The debate over proposed “turtle trails” highlights tensions between eco-tourism and conservation at sensitive nesting beaches of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle. Scientists warn that light, noise, human presence, and tourism infrastructure can disrupt mass nesting events, particularly along Odisha’s globally significant arribada sites. While awareness and livelihoods are important, experts argue that strict protection of core nesting habitats, science-based regulation, and off-site educational initiatives are essential to ensure that conservation priorities are not compromised by tourism development.
Click to View MoreThe Ramsar Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1971 for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, recognizing their importance for biodiversity, water security, climate regulation, and human livelihoods. Wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites receive global recognition for their ecological value, including support for migratory birds, flood control, groundwater recharge, and carbon storage. In India, the addition of new sites such as Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand Wetland in Gujarat reflects the country’s growing commitment to wetland conservation. These designations strengthen scientific management, international cooperation, and sustainable use while balancing ecological protection with community livelihoods.
Click to View MoreThe UNEP State of Finance for Nature 2026 report highlights a severe global imbalance in environmental finance, revealing that more than $30 is spent on activities that harm nature for every $1 invested in protecting it. Nature-negative financial flows reached around $7.3 trillion annually, while funding for nature-based solutions (NbS) stood at only $220 billion. Harmful subsidies for fossil fuels, industrial agriculture, and resource-intensive sectors continue to dominate global spending patterns. Although investment in NbS has shown modest growth and some decline in fossil fuel financing is visible, progress remains far too slow. UNEP warns that NbS funding must rise to at least $571 billion per year by 2030 to meet global climate, biodiversity, and land restoration targets. Without redirecting financial systems toward nature-positive investments, the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution will intensify.
Click to View MoreThe Supreme Court has stayed its earlier judgment that accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills based on height and cluster criteria. It took this step after concerns that the definition could reduce protection for large parts of the Aravalli range and encourage mining and construction. The Court has paused the grant or renewal of mining leases in the region without its permission and proposed setting up a high-powered expert committee to scientifically reassess the definition. The order emphasises the precautionary principle and underscores that the Aravallis must be protected as an integrated ecological system until a final decision is reached.
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Nature-based Solutions involve using ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, mangroves, grasslands, rivers, and urban green spaces to address climate change, biodiversity loss, disasters, and livelihood challenges. They are increasingly recognised as central to India’s climate and development strategy because they provide carbon storage, flood control, water security, food security, and job creation while being cost-effective. However, challenges such as inadequate finance, policy gaps, land conflicts, weak monitoring, and risks of greenwashing remain. Global initiatives such as ENACT aim to accelerate and scale up Nature-based Solutions worldwide, helping countries integrate them into climate policies, mobilise funds, and promote community participation for a resilient and sustainable future.
Click to View MoreGreen industrialisation is an emerging development strategy that integrates climate action with industrial growth by promoting low-carbon, resource-efficient manufacturing. It recognises that achieving decarbonisation requires building domestic clean-technology capabilities, creating green jobs, and restructuring supply chains. For countries like India, green industrialisation offers a pathway to balance climate commitments with economic development, competitiveness, and inclusive growth, provided it is supported by coherent policies, adequate finance, and global cooperation.
Click to View MoreIndia’s air pollution crisis echoes China’s 2010s airpocalypse. China cut particulate pollution by 40.8% (2013–23) via political will, clean-tech investment, coal transition, and strict enforcement. India can adapt mission-mode action and regional airshed management to strengthen the National Clean Air Programme within a democratic framework.
Click to View MoreThe Union Government launched a ₹507 crore project to strengthen community-based disaster risk reduction by empowering PRIs in 81 vulnerable districts. It institutionalises bottom-up planning through GPDP integration. Success depends on fixing PRI gaps in funds, functions, and functionaries while aligning with national law and the Sendai Framework.
Click to View MoreThe India–Argentina agricultural work plan (2025–27) strengthens their strategic partnership through joint research in biotechnology, sustainable farming, and value chains. It boosts India’s food security, especially edible oils, leverages Argentina’s climate-smart practices, deepens South–South cooperation, and complements collaboration on lithium, supporting India’s Aatmanirbharta goals.
Click to View MoreNational Energy Conservation Day, observed on 14 December, underscores the importance of efficient and responsible energy use in India’s development journey. Through initiatives such as CCTS, PAT, UJALA, PM Surya Ghar, energy-efficient building codes, and behavioural programmes like LiFE, India is reducing energy wastage, strengthening energy security, and advancing its clean-energy and climate goals.
Click to View MoreDust pollution is a significant contributor to deteriorating air quality, mainly arising from construction work, road dust, industrial activities, and natural windblown sources. It increases particulate matter levels, harms human health, disrupts visibility, and affects ecosystems. Effective control requires better regulation, enforcement, dust-suppression measures, greener urban design, and active public awareness.
Click to View MoreAt the Johannesburg G20 Summit, India proposed six initiatives: a Traditional Knowledge Repository, Africa Skills Multiplier Program, Global Healthcare Response Team, drug-terror nexus framework, Critical Minerals Circularity plan and Open Satellite Data Partnership. These aim to boost health, security, technology and reinforce India’s role as the Global South’s voice.
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