India Restores 21.7 Million Hectares Under Bonn Challenge; Revised Pledge of 26 Million Hectares by 2030

UNCCD CoP 17: India Launches Guide to Grasslands, Reports 21.76 Mha Restoration Under Bonn Challenge

UNCCD CoP 17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, concluded with India launching its first Guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems, and announcing 21.76 million hectares of land restored under the Bonn Challenge. The conference emphasized shifting from drought response to drought resilience, and India called for diversified international finance for land restoration.

India Launches First-Ever Guide to Grasslands at UNCCD COP17, Restores 21.76 Mha Under Bonn Challenge

India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, marking a key step in conservation and restoration. Simultaneously, the second Bonn Challenge progress report shows India restored 21.76 million hectares of degraded land between 2011-2020, with a target of 26 million hectares by 2030.

Climate Impact Lab Report Projects 15,800 Additional Heat Deaths in India Due to Super El Nino

The Climate Impact Lab projects 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India between Sept 2026 and Feb 2027 due to the ongoing 'Super El Niño'. Globally, 451,000 excess deaths are expected in the first six months. The report warns that this El Niño is a 'postcard from the future', bringing temperatures typical of 20 years from now without adaptation.

15,800 Excess Heat Deaths Projected in India Amid Super El Niño: CIL Report

A new report from the Climate Impact Lab warns of 15,800 excess heat-related deaths in India between September 2026 and February 2027, driven by a Super El Niño. Southern India is especially vulnerable. This is a 'postcard from the future' – a preview of climate impacts 20 years ahead.

Western Himalaya Warming 7.18°C by 2100, Snow Loss Triple Under High Emissions: Study

A new study reveals that the Western Himalaya is warming faster than the central and eastern parts, with winter temperatures projected to rise by over 7°C by 2100 under high emissions. This will lead to severe snow loss, threatening water security for 1.5 billion people dependent on glacier-fed rivers like the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.

Myristica Swamps in Western Ghats: 500-Million-Year-Old Ecosystem at Risk, Only 53 Patches Remain

Myristica swamps, ancient freshwater wetlands in the Western Ghats with 500 million years of genetic history, are down to just 53 patches in Kerala. They are vital for flood control, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity but face extinction from agriculture, logging, and past plywood exploitation. Urgent conservation is needed.

UN Report: 14 Million at Risk of Permanent Inundation; Sea Level Rise Hits Record 5.9 mm in 2024

A new UN report submitted to the General Assembly warns that sea levels rose at a record 5.9 mm in 2024, threatening 14 million people in South Asian megacities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Dhaka with permanent inundation. For Mumbai, risks are compounded by land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and increasing extreme rainfall events. This is critical for disaster management, climate change adaptation, and geography syllabus.

Nepal Demands Climate Compensation from US, China, India After Glacial Flood Kills 1,200

Nepal, emitting only 0.1% of global GHGs, is demanding direct compensation from the top three emitters (US, China, India) after a glacial collapse killed 1,200+ people. This shifts the climate debate from charity to legal liability, testing the limits of adaptation and the principle of climate justice.