The Sun is the Best Lamp

In India we have thousands of buildings built centuries ago. These are large and sprawling. But the architecture was planned in such a way that they get enough  sun light and air. 'Lighting' concept came only in the evenings or when the sun  was not there. The villagers went for sleep at dusk or stayed awake only up to 10 or 11 p.m. Simply lighting was required  only for a few hours in a day.  Normally nights meant for sleep and rest. There was no need to light up the world with trillions of lamps and compete with stars. But today we work 24X365 hours. And we need lamps for the same 24X365 days. There lies the problem. The buildings or structures should not require lights during the day.  In such a way they are to be built. Street lights swallow a good chunk of our energy. Beyond 11 p.m and up to 6 a.m the lamp posts are simply standing praying for some one to use the road and justify their  penance. Technology can help us to switch on street lights automatically on sensing moving objects or vehicles humans. There is no need to light up millions of kilometers  streets/roads with billions of lamps when there is hardly any user. 

Beijing, China, 11 November 2014 - Governments, lighting experts and international donors meeting in Beijing this week have agreed to accelerate the phase-in of advanced lighting technologies to order to save energy, reduce CO2 emissions, and improve the lives and livelihoods of millions of people who currently lack access to clean, reliable lighting.

A worldwide shift to energy-efficient lighting in all sectors would lower electricity demand for lighting by more than 1,000 terawatt-hours and reduce CO2 emissions by 530 million tonnes annually. The widespread use of commercially available efficient lamps and lighting devices would reduce electricity bills globally by US$120 billion each year and avoid the construction of about 280 new coal-fired power plants, saving an additional US$23 billion.The Global Efficient Lighting Forum, co-organized by the United Nations Environment Programme's en.lighten initiative and its collaborating centre in China, the Global Efficient Lighting Centre, brought together more than 200 participants from 60 countries, electrical utilities, leading lighting manufacturers, development banks, financial institutions and international agencies to reaffirm their commitment to mitigate climate change through the rapid global transition to energy-efficient lighting.

UN Under Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner, said, "Replacing the world's 670 million kerosene lamps with cleaner, safer, solar-powered lighting represents a major opportunity to deliver across multiple fronts, from cuts in global carbon emissions, health risks from indoor air pollution, support for green technologies and the generation of green jobs."

The Global Forum builds on the momentum of the Climate Summit held in New York in September that motivated governments to take action on a greater scale with regard to energy-efficient technologies. UNEP and its partners are committed to promoting the recommendations arising from the Global Forum at the climate negotiations leading up to the COP21 in Paris.

The UNEP en.lighten initiative addresses the challenge of accelerating global market transformation to environmentally sustainable lighting technologies by providing technical support for the transition to energy-efficient lighting. To date, 66 developing and emerging countries have joined the en.lighten initiative and committed to establishing policies and standards to phase out inefficient incandescent lamps by the end of 2016.

Participants also recognized the urgency and importance of bringing modern lighting services to the 1.3 billion people around the world who lack access to the grid. If solar LED lanterns were used in place of kerosene and candles, the health and safety of billions of people would be improved, while displacing 90 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

At the Forum, a formal dinner was held to recognize countries, regional bodies and organizations that have made significant progress with efficient lighting and support global efforts to accelerate the transition. The recipients include the governments of Chile, the Kingdom of Jordan, Tunisia and Uruguay for their leadership in their transition to efficient lighting.

The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and the 15 member states, along with Proyecto Mesoamerica and its eight member states, were recognized for successfully developing regional frameworks for the shift to efficient lighting. The Department of Industry of Australia was lauded for being the first OECD country to effectively phase-out inefficient incandescent lamps in 2007. The rest of OECD countries followed suit after Australia's move.

Other recipients included IKEA for making the bold commitment to sell only LED lamps in all of its stores around the world by 2016. The Global Environment Facility was recognized for funding efficient lighting activities in more than 40 countries and regions worldwide.

"We are encouraged by the number of countries that have agreed to implement the policies, put in place financial vehicles and strengthen technical capacities to ensure a rapid transition to advanced lighting around the world, "said Naoko Ishii, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility. "We are proud to be recognized as part of this strong movement toward energy efficiency around the world."

The expansion of the effort to transition to efficient lighting globally is the cornerstone of the Lighting Accelerator in the UN Secretary-General's Sustainable Energy for All initiative Action Agenda. The recommendations and actions resulting from the Global Efficient Lighting Forum are a key contribution in achieving the SE4ALL efficiency goal.

