How can we achieve zero hunger by 2030?
Did you know that the world produces more than enough food to support the population? So why do human beings still suffer from a lack of food? The latest statistics indicate that nearly 690 million people go to bed hungry, and food insecurity is rising. According to the UN, this is only likely to be exacerbated with the pandemic. To reverse this problem, the UN’s SDGs include a call toward zero hunger by 2030. Â
So, what will it take to meet the zero hunger targets? Â
What is SDG 2: Zero Hunger? Â
By its very nature, sustainable development cannot be achieved without safeguarding our people in the long run. The first target of zero hunger is to identify the sections of our population that need help and to meet their immediate food needs. The World Food Programme’s “Share the Meal†initiative does just that.  Â
However, even if we successfully distribute food to every man, woman and child today, will that realistically elevate food insecurity tomorrow? For a lasting end to world hunger, it is vital that we don’t look at the problem in isolation. Our zero hunger solutions need integrated and transformative action to ensure that our food systems become safer, inclusive, and resilient.  Â
On that note, the UN has declared a Zero Hunger Challenge to end hunger by 2030. It covers five key elements: Â
Establishing sustainable food systems:Â Â
We must first ensure that our food systems are sustainable, from production and processing to consumption. Today’s food systems should not threaten the food security and nutrition requirements of the generations to come. There is an increasing need for stronger policy implementation and public awareness about the influence of the three pillars of sustainability in food systems. This means that we need climate-compatible agriculture, diversification and production of local crops, socially attuned supply chains and stricter regulations on food prices.Â
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Support for small scale producers:Â Â
The key to feeding a growing world population lies in promoting and supporting local farmers and food producers. It can help reduce the need for large-scale transportation and storage. This goal is also an effort to end rural poverty and promote sustainable livelihood and rural employment. Â
Eliminating food wastage:Â Â
According to the UNEP, one-third of the food produced is wasted around the globe. Zero hunger is aimed at reducing food wastage during production, processing, transportation, storage and even consumption by large-scale retailers.Â
Providing adequate, well-rounded diets Â
Food security is closely linked to every human rights movement around the world. Our national governments need to take proactive steps to manage food prices, make food trade easier, and participate in the global collaborative effort. Elevating food insecurity with sufficient and, more importantly, nutritious food is vital in our journey towards sustainable development.  Â
Eradicating malnutrition Â
Interwoven with poverty, malnutrition continues to be a challenge in the 21st century. Health issues like wasting and stunting due to acute hunger can have a lasting effect on the human population. On the other hand, the rise of obesity in developed countries has led to growing concerns of immediate health deterioration. In both cases, our food systems must be more nutrition-sensitive to avoid compounding health problems in our future.  Â
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Food is one of the three necessities of life, and access to sufficient and nutritious food is a fundamental human right. It’s simple; people need to know where their next meal comes from to lead a healthy, productive and dignified life.  Â
Zero hunger is a target set under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. If you want to learn more about it, head on to our hub for a quick and informative course.  Â
- Published in Blogs
How can the healthcare industry become more sustainable?
The healthcare industry is obviously very important, and its contributions to society have especially come to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the industry is not environment-friendly. It accounts for about 4% of global CO2 emissions – more than the emissions from the aviation and shipping industry.
With this, it becomes all the more important to try make sustainable healthcare the norm. Here are some ways this can be done:
A more effective method to deal with medical waste
The COVID-19 pandemic created a surge in the production and use of medical equipment such as PPE kits, surgical masks and vaccines. However, this also created an unprecedented increase in the amount of medical waste. In fact, while it is a cause for celebration that 8 billion vaccine doses have been administered to people around the planet, it is also a cause for concern that it has led to an additional 1,44,000 tonnes of waste.
While some of this medical waste is obviously unavoidable, we can try and reduce medical waste in other areas by adopting measures such as designing alternative packing for medicines. Another way to help could be to research more efficient ways of incineration of medical waste.
Reducing paper waste
From patient reports and prescriptions to internal communications, hospitals tend to have a lot of paperwork. Apart from leading to a storage issue, consuming a large quantity of paper is obviously harmful to the environment.
However, this can be solved by digitising files. Apart from being better for the environment, files stored online can mean easy access for both patients and doctors. Moreover, you might not have to face the problem of not being able to understand your doctor’s handwriting ever again!
Investing in energy-efficient alternatives
Hospitals and healthcare centres are often 24×7 establishments, which means that they often consume a lot of power. By using alternative energy sources or replacing older equipment with newer, energy-efficient ones, they can lower their carbon footprint. This can be done by using (at least partly) solar energy, installing environment-friendly electronic fixtures, improving building ventilation and insulation, and even using large windows to provide natural light.
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Increase patient awareness
Healthcare providers need to educate patients on sustainable medical practices that can have a positive effect on the environment. For example, non-emergency patients can choose to take public transport instead of a car or cab. Similarly, they can also be made aware of the benefits of recycling medicines that they don’t use anymore. Instead of letting them expire at home, they can just bring unused medicines to the pharmacy, where they can be properly disposed of or recycled.
Just as doctors take the Hippocratic Oath to safeguard patients, it is important for the healthcare industry to collectively pledge to take care of the planet. Through accountable leadership and innovation, we can create a sustainable healthcare system while modernising it.
If this has sparked an interest in sustainability in you, head on over to hub.sdgplus.org for a wide range of courses based on sustainability and sustainable praactices.
