International Year of Chemistry

The International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC 2011) is a worldwide celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of humankind. This recognition for chemistry was made official by the United Nations in December 2008. Events for the year are being coordinated by IUPAC, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, and by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Under the unifying theme “Chemistry-our life, our future,” IYC 2011 will offer a range of interactive, entertaining, and educational activities for all ages. The Year of Chemistry is intended to reach across the globe, with opportunities for public participationat the local, regional, and national level. The goals of IYC2011 are to increase the public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs, to encourage interest in chemistry among young people, and to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry. The year 2011 will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize awarded to Madame Marie Curie-an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to science. The year will also be the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies, providing a chance to highlight the benefits of international scientific collaboration. IYC 2011 events will emphasize that chemistry is a creative science essential for sustainability and improvements to our way of life. The Year of Chemistry will help enhance international cooperation by serving as a focal point or information source for activities by national chemical societies, educational institutions, industry, governmental, and non-governmental organizations.

International year of Bat

Bats, the worlds only flying mammals are one of the planet’s most misunderstood and persecuted mammals. Around half of the world’s 1100 bat species are currently at risk. Bat populations have declined alarmingly in recent decades. Despite intensified conservation efforts, over half of all bats species are now classified by the International Union for Conservation as threatened or near threatened. The recently launched, UNEP-backed ‘Year of the Bat’ will promote conservation, research and education on bats. The Year of the Bat in 2011 will coincide with the United Nations’ International Year of Forests. The Year of the Bat will encourage people across the world to get involved in bat conservation efforts.

Bats play a key part in sustaining the world’s forests. Bats provide ecological benefits such as pest control and seed dispersal. Bat populations in large urban areas can consume up to 30,000 pounds of insects in a single night. An estimated 134 plants that yield products used by humans are partially or entirely dependent on bats for seed dispersal or pollination. Environmental experts say bats as indicators of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Most people are unaware that bats provide invaluable services to the environment.

Bats are found nearly everywhere and approximately 1,200 species account for almost a quarter of all mammals. Nevertheless, in recent decades their populations have declined alarmingly. Many are now endangered, though they provide invaluable services that we cannot afford to lose. Simply because they are active only at night and difficult to observe and understand, bats rank among our planet’s most misunderstood and intensely persecuted mammals. Fruit and nectar-eating bats are equally important in maintaining whole ecosystems of plant life. In fact, their seed dispersal and pollination services are crucial to the regeneration of rain forests which are the lungs and rain makers of our planet. Many of the plants which depend on such bats are additionally of great economic value, their products ranging from timber and tequila to fruits, spices, nuts and even natural pesticides. It is now well demonstrated that people and bats can share even our cities at great mutual benefit. Through varied activities during the Year of the Bat, it can understand that bats are much more than essential. They’re incredibly fascinating, delightfully likeable masters of our night skies.

International Year of Forest 2011

Forests play an integral part in the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people worldwide, supply the habitat for millions of species, and play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change. But deforestation continues at a rate of 50,000 square miles per year. Within this mind, the United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2011 as the International Year of Forests (Forests 2011). Everyone from Governments and the UN system, to major groups and other forest-related organizations are invited to come together to raise awareness on strengthening the sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.

Quick Facts:

• Forests cover 31 percent of total global land area.
• Forests store more than 1 trillion tons of carbon.
• Over 1.6 billion people’s livelihoods depend on forests.
• Trade in forest products was estimated at $327 billion in 2004.
• Forests are home to 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity.
• 30 percent of forests are used for production of wood and non-wood products
• Forests are home to 300 million people around the world.
• Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
  

Goals

Forests 2011 is a unique opportunity to highlight the key role of forests in our lives. By showcasing success stories and solutions, the year will galvanise greater public participation in forest-related activities.

Theme

“Forests for People” is the main theme of the Year. It highlights the dynamic relationship between forests and the people who depend on them.

Forest management includes eliminating clear-cutting to keep forest environments intact. The cutting that does occur should be balanced by planting enough new trees to replace the ones felled. While the number of new tree plantations has been growing each year, the total trees grown are still a small fraction of the Earth’s current forested land.

Among the planned events for 2011 International Year of Forests are tree plantings and the distribution of seedlings. Ethiopia, Georgia, Jamaica, Lebanon and Poland, and some non-governmental organizations all have plans to organize mass tree plantings as part of their International Year activities. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has specifically indicated plans to plant over 1 billion trees throughout the country during 2011.

Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD)

United Nations declared 2005-2014 as the Decade of Education for sustainable Development underlining role of education as critical to achieving sustainable development goals. UNESCO has been designated as the Lead Agency for the promotion of DESD. The over all goal of DESD is to integrate the values inherent in sustainable development into all aspects of learning to encourage changes in behavior that allow for a more sustainable and just society for all. The objectives of DESD is to foster increased quality of learning and education for sustainable development and to develop strategies at every level to strengthen capacity in ESD. Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs for the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. DESD aims to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning, in order to address the social, economic, cultural and environmental problems we face in the 21st century.

International Year of Biodiversity-2010

The United Nations proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, and people all over the world are working to safeguard this irreplaceable natural wealth and reduce biodiversity loss. This is vital for current and future human well being. We need to do more. Now is the time to act. The International Year of Biodiversity is a unique opportunity to increase understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth. Biological diversity - or biodiversity - is the term given to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. Genetic, Species and Ecosystem diversity are the three levels of biodiversity. The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and, increasingly, by the influence of humans. It forms the web of life of which we are an integral part and upon which we so fully depend. Biodiversity provides a large number of goods and services that sustain our lives. Protecting biodiversity is in our self-interest. Biological resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. Nature's products support such diverse industries as agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, horticulture, construction and waste treatment. Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, alien species and over exploitation are the major reasons behind the high rate of biodiversity loss. The loss of biodiversity threatens our food supplies, opportunities for recreation and tourism, and sources of wood, medicines and energy. It also interferes with essential ecological functions. The United Nations proclaimed May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme of 2010 biodiversity day is Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation.

Major goals of International Year of Biodiversity 2010 include

• Establishing protected areas to conserve biological diversity while promoting environmentally sound development around these areas

• Rehabilitating and restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting the recovery of threatened species in collaboration with local residents

• Respecting, preserving and maintaining traditional knowledge of the sustainable use of biological diversity with the involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities

• Preventing the introduction of, controlling, and eradicating alien species that could threaten ecosystems, habitats or species

• Controlling the risks posed by organisms modified by biotechnology

• Promoting public participation, particularly when it comes to assessing the environmental impacts of development projects that threaten biological diversity

• Educating people and raising awareness about the importance of biological diversity and the need to conserve it

• Reporting on how each country is meeting its biodiversity goals.

How to Soothe a Sunburn

There are some tricks that will soothe sunburn and some old wives tales that can do more harm than good. This list of do’s and don’ts will help if you find yourself with a nasty burn. Of course, start any time you spend in the sun with a sweat-proof, water-proof sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and you won’t even need this information – prevention is the ultimate way to soothe sunburn!

Start with the Don’ts. They can actually cause further damage to your skin and increase your pain.

Don’t use anything cold to soothe a burn. Always use a cool soak or compress.

Don’t exfoliate or use products that contain glycolic acid, retinoids, or salicylic acid until you are completely done peeling. After you’re done peeling, wait another three days to allow your skin to finish healing. Your skin is too sensitive during this time to be exposed to these ingredients.

Don’t pop any blisters. Don’t apply any lotion or gel to blisters.

Don’t use an oil based spray even if it says it’s for use on sunburned skin. The coating these sprays form locks the heat of the burn onto your skin and greatly increases your pain.

Don’t pull off peeling skin. This can prolong and worsen peeling. Let flaking skin fall off naturally. 

Don’t go back into the sun until your burn has healed and your skin is no longer red or pink. If you must be in the sun, protect the burned areas of your skin with a hat, long sleeves or pants.


And now for the Do’s. These are tried and true ways to treat a sunburn that will benefit your skin and help speed up the healing process.

Do keep your legs or arms elevated when they are even moderately burned.

Do use damp, chilled teabags to soothe sunburned eyelids. Chamomile is gentle and works well.

Do use cool compresses soaked in milk to soothe the affected areas. Milk proteins create a protective coat on the skin that helps maintain the moisture necessary for the healing enzymes to both soothe the skin and take away the sting.

Do take a cool 10 – 15 minute shower to lower your increased body temperature. This will also help pull the heat from the burn and reduce your pain.

Do drink green tea or pomegranate extract or juice. Both have soothing anti-inflammatory benefits and are strong antioxidants, which can help repair the unseen damage of UV exposure.

Do eat lots of fruits (especially berries) and veggies. Their antioxidants will also help lessen UV damage.

Do moisturize a lot! Use moisturizers with aloe and antioxidants, especially on your face. Continue to moisturize even while you’re peeling.

