The climate talks at Durban ended with the participating countries agreeing to a new global climate change regime which will come into force from 2020. For the first time the world's biggest polluters China, the US, India and Brazil have all agreed to move towards a single pact by 2015 and it will take effect in 2020. India has emerged as a leader of the developing countries and was part of the centre-stage of the negotiations.
The new accord would put all the countries under binding commitments to control greenhouse gases (GHGs) to keep the global temperatures in check. India’s major demand of equity has found space again in the negotiations and secures 10 years of economic development space without binding commitments.
The Kyoto Protocol (second phase) will continue to be in force beyond 2012. Currently, only industrial countries have legally binding emissions targets under the Kyoto agreement. Until now, only 37 developed countries and the European Union have committed to binding emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol. However, not much action has been taken by the developed countries to reduce emissions under the Protocol.
The conference also agreed that developed countries would contribute to a global fund worth $100 billion a year designed to help the developing nations cut emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. The details of the fund are yet to be worked out. The funding is urgently needed to support poor people to adapt to impacts of climate change that they are experiencing now.
Comment: Failing to make progress by all the countries will leave the world increasingly exposed to the risks that rising sea levels, increasing temperatures and more severe storms pose to our environment and economy. The situation is going to be dangerous.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Radioactive Cesium in baby food - Fukushima
It is reported that radioactive Cesium (probably 137Cs) is found in milk powder (baby food) to the level of 30.8 Bq/kg. The limit set by the Japan’s Health Ministry is 200 Bq/kg. In terms of mass, the permissible amount works out to be 6.2 x 10-11 (ten to the power minus 11)g per kg of the milk food, i.e., about hundred times lower than one-billionth of a gram)!
Since, the SI unit to express the amount of radioactivity is Becquerel (Bq) is a very small unit, the numbers look big. In terms of the classical unit of Curie, the permissible amount of 200 Bq/kg works out to be just over 5 nanoCurie/kg (nano = 10-9 (ten to the power minus nine);means one-billionth).
Radioactive Cesium (137Cs/134Cs) and Strontium (89Sr/90Sr) are the radioactive elements found in the environment following any reactor accidents.
Since radioactivity measurement systems are so much advanced that we are able to detect and measure such low levels which were earlier treated as below detectable limits (BDL)!
Since, the SI unit to express the amount of radioactivity is Becquerel (Bq) is a very small unit, the numbers look big. In terms of the classical unit of Curie, the permissible amount of 200 Bq/kg works out to be just over 5 nanoCurie/kg (nano = 10-9 (ten to the power minus nine);means one-billionth).
Radioactive Cesium (137Cs/134Cs) and Strontium (89Sr/90Sr) are the radioactive elements found in the environment following any reactor accidents.
Since radioactivity measurement systems are so much advanced that we are able to detect and measure such low levels which were earlier treated as below detectable limits (BDL)!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Why ban plastic carry bags?
Plastic material has unique and useful properties compared to other materials that, over the years, it has contributed greatly to improve the quality of our lives. Plastics are used in packaging, clothing, toys, housing, automobiles, aircraft, electronics, signs, recreation items, and medical implants to name but a few of their many tailor-made applications.
Plastics are generally made up of hydrogen and carbon, chemically inert and not degradable in the environment. Hence they do not cause any harm to the environment and health. One of the very important properties of plastic is it is recyclable. There are various technology options available for recycling.
Ban on the manufacture, sale and storage of all kinds of plastic bags (in some states) is not justifiable. In fact, the increased demand for the cellulose-based paper bags will only increase the destruction of forests which is not acceptable.
What we need in India today is enforcement of existing laws to prevent indiscriminate littering of plastic material, organized collection and segregation of plastic materials and strict regulatory control on the recycling units.
The country has all the required laws in place, but implementation of the laws is pathetic. Do not ban the use of plastic bags. Plastic is a wonderful material.
