Tuesday, April 05, 2022
What is the IPCC, and why are its Assessment Reports important?
The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) delivered a dire assessment and warning in its latest report released on Monday (April 4), revealing what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said was “a litany of broken climate promises” by governments and corporations. “It is a file of shame, cataloguing the empty pledges that put us firmly on track towards an unlivable world,” Guterres said.
The climate change panel
The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. The IPCC was set up in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Its main activity is to prepare Assessment Reports, special reports, and methodology reports assessing the state of knowledge of climate change. However, the IPCC does not itself engage in scientific research. Instead, it asks scientists from around the world to go through all the relevant scientific literature related to climate change and draw up the logical conclusions.
Assessment Reports
The IPCC’s Assessment Reports (ARs), which are produced every few years, are the most comprehensive and widely accepted scientific evaluations of the state of the Earth’s climate. They form the basis for government policies to tackle climate change, and provide the scientific foundation for the international climate change negotiations.
Six Assessment Reports have been published so far, the sixth report (AR6) coming in three parts — the first in August 2021, the second in February 2022, and the third on Monday.
The first part of AR6 flagged more intense and frequent heat-waves, increased incidents of extreme rainfall, a dangerous rise in sea-levels, prolonged droughts, and melting glaciers — and said that 1.5 degrees Celsius warming was much closer than was thought earlier, and also inevitable.
The second part warned that multiple climate change-induced disasters were likely in the next two decades even if strong action was taken to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.
What previous reports have said
* The first Assessment Report (1990) noted that emissions resulting from human activities are substantially increasing the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Global temperatures have risen by 0.3 to 0.6 degree Celsius in the last 100 years. In the business-as-usual scenario, temperatures were likely to increase by 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels by 2025, and 4 degrees Celsius by 2100. Sea levels were likely to rise by 65 cm by 2100.
This report formed the basis for the negotiation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, known as the Rio Summit.
* The second Assessment Report (1995) revised the projected rise in global temperatures to 3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100, and sea-level rise to 50 cm, in light of more evidence. Global rise in temperature by 0.3 to 0.6 degree Celsius since the late 19th century was “unlikely to be entirely natural in origin”, it said.
AR2 was the scientific underpinning for the Kyoto Protocol of 1997. * The third Assessment Report (2001) revised the projected rise in global temperatures to 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius by 2100 compared to 1990. The projected rate of warming was unprecedented in the last 10,000 years, it said. The report predicted increased rainfall on average, and that by 2100, sea levels were likely to rise by as much as 80 cm from 1990 levels.
Glaciers would retreat during the 21st century, and the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events would increase, it said. The report presented new and stronger evidence to show global warming was mostly attributable to human activities.
* The fourth Assessment Report (2007) said greenhouse gas emissions increased by 70 per cent between 1970 and 2004, and atmospheric concentrations of CO2 in 2005 (379 ppm) were the most in 650,000 years. In the worst-case scenario, global temperatures could rise 4.5 degrees Celsius by 2100 from pre-industrial levels, and sea levels could be 60 cm higher than 1990 levels.
The report won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for IPCC. It was the scientific input for the 2009 Copenhagen climate meeting.
* The fifth Assessment Report (2014) said more than half the temperature rise since 1950 was attributable to human activities, and that the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrThe rise in global temperatures by 2100 could be as high as 4.8 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial times, and more frequent and longer heat waves were “virtually certain”. A “large fraction of species” faced extinction, and food security would be undermined, it said.
AR5 formed the scientific basis for negotiations of the Paris Agreement in 2015.ous oxide were “unprecedented” in the last 800,000 years.
Written by Amitabh Sinha
Source: Indian Express, 5/04/22
In 2022, let’s create gender-positive learning spaces
In 2008, when I (Aqsa) had to pick my medical specialisation, I chose a subject that could be pursued without staying in a hostel. As a transgender woman, only a men’s hostel was on offer to me, which was not acceptable. I was fortunate that I could complete my post-graduation but not everyone is. A decade later, Nivedhiya Anand, a tribal, intersex, and transgender student from Kerala dropped out of school, where she was put up in a boy’s hostel, due to mental harassment.