Do sleep in very soft, loose-fitting dress with no lace or tags to help reduce pain.

Do call/see your doctor immediately if you experience blistering, fever, chills or weakness as a result of your sunburn.

Source: here

Sunburns - Do's and Don'ts

PALAKKAD: In an unprecedented high temperature of over 40 degrees Celsius experienced in the district for the last two weeks, five persons were admitted to a hospital at Pathiripala, near here, with sunburns on Wednesday. The Health Department which confirmed the sunburn incident after examining the five persons issued a warning to the people in the wake of the rise in temperature in the district. Four taxi drivers and a vegetable vendor who were exposed to the sun suffered burns on the backside of their shoulder. The taxi drivers who went to take bath at a nearby river in the afternoon found that they were having burns on their back and swelling. After sometime the skin peeled out and they experienced severe pain. Source - The Hindu, Thursday, Mar 11, 2010

Friday, March 12, 2010

Click here for detailed news and Do's and Don'ts regarding surnburn

Circular for the temporary restrictions on new development projects in industrial clusters

The Centre has imposed temporary restrictions through a circular issued on 22nd Jan 2010 on new development projects in industrial clusters that score more than 70 points on the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Consideration of projects for environmental clearance based on Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index. Dated:13-01-2010 [pdf].


Consideration of projects for environmental clearance basded on Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index - Implementation thereof. Dated:22-01-2010 [pdf].

Shining stars of power-saving

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Four office buildings in the state - two each in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi - are among the first 49 buildings nationwide that have been awarded star rating by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under the Union Power Ministry.

The Kochi offices of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Wipro Ltd have received fivestar ratings, the highest, while the RBI office and the Southern Railway Deputy Regional Manager’s Office in Thiruvananthapuram have received four stars and three stars respectively.

The ratings are indicators of how well energy is managed in office buildings. Similar to that given to hotels, the ratings count from one star to five depending on the degree of energy efficiency. Star ratings are part of a BEE campaign to promote energy conservation in office buildings across the country.

Energy management and conservation are once again top news with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) predicting an impending power crisis. Daily power consumption, according to the KSEB, has hit unprecedented levels even before the summer season has officially begun.

Twenty-one RBI buildings have made it to the BEE list with varying levels of energy efficiency, while only two buildings connected to electricity - the Vidyut Bhavan in Jaipur and the APTRANSCO Vidyut Soudha, Hyderabad, are on the list.

Star ratings are determined by an Energy Performance Index (EPI) calculated through the formula Kilowatt Hour per square meter per year (kWh/sqm/year). Building owners can apply to BEE by paying Rs 1 lakh as registration fee. Office buildings with more than 50 percent air conditioned built-up area and buildings with less than 50 percent AC built-up area are rated separately. Periodical reviews by the BEE ensure that the conditions are adhered to.

"The country is divided into different climatic zones for the purpose of rating - composite, warm and humid; and hot and dry. The idea’s catching up. A lot of people are calling us up to know how to apply," said A.M. Narayanan, head, Energy Efficiency Division, Energy Management Centre (EMC). In Kerala, EMC represents BEE.

Tiki Rajwi
First Published : 24 Feb 2010 02:10:00 AM IST
Expressbuzz

Beware of Rose river fever

Australia's Rose River Virus may be spreading viral fever in Tamil Nadu. It could spread easily to Kerala if preventive measures are not taken.

Source: Mathrubhumi
Saturday, February 06, 2010

What's New in ENVIS website

Three new web pages on topics of current interest were added to the ENVIS website. The pages contain descriptions and links to news items. Latest news will be displayed to the concerned web pages automatically using RSS feed.

New web pages

• Wetlands
• Climate change
• Bt Issue

National Wetland Conservation Programme, Revised Guidelines

Wetlands, natural and manmade, freshwater or brackish, provide numerous ecological services. The density of birds, in particular, is an accurate indication of the ecological health of a particular wetland. However, unsustainable use of wetlands without reckoning of their assimilative capacity constitutes major threat to the conservation and management of these vital biodiversity rich areas. Thus, restricting the prospects of future generation to utilize the benefits of the ecosystem services provided by these wetlands.

See MoEF's National Wetland Conservation Programme, Revised Guidelines

Environmental index: State in 'more sustainable' class

An Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) that maps the ability of States to remain ecologically sustainable while pursuing development has ranked Kerala in "more sustainable" category.

ESI is a powerful tool that can be used to identify priorities; a state might be facing several environmental changes such as water pollution, air pollution and loss of forest and biodiversity. Using ESI it can be determined which of these issues needs the most urgent attention. It can be effectively used to formulate targeted policies and to allocate funds more rationally, within states and within sectors.

