Top 10 Environmental News Stories of 2020
Year-end roundup of Environmental news stories from the year that was, 2020.
Contribution of stubble-burning in Delhi-NCR went up from 10% in 2019 to 15% in 2020
Average contribution of stubble burning to the concentration of PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR during peak phase has increased from 10% in 2019 to over 15% this year.
North Delhi civic body to be fined Rs 1 cr for no action against garbage burning: Gopal Rai
“Delhi’s air quality has been worsening gradually, but agencies are still not taking it seriously… ”
Delhi’s economy suffered the most due to severe air pollution last year: Lancet Study
The study noted India is facing losses to its GDP and productivity due to the health impacts of air pollution.
Delhi: In troubled waters, states move court once too often
The shortage of water in Delhi occurs due to a combination of two major problems – pollution in the Yamuna and upstream states not releasing the requisite amount of water for treatment plants to function.
12 city forests ready in Delhi, four more soon: Gopal Rai
Work is underway to develop four more city forests at Mamoorpur, Ayanagar, Jaunpur, and Dera Mandi, the minister said.
NGT directs Delhi authorities to revamp forest dept for environment protection
“Accordingly, the application will stand disposed of with the hope and expectation that the concerned authorities will revamp the forest department appropriately for meaningful enforcement of rule of law,” the bench said.
60% rise in leopard numbers from 2014 estimates: Prakash Javadekar
The largest number of leopards have been estimated in Madhya Pradesh (3,421) followed by Karnataka (1,783) and then Maharashtra (1,690).
India will not only meet, but exceed Paris pact targets: PM at G20
PM Modi said, “We will meet our goal of 175 gigawatts of renewable energy well before the target of 2022.
UN: COVID-19 lockdowns slashed pollutants, not CO2 levels
A slowdown in industrial activity linked to the coronavirus pandemic has cut emissions of pollutants but hasn’t reduced their record levels in the atmosphere.
Countries must declare ‘climate emergency’: UN Chief
UN chief called on governments to declare a “state of climate emergency” and make good on their promises to slash carbon pollution as they recover from the pandemic.