The recent announcement by NALSAR University, Hyderabad, on the creation of a gender-neutral space in its hostel has generated a buzz for the right reasons. This, along with gender-neutral washrooms and a proposed policy on inclusive education for gender and sexual minorities, is the outcome of honest conversations with the students. Two recent cases need focus when talking about accommodation for transgender students in hostels at universities. Yashika, an MA student at Panjab University, frustrated with the university for not being able to provide her hostel accommodation, had to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which issued a notice to the university. In another PIL, filed before the Karnataka High Court, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, a medical student from Manipal University, has filed a case against the state government after being denied accommodation in the girls’ hostel even when she had changed her sex legally to female on her ID card. The university insisted that she get a sex reassignment surgery done before she is allowed in the girl’s hostel, denying her the right to self-determination, as provided by the 2014 NALSA judgment of the Supreme Court.
Even as inclusive spaces are created, we should be mindful of the intersectionality within queer communities. One, the presence of such facilities should not curtail the legal right of transgender men and women to get accommodation in men’s or women’s hostels, just like the presence of gender-neutral toilets should not be used to stop transgender men and women from using men’s or women’s washrooms. Secondly, such spaces should be accessible to persons with disabilities. Additionally, while such facilities give much-needed visibility to queer people and their issues, it can also expose the community to queerphobic attacks. University administration must pay special attention to the security of queer students on campus.
While infrastructure is essential for creating safe and inclusive places, we cannot underplay the importance of changing mindsets. There is a need for the sensitisation of students, teachers, and staff in all educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, on understanding and accepting queer and transgender folks. India has taken a step in the right direction by enacting the Transgender Persons Act, which speaks of a trans-inclusive education system wherein transgender students learn with other students without fear of discrimination, neglect, or harassment.
The National Education Policy 2020 speaks about providing equitable and quality education to transgender students. While that’s a progressive vision, it misses out on students from other queer identities. Such an omission is not just dangerous but can also be fatal, as in the case of a teenage student from DPS, Faridabad, who died by suicide, after being bullied by other students for his sexuality.
Creating safe educational spaces also demands that we change queerphobic curricula. It took a reprimand from the Madras High Court for National Medical Commission to issue a directive to medical colleges, faculty, and authors of textbooks to eliminate queerphobic content from books and pedagogy.
The step taken by NALSAR should nudge other educational institutes to consult stakeholders, especially queer-identifying students and staff, to undertake holistic changes for creating queer-affirmative campuses. Infrastructure, policies, and curricula need a thorough revision for creating not just gender-neutral but gender-positive learning spaces. In 2022, we owe this to our sexual and gender minorities.
Written by Aqsa Shaikh , Raghav Shukla
Shaikh is Associate Professor, Community Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, Delhi and Shukla studies at the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi
Source: Indian Express, 5/04/22
Monday, April 04, 2022
Quote of the Day April 4, 2022
“As we grow up, we realize it is less important to have lots of friends, and more important to have real ones.”
Anonymous
“जैसे हम बड़े होते हैं, हमें समझ आता है कि अनेकानेक मित्र होना कम महत्त्वपूर्ण होता है, और सच्चे मित्र होना अधिक महत्त्वपूर्ण।”
अज्ञात
Changes in AFSPA
The Central Government has announced the reduction of areas under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the Northeast states of the country. The impacted states are Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur.
Overview:
- In the year 1958, AFSPA was enacted with the aim of bringing the situation under control in all the conflict-hit areas of the country.
- Under the AFSPA law, the armed forces are allowed to use any means that is deemed necessary to maintain public order in the states where AFSPA is applicable.
- Under AFSPA, the Armed Forces can cause deaths, destroy structures that are being used as hideouts, training camps, or launch pads and also arrest anyone without having a warrant.
Changes in AFSPA
In Assam
In Assam, from 23 districts AFSPA will be removed while in one district it will be applied partially.
In Manipur
In the state of Manipur, from 15 police stations in 6 districts, the AFSPA jurisdiction will be removed
In Arunachal Pradesh
In this state, in only 3 districts AFSPA will be applicable along with the jurisdiction of two police stations in another district.
In Nagaland
From 15 police stations in 7 districts of Nagaland, the jurisdiction of AFSPA will be removed.
The demand to repeal AFSPA
The demand gained momentum in Nagaland after 6 coal mine laborers were killed by an ambush by security forces while they were returning to their village of Oting. In 2021, the security forces also opened fire on six civilians who were traveling in a truck in Nagaland after mistaking them to be terrorists of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). The citizens then started protesting after being anguished by the loss and massive violence broke out.
