Believe it or not, the humble earthworm has become the latest secret weapon in the war against climate change. A major four-year-old study has revealed that instead of just wriggling around and providing food for birds, earthworms — have been burrowing their way through the ground for 300 million years — can help prevent flooding and droughts.

Earthworms: ‘The secret weapon against climate change’

The UN designates the first Monday of October every year, this year being October 3, as World Habitat Day. It is intended to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. The UN has chosen the theme Cities and Climate Change this year. Given that half of the world’s population started to live in cities by 2007, the battle against climate change will be won or lost in our cities.

Collective responsibility for the future of human habitat

Kolkata The state government, which had earlier publicly said no to the setting up of Haripur nuclear plant, will launch its policy on renewable energy soon after the pujas. This was stated by minister for power and planning and development Manish Gupta at the sidelines of a programme in Kolkata on Sunday.

New energy policy after Pujas: Min

NEW DELHI: Maharatna Coal India on Sunday said its profitability would be eroded by about 2,000 crore per annum post enactment of new mines legislation which mandates coal miners to share 26%of their profits with project affected people.

New law to pull down Maharatna Coal India profit by about Rs 2,000 crore

 

AHMEDABAD: A sudden increase of about 30% in the price of Indonesian thermal coal has raised the cost for Indian power producers who depend on imports for more than half the generation in the country.

Indonesian coal price hike singes Indian power companies

India’s new mining Bill has provisions which seek, rightly, to shovel money from mining companies to rural people affected by mining, but the devil could lie in the detail. The proposal has three defects. One, it seeks differential treatment for coal and other minerals – coal miners would share 26% of their profits, while miners of other minerals would give additional royalty payments. Pray, why?

Mining sector needs large-scale reform

A U.S. agency has announced that it will provide a financial assistance of $150 million to India to expand use of solar powered telecommunication towers.The decision by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is expected to reduce CO2 emissions and create jobs in both the U.S. and India.

U.S. agency to give $150 million for solar powered towers to India

Washington: Scientists have estimated that the global rate of photosynthesis – the chemical process governing how ocean and land plants absorb and release carbon dioxide – is occurring 25 per cent faster than earlier thought.

Photosynthesis faster than earlier thought

 

As navratra festival has started to catch up with residents, various puja committees have decided to erect eco-friendly pandals in the Millennium City. Preparations for the nine-day festival, beginning September 28, are in full swing. Artists from Kolkata and Assam have also arrived in he city to give finishing touches to idols of the goddess.

Puja goes green with eco-friendly pandals

 

 

Canada’s British Columbia’s environmentally friendly energy output is currently taxed at the same level as the fossil fuels they aim to replace.

Canada’s British Columbia urged to support renewable fuels sector