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Global Energy Monitor’s Global Coal Plant Tracker

Global Energy Monitor (GEM), a non-profit organization that tracks coal projects worldwide, recently published its quarterly update of the Global Coal Plant Tracker, revealing significant insights into the status of coal power initiatives across the globe.

Key Insights from the GEM Report:

Global Patterns in Coal Development:

• China dominates the initiation of new coal projects, with over 95% of coal plant capacity commencing construction in 2023 originating in the country, reflecting its substantial presence in new coal endeavors.
• There is a noticeable decrease in the commencement of new coal power capacity construction for the second consecutive year, indicating a shifting trend away from coal in various regions.

Coal Capacity in Planning Stages:

• Across 32 countries, there is ongoing deliberation on 110 GW of coal power capacity, signifying a considerable volume of coal projects still in the planning stages.
• India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia lead in this aspect, constituting 83% of the proposed coal capacity outside China.

Project Status Trends:

• During the first nine months of 2023, 18.3 GW of coal capacity transitioned from proposed to shelved or canceled status in multiple countries.
• Despite these cancellations, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia witnessed the emergence of entirely new proposals amounting to 15.3 GW.
• As of July 2023, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam collectively represent 84% of the 67 GW of coal power capacity under construction outside China.

Indian Context:

• India aims to substantially increase coal-fired power plant capacity by 2032, targeting 80 GW compared to the previously stated 27 GW in the National Electricity Plan 2022-32 (NEP).
• Certain states in India have experienced progress in coal plant projects, obtaining permits and reporting advancements in states such as Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.

Recommendations:

• In the context of global initiatives to combat climate change, the report underscores the immediate necessity to halt the construction of new unabated coal power plants for effective global warming mitigation.

What is Coal?

About:

• It is a type of fossil fuel found in a form of sedimentary rocks and is often known as 'Black Gold'.
• It is a conventional source of energy and is widely available.It is used as a domestic fuel, in industries such as iron and steel, steam engines and to generate electricity. Electricity from coal is called thermal power.
• The leading coal producers of the world include China, US, Australia, Indonesia, India.

Distribution of Coal in India:

Gondwana Coal Fields (250 million years old):

• Gondwana coal makes up to 98 % of the total reserves and 99 % of the production of coal in India.
• Gondwana coal forms India’s metallurgical grade as well as superior quality coal.
• It is found in Damodar (Jharkand-West Bengal), Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh-Odisha), Godavari (Maharashtra), and Narmada valleys.

Tertiary Coal Fields (15 – 60 million years old):

• Carbon content is very low but is rich in moisture and sulphur.
• Tertiary coalfields are mainly confined to extra-peninsular regions
• Important areas include Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling in West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.

Classification:

• Anthracite (80 - 95% carbon content, found in small quantities in J&K).
• Bituminous (60 - 80% of carbon content and is found in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh).
• Lignite (40 to 55% carbon content, high moisture content and is found in Rajasthan, Lakhimpur (Assam) and Tamil Nadu).
• Peat (less than 40% carbon content and it is in the first stage of transformation from organic matter (wood) to coal).

Survival of Rainforests Around 50 Million Years Ago

In a recent development, a team of scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) has unveiled insights into the climate of Equatorial (Tropical) Rainforests approximately 50 million years ago, during the Early Eocene Climate Optimum (EECO). This period is notable for the survival of tropical rainforests in a globally warm Earth.

• The study employed innovative techniques, utilizing Plant Proxies to quantify terrestrial equatorial climate data from the distant past. Through these methods, the research shed light on the mechanisms that allowed ancient rainforests to endure adverse conditions.

What are Plant Proxies?

• Plant Proxies, within the realm of environmental science and Paleontology, are indirect indicators or evidence utilized by scientists to comprehend past environmental conditions, particularly those related to plant life. 
• These proxies act as substitutes for direct evidence that may be unavailable or challenging to access. For instance, pollen grains, known for their robustness and preservability in sediments over extended periods, serve as a key plant proxy. 
• By analyzing the types and abundance of pollen in sediment layers or cores, scientists can infer the plant species that existed in a specific region during a particular era. Plant proxies contribute to the reconstruction of ancient ecosystems, the understanding of long-term environmental transformations, and the tracking of climate and vegetation shifts across geological timescales.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

Equatorial Rainforest Resilience:

• Despite global warmth and soaring atmospheric carbon dioxide levels approximately 50 million years ago, equatorial rainforests not only survived but thrived.
• It was earlier known that the Earth was around 13°C warmer than present and carbon dioxide concentration was more than 1000 ppmv during this time.
• This drastically affected the survival of mid- and high latitude forests due to changes in the hydrological cycle, but the equatorial forests survived successfully.

