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Carbon Pricing : Key to Closing the Emissions Gap

Khushi Randad
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Carbon Pricing : Key to Closing the Emissions Gap

There is urgency in acting to address climate change. Good policies are the only way forward. From recent research, a lot of the policies applied to address climate change have failed to function effectively. Carbon pricing is central to emission reductions.

Key Findings

Researchers studied the climate policy output of 41 countries for the period 1998-2022, identifying 1500 distinct policies. Of these, only 63 policies had the effect of minimizing emission. The researchers finally argued that often a feature of policies that work involves some form of carbon pricing—in other words, some kind of tax, subsidy, or other trading schemes associated with placing a cost on emissions.

Effective Policies for Carbon Pricing

Among those the UK has marshaled since 2011 are an advancing end date for coal plants and action with pricing carbon. The sum of such actions reduced in the electricity sector by nearly half. This shows that really powerful combination of different drops with carbon pricing can be.
Transportation emissions in the United States went down by 8% between 2005 and 2011 due to fuel standards and subsidies. The policies have in turn proven useful in bringing down the emission from the transport sector, and it is really a perfect indication of how well-designed regulations and incentives do pay off.

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In South Africa, they reduced emissions by just under 54 percent. This was accomplished by regulation, subsidies, and appliance labeling. Taken together, these different measures had a significant impact in reducing emissions from buildings.

Limitations and Challenges

Though there have been some successes with policies, globally they have reduced only slightly. The impact is therefore very small compared to the size of the problem. Most of the policies haven’t managed to achieve substantial emission reductions.
This is now explained in the study as the “emission gap”—it is basically the difference between what is required to be achieved and what the current emissions are.If policymakers extensively used currently successful policies, they would close this gap by about 26%.
The research lays emphasis on the fact that comprehensive action is required. Some of the policies can’t allow one to be too optimistic. There has to be a more aggressive and broad-based implementation of overall action in the policy taken up by the policymakers to actually take on climate change.

Method of Evaluation

The researchers categorised the policies into four broader categories that included pricing, regulations, subsidies, and information. They found how each of the categories made a contribution to emissions reduction.
It focused on four key sectors: electricity, transportation, buildings, and industry. For each sector, researchers identified how different policies worked to determine the most effective ones. The “reverse causal approach” was taken to look for drops of 5% or more in emissions and then proceed to find what policies caused them. They used machine learning and other tools that would help analyze the data in a better manner.

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Importance of Carbon Pricing

The study emphasizes that carbon pricing is extremely important. To achieve deep cuts, proper tax and trading schemes must generate a critical price, providing financial incentives to cut emissions.

Since carbon pricing is necessary, it has to be included as part of a broader mix. Effective climate action requires the use of several kinds of strategies. Maybe the reliance on the price alone may not be enough.

Policymakers should commit more to effective carbon pricing and combine it with other measures for greater results.. It is only broad, deep, and fast-paced climate policy, however, that can make the perfect difference.

Koala Habitat Destruction Persists Despite Political Promises in Australia

Renuka Bangale
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Since 2011, close to 2 million hectares of forests that koalas call home have been cleared in Australia. That’s an area bigger than the entire city of Sydney and all the land around it including the Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands.

The Silent Disappearance of Koala Forests

Even though the koala was officially declared a threatened species in 2011, the destruction of its habitat has not stopped. In fact, the cutting down of koala forests has continued at a massive scale, especially in Queensland and New South Wales, the two main states where koalas are struggling to survive.

Between 2012 and 2021, an estimated 1,964,200 hectares of koala habitat were bulldozed. About 81% of this was in Queensland alone. This destruction is shocking, especially since politicians had promised to protect koalas and their homes. But the facts show that these promises have not been kept.

What’s more, the size of land cleared is ten times larger than the area currently being considered for a proposed “Great Koala National Park” in NSW. That shows how much habitat has been lost compared to how little is being protected.

Bulldozers and Cattle: What’s Causing the Loss?

Most of this destroyed forest didn’t happen naturally. It wasn’t due to bushfires or droughts. Instead, around 75% of it was cleared for farming, mainly to make way for cattle pastures and crop fields. Large areas of koala-friendly trees were cut down to raise animals or grow food.