Later, a five-member Committee was constituted by the Centre to look into the withdrawal of AFSPA law in the state of Nagaland. Home Minister Amit Shah also held key meetings with the respective Chief Ministers of the states.
Current Affairs- April 4, 2022
INDIA
– Andhra Pradesh to have 13 new districts starting from April 4; total now 26
– World Health Organization (WHO) suspends UN supply of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine for Covid-19 following deficiencies found during inspection
– IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium) holds maiden maritime exercise at Goa and in the Arabian Sea from March 26 to 30
– Chandigarh to go by Central services rules
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
– India’s exports rose 40% in 2021-22 to hit a record $417.8 billion
WORLD
– Pakistan: President Arif Alvi dissolves National Assembly on advice of PM Imran Khan; election to be held within 90 days
– Sri Lanka: All Cabinet Ministers resign; PM Mahinda Rajapaksa remains in office
– Ukraine: Russia targets Black Sea port city of Odessa
– South Sudan: Rival leaders, President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, agree on creation of a unified armed forces command
– Afghanistan: Taliban announce ban on poppy cultivation; country world’s biggest opium producer
– Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of the Delhi-based Council for Energy Environment and Water, appointed member of the ‘High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities’ constituted by UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, to bolster action against global warming
SPORTS
– Australia (356/5) beat England (285/10 in 43.4) by 71 runs in final at Christchurch, NZ to win seventh Women’s World Cup title
– Paris Marathon: Judith Jeptum (2:19:48) of Kenya win’s women’s race, Deso Gelmisa (2:05:07) of Ethiopia wins men’s race
– M. Sreeshankar improves his own national record in men’s long jump with a jump of 8.36m at Federation Cup athletics in Kerala
– Miami Open tennis: Poland’s Iga Swiatek defeats Japan’s Naomi Osaka to win women’s singles title
– Orleans Masters badminton tournament in France: India’s Mithun Manjunath loses in men’s singles final
– Arjun Erigaisi wins Delhi International Open chess tournament
– Kiran George (men’s) and Anupama Upadhyaya (women’s) win singles titles at Polish Open International Challenge badminton tournament in Arłamow
– Adidas unveils Al Rihla —the official match ball for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
World Autism Awareness Day
Annually, on 2nd April, World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated across the world to spread awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the social interaction and communication skills of a person.
Overview
- ASD symptoms can be detected before a child turns three years old.
- This disorder is generally caused by biological differences in brain development and genetics.
- This disorder can be dealt with if the patient(s) seek medical help as quickly as they can.
Aim of this day
The aim of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is to garner attention towards the obstacles that are faced every day by people with autism. Autism is a major global health issue and it needs to gain more understanding from people across the globe. This day looks to teach people about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
World Autism Awareness Day 2022 theme
‘Inclusion in the Workplace’ is the theme for this year’s World Autism Awareness Day. A discussion with individuals on the autism spectrum will be held. They will be talking about the difficulties they have faced in the workplace. Also, due to the pandemic, the education of many autistic students has been disrupted. Hence focus will also be given to their education under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) which concentrates on promoting lifelong learning opportunities and assures quality education for all. This year’s theme promotes the fact that autistic people also have the right to receive quality education like any normal person.
World Autism Awareness Day Past Years Themes
World Autism Awareness Day focussed on a specific theme determined by the United Nations. The themes for past few years are as follows:
- 2012: “Launch of Official UN “Awareness Raising” Stamp”
- 2013: “Celebrating the ability within the disability of autism”
- 2014: “Opening Doors to Inclusive Education”
- 2015: “Employment: The Autism Advantage”
- 2016: “Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity”
- 2017: “Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination”
- 2018: “Empowering Women and Girls with Autism”
- 2019: “Assistive Technologies, Active Participation”
- 2020: “The Transition to Adulthood”
- 2021: “Inclusion in the Workplace”
- 2022: “Inclusive Quality Education for All”
History of this day
The United Nations have always facilitated the well-being and rights of all persons with all forms of disabilities. In early 2008, the United Nations General Assembly was announced 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day. The resolution was enacted and accepted in the year 2007 and since then this day has been observed annually on 2nd April. World Autism Day is one of the seven-official health-specific days of the UN.
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