Scott Carney and Jason Miklian discuss their book 'The Vortex,' which explores the Bhola cyclone's role in the liberation of Bangladesh and the potential for climate change to trigger future global conflicts. They emphasize the link between climate-induced mega storms and international conflict, highlighting the urgency of climate action. The book combines investigative journalism and academic research to present a compelling narrative aimed at motivating climate resilience and awareness.

The inaugural Middle East and North Africa Regional Climate Week aims to enhance collaboration and integrate climate action into global pandemic recovery efforts. The event will gather governments, cities, private sector leaders, financial institutions, and civil society to discuss climate challenges and opportunities, focusing on national actions, climate-resilient development, and transformation opportunities. The four-day event will feature sessions organized into three tracks, with onsite registration still available.

India is poised to become a major consumer market with the rise of fast fashion and online shopping, especially during the pandemic. While shopping can be enjoyable, it often leads to buyer's remorse and has significant environmental impacts due to overconsumption. The article advocates for a mindful approach to shopping, emphasizing the importance of auditing existing wardrobes, purchasing versatile and classic pieces, checking sizes, and reading customer reviews to make more sustainable and satisfying choices.

A report by Impact Investors Council, Climate Collective, and Arete Advisors reveals that 120 climate-tech start-ups in India raised $1.2 billion over the past five years. The report highlights the need for innovative low-carbon technology start-ups to achieve net-zero transition and emphasizes the importance of abundant capital and conducive policies for their growth. Key findings include the dominance of Sustainable Mobility and Energy sub-segments in investment activity, and the presence of enablers such as increased climate action awareness, a large clean energy asset base, global capital interest, and an expanding ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, and policy advocacy groups.

Fast fashion, characterized by inexpensive and rapidly produced clothing, is criticized for its severe environmental impact and human rights violations. Brands like H&M, Zara, and Fashion Nova are accused of exploiting labor and harming the environment while presenting themselves as affordable fashion providers. The article highlights the significant water usage in producing cotton shirts, the non-biodegradable nature of polyester, and the exploitation of women and children in sweatshops. It argues that fast fashion is a feminist issue, particularly an ecofeminist one, linking environmental degradation with the exploitation of women. The article suggests sustainable alternatives such as buying from grassroots companies, recycling clothes, researching brands, shopping second-hand, and adopting a minimalist wardrobe.

Siddharth Singh, an energy and climate policy expert, discusses the importance of energy efficiency in combating climate change and the ongoing issue of air pollution in India. He highlights the increased awareness of air pollution since the release of his book 'Great Smog of India' but notes the lack of substantial action. Singh emphasizes the need for societal and governmental efforts to address air pollution and climate change, and expresses hope for more support for emerging markets at COP27.

Thaaragai Aarathana, an 8-year-old scuba diver from Chennai, India, is actively involved in cleaning the ocean and its shores of plastics to protect marine life, especially the endangered dugong. Despite facing initial ridicule, her efforts have inspired her community, and she aspires to become a diving master like her father, Aravind Tharunsri.

The article discusses the severe dengue outbreak in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the epidemic and the challenges in detecting and reporting cases. It underscores the poor healthcare infrastructure, inadequate testing facilities, and the government's underreporting of cases. Experts emphasize the need for better surveillance, public awareness, and improved healthcare systems. The article also touches on the potential third wave of COVID-19 and the compounded public health crisis in the region.

Mumbai's beaches, including stretches up to Alibag and Palghar, have been affected by tar pollution, with black or dark brown sticky liquid tar deposits washing ashore. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has been cleaning the tar, but the source remains untraced. Tarballs, harmful to marine life and potentially entering the human food chain, are a recurring issue during monsoons. Environmentalists and NGOs call for more significant action and investigation into the pollution's sources, as the impact on marine life, local residents, and fishermen is profound.

Cyclone Yaas, classified as a 'very severe cyclonic storm,' caused extensive damage to the coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal, severely impacting the livelihoods of farmers in the Sundarbans region. The cyclone breached 136 flood barriers in West Bengal, leading to significant losses in agriculture and aquaculture. Farmers like Paritosh Biswas and Niranjan Maity face uncertain futures due to repeated cyclones and inadequate embankments. The state government has initiated relief efforts, including financial aid under the Duare Tran scheme, but challenges such as poor awareness and digital literacy hinder effective distribution. The article highlights the need for decentralization of relief efforts and community participation to better address the needs of affected farmers.

Urban governance in Chennai involves multiple governmental organizations, parastatal bodies, and state departments. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) handles municipal administration, while the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) oversees urban planning. The Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) and Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) address housing needs. The Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) manages water supply and sewerage. Public transport is provided by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) and its subsidiaries handle power supply. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) regulates pollution, and the Chennai Port Trust and Kamarajar Port Limited manage port operations. Key figures include Gagandeep Singh Bedi, S Muthuswamy, and Anshul Mishra.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in Chennai has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with a 94% increase over the past year as lockdown restrictions eased, according to a Greenpeace India report. The rise in NO2 levels, primarily from thermal power plants and vehicular emissions, poses significant health risks, including increased vulnerability to severe COVID-19. Experts emphasize the need for stricter pollution controls, a shift to renewable energy, and enhanced air quality monitoring. Despite some government efforts, there is criticism of the lack of political will to address the issue effectively.

The article discusses the certification of two villages in Odisha, Venkatraipur and Noliasahi, as 'Tsunami-Ready' by UNESCO. This recognition is a testament to the disaster preparedness and response capabilities of these communities. The article recounts the devastation caused by the 1999 super cyclone in Odisha, which prompted the state to implement policy measures and establish the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority. The Tsunami-Ready programme, developed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, aims to minimize loss of life and property by training coastal communities. The article details the process and criteria for achieving the Tsunami-Ready status, including community training, mock drills, and the establishment of early warning systems. The certification has given the villagers confidence to face natural disasters, and the state aims to have more communities certified in the future.

The article discusses the role of indigenous tribes in conserving wildlife and their habitats, highlighting the Toda tribes of the Nilgiris and their relationship with Toda buffaloes, as well as other tribes like the Kattunayakans, Kurumbas, Sholigas, and Irulas who are involved in sustainable honey harvesting. It criticizes state policies that have led to the eviction of tribes such as the Baiga and Gond from their ancestral lands for tiger conservation efforts, and the destruction of tribal homes in the Nilgiris to protect elephant corridors. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting tribal efforts in conservation, as their eviction and the loss of their traditional practices can have detrimental effects on biodiversity. The author, Rituparna, is a journalist with a background in technology who studied at the Asian College of Journalism.

The article discusses the plight of migrant workers in India during the COVID-19 lockdown. Arun Kumar Paswan, a restaurant worker from Varanasi, had to return to his village in Bihar due to the lockdown and loss of income. Similarly, Kameshwar Yadav, a head chef, also returned to his village in Bihar after the restaurant he worked at closed. Both covered a distance of around 250 kilometers to reach home. Amarit Manjhi, another migrant worker from Bihar, is stranded in Tamil Nadu, 2,380 kilometers away, after an attempt to walk home was thwarted by the police. The article highlights the struggles faced by migrant workers, including lack of food, loss of income, and the challenges of returning to their native places during the lockdown.