Another 13% of the land was removed by the forestry industry, where trees are cut down for timber and other uses. And 5% was cleared for things like roads, mines, and buildings. Only a small portion – 4% – was due to natural causes like fire or drought.

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Surprisingly, most of this clearing happened in small chunks. These pieces were often too small to be considered under federal environment laws. As a result, less than 2% of all the habitat destruction was ever officially approved by the federal environment minister. This means that almost all the forest was cleared without serious checks or questions.

Despite the growing danger to koalas, new clearing is still being allowed. In 2024 alone, about 3,000 hectares of potential koala habitat were approved for bulldozing.

The Harsh Reality Koalas Now Face

Koalas were already listed as vulnerable in 2012. By 2022, things got even worse. Their status was changed to endangered, after scientists saw that their numbers had likely dropped by half in just 20 years.

Current estimates suggest there are between 95,000 and 238,000 koalas left in Queensland, NSW, and the ACT – where they are most at risk. Some more live in Victoria and South Australia, where they are not yet listed as endangered.

But losing trees isn’t the only danger. Koalas also face extreme heat, which they cannot survive for many days in a row. They struggle to keep cool when temperatures go over 37°C, and many areas now have multiple days over 40°C due to climate change. This heat weakens them and makes it even harder for them to find food and shelter.

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Their habitat is shrinking not just because of heat and farming, but also because of urban development. As trees are cleared, koalas move closer to towns and roads, where they face attacks from dogs and being hit by cars.

In some areas, like southwestern Sydney, koalas are also getting trapped in small areas. These groups can’t mix with others, which causes inbreeding and makes them weaker and more likely to get sick.

Most koalas don’t live in national parks. They live on private land, which often isn’t protected. This makes them even more vulnerable.

High Tariffs Force Tesla to Pull Model S and Model X from China

Renuka Bangale
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Tesla has officially stopped selling its luxury Model S and Model X vehicles in China. If you visit Tesla’s Chinese website today, you won’t find an option to order these cars anymore. That’s a pretty big move, even though these particular models don’t make up a large chunk of Tesla’s sales in China — or anywhere else in the world.

So, why the sudden stop? The main reason appears to be new tariffs, or extra taxes, that China has placed on cars made in the United States. These taxes have jumped from an already high 84% to a whopping 125%. That means any car Tesla sends from the U.S. to China would cost way more once it gets there. The Model S and Model X are both built only in the U.S., so these higher costs hit them hard.

For Tesla, selling those two models in China right now just doesn’t make financial sense. Even though the company only sold about 2,000 of them in China recently, it still shows how much the business is being affected by the growing trade fight between the U.S. and China.

Why Tesla Made This Move

Tesla isn’t pulling out of China completely. In fact, Tesla is still selling its more affordable and much more popular cars the Model 3 and Model Y as usual. The company builds these two models in its massive factory in Shanghai, so they don’t face the same high taxes as the American-made ones.

Right now, Chinese customers can still buy the Model S and Model X, but only from the remaining inventory basically, Tesla already shipped these cars to China before making this decision. Once customers buy those, Tesla won’t ship new ones unless something changes.

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It’s important to understand that the Model S and X have never been Tesla’s biggest sellers. They are more expensive and aimed at luxury car buyers, while the Model 3 and Model Y are more budget-friendly and designed for mass appeal. Because of this, the decision to stop selling S and X models in China may not hurt Tesla too much in terms of total sales. However, it’s still a clear sign that tensions between China and the U.S. are starting to affect the auto industry in serious ways.

Trade War Tensions Spark Trouble

At the center of this issue is a trade war — a kind of economic disagreement — between China and the United States. The U.S. recently added new tariffs on products from China, and in response, China did the same to American goods. This kind of back-and-forth can make it very hard for companies that do business in both countries.

Tesla is now caught in the middle. It builds some of its cars in the U.S. and some in China, but the new taxes mainly hurt the U.S.-made vehicles. That’s why the Model S and Model X were the first to be pulled from sale in China.