High Rainfall's Role:

• The study highlights significantly high rainfall as a crucial factor enabling the survival and thriving of equatorial rainforests.
• This elevated rainfall likely enhanced plant water use efficiency, allowing the flora to function in extreme warmth and high carbon dioxide levels.

Implications of This Study:

• Understanding the climate dynamics and resilience of equatorial rainforests during warm periods like the EECO holds significance for future climate predictions and provides insights into the survival strategies of tropical ecosystems under extreme climatic conditions.

What are Equatorial Rainforests?

About:

• Equatorial rainforests are lush, biodiverse forests found near the equator in tropical regions.
• These forests typically lie within 10 degrees latitude north or south of the equator and are characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year.

Key Features:

• Climate: They experience a hot and humid climate with temperatures consistently high year-round, usually averaging around 25-27°C (77-81°F). Rainfall is abundant, often exceeding 2,000 millimeters (80 inches) annually, leading to the term "rainforest."
• Biodiversity: Equatorial rainforests are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, housing an incredibly rich variety of plant and animal species.
  • These forests contain a myriad of species of trees, plants, insects, birds, mammals, and other organisms, many of which are endemic to these regions.
• Flora and Fauna: The vegetation in equatorial rainforests is characterized by tall trees forming a dense canopy that shades the forest floor, creating a multi-layered ecosystem.
  • A variety of plant species, including epiphytes (plants growing on other plants), lianas (climbing vines), and numerous species of trees, contribute to the rich biodiversity.
• Importance: Equatorial rainforests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and carbon cycle. They absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and act as carbon sinks, helping mitigate climate change. Additionally, they provide habitat for countless species, support indigenous communities, and are centers of medicinal plant resources.
• Threats: Unfortunately, these rainforests face significant threats from deforestation, logging, agriculture, mining, and other human activities.
  • The loss of equatorial rainforests not only endangers the vast array of species that call these forests home but also contributes to climate change and the disruption of global ecosystems.

Flood in Somalia

Recently, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) characterized the floods that displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Somalia and neighboring East African countries after a historic drought as a once-in-a-century event.

• The primary cause of the floods in Somalia has been attributed to heavy rainfall, worsened by climatic phenomena such as El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole. The impact is not limited to Somalia alone; neighboring Kenya has also been affected, with the death toll reaching 15. Regions like Mombasa, Mandera, and Wajir are facing significant challenges due to the floods.

What is the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)?

• The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is a division of the United Nations Secretariat tasked with coordinating humanitarian efforts to ensure a unified response to emergencies.
• OCHA establishes a framework to facilitate each actor's contribution to the overall response effort.

What is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)?

• The Indian Ocean Dipole, often referred to as the Indian Nino, is a climatic phenomenon akin to the El Niño phenomenon, occurring in the Indian Ocean region between the Indonesian and Malaysian coastline in the east and the African coastline near Somalia in the west.
• Similar to El Niño, which is the warmer-than-normal phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, during IOD's positive phase, the western side of the Indian Ocean, near the Somalia coast, becomes warmer than the eastern Indian Ocean. Conversely, during the negative phase, the western Indian Ocean is cooler.

Mechanism:

Neutral Phase:

• During a normal year, the air circulation in the Indian Ocean basin moves from west to east near the surface and in the opposite direction at the upper levels. This pushes surface waters from west to east, with warmer waters from the western Pacific crossing into the Indian Ocean.

Negative IOD:

• In years with stronger air circulation, more warm surface waters from the African coast are pushed towards the Indonesian islands, making that region warmer than usual. This leads to the rise of hotter air, reinforcing the cycle and creating a negative IOD.

Positive IOD:

• During positive IOD, the air circulation becomes slightly weaker than normal, and in some cases, it may even reverse direction. This results in the African coast becoming warmer, while the Indonesian coastline gets cooler. Positive IOD events are often associated with El Niño, while negative IOD is linked to La Niña.