What are the Equator Principles?
No project in the world can be executed without funds. So, financial institutions must appraise projects for sustainability before approving a loan. The Equator Principles are a framework to assess a proposed project’s social and environmental risk. The principles can be adopted by any financial institution that meets the stated requirements. These institutions can then become members of the global community known as Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs). The EPFIs set the standard for sustainable financing of international projects.
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What are the ten statements of the Equator Principles? Â
In 2020, the fourth (and latest) iteration of the Equator Principles was released. But, what are statements under the Equator Principles? Here is a breakdown for you. Â
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Principle 1: Review and Categorisation Â
The first step EPFIs must take is carefully reviewing and putting a proposed project into categories. These categories are based on the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) recommendations, and they determine the level of environmental and social risk of the project. The Equator Principles mention three categories which are: Â
Category A: projects with high environmental and social risks Â
Category B: projects with limited, often easily addressable risks Â
Category C: projects with minimal or no risks Â
The EPFI takes action based on the nature, scale and stage of the project. Â
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Principle 2: Environmental and Social Assessment Â
To help categorise, the client (anyone applying for funding) must assess and declare the environmental and social risks of the proposed project. The proposal should include a project assessment document that complies with ESIA or a similar framework. It should suggest solutions that minimise, mitigate, and compensate for the risk to the climate or human rights due to the project. Â
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Principle 3: Applicable Environmental and Social Standards Â
The EPFI works around the world in a range of diverse markets. Whether the project operates in a designated or a non-designated country, environmental and social legislation should be considered. The client should address the country’s laws, regulations and permits in their assessment document. Â
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Principle 4: Environmental and Social Management System and Equator Principles Action Plan Â
Every category A and B project must have an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). The plan should contain standard-compliant action points that address the risks mentioned in the assessment. The client can use the Equator Principles Action Plan (EPAP), which outlines the EPFI’s standards.  Â
The client should also develop and maintain an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) that tracks and evaluates the risk in a project’s sustainability standards.  Â
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Principle 5: Stakeholder Engagement Â
It is important to continue mitigating any risks for the duration of the project. The EPFI requires the client to show an ongoing stakeholder engagement process. The process should be structured, culturally sensitive, and involve the local communities, workers, and other stakeholders. Â
Projects that affect more vulnerable indigenous people require active consultation and participation from the affected communities in their preferred language. The consultation should follow the local and global legislation, the IFC’s Performance Standards, and it should remain free of manipulation, interference, coercion, and intimidation. Â
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Principle 6: Grievance Mechanism Â
The established ESMS should also make provisions for grievances. The mechanism must be scalable to receive and resolve any concerns that arise as the project progresses. Again, any concerns should be resolved through a transparent and sensitive consultation.  Â
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Principle 7: Independent Review Â
An independent environmental and social consultant should then review the compliance of the assessment document with the Equator Principles. The independent review should evaluate the ESMPs, the ESMS, and the stakeholder engagement process and propose changes where needed. Â
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Principle 8: Covenants Â
The Equator Principles are only effective if they are enforced. When the client’s proposal fails to comply with the covenants of the Equator Principles, the EPFI needs to propose remedial actions within a grace period. If the client still fails to comply, the EPFI reserves the right to take action.  Â
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Principle 9: Independent Monitoring and Reporting Â
Compliance is never a one-time deal. The project should continue to comply with the sustainability standards for the loan duration. The client should retain an independent environmental and social consultant to generate objective and regular reports. The EPFI then verifies these reports through established processes.  Â
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Principle 10: Reporting and Transparency Â
The Equator Principles require that both the clients and the EPFI remain accountable for the impact of the projects undertaken. For the client, it includes project-specific sustainability reports. On the other side, the EPFI must publicly report completed transactions (without violating confidentiality agreements). Â
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While financing any new project, both the client and the EPFI must understand its large-scale impact. Responsible financing encourages accountability and drives projects that are less harmful to the climate, local ecosystems, and communities. Both clients and financial institutions can explore the ins and outs of sustainable finance through our free digital course. Only through responsible financing and the development of sustainable projects can we slow the effects of human activity on our planet. Â
What are the Principles for Responsible Investment?
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is a global network of institutional investors that work together to propagate and implement its six fundamental Principles. These Principles were founded on the notion that following the ESG criteria is vital to the financial success of every company and has an effect on the performance of investment portfolios.
What started as a 20-person investor group has now grown by leaps and bounds. As of April 2022, more than 4,900 participants in the financial market have become signatories. These include insurance companies, pension funds, sovereign funds, development funds and investment managers.
Here’s what every PRI signatory has pledged to follow:
Principle 1: We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
Principle 2: We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
Principle 3: We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
Principle 4: We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
Principle 5: We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
Principle 6: We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.
Each of these Principles has multiple actions listed under them that the signatories are encouraged to follow.
The PRI focuses on using these Principles to drive change in three key areas of impact:
- Responsible investors: By empowering asset owners, supporting investors incorporating ESG issues and fostering a community of active owners to help responsible investors create long-term value and enhance alignment throughout the investment chain.
- Sustainable markets: By challenging barriers to a sustainable financial system and driving meaningful data throughout the markets to create a sustainable global financial system.
- Encouraging a prosperous world: By supporting climate action and enabling real-world impact aligned with the SDGs to create an inclusive financial society for current and future generations.
How can you become a PRI signatory?