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This move shows how tricky things can get when countries disagree on trade rules. Tesla and other car makers have to deal with new rules and higher costs. Sometimes, they have to make hard choices. One example is removing some car models from big markets.

Tesla is still active in China because it makes some cars there. But this change shows how fast business plans can change when global politics get involved. The Model S and Model X were not top sellers in China. Still, their sudden exit shows how tense things are between two of the world’s biggest economies.

Malaysia Rises as a Clean Energy Leader with Bold Clean Energy Moves

Renuka Bangale
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Malaysia’s Big Push for Clean Energy

Malaysia is making big moves to become a leader in clean energy, especially in the Asia Pacific region. The country has a strong plan and the right natural conditions to succeed. It gets a lot of sunlight all year round, which makes it perfect for solar power. This means Malaysia can use the sun’s energy to power homes, schools, businesses, and even entire cities.

One of Malaysia’s proudest achievements is its success in solar power projects. These include large solar farms on land and floating solar panels placed on lakes and reservoirs. Floating solar is special because it saves space and helps keep water bodies cooler, reducing evaporation. These clean energy projects are already working well and show that Malaysia knows how to use the sun to create electricity without harming the planet.

Malaysia is not just focusing on solar power. The country is also looking at other renewable sources like biomass and hydropower. Biomass uses waste from plants or animals to create energy. Hydropower uses the force of moving water, such as rivers and dams. These extra sources of energy can help the country reduce its need for dirty fuels like coal or oil.

A Green Deal for Asia Pacific

Malaysia is not working alone. The country is supporting a big idea called the Asia Pacific Green Deal. This deal is a shared plan that encourages countries in the region to work together on fighting climate change. The main goals are to use more renewable energy, build cleaner economies, and help each other improve.

The Green Deal is not just about making changes at home. It’s also about teamwork between countries. The plan includes sharing knowledge, clean energy technologies, and even building a system for trading energy across borders. Malaysia believes that countries like Indonesia and Vietnam can team up with them to create a strong clean energy trade network.

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Malaysia is asking for help from richer countries in the region, like Japan and Australia. These countries have more money and advanced technology, so they can support smaller nations by giving them tools, knowledge, and training. This support can make it easier and faster for everyone to switch to clean energy.

The Green Deal also highlights the importance of low-carbon growth. This means finding ways to grow the economy without releasing harmful gases that cause climate change. Malaysia wants to show that it’s possible to build roads, factories, and homes while still protecting the environment.

Leading with Teamwork and Innovation

Malaysia is taking on a leadership role in Southeast Asia by becoming the current chair of ASEAN, a group of countries in the region. As chair, Malaysia wants to lead the way in building a stronger clean energy system across borders. The country is calling for more teamwork, innovation, and investments in energy infrastructure.

To make this happen, Malaysia is encouraging more partnerships between governments and businesses. These public-private partnerships are important because the government can create good policies, while companies can bring in money and new ideas. Working together can help speed up the process of building clean energy systems.

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Malaysia is also planning to host important meetings and policy discussions with other ASEAN countries. The goal is to make sure all the countries are working towards the same clean energy goals. Malaysia wants everyone to share ideas, solve problems together, and build energy systems that are connected and strong.

Another big part of the plan is getting help from around the world. Malaysia is looking to global partners for financial support and technical help. This kind of support can help countries like Malaysia build new solar farms, wind turbines, and other clean energy projects more quickly and safely.

By focusing on teamwork, innovation, and sharing resources, Malaysia is showing that even a developing country can become a clean energy leader. With its strong actions and big dreams, the country is now a key player in the global movement for a cleaner, greener future.

South Korea Wildfires Leave Four Dead and Thousands Homeless

Renuka Bangale
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Wildfires Rage Across South Korea, Leaving a Trail of Destruction

The southeastern region of South Korea is battling its worst wildfires in years. Strong winds and dry weather have fueled the flames, spreading them quickly. The fires have scorched large areas of land, leaving behind massive destruction.

In the past five days, the wildfires have killed four people, including three firefighters. Thousands of people have fled their homes to escape the flames.

