India’s environmental performance has come under significant scrutiny, as reflected in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Ranking 176th out of 180 countries with a score of 27.6 points, India faces severe challenges in air quality, emissions, and biodiversity conservation. Despite some progress in climate change mitigation, the country’s reliance on coal and rapid urbanization contribute heavily to its low ranking. This article explores the factors behind India’s environmental performance, the initiatives underway, and the criticisms of the EPI’s methodologies. The image below shows the EPI framework which organizes 58 indicators into 11 issue categories and three policy objectives, with…
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Are you looking to deepen your understanding of environmental science? Whether you’re an avid reader or a budding environmentalist, literature can be a powerful tool to expand your knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. This article recommends 10 classic books that cover a wide range of environmental topics, from biodiversity to climate change and everything in between. The Importance of Environmental Literature Environmental literature has played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the natural world and our impact on it. These books offer insights into the complexities of ecosystems, the consequences of human actions, and the urgent…
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Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting every corner of the globe. However, the impacts of climate change are not uniform; they vary significantly from one region to another. This variation makes local solutions not only practical but essential. Local solutions are well-aligned with the specific problems faced by communities and evolve naturally through real adaptation to environmental changes. Understanding Climate Change Global vs. Local Impacts Climate change has both global and local impacts. While global warming and rising sea levels are universal issues, the way these phenomena manifest can differ vastly between regions.…
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Lessons from the Royal Society’s 1985 Report Another crucial aspect of effective scientific research is how well it is communicated to and benefits society. In an age of constant innovation and where resource consumption heavily impacts nature and the environment, the importance of promoting public engagement with science becomes clear. It ties back to the fundamental question: why do we do science? Science is undeniably a cornerstone of modern society, driving technological advancements, improving healthcare, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemics. Despite its profound impact, there is often a significant gap between scientific communities and the…