Impact of IOD:

• IOD exhibits ocean-atmosphere interactions similar to El Niño but is less powerful. A positive IOD enhances rainfall along the African coastline and over the Indian subcontinent while suppressing rainfall over Indonesia, southeast Asia, and Australia. The impacts are reversed during a negative IOD event.

Cyclone Michaung

Cyclone Michaung, on its way to the Andhra coast, is deemed exceptional due to its heightened intensity and occurrence in December, a month when storms in the North Indian Ocean typically do not attain destructive levels.

About

• Initially projected as a 'tropical cyclone,' it was later upgraded to a 'severe' storm, featuring wind speeds ranging from 88 kph to 166 kph. This intensification in December is unprecedented and is attributed to above-normal heat index values off the southern Andhra Pradesh coast.
• The intensification of cyclones is influenced by various factors, including warm ocean temperatures, Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential (TCHP), atmospheric conditions, wind shear, convection, Rossby waves, and air-sea interaction.
• Cyclones are extensive weather systems characterized by low-pressure centers, rotating winds, and atmospheric instability. They go by different names in various regions, such as hurricanes (Atlantic and eastern Pacific), typhoons (northwestern Pacific), and tropical cyclones (southwestern Pacific and Indian Ocean).

Kra Isthmus

Context:

The Kra Isthmus, situated on the Malay Peninsula in Thailand, has gained strategic significance due to a proposed transit artery that could link the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

About:

• This isthmus, measuring just 44 km in width at its narrowest point, holds the potential to significantly impact international trade and security, much like the historical importance of the Suez and Panama Canals. Recently, the Thai Prime Minister officially introduced a multi-billion-dollar land-bridge project.
• An isthmus refers to a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land masses, bordered by water on two sides.
• The Kra Isthmus in Thailand represents the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula, with the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east.

Accra (Ghana)

Context:

The 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting is slated to occur in Accra, Ghana, featuring the participation of more than 85 countries and international organizations.

About

Objective: The meeting seeks to affirm a collective commitment to UN peacekeeping, aligning with ongoing reforms outlined in Action for Peacekeeping and the Action for Peacekeeping Plus plan.

• Ghana, located in West Africa, is bordered by the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, with Ivory Coast to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Togo to the east. Accra, situated on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, serves as the capital of Ghana.

Mount Merapi (Indonesia)

Recently, Mount Merapi experienced eruptions accompanied by cascading gas clouds and molten lava, prompting national authorities to suspend tourism and mining operations.

About Mount Merapi:

• Mount Merapi, also known as the "Mountain of Fire," stands as one of the world's most active volcanoes, situated in Indonesia. With an elevation of 9,551 feet, it features steep slopes adorned with dense vegetation on its lower flanks.

Reasons for Increased Volcanic Activity in Indonesia:

• Indonesia, positioned on the Ring of Fire encircling the Pacific Ocean, encompasses more than 17,000 islands and islets, hosting nearly 130 active volcanoes. The Ring of Fire, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, delineates an expanse along the Pacific Ocean renowned for its frequent earthquakes and active volcanoes.
• The heightened occurrence of volcanoes and earthquakes in the Ring of Fire is attributed to substantial tectonic plate movements in the region. Along many segments of the Ring of Fire, tectonic plates converge at subduction zones, where the underlying plate is forced downward, or subducted, by the plate above. As the subducted rock melts, it transforms into magma.
• The substantial presence of magma in close proximity to the Earth's surface creates conditions conducive to volcanic activities. An important exception lies at the boundary between the Pacific and North American Plates. In this section of the Ring of Fire, a transform boundary is formed, where plates move laterally past each other. Such a boundary results in the accumulation and release of tension in the Earth's crust, leading to a significant number of earthquakes.

Italy Levaes Bri

Italy has decided to exit China's Belt and Road Initiative, marking a significant development over four years after becoming the sole G7 nation to join.

• The decision for Italy's potential withdrawal from China's BRI is influenced by a convergence of economic, geopolitical, and strategic considerations, prompting the nation to reevaluate its involvement.

What Factors Contributed to Italy's Exit from the Belt and Road Initiative?

Economic Disparities:

• Italy, grappling with economic challenges and a need for infrastructure development, joined the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2019 in pursuit of investment. 
• However, the anticipated economic advantages have not materialized, with Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Italy plummeting from USD 650 million in 2019 to a mere USD 33 million in 2021, as reported by the Council on Foreign Relations. 
• In terms of trade, Italy's exports to China increased only slightly, from 14.5 billion euros to 18.5 billion euros, while Chinese exports to Italy surged from 33.5 billion euros to 50.9 billion euros since joining the BRI.