The fires started last Friday and spread quickly. They hit areas like Uiseong, Sancheong, and Ulsan. More than 30 wildfires broke out, destroying forests, homes, and farms.

So far, the flames have burned over 36,300 acres of land. The government has declared the worst-hit areas as disaster zones.

Firefighters Make Progress, but the Fight Isn’t Over

After five days of fighting the flames, South Korean firefighters made good progress. By Tuesday morning, they had contained 90% of the fires in Sancheong and Uiseong.

In Ulsan, they brought more than half of the wildfire under control.

Thousands of firefighters and emergency workers, aided by military personnel, have been working around the clock to combat the fires. Despite their efforts, the disaster has already taken a heavy toll.

On Saturday, four individuals, including three firefighters and one government worker, were tragically killed in Sancheong when they were trapped by fast-moving flames.

At least 11 other people have been injured, some suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation.

In addition to the human toll, the fires have caused widespread property damage. More than 150 buildings have been destroyed or damaged, including homes, warehouses, and farm structures. The devastation has forced over 5,400 people to flee their homes and seek shelter in temporary evacuation centers.

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Disaster Declarations and Government Response

To manage the crisis, the South Korean government declared several areas as disaster zones. This includes parts of South Gyeongsang, Ulsan, and North Gyeongsang.

The disaster label allows the government to give more money and send more resources for firefighting and recovery.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is currently serving as the country’s acting leader, has vowed to make an all-out effort to control the wildfires. He has called for increased public vigilance, warning that the dry spring weather could lead to more outbreaks.

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Authorities believe that human error may have caused several of the recent wildfires. In some cases, they suspect the fires were started by people using flames to clear overgrown grass around family tombs. In other instances, sparks from welding work may have ignited the dry vegetation. Investigations are underway to confirm the causes.

Wildfires are not uncommon in South Korea, especially during the dry months of February, March, and April. However, the scale and intensity of these recent blazes have been particularly destructive, making it one of the deadliest wildfire incidents in recent years.

As firefighters continue their battle against the remaining flames, thousands of people are left hoping for swift containment and the beginning of recovery efforts.

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Massive $92 Billion White Hydrogen Reserve Unearthed in France

Renuka Bangale
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France Uncovers White Hydrogen

Scientists in France have unearthed the world’s largest deposit of naturally occurring hydrogen, valued at $92 billion. This reserve, known as white hydrogen, was accidentally found while researchers were exploring for methane in the Moselle region. Hidden deep beneath the earth—approximately 4,101 feet below the surface—this massive deposit could be a game-changer for the global clean energy industry.

This discovery is huge. The deposit holds nearly half of the world’s yearly gray hydrogen production. White hydrogen is naturally found underground and easy to extract with little harm to the environment. Unlike gray or green hydrogen, it doesn’t need complex, energy-heavy production.

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What Makes White Hydrogen Unique?

To understand the importance of this discovery, it’s helpful to know how white hydrogen differs from other types.

Gray hydrogen is the most widely produced form today. It is extracted from natural gas or coal, but the process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Green hydrogen comes from electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. The process is clean but costly because it needs a lot of energy.

White hydrogen forms naturally when iron-rich rocks react with water deep underground. It doesn’t need factories or fossil fuels. This makes it cleaner and cheaper to extract than green hydrogen.

White hydrogen doesn’t burn fossil fuels or release harmful gases, making it a “magic bullet” for clean energy. If extracted well, it could remove CO2 emissions, creating a truly sustainable energy source.

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Why This Discovery Is Significant

This hydrogen discovery could have a huge impact. It is worth $92 billion and could supply clean energy on a large scale. If used well, it could reduce the world’s need for fossil fuels and cut CO2 emissions.

White hydrogen is much cheaper to produce. Unlike green hydrogen, which needs complex and costly methods, white hydrogen comes straight from underground reserves. This could make hydrogen energy more affordable for both consumers and industries.

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White hydrogen is a clean energy source. Its extraction does not use fossil fuels or create harmful emissions. If more deposits are found worldwide, it could reduce the need for gray hydrogen, which adds to carbon pollution.

