CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS
Maryland gave disappearing seabirds a floating wooden island in 2020; six years later, common terns built 376 nests on it and 84 more on nearby restored land
In Maryland, conservationists created a floating island to provide nesting sites for common terns. This solution came as natural nesting areas were disappearing due to climate change effects. In the first breeding season, the platform hosted 23 nests, indicating immediate acceptance by the birds. As populations grew, common terns also began to establish nests on nearby restored habitats.
Urgent climate finance pleas at COP31 face a non-urgent response
Poor nations are calling for urgent financial support to address climate-related disasters, yet responses are sluggish. Despite past agreements, funding to vulnerable countries has not met the required targets, causing severe delays. Geopolitical issues and rising military expenditures further divert attention and resources away from climate financing.
From biomass to biochar: Ankur Scientific’s 4-decade journey of turning waste into wealth
The Vadodara-based second-generation company has built a global business by turning waste into valuable resources.
"Very salient": UN climate chief backs PM Modi's remarks on clean energy cushioning India against oil price shock
UN climate chief Simon Stiell has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that clean energy investments helped India withstand the oil price shock, calling them "very salient". Stiell also welcomed India's Green Energy Corridor, emphasising the role of renewable energy, stronger electricity grids and battery storage in protecting economies.
Investors reassess US data centre bets after 'Blue Tsunami'; some look at India, other alternatives
This may not affect projects currently underway, but the data centre business has been driving growth for several companies in the US lately “and now there is looming concern over how this might play out,” said the executive who did not wish to be named.
Infosys Prize 2026 honours six young researchers across science & arts
At a recent press event, the Infosys Science Foundation celebrated the winners of the Infosys Prize 2026, honoring six promising early-career researchers for their remarkable achievements in diverse fields. Each recipient will be awarded a gold medal along with a substantial monetary prize of $100,000, designed to motivate emerging scholars and further their academic journeys, while reinforcing the foundation's commitment to fostering innovation and research excellence.
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ET AI Awards 2027 are here: Discover if your AI innovation is ready for the spotlight of a national stage!
Celebrating the future of technology, the ET AI Awards 2027 acknowledges key innovations and leadership in AI from various industries in India. With an impressive array of over 40 categories, these awards emphasize the importance of AI developments by startups, SMEs, and large enterprises, offering a valuable stage for recognizing their contributions to the AI ecosystem.
India should offer world new development model rooted in tradition: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
Mohan Bhagwat called attention to India's heritage of traditional wisdom as a potential blueprint for global progress. He underlined the necessity of achieving equilibrium among human lifestyles, animal health, and environmental integrity. Concurrently, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confronted the agricultural issues arising from climate change, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the establishment of agriculture and veterinary institutions as vital steps for enhancing local development.
Energy infra startups see bigger cheques as investors bet on sovereign play
Bengaluru-based Enerzolve, which makes smart meters, power conversion systems and energy storage systems, is in talks to raise $20 million from existing investors Jungle Ventures and Kae Capital as well as Schneider Electric, people aware of the matter told ET. That’s nearly four times the $5 million it raised in a January round.
Acceleration in clean technology needed to ensure decline in world's emissions: Study
Adopting clean energy solutions such as solar, wind, and electric vehicles can play a pivotal role in lowering carbon emissions. The Global Carbon Project highlights a concerning forecast of rising emissions in India that may exceed earlier predictions. While many nations are successfully decreasing fossil fuel emissions, a rapid shift to cleaner energy sources is critical, as our carbon budget is narrowing, demanding immediate action to meet 2028 emission goals.
COP31: Limiting 1.5°C overshoot, speeding up electrification emerge as top priorities
Limiting the duration and extent of a global temperature overshoot beyond the 1.5°C threshold and accelerating electrification have emerged as key priorities at COP31 in Antalya. The Turkiye-Australia leadership wants these issues included in the conference's negotiated cover decision, while also demonstrating that international cooperation on climate action remains effective.
Iran uses global climate talks to highlight impact of US strike on Minab school
Iran is utilizing the COP31 climate summit to highlight the consequences of a US missile strike on a school. The national pavilion features images of the incident’s aftermath along with a virtual reality experience. Additionally, visiting officials will see exhibits from Ukraine addressing efforts in renewable energy amid conflict. The conference has become a platform for discussing global energy price increases related to regional conflicts.
From tyres to footwear: How Brisil is finding new uses for rice husk ash
Rice husk ash is often treated as industrial waste. Vadodara-based Brisil converts it into green silica—a material used in tyres, footwear, paints, toothpaste, and rubber products, offering industries a lower-carbon alternative to silica made from mined sand and quartz.
Global climate talks open with big questions, smaller goals
Climate negotiators from nearly 200 countries are attending COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, to address rising global temperatures and emissions. The summit will focus on achieving existing commitments rather than making ambitious new goals amidst geopolitical tensions and financial constraints.
Fossil fuel emissions fall due to Iran war and renewables, finds research
Emissions from the burning of oil, gas and coal -- the main drivers of climate change -- rose by 0.9 percent per year on average in the past decade, hitting a record high in 2025, according to the Global Carbon Budget report.
India’s emissions to rise 4.4% despite global dip: Study
Renewable energy capacity growth and electric vehicle adoption are projected to reduce fossil fuel emissions by 0.4%. Major economies like China, the US, and the EU are expected to decrease emissions this year. However, India's emissions are predicted to increase at a higher rate than previous years. The ongoing energy crisis due to geopolitical events is influencing these changes in emissions.