Plastics are generally made up of hydrogen and carbon, chemically inert and not degradable in the environment. Hence they do not cause any harm to the environment and health. One of the very important properties of plastic is it is recyclable. There are various technology options available for recycling.
Ban on the manufacture, sale and storage of all kinds of plastic bags (in some states) is not justifiable. In fact, the increased demand for the cellulose-based paper bags will only increase the destruction of forests which is not acceptable.
What we need in India today is enforcement of existing laws to prevent indiscriminate littering of plastic material, organized collection and segregation of plastic materials and strict regulatory control on the recycling units.
The country has all the required laws in place, but implementation of the laws is pathetic. Do not ban the use of plastic bags. Plastic is a wonderful material.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Unsafe Pakistani Nukes?
News pouring-in from different countries indicates that the Pakistani nuclear weapons may not be safe as we all assumed to be. It is reported that the weapons are being moved from place to place in unsafe civilian vans to avoid detection by US. Global nuclear watch dogs also of the opinion that the Pakistan surged ahead of India in terms of nuclear war heads and the country is now building small tactical nuclear weapons for quick deployment. In case of any serious difference of opinion occurring between the Pak Army Chief and the President, it is likely that the control over the war heads may be loosened resulting in the nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of terror groups.
The Prime Minister of India while addressing the country’s top military brass cautioned about the possibility of the Jihadis gaining access to the Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and also getting to know how to make “Dirty Bombs” using nuclear materials. The scenario is frightening.
India needs to be prepared for appropriate responses to deal with these situations and should build its own capabilities to stand on its feet whenever, required, said the Prime Minister.
The concerned agencies should demonstrate to the public the existence of such capability and is workable.
The Prime Minister of India while addressing the country’s top military brass cautioned about the possibility of the Jihadis gaining access to the Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and also getting to know how to make “Dirty Bombs” using nuclear materials. The scenario is frightening.
India needs to be prepared for appropriate responses to deal with these situations and should build its own capabilities to stand on its feet whenever, required, said the Prime Minister.
The concerned agencies should demonstrate to the public the existence of such capability and is workable.
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Indian Human Organ Transplant Act-1994
The Act has laid down certain rules and regulations to be followed for human organ transplant. These are made to prevent any possible misuse of the organ transplant procedure.
The transplantation of an organ from one body to another is known as the organ transplant. The demand for organs from patients with organ failures is increasing day by day. There acute shortage of organs made available by willing donors. Rich patients, somehow mange to buy the organs illegally from the grey market (ex, the infamous kidney bazaar). There are other legal sources such as organ retrieval centers where organs from brain-dead patients and cadaver donors are retrieved and sent to the organ transplant hospitals. The number of organ transplantation cases is very meager as compared to the demand. Very urgent action is required by the government and NGOs to improve the situation.
1. Bring-in awareness amongst the public to promote organ donation.
2. Cut down Red-Tape by providing early clearances like NOCs from the authorities such as police (in case of accident victims) for organ retrieval.
3. Set up more numbers of Organ Retrieval Centers in strategic locations to facilitate timely retrieval of organs.
4. Train/Qualify more number of doctors to increase the availability of the doctors for organ retrieval operations.
5. Once organ is made available, the decision/permission by appropriate Hospital Committees should be given quickly on application for transplantation.
Organ transplantation is a boon to the patients who would have died otherwise due to failure of their organs such as eyes, kidney, liver and pancreas. Stop illegal trafficking of organs and streamline the organ transplant system in India so that more and more members of the public will register themselves as organ donors.
The transplantation of an organ from one body to another is known as the organ transplant. The demand for organs from patients with organ failures is increasing day by day. There acute shortage of organs made available by willing donors. Rich patients, somehow mange to buy the organs illegally from the grey market (ex, the infamous kidney bazaar). There are other legal sources such as organ retrieval centers where organs from brain-dead patients and cadaver donors are retrieved and sent to the organ transplant hospitals. The number of organ transplantation cases is very meager as compared to the demand. Very urgent action is required by the government and NGOs to improve the situation.