Scientists think more hydrogen reserves like the one in France might exist around the world. If more fields are found, it could change global energy. This would cut carbon footprints and support a sustainable future.

This huge discovery in France could change clean energy. Scientists are still studying the deposit, but it is a big step toward using less polluting energy.

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Women-Led Climate Solutions: Breaking Barriers in Sustainability

Ruta Kulkarni
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The role of women in tackling climate change was a key focus at the PIC Climate Emergency Conference. The event was held at the PIC Campus on March 8. It marked the observance of International Women’s Day. An all-women panel led the discussion on climate challenges. They highlighted the links between climate, social, economic, and governance issues. The discussion emphasized the need for inclusive and knowledge-driven climate action.

Women at the Forefront of Climate Resilience

The discussion was chaired by Prof. Amitav Mallik, Founder Member and Trustee of PIC and Convenor of the Conference. Panelists highlighted the pressing need for sustainable solutions that consider social equity, economic stability, and environmental governance.

Dr. Girija Godbole, GHOD Water Fund Lead, discussed the social impact of climate change. She explained that it worsens inequalities across economic, gender, and urban-rural lines. She highlighted how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected. Dr. Godbole stressed the need for their greater representation in decision-making. She advocated for a more inclusive approach to climate policies. Ensuring diverse voices in policy formation is crucial for effective climate action.

Addressing the psychological impact of climate change, Aditi Kale, Director at CCP Environmental Foundation, spoke about the growing issue of eco-anxiety. She underscored the importance of resilience, stating that it is not a luxury but a necessity. Kale stressed the role of conscious consumerism and the integration of climate awareness into professional sectors to drive tangible change.

Women-Led Climate Solutions: Breaking Barriers in Sustainability

Anagha Paranjpe, Founder of VK:e, a firm specializing in sustainable architecture, highlighted the disproportionate environmental footprint of urban centers. Despite occupying only 3% of India’s land, cities contribute to 65% of the country’s GDP. She advocated for stronger investment in urban governance to ensure sustainable economic growth, reducing the environmental burden while maintaining progress.

Dr. Priyadarshini Karve, CEO of Clean Energy Access Network, posed a compelling question: “Can thought leaders elevate climate literacy to a level where public demand forces politics to break free from its dependence on petroleum?” She urged for greater awareness and policy-driven action to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The discussion concluded with a strong call for climate-conscious governance, urging individuals, policymakers, and industry leaders to take decisive steps toward an inclusive and sustainable future.

Industry’s Role in Sustainable Practices

Sustainability in industry was a focal point of the panel discussion on ‘Moving to Lasting Sustainability,’ moderated by Dr. Gurudas Nulkar, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. The session explored viable pathways to reducing carbon emissions, energy efficiency, and innovative solutions for industrial sustainability.

Shantanu Pandit, Chair of Climate Change at PIC, emphasized optimizing power consumption, stating that better energy management and power quality improvements could reduce industrial CO2 emissions by 20%.

Milon Nag, Managing Director at K.K. Nag Pvt. Ltd., discussed the challenges of sustainability in the plastics industry. While thermoplastics can be recycled, he advocated for reducing energy usage in plastic manufacturing and enhancing recycling mechanisms to make the sector more sustainable.

Mahesh Deodhar, Head of the Centre for Sustainable Energy and Mobility at PIC, highlighted India’s nuclear energy potential. He outlined a roadmap to scale India’s nuclear energy capacity to 6,500 gigawatts by 2047, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.

Nitant Mate, Director at SeeGreen Products Pvt. Ltd., introduced biomass as an alternative energy source. He explained that converting 300 tons of biomass produces 300,000 meters of gas, offering a cleaner and more sustainable fuel solution.

As part of the sustainability push, the panel introduced the “Nakshatra 27” initiative, encouraging the planting of 27 trees per 2000 sq. ft. of land to promote environmental restoration. The session concluded with a strong emphasis on collective action, technological advancements, and policy support to foster a greener industrial future.