- Submit the declaration: The first step is to announce your organisation’s intention to commit itself to the PRI goals. A copy of the declaration (on the company letterhead) signed by the CEO needs to be submitted.
- Provide details: Fill in the application form with the company details, contact information and the reasons for wanting to become a signatory.
- Define your organisation: A list of the organisational chart, showing the structure and a breakup of all the entities need to be sent to info@unpri.org.
You can access the application and declaration forms here. After you have sent these documents, the PRI will send you a provisional acceptance and an invoice to become a signatory. Post payment, your application will be approved (usually within two weeks), and your organisation will be welcomed as a PRI signatory, with full access to all its resources.
While sustainable investment and impact investment are terms that have been around for a while, the Principles for Responsible Investment are important as they serve as a valuable platform to define a set of expectations that can operate within a traditional fiduciary framework.
To understand more about sustainable investing, go through our series on sustainable finance to explore its aspects.
Safety and health at work in a post-pandemic world
After two years of work-from-home, most companies are gearing up to return to the office. While this return to normalcy could be a welcome change, it does come with potential risks (both old and new). On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, it may be time to look at Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in our post-pandemic workplaces.   Â
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OHS and sustainable development  Â
United Nations SDG3 pushes for healthy life and well-being for all ages. While national healthcare policies are being improved and implemented, workplaces need to align with this goal. The reason is simple: healthy employees have higher productivity. Additionally, employees that feel looked after by their companies report higher job satisfaction. This means that companies that improve OHS are less likely to lose experienced employees in the long run. It can prove especially helpful to SMEs.  Â
On a broader level, this will lead to social well-being and better economic growth. Really, it is a win-win situation with a high ROI.  Â
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What is World Day for Safety and Health at Work?  Â
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) first observed World Day for Safety and Health at Work in 2003. The International Labour Conference held in June of that year laid out a strategy for OHS. The Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health uses advocacy, practical management, and technical cooperation to create an impact.  Â
This day is set aside to build awareness about employee rights and promote preventive safety measures in the workplace.  Â
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How can employers improve safety measures in a workplace?  Â
They say prevention is better than cure, which holds true in a work environment. It is necessary to remember that every workplace is different, and thus, safety measures need to be carefully curated to suit the employees’ needs.  Â
So, what kind of health and safety measures do our workspaces need?
Ensuring physical safety  Â
First and foremost, it is crucial to ensure the physical security and well-being of everyone in an office. After a couple of years of disuse, it is important to inspect the company’s infrastructure.  Â
- Examine everything from wiring and leakages to the strength of safety structures (like handrails).  Â
- Ensure that your hallways are well lit and cameras are in working order.  Â
- It may also be time to audit resources like PPE and heavy machinery in high-risk workplaces.  Â
- With the continued presence of COVID-19, enforce rules around masks, social distancing and health monitoring. Â
- Set up sanitation stations, clearly marked first aid kits, and offer free safety equipment like gloves if needed. Â
- When possible, organise vaccination drives and aid in distributing booster shots among employees.
Safeguarding mental well-being  Â
If anything, the pandemic has moved the spotlight onto mental health issues worldwide. Reports of depression and anxiety are rising around the world, and ensuring employees’ mental well-being is just as important. On that note, it is time to implement policies that help reduce stress during work hours.Â
- Encourage employees to take regular breaks and engage in stress-relieving activities.  Â
- Set up game rooms or common rooms for people who need to take a breather. Â
- If your employees work overtime, compensate them financially. Â
- Consider offering counselling services on the premises. Â
- Reexamine your company’s leave policy. Policies like infinite sick leaves allow employees time to recuperate without fear of repercussions.Â
- Special day-offs like menstrual leaves can also help anyone who needs it.Â
- The pandemic has shown the effectiveness of WFH. Allow your employees the option to continue working from home. Â
- Improve and implement stricter anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies with the safeguard of anonymity.  Â
Improving safety protocols and safeguards Â
Additionally, every workspace should have safety protocols in case of an emergency. Companies should communicate these protocols to the employees. In fact, it is prudent to formulate safety measures through open discussions with employees. Run safety drills to prepare your employees to act in a worst-case scenario. Drills on fire safety or medical emergencies can help save lives.Â
In post-pandemic work life, it is vital to create a safe, blended work environment. Companies that understand the importance of work-life balance are more likely to have healthy and happy employees. This allows employees breathing room to focus on gainful work hours rather than simply counting the clock. Â
World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed to raise awareness about workplace safety. As an ongoing issue, the definition of safety is constantly evolving. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to ask your employees for areas to improve OHS policies. Only through open dialogue and cooperation can we build safe, resilient, and sustainable workplaces. Â
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- Published in Blogs
Your guide to understanding the ESG criteria
Over the last few years, investors (especially millennials) have become increasingly interested in investing in sustainable companies. But how do we term a company as sustainable, and even if it is, how do we determine exactly how sustainable they are?
That’s where the ESG criteria come in. They measure how a company fares in each of these three criteria – Environmental, Social and Governance. They are then assigned a rank indicating how sustainable they are. Here’s what they take into account when measuring each criterion.
Environmental criterion
The environmental criterion of a company evaluates how the actions of a company affect the environment. This includes the company’s carbon footprint, how it manages waste, how it handles its waste, and its policies regarding energy efficiency.
This also extends to how they source their raw materials and their treatment of animals used (if any). Companies that source ingredients through fair trade suppliers and try sourcing organic ingredients score higher on this scale than those that don’t.