1. Bring-in awareness amongst the public to promote organ donation.
2. Cut down Red-Tape by providing early clearances like NOCs from the authorities such as police (in case of accident victims) for organ retrieval.
3. Set up more numbers of Organ Retrieval Centers in strategic locations to facilitate timely retrieval of organs.
4. Train/Qualify more number of doctors to increase the availability of the doctors for organ retrieval operations.
5. Once organ is made available, the decision/permission by appropriate Hospital Committees should be given quickly on application for transplantation.
Organ transplantation is a boon to the patients who would have died otherwise due to failure of their organs such as eyes, kidney, liver and pancreas. Stop illegal trafficking of organs and streamline the organ transplant system in India so that more and more members of the public will register themselves as organ donors.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Will climate change wait for the results of Durban talks?
Durban Climate 2-weeks long talks started today. This is the international fight against climate change and the fight is between 195 countries (developed and developing countries) to ensure firm time-bound commitment from all countries to reduce GHG emissions. The developed countries do not agree to reduce the continuing large scale emissions from their countries. However, the countries are trying hard to impose binding, disproportionate and unjust green house gas (GHG) emission cut targets on developing countries by 2015.
Any development needs energy, in large quantities. It is natural that the developed countries in their attempt to progress through industrial development use fossil fuel which emits CO2, a dominant GHG during generation of electricity. Coal and gas being easily available (as of now) are extensively used for the generation of power. China emits 6.8 billion tones of CO2, followed by US (5.8 billions), EU (4.3 billions), Russia (1.7 billions) and India (1.5 billions). Any emission cuts will only hamper further developments in countries like India. The recent report indicates that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2010, with carbon dioxide, in particular, exceeding 389 parts per million (ppm).
The Durban talks should persuade the developed countries to reduce their emissions and allow the developed countries to develop further. Let the developed countries be supported financially and technologically to minimize the emissions.
Even then, do we have a chance to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels? It is already late!
Any development needs energy, in large quantities. It is natural that the developed countries in their attempt to progress through industrial development use fossil fuel which emits CO2, a dominant GHG during generation of electricity. Coal and gas being easily available (as of now) are extensively used for the generation of power. China emits 6.8 billion tones of CO2, followed by US (5.8 billions), EU (4.3 billions), Russia (1.7 billions) and India (1.5 billions). Any emission cuts will only hamper further developments in countries like India. The recent report indicates that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2010, with carbon dioxide, in particular, exceeding 389 parts per million (ppm).
The Durban talks should persuade the developed countries to reduce their emissions and allow the developed countries to develop further. Let the developed countries be supported financially and technologically to minimize the emissions.
Even then, do we have a chance to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels? It is already late!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Will the LNT Controversy ever be solved?
There is that assumption by the Safety Organizations that the cancer incidence is directly proportional to the exposure to the cancer causing agent. That is Linear No-Threshold (LNT)approach. Radiation is a mild carcinogenic agent.
In reality, everyone knows that the cancer can be caused by multiple reasons, both chemical, physical and biological. There are animal research findings which show existence of a threshold, particularly at low radiation doses.
In that case, do we have to worry about small exposures (say, within the acceptable limits recommended by the ICRP) to radiation received by the occupational workers?
Follow the link below for more on the LNT Controversy.
http://www.expresshealthcare.in/inimaging2011jul/inimaging2011july09.shtml
In reality, everyone knows that the cancer can be caused by multiple reasons, both chemical, physical and biological. There are animal research findings which show existence of a threshold, particularly at low radiation doses.
In that case, do we have to worry about small exposures (say, within the acceptable limits recommended by the ICRP) to radiation received by the occupational workers?