Redefining Economic Growth for Sustainability and Women’s Empowerment

In a session on ‘Challenges of Real Sustainable Development and Future Directions,’ Dr. Gurudas Nulkar discussed economic growth and resource use. He highlighted the need to separate growth from resource exploitation. He emphasized that more than 200 mines in India lack computerized systems. This results in inefficient extraction of minerals. It also causes severe environmental damage. Women in rural communities suffer the most as they depend on natural resources.

Dr. Nulkar proposed alternative economic strategies, advocating for a circular economy and service-based models such as leasing over selling. He emphasized the role of women entrepreneurs in promoting sustainable business models. Citing the example of Xerox’s photocopier leasing model, he demonstrated how sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

He also addressed India’s renewable energy transition, stressing the country’s heavy reliance on imported critical minerals. To enhance self-sufficiency, he called for large-scale projects to cultivate biomass and leverage the carbon cycle for sustainable energy solutions. He underscored the importance of empowering women in the renewable energy sector, ensuring their active participation in driving sustainable solutions.

Key action points from the session included:

  • Exploring nationwide projects for biomass cultivation as a renewable energy source.
  • Reevaluating India’s renewable energy strategy to maximize self-reliance.
  • Promoting sustainable economic models, such as circular economies and service-based frameworks.

Dr. Nulkar strongly urged a paradigm shift toward a “green GDP,” aligning economic growth with sustainability and resource efficiency to balance development with environmental responsibility.

Eco-Warriors: Why Gen Z is Leading the Charge for Sustainability

Ruta Kulkarni
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Gen Z Push Towards a Sustainable World

Each generation contributes to shaping the future, but Gen Z stands out for its commitment to sustainability. Reports reveal that nearly 75% of Gen Z consumers prioritize eco-friendly choices in their daily lives. Unlike older generations who grew up with varied priorities, Gen Z has emerged with a clear focus on environmental responsibility. This shift has given them a powerful voice in the climate change conversation, prompting many brands to rethink their approach to meet this generation’s demand for greener products.

A recent study highlights this divide in values: 74% of Gen Z shoppers, compared to only 50% of Baby Boomers, actively search for products that align with their environmental values. However, there’s a twist. Although Gen Z consumers are vocal about sustainability, older generations still account for much of the carbon footprint due to their sheer numbers and spending capacity. Despite these differences, many companies are noticing and capitalizing on this shift, realizing that young consumers are guiding a new era of eco-consciousness.

The Rise of the Green Economy: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity?

With Gen Z driving the demand for sustainable goods, businesses are seeing a major market opportunity in eco-conscious products. The market for sustainable goods reached an impressive $350 billion in 2023 alone, largely fueled by young consumers. Brands are responding with new, environmentally friendly innovations, hoping to win the loyalty of this influential generation.

Numerous youth-led startups and companies are already stepping up with sustainable alternatives. For example, Phool.co is turning floral waste into eco-friendly products, and EcoRight is creating bags and accessories from recycled materials. Both of these brands reflect Gen Z’s values by producing goods that have minimal environmental impact. Companies that adopt these approaches often find that customers reward them with loyalty, as seen with brands like Patagonia, which is renowned for its environmental commitment.

This movement isn’t just limited to startups. Established brands are also joining the green economy to appeal to Gen Z consumers. The shift is reshaping the way products are developed, pushing companies to think about their environmental impact at every stage of production. As more brands adopt this approach, young consumers are playing an essential role in expanding the green economy, driving innovation, and promoting responsible consumer habits.

Reality Check: The Challenge of Consistent Sustainability Choices

Despite Gen Z’s vocal commitment to sustainability, not all eco-friendly intentions translate into consistent actions. A 2024 report by McKinsey & Company highlights Gen Z’s sustainability priorities. It shows that 75% of Gen Z consumers claim to prioritize sustainability. However, only 55% actually follow through on this commitment when making purchases. This difference between intentions and actions is known as the “intention-action gap.” It poses a challenge for the green movement, which relies on consistent consumer choices to make an impact.

The gap between what young consumers intend to do and what they actually do reflects the complex reality of sustainable living. While it’s one thing to support sustainability in theory, making environmentally responsible choices in practice can be challenging. This discrepancy suggests that even among those who strongly advocate for sustainability, there’s room for growth in terms of aligning values with behaviors.

