Global climatic change has dramatically affected the weather patterns in Nepal, hence affecting the crop yield and resulting in severe food shortages. It has been found that the crop production has roughly halved than the previous years.
Nepal is extremely vulnerable to climate change. It is suffering from extreme temperatures, high intense rainfalls and increased unpredictability in the weather system though it's contribution of total Green House Gas emissions in the world is just 0.025%.
The Himalayan glaciers are rapidly reducing and it has been predicted that they might disappear within 30 years, affecting more than one billion people across Asia. So, the Nepal Government and related international organisations should create awareness about climate change and its likely inpacts worldwide. The British Aid Agency said that immediate actions to ease food shortages in affected areas, awareness of climate change and a comprehensive approach to institutionalise Disaster Risk Reduction should be adopted.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Koshi Tappu Reserve
Koshi Tappu Reserve, Nepal's first Ramsar site, covers 175 sq. km. and covers three districts of Nepal - Sunsari, Udaypur and Sarlahi. It contains some of the most endangered species such as Arna (Wild water buffaloes)and various bird species. The reserve contains the highest number of bird species in the country (an amazing 863 species are found inside the park, nearly 95% of the total 900 species found in Nepal).
The recent problems being faced by the reserve are:
1. The Reserve's wetlands are drying up and the increasing deposition of silt in the wetlands is further killing the habitat.
2. The invasion of Mikania micarantha, locally known as 'mile-a-minute' plant, has covered at least 70% of the reserve.
3. Rising Temperature due to climate change is affecting the wild-life habitat.
4. Flooding and no measures to control it.
5. The forests have been almost stripped bare, and some buffer areas of the reserve have been turned into farmlands by the locals who live on the periphery.
6. Over grazing of domesticated buffaloes by the local farmers is affecting the plant species.
7. Lack of preventive strategy and Wild-life Conservation policy is affecting the overall environment of the reserve.
The recent problems being faced by the reserve are:
1. The Reserve's wetlands are drying up and the increasing deposition of silt in the wetlands is further killing the habitat.
2. The invasion of Mikania micarantha, locally known as 'mile-a-minute' plant, has covered at least 70% of the reserve.
3. Rising Temperature due to climate change is affecting the wild-life habitat.
4. Flooding and no measures to control it.
5. The forests have been almost stripped bare, and some buffer areas of the reserve have been turned into farmlands by the locals who live on the periphery.
6. Over grazing of domesticated buffaloes by the local farmers is affecting the plant species.
7. Lack of preventive strategy and Wild-life Conservation policy is affecting the overall environment of the reserve.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Biogas Plants
Agricultural and food industry waste products can be used to obtain energy – Energy from Waste. Waste products that can be used for energy production are pig and cattle manure, chicken dung, slaughter-house wastes, spent grains, distillery slop, sugar beet press cake, municipal waste water and others.
Recycling of biological wastes gives you following:
- Biogas
Biogas produced in the process of anaerobic digestion can be used as conventional natural gas for heating and energy production. It can be compressed and used as a vehicle fuel; or can be pumped and stored. So you can have your own gas as well.
- Electricity
From one cubic meter of biogas 2 kWh of electricity can be produced (by combusting biogas in co-generation unit)
- Heat
ZORGTM biogas plants produce heat after cooling generator without any additional gas combustion.
- Biological fertilizer
Biologically digested biomass becomes ecologically clear fertilizer (bio-humus) that increases crops yield up to 40-50%.
- Waste products utilization
Natural biological wastes like manure can not be used as a fertilizer at least for 3 years (it should be stored in lagoons). After waste recycling in ZORGTM biogas plant, it is ready for usage without any additional treatment.
- Fuel for vehicles
After some treatment and CO2 removal biogas is pure methane that can be used as vehicle fuel
Recycling of biological wastes gives you following:
- Biogas
Biogas produced in the process of anaerobic digestion can be used as conventional natural gas for heating and energy production. It can be compressed and used as a vehicle fuel; or can be pumped and stored. So you can have your own gas as well.
- Electricity
From one cubic meter of biogas 2 kWh of electricity can be produced (by combusting biogas in co-generation unit)
- Heat
ZORGTM biogas plants produce heat after cooling generator without any additional gas combustion.
- Biological fertilizer
Biologically digested biomass becomes ecologically clear fertilizer (bio-humus) that increases crops yield up to 40-50%.
- Waste products utilization
Natural biological wastes like manure can not be used as a fertilizer at least for 3 years (it should be stored in lagoons). After waste recycling in ZORGTM biogas plant, it is ready for usage without any additional treatment.
- Fuel for vehicles
After some treatment and CO2 removal biogas is pure methane that can be used as vehicle fuel
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Indigenous Group want Stake in Environment
Indigenous communities are among the first to face direct consequences of climate change due to their dependence on nature and its resources. According to the experts from various indigenous communities it is unfair to exclude them while devising any environmental plans and policies by the government, concerned authorities and organizations. It has been said that the government has denied them any benefits from the sharing mechanism on carbon trading which was earlier committed in international forums. The experts also pointed out that they should be given the right to deny any programmes which might have adverse effect to the environment, natural resources and indigenous communities.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Affect of Climate Change in Developing Countries
Climate change could deepen poverty in developing countries due to the adverse climatic events, such as heat waves, drought and heavy rains. Urban workers in Bangladesh, Mexico and Zambia were found to be the most at risk, as the cost of food drives them into poverty.
Southeast Asia showed a projected 40% increase in the magnitude of the worst rainfall; central Africa showed a projected 1000% increase in the magnitude of the worst heat waves; and the Mediterranean showed a projected 60% increase in the worst drought.
A statistical analysis was used to determine grain productivity shocks that would correspond in the magnitude to the climate extremes, and then the economic impact of the supply shock was determined by the researchers from Purdue University, Washington.
Southeast Asia showed a projected 40% increase in the magnitude of the worst rainfall; central Africa showed a projected 1000% increase in the magnitude of the worst heat waves; and the Mediterranean showed a projected 60% increase in the worst drought.
A statistical analysis was used to determine grain productivity shocks that would correspond in the magnitude to the climate extremes, and then the economic impact of the supply shock was determined by the researchers from Purdue University, Washington.
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