Social criterion
The fulfilment of the social criterion can be determined by the relationship the company has with three major stakeholders – the local community, other companies and its own employees. It explores the impact and standing it has in the community and if they are perceived positively.Â
The employees of a company are one of its biggest stakeholders and should therefore be treated fairly. A company that ranks high on the social criterion typically has fair pay (with compensation at the market rate), perks and benefits, health insurance, regular employee training and has an open-door policy with the top management to hear their concerns.
Governance criterion
The governance criterion essentially measures how well top executives manage the company govern. Financial transparency and accountable corporate policies are key factors in this. Since this criterion looks closely at the top management, the governance criterion can also be affected by the composition of the board (how diverse it is) and the board salaries. A company that focuses on profits and the financial upliftment of the few over fairly compensating all its workers cannot be termed as a wholly sustainable company.
While it’s not mandatory for companies to include ESG metrics as part of the year-end financial reports, many companies do include them to appear more transparent and proactive. Following the ESG criteria also affects companies now much more than they did in the past. For example, till late last century, companies with bad ESG metrics would perform well financially. However, there has been a shift. Now, when companies slip up and cause a breach in even one of the ESG factors, their stock prices immediately tank and cause financial loss to the company.
In light of these recent changes in the business landscape, it is best for even more companies to measure their performance against standard ESG metrics and mention it in their annual reports. After all – a sustainable company is one that is profitable for all its stakeholders.
World Creativity and Innovation Day: celebrating the need of the hour
By its very nature, creativity is hard to define. It encompasses self-expression, problem-solving and a one-of-a-kind thinking process. With the UN’s 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals fast approaching, out-of-the-box thinking is exactly what we need. In that spirit, April 21st is celebrated as World Creativity and Innovation Day.  Â
The rise of the creative economy Â
As the concept of creativity grows, so does the definition of “creative economy.†It engages human imagination to create and breathe life into an idea. In its simplest form, the creative economy gives the idea value in society. It involves fine art, filmmaking, advertisements, performance arts, publications, gaming, architecture and so on.  Â
What sets the creative economy apart is its cultural and social impact. It is a powerful tool for raising awareness, income generation and job creation. India’s Hindi film industry is one of the most popular examples. In 2020, it was valued at 183 billion Indian rupees. The industry involves a number of creators like filmmakers, actors, writers, artists and designers. Beyond this, it also generates opportunities for daily wage employees, caterers, production staff, and many more. This widespread opportunity generation alone shows us how essential the creative sector is in our journey towards sustainable development.  Â
The creative field also promotes self-employment and entrepreneurship. With the rise of digitisation, creative visionaries now have access to a global audience. Creators from developing countries have seen unparalleled growth on digital platforms. Growing concerns about piracy, plagiarism and copyright infringement have also birthed technological solutions like NFTs.  Â
The World Creativity and Innovation Day celebrates this interplay between human creativity and technology to promote an innovative new world.  Â
The relationship between culture and creativity Â
All around the world, every tribe, village, or city has a unique local culture that defines who we are as people. It is in the language, the food, the way we behave, the goals and the dreams. It showcases the sheer diversity among human beings. Our culture undeniably plays a huge role in our everyday life. Â
As highlighted by the UN, respect for cultural nuances is integral to the ideals of sustainable development. So, we must ensure that creative spaces remain diverse and inclusive. This promotes equal opportunities across genders and communities. It also allows us to shine a light on the local social and environmental issues.   Â
Additionally, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for sustainable development. Raising awareness about local issues also promotes problem-solving that is culture-sensitive. In other words, it pushes for innovative solutions that are effective at the grassroots level.  Â
Promoting innovation worldwide
How do you define innovation? It is often only seen through the lens of technological or digital creations. The concept of innovation, however, extends much further. Â
This quick video talks about what innovation truly means:
The above video shows us that innovation is simply the pursuit of new ideas. It is a new way of thinking directed toward solving real-world problems. Innovation comes from creativity and aims at making a positive impact. Â
It is also clear that innovation and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand. If you want to learn more about the relationship between innovation and entrepreneurship, explore our free 10-part course.  Â
To reiterate, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship may just be the key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The growth seen so far (especially in developing countries) has already helped the nations make huge strides towards poverty eradication and economic growth. It has also helped create new opportunities across genders and marginalised communities.  Â
Moreover, this momentum has allowed the human imagination to thrive. In a world besieged by problems, this may be precisely what we need. After all, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention.  Â
Can River Island Weather the Storm?