State of Kerala

2009 Rating: 61-80 

ESI Score : 61.53 | GDP / Capita (Rs.‘000) : 41,182

State & Society's Response: 0.30

Impact on Human Health: -0.62

State/Quality of Environement :0.48

Driving Force: 0.54

Pressure on Ecosystem: -0.08

Find more details at http://www.greenindiastandards.com/kerala.php?stateid=16

National Seminar on Role of Women in Combating Climate Change

A national seminar was organized by Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) in association with Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India at Sasthra Bhavan on 'Role of women in combating climate change' during 7th and 8th January 2010. The Seminar was inaugurated by Smt. P.K. Sreemathy Teacher, Hon'ble Minister for Health, Family and Social Welfare, Govt. of Kerala. Dr. E.P. Yesodharan presided over the function and Dr. J. Letha, Principal, College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram offered felicitation. Prof. J. Srinivasan, Professor, I.I.Sc. Bangalore delivered the special address on climate change. Eminent personalities will present papers in the technical sessions. The seminar will be concluded on 8th evening with a Panel discussion on the selected topic.

Kerala ENVIS Centre is planning to bring out a theses database

A database for PhD and MS theses on environmental issues is planning to set up by Kerala ENVIS Centre. Depending on the availability, either abstract or full text or both will be published to the ENVIS website at http://kerenvis.nic.in. The uploaded document can be viewed online or download by public at no cost.

Terms and conditions

• Thesis should be in English, deal with Environment of Kerala in a broader perspective based on research work carried out anywhere in the world.
• By submitting a copy of thesis, the author agrees that the thesis can be published to ENVIS website at http://kerenvis.nic.in
• The copyright will remain with the author.

If you have a digital copy of your thesis in MS Word, PDF or any other format please submit it via email. If you have the thesis  CD or have a printed copy, please send it to the following address:

ENVIS Centre
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment (KSCSTE)
Sastra Bhavan, Pattom
Thiruvananthapuram 695004, Kerala, India

If you have any further question, please email to ker@envis.nic.in

Climate accord at a glance for you

The following are the broad contours of the accord reached by the United States, China, India, Brazil, South Africa and several other countries at the U.N. climate talks — along with current elements in place earlier:
Emissions
The deal does not commit any nation to emission cuts beyond a general acknowledgment that global temperatures should be held along the lines agreed to by leading nations in July. There are no overall emissions targets for rich countries.
The already agreed-upon emission cuts fall far short of action needed to avoid potentially dangerous effects of climate change. These cuts are to be made by 2020:
U.S.- a 17 per cent reduction from 2005 levels (or 3-4 per cent from 1990 levels).
China- a cut of 40 to 45 per cent below “business as usual,” that is, judged against 2005 figures for energy used versus economic output.
India- 20 to 25 per cent cut from 2005 levels.
European Union-20 per cent cut from 1990, and possibly 30 per cent.
Japan- 25 per cent cut from 1990.
Verification
Countries are to list actions taken to cut global warming pollution by specific amounts.
Method is agreed upon for verifying reductions.
Developed nations already covered by the 1997 Kyoto Protocol (the U.S. is not included) will have their emissions cuts monitored and will face possible sanctions if they fail to meet them.
Funding
Wealthy nations will raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer nations cope with the effects of climate change, such as droughts and floods. This is contingent on a broader agreement, including some kind of oversight to verify China’s emissions of greenhouse gases.
Short-term funding of roughly $30 billion over three years beginning in 2010 to help developing countries adapt to climate change and shift to clean energy.
The Hindu, December 20, 2009

Environmental Impact Assessement Notification-2009 - S.O. 3067(E), [01/12/2009]

View  Environmental Impact Assessement Notification-2009 S.O. 3067(E), [01/12/2009] - MoEF, New Delhi, l December 2009 or download from ENVIS website

Global warming

Source: Mathrubhumi Dated: 3.12.2009

GLobal warming-Role of Mobile towers

Source: Kerala Kaumudi Dated:3.12.2009

Proceedings of the National Seminar on the Coastal Ecosystems and Evaluation Workshop of South Indian ENVIS Centres

ENVIS Centre at the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has conducted a two-day National Seminar on the Coastal Ecosystems and Evaluation Workshop of South Indian ENVIS Centres during 2-3 April 2009 at Eastend, Munnar, Kerala.The proceedings of the programme has been published which can be downloaded from here or visit of publications page.