Follow the link below for more on the LNT Controversy.
http://www.expresshealthcare.in/inimaging2011jul/inimaging2011july09.shtml
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Volume of Arctic ice shrank to record low in 2010 - Global Warming Effect?
The total volume of Arctic sea ice shrank last fall to the smallest amount ever observed during the age of satellites, according to a new study that used ultra-sophisticated computer modeling program that incorporates ocean observations, submarine data, and space-age monitoring. The study was carried out by a team of scientists at the Polar Science Center of the University of Washington. Sea ice volume is an important climate indicator. The melt season for Arctic sea ice climaxes each September or October.
As of July 17, 2011, Arctic sea ice extent was 7.56 million square kilometers (2.92 million square miles), 2.24 million square kilometers (865,000 square miles) below the 1979 to 2000 average. Typical results show that one-year-old sea ice in the Beaufort Sea (north of Canada/Alaska) is about 20-30 cm thinner this year than in the two previous years. In 2009 the ice thickness was 1.7 m on average, in 2010 it was 1.6 m and in 2011 it is around 1.4 m. Queries are raised as to how long this thin one-year-old sea ice will survive?
The research shows worrisome picture of rapid climate change at the top of the world that could see the Arctic Ocean ice-free within decades and a faster rise in sea levels.
As of July 17, 2011, Arctic sea ice extent was 7.56 million square kilometers (2.92 million square miles), 2.24 million square kilometers (865,000 square miles) below the 1979 to 2000 average. Typical results show that one-year-old sea ice in the Beaufort Sea (north of Canada/Alaska) is about 20-30 cm thinner this year than in the two previous years. In 2009 the ice thickness was 1.7 m on average, in 2010 it was 1.6 m and in 2011 it is around 1.4 m. Queries are raised as to how long this thin one-year-old sea ice will survive?
The research shows worrisome picture of rapid climate change at the top of the world that could see the Arctic Ocean ice-free within decades and a faster rise in sea levels.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Why pick on nuclear industry?
Over the last 4 decades, 150 fatalities reported due to radiation exposures. Compared to this, millions and millions of people world-wide are dying on the roads, other industrial accidents, natural calamities, tobacco, pollution, diseases lie AIDS, TB and hunger. On the cigarette pack, it is clearly written that “Tobacco causes caner” or “Tobacco kills”, but still consumption of tobacco is increasing!
Why pick on nuclear? Let media be educated first! The Tsunami which killed over 13,000 thousand people and resulted in 14,000 people missing is almost forgotten and the nuclear leak in Fukushima plant in Japan, which may cause cancer to some of exposed people after 10 to 20 years is making front-page news and breaking news day-after-day! Why? Why people can not see the risks and benefits in proper perspective? The unnecessary media publicity will “kill” the nuclear industry!
One good reason I can think of is lack of awareness about the radiation, its hazard and benefits amongst the general public, the media, politicians and bureaucrats. Even the so-called well-educated people lack the awareness about radiation. The explosions of the two Atom Bombs over Japan in 1945 have made very bad impact on the perception of anything nuclear in the minds of people. Governments, world-over are simply not able to convince the public about the need of accepting nuclear energy, without any bias, for the benefits in the areas of medicine, industry for power production and agriculture. Definitely, we need nuclear power which is clean and safer than other options.
Why pick on nuclear? Let media be educated first! The Tsunami which killed over 13,000 thousand people and resulted in 14,000 people missing is almost forgotten and the nuclear leak in Fukushima plant in Japan, which may cause cancer to some of exposed people after 10 to 20 years is making front-page news and breaking news day-after-day! Why? Why people can not see the risks and benefits in proper perspective? The unnecessary media publicity will “kill” the nuclear industry!