Majuli is one of the largest river islands in the world, located along the banks of the Brahmaputra River, Assam, Northeast India. This iconic island has been slowly disappearing. It has shrunk in size by 60%. Why is this happening? Well, if you want a short answer, you can check out our 2-minute video on it. But if you want a deep dive and explore all the nuances of this topic, then continue reading! Â
Before we jump in, we first need to know what a river island is and how it is formed. A river island is any land that is surrounded by river water. Majuli island is surrounded by the Brahmaputra River, which is known for its rampant flooding. Â
River islands form when rivers cut through uneven land surfaces. The Majuli island was created after an enormous flood that occurred in 1750 in Assam, India. Since then, every year floods and erosion have been shrinking the island. However, with the onset of climate change, it is important to ask the question, has global warming accelerated the disappearance of Majuli island, or was the rapid shrinking inevitable?  Â
Why are River Islands Disappearing? Â
It turns out the primary reason for the island disappearing is climate change. Global warming from climate change is resulting in the melting of the glaciers and rising sea level. The global sea level has risen by 8 inches since 1990. With each year, the sea level rises another .13 inches (3.2mm), and it is projected to rise between 1.5-3 inches by 2100. Â
 The melting glaciers and rising sea levels have been pivotal in the flooding and erosion of river islands. Additionally, climate change and global warming have also led to more intensive rainfall over the years. This creates more risk of disappearance of these islands.Â
This rampant destruction is not limited to river islands; coastal cities are also affected. As per the Global Risk Report, 2019 by the World Economic Forum, about 90% of all coastal areas will be affected. Some cities will experience sea-level rises as high as 30% above the global mean.  Â
Why Majuli?Â
As mentioned above, flooding from the Brahmaputra River plays a critical role in the disappearance of Majuli. While the river’s flooding is normal, the frequency and intensity have increased due to global warming. As temperature rises in the Himalayas, the increased snowmelt causes flash floods along the Brahmaputra River.Â
Rain and monsoon patterns, which were once relatively predictable, have become more sporadic, intense and frequent due to climate change. From that perspective, it is also important to note that Assam is the most vulnerable state in the Indian Himalayan region, with 40% of the area falling in flood-prone zones. Â
The erosion and devastating floods over the years have already resulted in the loss of 69 villages in Majuli. The remaining 83% of villages are at a high risk currently of being consumed by these increasing floods. Since 1975, more than 9,600 families have lost their homes due to unprecedented floods and erosion.   Â
Figure 1: Floods in MajuliÂ
Not Just Flood, Erosions TooÂ
Erosion has been a significant problem in the region. Every year flooding erodes hectares of agricultural land along with standing crops. This is devastating news because 90% of the population of Majuli is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Adding to this, people in Majuli lost nearly 30% of their household income because of erratic rainfall and floods. Â
All this compounding impact has resulted in the high poverty rate of the Island. Almost 21.47% of people in the island are living below the poverty line (which is less than $2 per day).  Â
Figure 2: Erosion on the islandÂ
Disappearing Culture
A nominee for a world heritage site, Majuli inhabits Satras (shrines) of Neo-Vaishnavite traditions, started by Srimanta Shankardeva. Satras are monastic institutions established for practicing religious discourses in Majuli, bringing people together through art and music. Satras have been the centers of excellence where the tenets of devotion to Vishnu were propagated through studies, song, dance, and drama. Â
Though initially, Majuli inhabited 65 Satras, now only 22 remain on the Island due to flooding and erosion. A loss of these satras or the holistic disappearance of Majuli island will lead to the disappearance of important culture and tradition of Assam.Â
Majuli is being threatened with disappearing islands, livelihood, and culture. So, how have the residents of Majuli island responded to this threat? Â
Figure 3: Kamalabari satra in MajuliÂ
A Resilient Community Â
The community of Majuli has responded to this climate challenge with resilience. Â
- Flood Resilient Bamboo Houses (Chang Ghor): Â
The Mising community, an agricultural community in Majuli, has been building bamboo stilt houses (known as Chang Ghor) on raised platforms to keep floodwaters at bay. As per a UN research report, Chang Ghor’s have multiple layers, from floor to roof, each having a distinct purpose. The picture is an example of Chang Ghor. Here, the sitting space in the ground is built with a fireplace at the lower level, storage space for meat and utensils in the layer above, and the top layer for grain storage and ventilation.   Â
Figure 4: Stilt houses in MajuliÂ
- Â Alternative Livelihood:Â
Alternative livelihoods are some of the best ways of mitigating the socio-environmental vulnerability caused by climate change. According to research, some households have embraced pottery or boat making as an alternate means of livelihood. Many inhabitants have also started weaving and mask making.  Â
The Mising households have sought to become sustainable by cultivating vegetables in their home gardens and weaving their garments to reduce their vulnerability to external impacts.   Â
What can be Done to Save Majuli? Â
Many artists and activists like Jamini Payeng have been working to support families affected by erosion in Majuli, especially women. She supports them by training them in weaving and tailoring to provide alternative means of livelihood. Being someone who worked closely with the community of Majuli, she gave a critical insight in her interview with India Portal on the inefficiency of the state flood control practices, which is leading to erosion rather than increasing fertility of the soil.    Â
Governments need to develop climate adaptation strategies like building watersheds and disaster management plans to save islands like Majuli. As per various researches, risk-proof infrastructure and adequate maintenance are capable of tackling risks associated with climate change. This can lower the risk of loss of land and livelihood. In Majuli, for example, flood risks are caused by breaches, poor maintenance, or improperly built embankments. Â
Besides disaster-proof infrastructure, developing early flood warning systems will help the people evacuate and prevent the loss of lives.  Â
Conclusion
Disappearing islands are a global problem. Not just in the case of river Majuli island, many islands globally are at an extremely high risk of disappearing. In fact, as per research in 2018, at least eight low-lying Pacific islands have been found to have disappeared as a result of climate change. The Carteret Islanders in the South Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Papua New Guinea, were officially evacuated in 2014, making them the world’s first refugees of global warming.  Â
It is easy to look at these river islands and go, “there is nothing we can do to save them, it is too lateâ€. While it may be true that trying to save every river island in the world is not possible, doing nothing is not an option. It starts with the disappearance of river islands, and then it will be coastal cities. At some point, we must take a stand. And the time to make a stand is quickly running out. Our nations and leaders need to take climate change and global warming seriously and take meaningful actions before we disappear.Â
