Climate Conference in Baku 2024: A Paradigm Shift

The climate conference in Baku, 2024, signified a major transformation by challenging the traditional dichotomy of 'donors' and 'recipients' and advocating for a new global sustainability forum.

Historical Context and Global Dynamics

• The original climate treaty of 1992 aimed for collective action to address climate concerns.
• The G7 focused on reducing future carbon emissions, although cumulative emissions were acknowledged as critical.
• Developing nations accepted obligations they did not originate, expecting technology transfer and funds.
• The G7's strategy has led to their continued advantage by focusing on symptoms rather than root causes.

Current Issues and Global Inequities

• The G7 has largely detached from climate responsibilities, creating an "optical illusion" of financial support by 2035.
• The Global South, representing a significant population and GDP share, is increasingly questioning G7-led climate policies.
• Nationally Determined Contributions from 72 countries now include the concept of a "just transition".
• Climate justice questions inequalities in emission levels and solutions like carbon pricing.

Urbanization and Resource Use

• Urbanization accounts for significant global emissions and resource use.
• The G7, with a small population share, historically consumed a large proportion of global resources.
• By 2050, Asia is expected to match its population share with emissions, contrasting with the G7's continued high emissions per capita.

Proposed Initiatives for Global Sustainability

• BRICS and partners should form an alternative sustainability forum focusing on urban energy transitions.
• UN Climate negotiations should center on G7 emissions and grants to vulnerable countries.
• Redefine international fora as platforms for assessing global positions and planning necessary adjustments.

Adyar River Pollution Report

Faecal Coliform Levels

• Excessive Contamination: Faecal coliform levels in the Adyar River were found to be more than 10 times the prescribed safe limit according to a report by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). 
• Measurements: Water samples collected showed levels of 1026 MPN/100 ml, significantly above the permissible limit of 100 MPN/100 ml. MPN (Most Probable Number) is a method to estimate microorganism concentration. 

Additional Water Quality Indicators

• Low Oxygen Levels: Inspections showed dissolved oxygen levels under 2 parts per million, below the threshold needed to sustain aquatic life. 
• Organic Contamination: Biological Oxygen Demand was 133 mg/l and Chemical Oxygen Demand was 136 mg/l, indicating severe pollution. 
• Nutrient Overload: Total Nitrogen was noted at 57.74 mg/l, exceeding the standard of 23.697 mg/l. 

Causes and Effects

• Cause of Fish Kills: High contamination levels were linked to fish deaths observed in the Adyar eco-park in June 2024. 
• Source of Pollution: Unchecked discharge of untreated domestic sewage from residential areas was identified as the primary source of contamination. No industrial discharge was noted as a contributing factor. 

Recommendations and Response

• Immediate Actions: TNPCB recommended that the Greater Chennai Corporation explore the installation of a sewage treatment plant to prevent further contamination. 

Incident in Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Sanctuary

An incident occurred in Maharashtra's Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Sanctuary where safari vehicles obstructed a tigress and her cubs, drawing attention from the Bombay High Court.

Court's Action

• The Bombay High Court, Nagpur bench, led by Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi, took suo motu cognisance of the incident.
• The court issued a notice to the state's principal chief conservator of forests, seeking a detailed affidavit on actions taken and preventive measures.
• A plea on the issue will be heard on January 8, 2025.

Details of the Incident

• Viral videos showed safari vehicles crowding around tigress F-2 and her five cubs, blocking their path in the sanctuary's buffer zone.
• The incident occurred on December 31, 2024, in the Gothangaon area of the Kuhi wildlife range.

Actions Taken

• Four drivers and guides involved were suspended for three months by the state forest department.
• Fines imposed: ₹25,000 on gypsy SUV drivers and ₹1,000 on nature guides.
• Cases registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Tourists involved have been banned from future visits to the sanctuary.

Future Preventive Measures

• A committee, headed by the deputy director of Bor Tiger Reserve, is established to recommend preventive measures.
• Field officers and staff are instructed to increase regular patrolling along safari routes.
• Special meetings and workshops for nature guides and drivers are organized to raise awareness and promote ecotourism sensitivity.