Even so, Gen Z’s dedication remains a pivotal influence in the ongoing push for environmental responsibility. Experts recognize that this generation is at the forefront of sustainability, setting new expectations and influencing brands and corporations to adopt greener practices. The widespread support among young consumers for sustainable products has created a ripple effect, encouraging companies across industries to prioritize eco-friendly solutions.

Impact of Gen Z on the Planet’s Future

The sustainable choices of young consumers are already influencing consumer culture and pushing the world toward greener solutions. The large population of Gen Z and their commitment to environmental responsibility are driving change. Their influence is reshaping how brands and corporations approach climate issues. Even governments are adapting climate-related decisions in response to Gen Z’s priorities. The future of sustainability is closely tied to this generation’s values and actions. Their impact is helping to shape the direction of the green economy.

As more brands embrace sustainability to meet Gen Z’s expectations, the push for environmental responsibility gains momentum. Although there may be challenges, Gen Z’s emphasis on eco-conscious living has already set in motion a significant cultural shift. Their continued dedication could be a crucial factor in advancing the green economy and tackling environmental issues on a global scale.

Climate Change Threatens Asia’s Future

Ruta Kulkarni
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Climate change is a reality that is becoming increasingly clear to people all over the world. In recent years, many have noticed the significant effects of climate change in their daily lives. India, being the second-largest agricultural economy, is feeling the brunt of this crisis. The changing climate is leading to erratic rainfall, severe floods, and rising temperatures, all of which are affecting agricultural productivity. These changes in the environment not only impact food costs but also strain the budgets of families across the nation.

The Asian Development Board has released an important report called the “Asia Pacific Climate Report.” This report provides alarming insights into the current state of our planet. It shows that the Earth is warming at a faster pace than previously thought. By the end of this century, global temperatures could rise from around 1.5°C to as much as 3°C. If we do not take action, the cost could be severe, leading to a staggering 24.7% decline in India’s GDP by the year 2070, while the Asia-Pacific region could see a 16.7% drop.

The Growing Impact of Climate Change

Temperature increases are not the only effect of climate change. Many parts of Asia and the Pacific, particularly Southeast Asia, are experiencing more frequent tropical storms, heat waves, and floods. These extreme weather events are not only damaging crops and properties but are also disrupting everyday life for millions of people. The excessive rainfall can lead to human suffering, loss of livelihoods, and increased food insecurity.

At the heart of climate change is the rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Historically, developed economies were the primary contributors to greenhouse gases. However, the situation has shifted dramatically in the 21st century. Emerging Asia has now become the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. The region’s contribution to global emissions rose from 29.4% in 2000 to an alarming 45.9% by 2021, with China alone accounting for about 30% of this increase. It should be noted that although emerging Asia’s per capita emissions are lower than the worldwide average, this is mostly because the region is home to almost 60% of the world’s population.

The energy sector stands out as the largest source of these emissions, contributing a significant 77.6% of total emissions. This is primarily due to a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with India sourcing about 55% of its energy needs from coal. Other major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions include agriculture, which accounts for 10.6%, and industrial processes, which make up 8.6%. While the emissions intensity in emerging Asia has decreased by over 50% since 2000, the region still produces half of the world’s emissions.

The Consequences of Climate Change for Communities

If the current trend of rising CO2 emissions continues, the impacts will be severe, particularly for countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and the rest of Southeast Asia. Sea levels are expected to rise, and temperature increases in these areas will likely exceed global averages. Agriculture will bear the brunt of these changes. By 2070, water stress is expected to reduce wheat yields by up to 45% and maize yields by over 20% in parts of developing Asia.

The threat of coastal flooding is also significant, with models suggesting that up to 300 million people in the region could be affected. Annual flood damage could reach around $1 trillion by 2070, with South Asia being particularly vulnerable. In India alone, riverine flooding is projected to result in a 4% loss in GDP by 2070. Additionally, falling labor productivity will significantly impact both India and Bangladesh, leading to economic challenges for millions of workers.