One good reason I can think of is lack of awareness about the radiation, its hazard and benefits amongst the general public, the media, politicians and bureaucrats. Even the so-called well-educated people lack the awareness about radiation. The explosions of the two Atom Bombs over Japan in 1945 have made very bad impact on the perception of anything nuclear in the minds of people. Governments, world-over are simply not able to convince the public about the need of accepting nuclear energy, without any bias, for the benefits in the areas of medicine, industry for power production and agriculture. Definitely, we need nuclear power which is clean and safer than other options.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Indian census – child sex ratio is pathetic
The latest, 2011 India census data has pegged India’s population to 1.21 billion which is 17.6% more than the last decade.
The data also paints a grim picture of child sex ratio which has gone down to 914:1000, the lowest since 1947. The two earlier census, i.e., in 1991 and 2001 has shown sex ratios of 927:1000 and 933:1000 respectively in the Indian population. The child sex ratio was 976:1000 in the census of 1961. Sex ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand males. It is an important and useful indicator to assess relative excess of deficit of men or women in a given population at that point of time.
Incidentally, Haryana State in India has developed districts such as Gurgoan and Sonipet with low child sex ratios of 853:1000 and 861:1000 respectively. The lowest sex ratio in the state is 774:1000 in Jhajjar. It is pathetic to say the least! Sex ratio is found to be better among backward classes and the poor.
Sex differentials can be due to difference in mortality rate, migration, sex selective abortion, etc. This is of grave concern as the country is already grappling with gender discrimination and female foeticide/infanticide issues.
The outcome of such a terrible imbalanced situation can be increased number of rapes, increased prostitution, increase in the sexually transmitted diseases, increased number of divorces and for a common man: increased difficulty in finding girls for marriages. Ladki Kanhase Ayegi?
The data also paints a grim picture of child sex ratio which has gone down to 914:1000, the lowest since 1947. The two earlier census, i.e., in 1991 and 2001 has shown sex ratios of 927:1000 and 933:1000 respectively in the Indian population. The child sex ratio was 976:1000 in the census of 1961. Sex ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand males. It is an important and useful indicator to assess relative excess of deficit of men or women in a given population at that point of time.
Incidentally, Haryana State in India has developed districts such as Gurgoan and Sonipet with low child sex ratios of 853:1000 and 861:1000 respectively. The lowest sex ratio in the state is 774:1000 in Jhajjar. It is pathetic to say the least! Sex ratio is found to be better among backward classes and the poor.
Sex differentials can be due to difference in mortality rate, migration, sex selective abortion, etc. This is of grave concern as the country is already grappling with gender discrimination and female foeticide/infanticide issues.
The outcome of such a terrible imbalanced situation can be increased number of rapes, increased prostitution, increase in the sexually transmitted diseases, increased number of divorces and for a common man: increased difficulty in finding girls for marriages. Ladki Kanhase Ayegi?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Historic judgment – Passive Euthanasia is legalized in India
In a historic judgment, Supreme Court of India has given a legal sanction for passive Euthanasia. Passive Euthanasia is withdrawal of life-support system or life-sustaining drugs for patients who are brain-dead or in a permanent vegetative state, and whom doctors have lost hope of reviving even with the most advance medical aid. However, the permission for passive euthanasia can be given by only High Courts. The court rejects Active Euthanasia, where lethal drug is injected in to the patient to induce death.
This is a good move indeed. As such, there is no law in India on the issue, and for the time being, courts have to lay down the procedures.
The Supreme Court also recommended to the government to do away with the Section 309 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) under which attempt to suicide is punishable. The court said that: A person attempts suicide in depression, and hence needs help, rather than punishment. The government should speedily change the law.
This is a good move indeed. As such, there is no law in India on the issue, and for the time being, courts have to lay down the procedures.
The Supreme Court also recommended to the government to do away with the Section 309 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) under which attempt to suicide is punishable. The court said that: A person attempts suicide in depression, and hence needs help, rather than punishment. The government should speedily change the law.
