed their flock with donated food scraps.   4. DIY CLEANING SOLUTIONS Make your cleaning products using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. These DIY cleaning solutions not only environmental  but also your pocket friendly and reduce plastic waste chemical impacts from store-bought cleaning products. ALL PURPOSE CLEANER: Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent (e.g., lavender, lemon, or tea tree oil). Use this solution to clean countertops, sinks, and appliances. NATURAL DISINFECTANT: Pour hydrogen peroxide (3%) into a dark spray bottle (light exposure can weaken its effectiveness). Use it as a disinfectant for cutting boards, countertops, and other high-touch surfaces. DIY OVEN CLEANER: Combine baking soda and water to make a thick paste. Spread the paste on the oven surfaces and leave it overnight. Scrub the next day and wipe clean with a damp cloth.  GARBAGE DISPOSAL FRESHENER: Freeze vinegar in an ice cube tray. Drop a few cubes into your garbage disposal and run it to freshen and clean the disposal unit.  STAINLESS STEEL POLISH: Mix equal parts olive oil and distilled white vinegar. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff stainless steel appliances for a shine. 5. DEGRADABLE DISH SCRUBBERS Degradable dish scrubbers are the secret weapon of a zero waste kitchen, providing efficient cleaning power while treading lightly on the environment. Made from natural materials such as coconut coir, wood, or plant-based fibers, degradable dish scrubbers offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic sponges and scrub

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