Read more:
- Sustainability | Theories and Principles of Sustainability | SDGPlus
- Political Waterfare – SDG PLUS
- Clean Water | Sustainable Development Goals | SDG Plus
References:Â
- Guinness world records: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-river-island-Â
- Usha Dewani, India Water Portal:Â https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/my-disappearing-land-majuli
- U.S Global change research program:Â https://www.globalchange.gov/browse/indicators/global-sea-level-riseÂ
- NASA:Â https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/Â
- National Geographic:Â https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/sea-level-rise-1?loggedin=trueÂ
- WEFORUM:Â https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-global-risks-report-2019Â
- UNDRR:Â https://www.undrr.org/news/indias-mising-community-seeks-expand-its-indigenous-adaptation-practices-response-climateÂ
- Bandung journal:Â https://bandungjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40728-015-0028-4Â
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Political Waterfare
70% of the Earth’s surface is filled with water, and we humans can only access 0.5% of it. The rest is too saline or is locked away in ice caps, glaciers and permafrost, often leading to a scarcity. We use this 0.5% of water for all our essential social (drinking, bathing, washing, etc.) and economic needs (energy, textiles, agriculture, etc.). Now when you add rising population, droughts, and water intense economic development to the water availability equation, you end up with water scarcity. 50% of the global population face at least one month of water scarcity every year. Â
Water scarcity happens due to two main reasons according to the UN – Natural (droughts, etc.) and Economic (poor water management). While natural water scarcity is out of our control, economic water scarcity is definitely under the control of each city, state, and nation. However, what happens when water bodies like lakes and rivers cut across political boundaries? We currently have over 263 transboundary water sources. So, how do two nations work together to ensure that they manage the transboundary water economically, without impacting the other with water scarcity? Â
Legal frameworks serve this exact purpose of international water-sharing arrangements. They provide a peaceful mechanism for transboundary water sharing and solve any water disputes. Between 1820 and 2007, over 450 international agreements on the water have been signed. Given that droughts will only get worse (climate change), and our world’s population will increase to nearly 10 billion by 2050, now more than ever, we need our international water agreements to be fair and equitable. So, in this article, let’s look at three dominant theories on international laws on water and which one we should look to adopt moving forward. Â
The Three Theories contributing to the International Laws on Water Sharing
1. Absolute territorial sovereignty
Sovereignty in international law refers to the power of a nation to do what it pleases within its territory. It basically means I do what I want within my borders. Absolute territorial sovereignty in terms of international water law refers to this power of a sovereign, to use transboundary water resources as they please, without regard to other nations. Same simplification, just with water. So, it means I do what I want with my water within my borders. This theory was used by the US against Mexico in 1895.  Â
In 1895, Mexico and the US were engaged in a dispute over the transboundary Rio Grande River, where excessive diversion by the upstream farmers in Texas was leaving Mexico with very little water. The US Attorney General Judson Harmon noted:Â Â Â Â
“The fact that the Rio Grande lacks sufficient water to permit its use by the inhabitants of both countries does not entitle Mexico to impose restrictions on the USA.â€Â  Â
The US essentially told Mexico that they cannot stop them from using as much water as they want from the Rio Grande river.   Â
2. Absolute territorial integrity
Next is the absolute territorial (or riverain) integrity. This position uses the legal concept of sovereignty to argue that no other nation can interfere with the absolute enjoyment of natural resources in a sovereign country. As per this argument, no nation is entitled to interfere with the volume or quality of water flowing into the territory of another.   Â
If we use the same US and Mexico example, Mexico basically would have had the right to tell the US that they simply cannot interfere with the Rio Grande River because it flows from the US into theirs. Here the US farmers were interfering with the volume of water that was flowing into Mexico. The excessive diversion by the upstream farmers in Texas was leaving Mexico with very little water. Â
There is also an example of the case between Canada and the US known as the Trail Smelter case, which affected the Columbia River. Long story short, the US attempted to restrict the smelter in the Canadian city of Trail, which led to air and water pollution on the transboundary Columbia River. Â
3. Limited territorial sovereignty
This theory supports legal arrangements where both parties agree to reciprocate by adhering to certain accepted principles for international watercourses. This, in effect, limits a part of their territorial sovereignty over natural resources by mutual consent. In laymen’s terms, both countries come to a mutual agreement on how they want to share the water between themselves. It was first used in the cooperation over river Meuse between Belgium and the Netherlands. Â
“The Meuse being a river common both to Holland and to Belgium, it goes without saying that both parties are entitled to make the natural use of the stream, but at the same time, following general principles of law, each is bound to abstain from any action which might cause damage to the other.” All of which essentially translates to that they both use water without damaging the other’s ability to use it.  Â
This theory supports principles such as equitable and reasonable use of water, obligation to cause no harm, information sharing mechanisms, peaceful settlement of disputes, etc. Most International water-sharing arrangements including the UN Watercourses Convention are based on this general principle and have become a part of the customary international law for water sharing. Â
Water Sharing is Caring Â
It’s clear that limited territorial sovereignty is better than absolute territorial integrity and sovereignty when it comes to a fair and equitable share of water resources. So, why ever go for absolute territorial integrity and absolute territorial sovereignty? Researchers believe that countries take these absolute positions simply as a tool for strategic negotiation before eventual mutual agreement and settlement. So, it’s all just a song and dance in the end. Take both the Rio Grande and the Trail Smelter disputes. Eventually, both were resolved by the US through mutual agreement with Mexico and Canada.  Â
However, moving forward, no country should take such an absolute stance. Globally, we should always strive for limited territorial sovereignty, where countries work together and share the water resources equitably and responsibly. After all, climate change and droughts are global problems. And global problems require peaceful global solutions.   Â
Read More:
- Clean Water – Our Liquid Asset
- Water Scarcity – A Brief AnalysisÂ
- Drip Irrigation: Can Little Drops Of Water Be Our Friends?