Growing demand, demographics, digital agenda & energy security are long-term and secular tailwinds for India: Macquarie’s Ed Northam
Head of green Investments for the Australia’s largest asset manager said the firm is looking to reboot its India operations. While renewables will remain the biggest focus, industrial energy transition and E-mobility will be other key areas, he said. Since 2005, Green Investments group has deployed over $21 billion across 94 investments worldwide.
Enough of COP Jamborees
Falling solar and battery costs have made renewable energy commercially competitive with coal in India. As COP31 begins in Turkiye, the focus should shift to accelerating electrification of transport, promoting agrivoltaics, investing in transmission and grid stability, and ensuring reliable payments by discoms to sustain the country's green transition.
How China's clean-tech machine is reshaping the global climate fight
In 2024, China took the lead as the top investor in global clean technology, directing $132 billion to developing nations to aid carbon reduction efforts. This unprecedented infusion of resources could potentially reshape the landscape of international climate finance.
A billionaire couple donated $50 million to UC Davis for agricultural research; in 2026, a 34,000-square-foot center opened in California
At the forefront of agri-tech innovation, the Resnick Center at the University of California, Davis, drives agricultural advancement with a strong focus on sustainability and research. Fueled by generous donations, it strives to elevate farming practices and enhance crop resilience. Current projects aim at transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources, thereby reducing ecological footprints.
In a divided world, COP31 aims for agreement on electrification
COP31, kicking off November 9 in Antalya, Turkey, is all set to spotlight the global push for electrification. With a target to raise electricity's contribution to final energy demand to 35% by 2035, nations are keenly examining how electrification can effectively curb fossil fuel use.
Florida planted Australian pine for shade, windbreaks, and storm protection; by 1993, the fast-growing tree had invaded more than 372,000 acres
Australian pines were brought to Florida in the 1800s as a means of protecting against storms and enhancing landscapes. By 1993, however, these trees had taken over more than 372,000 acres, leading to harmful impacts on local ecosystems through monocultures. A study following Hurricane Andrew revealed that merely 4% of these trees withstood the severe winds, exposing their shallow root problems.
Georgia repurposed retired chicken cages as estuary reefs in the 1990s; years later, the structures remained stable and supported oyster growth
In an innovative move, Georgia has transformed chicken transport cages into artificial reefs to bolster marine life. Initiated in 1990, successful projects in Jove Creek and Van Dyke Creek highlighted the potential of this strategy. However, not every venture, like the Gold-Kist cages, yielded the same success. This initiative showcases how local industrial waste can contribute to environmental restoration, emphasizing the value of recycling in marine conservation efforts.
Scientists mixed just 3% volcanic ash into forest soil in a UC San Diego experiment; coleus plants grew roughly three times as much as plants in untreated soil
At UC San Diego, researchers have made an exciting discovery: adding volcanic ash to soil can significantly enhance plant growth. Their study revealed that incorporating just 3% basaltic ash not only boosts the biomass of coleus plants but also positively influences beneficial soil microbes. This finding showcases volcanic ash as a viable solution for rejuvenating poor agricultural soils, making it an effective tool for sustainable practices and carbon capture initiatives.
In California, researchers tracked desert tortoises in a protected area for 34 years; numbers fell from 589 to 47 by 2002, then rose to 73 by 2012
In California, desert tortoises have suffered an alarming 92% population decline, even within designated protected areas. Research attributes this drastic fall to diseases, predation, and environmental stressors, rendering protective measures inadequate. Although a slight recovery was noted by 2012, the overall trend indicates persistent decline, underscoring the urgent need for holistic conservation strategies to safeguard wildlife.
'Lord Shiva's locks on river Ganga are loosening': Rainfall could get heavier as Himalayan permafrost melts, mountain rocks holding water are losing ground, warns expert
Climate author and entrepreneur Mridula Ramesh has warned that rising temperatures are melting Himalayan permafrost, weakening mountain slopes and increasing the risks of landslides and floods. Comparing the changes to Lord Shiva's loosening locks, she also explained how earlier snowmelt could leave less water for summer.
UP looks beyond Lucknow to boost startups, MSMEs as Aavishkaar, Intellecap partner with Invest UP
With more than 11.5 million MSMEs across the state, Uttar Pradesh is looking beyond its established startup centres to build a wider enterprise ecosystem. A new Invest UP partnership with Aavishkaar Foundation and Intellecap aims to take capital, advisory support and market connections closer to entrepreneurs across its districts.
In 2004, San Jose used 1,000 tons of shredded waste tires beneath 2,000 feet of light-rail track; the unusual layer reportedly reduced vibration and saved over $1 million
The use of shredded tires as a base for light rail tracks offers a cost-effective solution for reducing noise. Many transit authorities have successfully implemented this method, leading to significant savings in construction costs. Additionally, using shredded tires prevents tires from ending up in landfills where they can pose environmental hazards. Despite successful trials, this method remains underutilized in many US transit expansions.
AI is part of solution for climate change, COP31 pledge says
Turkey is set to introduce a pledge at the upcoming COP31 climate summit in Antalya. This pledge suggests that artificial intelligence can help in combating climate change effectively. However, data centers are reportedly increasing fossil fuel emissions significantly, raising environmental concerns.
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