Geopolitical Reassessment:

• Italy's withdrawal aligns with a broader European trend of reviewing relationships with China, driven by concerns about China's growing influence, geopolitical dynamics, and strategic considerations. 
• The context of global events, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has played a role in Italy's reconsideration. 
• Notably, the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) collapsed in April, and other European nations, such as Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have distanced themselves from China's diplomatic initiatives.

Alignment with Western Allies:

• Italy's inclination to strengthen ties with Western allies, particularly within the G7, may influence its decision to disengage from the BRI. 
• With the upcoming G7 presidency, Italy could view its withdrawal as a gesture of solidarity with Western partners.

Negative Publicity and Debt Concerns:

• The Belt and Road Initiative has faced global criticism for potential debt traps and lack of financial transparency. 
• Reports of other countries experiencing substantial debt burdens due to their involvement in the BRI could be contributing to Italy's decision to withdraw.

What Has Characterized the Relationship Between India and Italy?

Historical and Cultural Ties:

• India and Italy boast ancient connections rooted in trade routes and cultural exchanges, spanning thousands of years. Renowned figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi have contributed to the historical fabric of bilateral relations.

Challenges in Bilateral Relations:

• Italian Marines Case: The 2012 incident involving two Italian marines accused of killing Indian fishermen strained diplomatic ties, leading to a prolonged political and legal dispute. Resolution occurred in 2021 after Italy compensated India for the incident.
• AgustaWestland Allegations: Corruption allegations related to the AgustaWestland deal added strain, with investigations into unethical practices and corruption. Despite contract cancellations, the Italian courts dismissed charges due to insufficient evidence.

Reconciliation Efforts:

• Diplomatic Initiatives: From around 2018, efforts to repair relations included official visits, cultural exchanges, and high-level engagements. These endeavors aimed at rebuilding trust and fostering cooperation.
• Strategic Partnerships: Milestones were marked by the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Italy for the 2021 G20 summit, fostering bilateral agreements and strategic partnerships in defense, trade, and technology.
• Economic Collaboration: Italy emerged as a key trading partner for India within the EU, contributing to significant growth in bilateral trade. Emphasis on economic cooperation, particularly in defense and technology, strengthened ties.
• Reassessment of China Engagement: Both India and Italy reevaluated their engagement with China, notably regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Italy's reconsideration aligned with India's opposition to the BRI, driven by economic imbalances and territorial concerns.

Cooperation in Various Sectors:

• Science, Technology, and Research: Thematic Working Groups between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were established in 2021. Collaboration in heliophysics, the study of the Sun's effects on the Solar System, marked a milestone.
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Cooperation: Commitments to enhance cooperation in countering terrorism and transnational crime were made, with plans for bilateral meetings and capacity building.
• Regional Collaboration: Acknowledging the potential of international organizations like the Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructures (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India and Italy explored avenues for cooperation.

The Future Path:

• With Italy distancing itself from the Belt and Road Initiative, opportunities for increased economic collaboration between India and Italy emerge. Exploring partnerships in technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development can be avenues for mutual growth. Elevating strategic partnerships in defense, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and maritime security will further solidify bilateral ties.

Guyana and Venezuela

Guyana and Venezuela are engaged in a conflict over the resource-rich Essequibo region, a historical point of contention between the two nations. The dispute has escalated, particularly since Exxon Mobil's oil discovery in 2015, prompting Venezuela to hold a referendum in December 2023, advocating for Essequibo to become a new province. Despite warnings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela proceeded with its plans. In response, Guyana took measures such as raising its flag, mobilizing defense forces, and seeking international support.

• India, with strong diasporic ties, has expressed support for Guyana. The United States is backing Guyana's sovereignty, Brazil is reinforcing its border, and China is advocating for diplomatic solutions.

About Esequiba:

• The Guayana Esequiba is a disputed territory located west of the Essequibo River, claimed by both Guyana and Venezuela. Guyana's claim to the region has been internationally acknowledged since the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award. 
• The boundary dispute originated from the actions of colonial powers, with Spain involved in Venezuela's case, and the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in Guyana's case. Despite the independence of Venezuela and Guyana, the territorial disagreement has persisted.