References:
- International Law and Interstate River Disputes Â
- UN Report of Trail Smelter Case Arbitral AwardÂ
- Transboundary River Basins – Status and TrendsÂ
- UN International Decade for Action “WATER FOR LIFE†2005-2015 Â
- UN Transboundary Waters
- FAO Transboundary Waters
- Reassessing the projections of the World Water Development ReportÂ
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Noise Pollution – The Not So Silent Killer
Many people are starting to agree that climate change is a serious threat that requires immediate action. Even if they are slow, measures to control climate change-related issues like global warming, sea-level rise, air pollution, etc. are being implemented. However, there is a not so silent killer that has quietly fallen under the radar – noise pollution or environmental noise. Â
So, what exactly is it? It is simply any unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activity like noise from road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic & industrial activity. For instance, think of your average car horn. It produces around 110 decibels (dB) worth of sound. But experts say that noise levels above 105 dB can damage hearing if endured for even more than 15 minutes a week!Â
If that sounds bad, it’s because it is! Even in a developed economy like Europe, noise is the second largest environmental hazard to health, after air pollution. And this is only going to get worse because 68% of the world is projected to live in urban areas by 2050. More people, more instruments, more vehicles, more buildings, more noise! Â
Since noise pollution is here to stay, we need to better understand its harmful effects. So, let’s look at the impacts of noise pollution through the three pillars of sustainable development: social, economic & environmental. Finally, we’ll end the article by exploring what is being done to minimize the impact of noise pollution.Â
How it Impacts our SocietyÂ
Let’s start with us humans first and the long-term health effects of noise pollution. 2011 WHO Europe Report claimed that at least 1 million healthy years of life are lost from noise pollution alone. So, where is all of this coming from, and how is it affecting our health.
Noise pollution, particularly from road traffic (80% of noise in urban areas), causes several health problems. The most common is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). It is so common that 64% of hearing loss cases are linked to just noise pollution in cities.Â
Other health impacts of noise pollution include heart disease, annoyance and sleep disturbance. In Europe alone, environmental noise contributes 48,000 new cases of heart disease and 12,000 premature deaths every year! Additionally, around 22 million people report severe annoyance, and 6.5 million people suffer from high sleep disturbance. Â
Noise pollution also severely harms children. Studies have shown that children’s cognitive abilities in memory, attention level, and reading skills are adversely affected by schools located near road traffic & airport traffic.  Â
It’s clear that noise pollution undoubtedly affects you, me and everyone. So of course, it must impact our economy, right? Let us find out. Â
How it Impacts our EconomyÂ
If children’s cognitive abilities are being impacted by noise pollution, does noise pollution impact adults’ productivity, health and thus our economy? The answer seems to be a resounding yes. Take a developed economy like the United Kingdom. In 2008, noise pollution cost them a whopping £7 billion to £10 billion! Out of which, £2 billion was incurred from loss of productivity alone, followed by £252 million from cognitive impairment in children and £1.2 million from heart disease on exposure to daytime traffic noise. Â
Apart from socio-economic costs, pure economic costs of noise pollution can also impact the valuation of a property. A 2021 study in urban Nigeria found that the value of residential properties decreases by 3.1% when affected by noise pollution.  Â
So far, noise pollution impacts our society and our economy. Will it go 3 for 3 and impact our environment as well?Â
How it Impacts our EnvironmentÂ
It is a hattrick. Noise pollution causes major disruption to animals’ health and well-being. Research has shown that environmental noise threatens the existence of more than 100 species! So, how is it impacting our animals?Â
Studies have shown that exposure to loud noise causes irregular heartbeats in caterpillars and lower fertility in bluebirds. Although, the biggest problem is when noise pollution messes with animals’ abilities to use sound to travel, gather food, attract mates and avoid predators. For instance, birds & bats might find it difficult to hear and locate their prey in a noisy environment. Similarly, land animals like prairie dogs find it hard to collect food, communicate with their pack and hear their predators due to traffic noise. Â
Our oceans are not safe either. Noise pollution is also a growing problem for our beloved ocean mammals: whales & dolphins because they use sound and echolocation to hunt and navigate. The main culprits are not ships and oil drills but sonar devices and seismic tests. These tools use sound to locate objects within our oceans. Sounds emitted from these are typically 200-250 decibels and travel hundreds of miles at high intensity. So, why is this a problem? Well, it is because dolphins can hear 7 times better than humans, and whales can hear sounds up to 1000 miles away. This has resulted in hearing loss to dolphins, mass strandings of blue whales and changes in their feeding behaviour. Â
Since noise pollution impacts all three pillars of sustainability, we need to consider it as a serious threat, which needs to be addressed. Thankfully, there are solutions out there to mitigate noise pollution. So, let us explore what they are.Â
Problems Have Solutions, So What Are They?Â
Societal & Economic Solutions  Â
Awareness coupled with actionÂ