Monday, March 7, 2011
International Women’s Day
Today, March 8 is the International Women’s Day. Men who have women in any avatar – mother, wife or sister – by their side are lucky. “When time comes”, it is well known that women are much stronger than men in almost all areas! Surprising? But it is a fact. Today’s women are empowered.
Happy Women’s Day.
Happy Women’s Day.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Challenges of global warming – French wines
The steady rise in global temperatures is threatening vineyards around Bordeaux that produce some of the most esteemed and expensive wines on earth. Higher temperatures cause grapes to ripen earlier, and summer droughts are detrimental to the vine's growth process. The consequences of global warming are already being felt. Harvest season already comes ten days earlier than before in almost all wine regions, says the experts.
Grape growers began to notice unusual patterns above-and-beyond the region's unpredictable weather nearly three decades ago, well before scientists began to sound the climate change alarm. Experts say that the region may be unsuitable for wine-growing by 2050. Winegrowers are already switching to heat-resistant grape varieties as a precaution.
Not everyone is aware that wine production also emits large quantities of CO2, the main gas responsible for climate change. The greenhouse gas, CO2 is produced by fermenting grapes. Efforts are on to trap, convert the CO2 into something solid and store it deep underground.
If every industry thinks the same way - to trap the GHG emissions and store them instead of releasing into the environment - we can delay the onset of climate change a little more.
Grape growers began to notice unusual patterns above-and-beyond the region's unpredictable weather nearly three decades ago, well before scientists began to sound the climate change alarm. Experts say that the region may be unsuitable for wine-growing by 2050. Winegrowers are already switching to heat-resistant grape varieties as a precaution.
Not everyone is aware that wine production also emits large quantities of CO2, the main gas responsible for climate change. The greenhouse gas, CO2 is produced by fermenting grapes. Efforts are on to trap, convert the CO2 into something solid and store it deep underground.
If every industry thinks the same way - to trap the GHG emissions and store them instead of releasing into the environment - we can delay the onset of climate change a little more.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Cadaveric Organ Transplants - India
Human organ donation has not yet made significant progress in India in-spite of population of over 1 billion people. It is reported that annually, while over 100,000 Indians suffer from End Stage Renal Disease, only a mere 3,000 are recipients of a donor kidney, of which only a small percentage are cadaver organs. In fact, the total number of patients who have received cadaver kidneys in India from 1995 to 2003 is only 524, an abysmally small figure.
Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 was passed by the Government in 1994 to streamline various organ donations and transplant activities in the country. The aims of this act was to: Regulate removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes; prevent commercial dealings in organs, and accept brain death and make it possible to use these patients as potential organs donors.
The Human Organ Transplantation Act has legalized the concept of brain death for the first time in India. Since the passing of the legislation in India, it has become possible to undertake organ transplants from brain dead donors. However, relatives of the potential donors need to be educated about the futility of keeping brain dead accident victims 'alive'. Armed Forces of India has shown the way by performing 300 cadaveric kidney transplants in 2010. This should inspire ordinary people in India to opt to donate organs after their deaths.
Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 was passed by the Government in 1994 to streamline various organ donations and transplant activities in the country. The aims of this act was to: Regulate removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes; prevent commercial dealings in organs, and accept brain death and make it possible to use these patients as potential organs donors.
The Human Organ Transplantation Act has legalized the concept of brain death for the first time in India. Since the passing of the legislation in India, it has become possible to undertake organ transplants from brain dead donors. However, relatives of the potential donors need to be educated about the futility of keeping brain dead accident victims 'alive'. Armed Forces of India has shown the way by performing 300 cadaveric kidney transplants in 2010. This should inspire ordinary people in India to opt to donate organs after their deaths.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year Greetings
I wish all my fellow bloggers and readers:
A Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year – 2011
I would like to see India (minus corruption and poverty) a fully developed country and not a chronic developing country.
icareforyou
A Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year – 2011
I would like to see India (minus corruption and poverty) a fully developed country and not a chronic developing country.
icareforyou
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