pollution Archives - Disasters News

Mar292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

J&K Govt Admits Untreated Wastewater Discharged into Streams, Raising Jhelum Contamination Fears

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The Jammu and Kashmir government has acknowledged in the Legislative Assembly that untreated wastewater from Anantnag, Bijbehara, and Mattan is being discharged into nearby streams, raising concerns about pollution in the Jhelum River, Kashmir’s primary source of drinking water. The disclosure came in a written response from the Housing and Urban Development Department, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on March 11, 2025. The response was given to Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, an MLA from Srigufwara-Bijbehara, who sought details on drainage networks and sewage treatment facilities in these towns. The government stated that municipal bodies and the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) constructed drainage networks, which are interconnected where possible. It claimed that wh...

Mar222025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Kochi Neglected Waterways Hold Key to City Survival as Climate Change Threats Mount

Breaking News, Climate Actions

Kochi once crisscrossed by a vibrant network of rivers, creeks, and canals now faces a stark reality encroachment, pollution, and stagnation have transformed its lifeline into a looming disaster. As rising sea levels, extreme rainfall, and tidal surges intensify the risk of devastating floods local authorities, with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have launched a bold initiative to revive the city’s waterways and fortify it against climate change. The Thevara-Perandoor (TP) Canal 10-kilometer stretch that once provided transport water, and storm drainage chosen as the starting point for this ambitious restoration. Years of neglect and urbanization have shrunk its widthobstructed its flow and turned it into a dumping ground for untreated waste. Despite past ...

Mar152025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Scientists Pioneer air-moisture Tech to Break down Plastic revolutionizing recycling

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments

In a breakthrough that could reshape plastic waste management, scientists have unveiled a pioneering method to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using moisture from the air. This novel approach utilizing an inexpensive catalyst dismantles PET bonds and transforms the material into monomers the essential building blocks of plastics allowing for efficient recycling or upcycling into higher-value products. Published in Green Chemistry, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the study introduces a solvent-free, environmentally friendly solution to global plastic pollution. Unlike conventional recycling methods, which generate harmful byproducts and require significant energy input, this technique harnesses trace moisture from ambient air, making it safer and more sustainable...

Jan172025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Wildfire Smoke Crisis in Los Angeles Millions Exposed to Toxic Air as Fires Rage

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Los Angeles, January 2025 – A wildfire crisis is gripping Los Angeles as fires sweep through homes, vehicles, and neighborhoods, blanketing millions in hazardous smoke. The blazes, which have already consumed thousands of structures, are not only destroying property but releasing a cocktail of toxic chemicals that pose severe risks to public health. As homes and urban infrastructure burn, materials like furniture, plastics, paints, and electronics ignite, emitting harmful substances into the air. According to a 2023 study, wildfire smoke from urban-wildland interfaces contains dangerous compounds, including hydrogen chloride, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxins. It also carries heavy metals like lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic elements known to damage vital organs, includ...

Jan82025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

First US Death from H5N1 Bird Flu Sparks Concern, But Public Risk Remains Low

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

In a first for the United States, a Louisiana man has died from H5N1 bird flu, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Health experts, however, reassure that the risk to the general public remains low. The Louisiana Department of Health reported on January 6 that the man, aged over 65 and with pre-existing medical conditions, contracted the virus after exposure to backyard poultry and wild birds. Officials confirmed there was no evidence of person-to-person transmission in this case. The man, identified as the country’s first severe H5N1 patient, was hospitalized in December with respiratory symptoms. Health authorities diagnosed him with the D1.1 subtype of the virus on December 13. This strain has been spreading widely in U.S. poultry and wild birds. The D1.1 subty...

Dec312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Each Cigarette Costs Men 17 Minutes, Women 22 Minutes of Life: Study

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

London: Smoking takes a far greater toll on life expectancy than previously believed, a new study from University College London (UCL) reveals. For men, each cigarette smoked shortens life by 17 minutes, while for women, the cost is even higher at 22 minutes per cigarette. These figures surpass earlier estimates, which suggested an 11-minute loss per cigarette. Commissioned by the UK’s Department for Health and Social Care, the study urges smokers to make quitting their top resolution for the New Year. The research concludes that a pack of 20 cigarettes robs an average smoker of nearly seven hours of life. Over a lifetime, smokers who don’t quit lose approximately a decade of life, according to Dr. Sarah Jackson, a principal research fellow at UCL. “Smokers lose about the same num...

Dec272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi experiences rain and foggy morning, slight relief from pollution but air quality remains very poor

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Delhi witnessed light rain and dense fog early Friday, creating a refreshing yet chilly atmosphere across the city. However, air quality remained in the 'very poor' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371 recorded at 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a minimum temperature of 12°C, with highs expected to reach 20°C. A "thunderstorm with rain" has been forecast for Friday and Saturday, signaling more showers over the weekend. Residents embraced the weather change, calling it a welcome relief. “It feels like Kashmir,” said Deepak Pandey, a local resident. Tourists also appreciated the pleasant weather, with Raman Kushwaha from Madhya Pradesh saying it was ideal for sightseeing despite the chill. ...

Dec232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Chokes as Air Quality Dips to ‘Severe’ Levels Amid Winter Fog

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The national capital continues to battle dangerously toxic air, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 410 in the early hours of Monday, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This grim figure places Delhi firmly in the ‘severe’ category, with PM2.5 levels tiny particulate matter harmful to respiratory health remaining critically high across the city. A dense layer of fog blanketed Delhi on Monday morning, reducing visibility and plunging the minimum temperature to 9.2°C at 5:30 a.m., according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city also experienced light rain, adding to the winter chill. Visuals from Lodhi Road showed people huddled in night shelters, seeking refuge from the harsh cold. "The temperatures have dropped here because it has been raining… th...

Dec212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Kolkata’s Air Pollution Woes: Is It the Next Delhi?

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

KOLKATA – As Delhi grapples with hazardous air pollution levels, Kolkata’s deteriorating air quality raises pressing questions about its future. Though Kolkata has not reached Delhi’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) highs, its current AQI of 150-200 (classified as "very unhealthy") highlights an escalating problem that demands immediate attention. With Delhi’s AQI peaking at an unprecedented 700 in some areas this year, emergency measures were implemented, including school closures and a return to masks reminiscent of the COVID-19 era. The crisis has underscored the urgent need for sustained action not just in the capital but across the nation. Kolkata, while geographically distinct, faces its own set of challenges that could lead to a similar scenario if not addressed proactively. ...

Dec52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Air Quality Improves to Moderate After 50 Days but ‘Poor’ Forecast Looms

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

New Delhi: After enduring over 50 days of high pollution Delhi experienced a significant improvement in air quality on Wednesday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 178, categorised as 'moderate.' However the Air Quality Early Warning System predicts a decline to the 'poor' category by Friday. Strong surface winds helped disperse pollutants, offering much-needed relief. Visibility improved and the city's skies appeared clearer, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Out of 38 air quality monitoring stations, most recorded 'moderate' air quality, while eight registered 'poor' and Sri Aurobindo Marg reported 'very poor.' Current Weather Conditions: AQI: 178 ('moderate') on Wednesday, down from 268 on Tuesday. Temperature: Maximum of 28°C (3°C above ...