Few studies have found that a lack of awareness about the impact of noise pollution is an obstacle to reducing noise pollution. However, research also suggests that mere awareness is not enough because people still fail to adopt and implement noise mitigation strategies. Hence, not only should education institutions create awareness about noise pollution they must also provide the necessary resources to implement noise mitigation measures. Â
Mapping the ‘states’ of noise
Noise maps are a useful tool for visual representations of noise levels in any given area. They are used to determine noise exposure in certain regions. Based on these mapping results, action plans are then created to reduce noise wherever necessary and preserve noise quality where it is positive. Europe has been successful in this regard with member states required to prepare and publish noise maps and noise management action plans every 5 years.  Â
Building educational institutions away from highways, airports and industrial sitesÂ
Essentially areas that could cause noise pollution. Success from this solution was witnessed with the relocation of Munich Airport. Before its relocation, high noise exposure was linked to a decline in long-term memory and reading comprehension among 10-year-old children. However, two years after the airport got relocated, these cognitive impairments no longer existed, implying that the effects of noise on cognitive performance may be reversible if the noise stops.  Â
Design, plan and build noiseless infrastructure
This includes setting up acoustic insulation and noise barriers near noisy areas. Research finds effective noise barriers can reduce noise levels by 10–15 dB, cutting noise pollution from traffic by half!  Â
Reduce speed limits + quieter transport vehicles = a simple helpful solution
A study in Lausanne, Switzerland, saw a 30 km/hr partial speed limit prevented 1 cardiovascular death, 72 hospital admissions from cardiovascular disease, 1,100+ cases of high annoyance and 918 sleep disturbances from noise. The best part, when the speed limit was introduced to the whole city, the benefits more than doubled. Interestingly, quiet tyres also appear to play a role in reducing noise. Research shows that electric car tyres are 5dB quieter than automatic car tyres. The shift to electric vehicles could be more useful than we thought.  Â
Establish quiet areas within cities – the Shhh zones
Urbanized cities and towns can build quiet areas in the form of parks and green spaces for people to escape the city and its noise. A 2011 study in the United Kingdom found that quiet areas in major cities of England could even contribute £1.4 billion per year to the economy. The estimate was based on people’s willingness to pay for visits to such spaces for the sole purpose of experiencing ‘quiet’.Â
Environmental Solutions
Reduce speed limits + quieter transport vehicles = a helpful solution here tooÂ
Studies show that reducing speed limits or the volume of road traffic near forest areas improves the quality of life for birds. Noise no longer impacts their ability to find mates, pair bonds and breed. Additionally, quieter cars have also been suggested as a way to reduce the impact of noise pollution on animals. Â
Increase natural noise barriers with all things green
Research suggests that planting noise barriers like trees and shrubs can reduce noise by 5-10 dB for every 30 meters of woodland. Another lauded idea has been the introduction of greenery barriers i.e. vegetation on solid walls. These natural sound barriers have gained traction at roadside forests and urban zoos focusing on animal protection.Â
Reducing ship speeds reduces noise pollution
According to WWF, 10% slower ships can have as much as a 40% reduction in underwater noise pollution.  Â
Quieter marine equipment = quieter marine ecosystems (duh!)
In 2014, International Maritime Organization issued guidelines towards commercial shipping companies on underwater noise reduction strategies. It underlined the need for quieter propellers and onboard machinery along with operational and maintenance recommendations such as efficient hull form & cleaning.  Â
Establish quiet areas in the ocean
Research shows that Marine Protected Areas can reduce marine animals’ exposure to incessant ocean noise. To find out more about Marine Protected Areas and their function, check out our video below on Marine Protected Areas.Â
Where do we go from here?Â
Well, strategies like setting up noise barriers and acoustic insulation have proven to be effective in reducing noise pollution. However, in the long run, set-up costs are expensive. For example, installing noise screens or acoustic insulation for buildings costs on average €600. Keeping this in mind, WHO has recommended that the costs from noise pollution (i.e., monitoring, management & supervision) must be fully met by those causing it in the first place. This would include companies that are involved in manufacturing loud equipment, cars, planes & trains.Â
From a policy perspective, we still have a long way to go to mitigate noise pollution. Mainly because many countries are still yet to create noise maps and action plans. Without this, noise problems cannot be properly evaluated and addressed. So, countries without it need to treat this as a priority.Â
As we have discussed, noise pollution impacts all three pillars of sustainability, and it is only going to get worse with urban expansion. Therefore, there is a need for countries, especially ones facing rapid urbanization, to treat noise pollution as a serious problem. So, let us tune into addressing the issue now before it is too late to tune out.Â
More reads:Â Â
- 100% Renewable Energy in Transportation – Idealistic?
- Top 3 Challenges and Solutions for creating Marine Protected Areas
- Ecosystem Services – Are you Willing to Pay the Price?
References:Â Â
- European Environment Agency: Environmental Noise in Europe 2020Â
- Health Effects of Noise Exposure in Children Â
- NoiseInEU: Socio-economic impactÂ
- Effects of Noise Pollution on Residential Property Value in Enugu Urban, NigeriaÂ
- Noise in the Sea and Its Impact on Marine OrganismsÂ
- The effect of anthropogenic noise on animals: a meta-analysisÂ
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