The High Cost of Inaction

The cost of doing nothing in the face of climate change is staggering. If current emission trends continue, the expected annual damage could reach $1.3 trillion by 2070, affecting over 110 million people every year. The report indicates that India is likely to experience the highest number of affected individuals, with residential losses being the primary cause of damage.

However, there is still a choice to be made. We can either remain inactive or let the Asia-Pacific economy suffer a massive loss of $96 trillion by 2070, or we can take decisive action against climate change. By making climate initiatives a part of our economic strategy, we could potentially add $47 trillion to the Asia-Pacific economy by 2070.

The need for action is clear. Investments in renewable energy and efforts to reduce carbon emissions are already showing positive effects. However, it is crucial to accelerate these initiatives. The Asia-Pacific region stands to benefit immensely from rapid decarbonization, which can lead to improvements in public health. Additionally, this transition can reduce agricultural losses and create high-quality jobs in emerging sectors. Ultimately, a cleaner environment is essential for combatting climate change and fostering economic growth and stability in the region.

AT&T to Remove Lead Cables from Lake Tahoe

Khushi Randad
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AT&T will remove more than 100,000 pounds of lead cables from Lake Tahoe after a long battle in litigation. Environmental activists and local leaders had long been pushing for this cleanup. The cables pose grave threats to the lake’s ecosystem. The removal of the cables is considered an important environmental victory.

Litigation Battle and Community Advocacy

Legal argument had begun several years ago. Many environmental groups filed a case against AT&T. They argued that the company was disregarding the lead hazard in cables. Activists then called for strong action in urgency. Public awareness grew as more residents came in to join the movement. They claimed they were afraid of their health and safety of the lake.

Community advocacy played a critical role in this outcome. Local residents coordinated protest and awareness campaigns. Such efforts brought the topic into the forefront of people’s minds and initiated action. “We have fought hard for this change,” said one community member. Many locals believe that this victory will help keep their treasured lake intact.

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AT&T had come in for much criticism as it was responding very slowly to the plea from the activists. The company was accused of opting for its profits over environmental safety. The incidences started occurring over the years, and this led to fresh debates. Finally, in 2023, AT&T agreed to join the cleanup project. This marks a turning point in the approach the company has been taking towards environmental responsibility.

The Clean-up Process

The removal process will be very burdensome and complicated. It will involve planning, coupled with the requirement of heavy resources for removal. Specialists will watch over the operation to ascertain safety and gain maximum efficiency. The company intends to collaborate with environmental agencies. In this collaboration, it is intended that they should adhere to all regulations.

Although AT&T has not said exactly when the cleanup will take place, they have given people an assurance that soon, the work will start. Transparency will play a key role in this process. The community members will seek regular updates regarding the development of the cleanup. They will want to know about the clean-up efforts.

Environmental groups are on high alert to monitor the situation further. They feel that AT&T should deliver the goods. The advocacy work could lead to more comprehensive environmental policies in the future. Successful projects here might inspire other projects elsewhere. It highlights corporate accountability in environmental terms.

Benefits to Lake Tahoe and Its Ecosystem

Lake Tahoe is a scenic delight and blessed with an element of natural wealth. It welcomes millions of tourists annually. Tourists have their activities like swimming, hiking, and boating. Cleanliness of water is needed to engage in these activities. The eradication of lead cables would be one way of protecting this precious resource.

The presence of lead in the lake comes with serious implications. Lead is toxic both to humans and to other wildlife. Lead presents bad health problems in people, mainly children. Aquatic life also suffers due to lead exposure. Fish populations and other organisms can be adversely affected.

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AT&T will remove the cables to back up the protecting of Lake Tahoe. The environment will be clean to the advantage of both locals and visitors. It sustains the fragile ecological balance. Such a habitat will enable local wildlife to flourish in a cleaner and safer environment. This clean up fits well with regional conservation efforts.

This agreement signals a hopeful step forward for the community and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. With this decision, Lake Tahoe’s future appears bright. The cooperation between AT&T and environmental groups bodes well for the lake’s health. It shows what communities can achieve when they unite for a common cause.

 

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