KEY FACTS:

• The en.lighten initiative is a private sector partnership between UNEP, the Global Environment Facility, Philips, Osram, the Chinese National Lighting Test Centre and the Department of Industry, Australia



• If all light sources were switched to LED lamps, global electricity consumption for lighting would be reduced by more than 50 per cent, equivalent to the yearly CO2 emissions of Germany



• By 2030, the electricity used for lighting will increase by one-third, equivalent to the yearly consumption of France and Germany combined, if ambitious targets are not adopted



• The Nobel Prize for Physics 2014 was awarded to the inventors of blue LEDs which has triggered the commercial use of LED lighting as we know it today



• LED technology doubles in performance every two years. LED lamps are constantly decreasing in price, by approximately 20% every year.

Pesticides are not for Pests alone

The killer disease Cancer is spreading like a rapid forest fire. As we become more and more modern the diseases too acquire new attires and attack us with more vengeance. I believe the reckless  use of  pesticides in  farming is the major cause of this disease. We read pesticides remnants are found in the water collected from the depth of 400 feet and below.

As we try to kill pests they kill us indirectly. Pesticides are sprayed on vegetable plants,fruit bearing trees and on tea and  coffee gardens. These oily substances stay their sticking on the leaves, stems and flowers. Till this second we do not have any simple  mechanism with our common populace to conduct any tests on samples and identify the pesticide  remnants in vegetables,fruits and food grains.

Unless we switch over to our traditional organic methods of farming the future for the humanity is very bleak.  


"Cancer is a disease in which the normal cells of the body begin to grow in an unregulated way. The abnormal growth of these cells leads to many health problems depending on the body part that is affected. Any cell in the body can get afflicted with cancer.

There is no certain way of knowing the type of cancer that may affect a person. While certain cancers occur more frequently in certain age groups, some cancers are related to unhealthy lifestyles (e.g. smoking, diet and insufficient exercise). Again, infections are the cause of certain types of cancers (e.g. hepatitis B is linked to liver cancers and the Human Papilloma virus is linked to cervical cancer), while some cancers can be caused due to genetic factors (some families may have a high incidence of certain cancers, such as breast or ovarian cancer).But what exactly causes cancer is still a matter of much debate.

Very few people have correct information about cancer, its prevention and treatment. This lack of complete information has hampered the spread of awareness and limited the discussion about various facets of this disease. Many cancers are completely curable and some cancers are preventable. But the positive fact is that screening for various types of cancer is available, and timely screening and detection can lead to cure in many cases."

The cells in our body grow, multiply and repair themselves continuously. There is a natural control system in our body that regulates growth in normal cells. Cancer cells cut loose from this control system and start multiplying in an unregulated manner. Additionally, these cancerous cells do not perform the normal functions cells do to help the body. These cells can damage the organ where they grow and spread to other sites.

In which part of my body can I get cancer?
Cancer can occur in any part of the body. The inherent nature of cancer is to grow and spread. Cancer cells grow faster than normal cells. Cancer may be present as an abnormal growth or lump, which is usually painless. These lumps can gradually increase in size and damage the surrounding tissues and body parts.

How does cancer spread?
When cancer cells accumulate, they form tumors. These tumors invade the surrounding structures and cause damage. Some cancers may spread to the lymph nodes. Once in the blood, the cancer can spread to the others parts of the body like the lungs, the liver, bones and the brain.

Can Cancer spread from one person to another?
No, Cancer is NOT A COMMUNICABLE disease; it does not spread from one person to another. Certain cancers may be related to heredity or genetic factors which means a person may be at higher risk of getting cancer if his/her close relatives have had that particular cancer. 

What causes Cancer? 
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that may lead to cancer, like consumption of tobacco. Nearly half of the cancers in India are due to tobacco abuse. The most common cancers caused by tobacco are - lung cancer, mouth cancer and larynx (voice box) 

Some of the most common risk factors for Cancer:

• Tobacco use:
  • Smoking: Cigarette, Bidi, Cigar, Hukka, others
  • Smokeless: Zarda, Gutka, Khaini, Snuff, etc.
• Alcohol
• Infections (viruses, parasites, bacteria)
• Diet (dietary carcinogens, excess fat)
• Reproductive hormones

Is Cancer a preventable Disease? Yes, to a large extent. About 50% cancers are Tobacco related e.g. Lung cancer, cancer of the mouth and cancer of the trachea (Voice box). These cancers can be prevented by avoiding tobacco. 

Certain cancers like the cancers of the mouth, breast and cervix if detected early can be cured. Therefore it is important to be aware of the early warning signals and consult a health professional if symptoms occur.

Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding too much fat, eating fresh fruits, vegetables, fiber and getting exercise can also help reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer. 

What are the signs and symptoms of Cancer?

Common generic symptoms of cancer could be:

• Lump or swelling that does not heal easily
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• Recent change in a wart/mole
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Changes in bladder or bowel habits
• Nagging cough or hoarseness
• Persistent difficulty in swallowing or dyspepsia (indigestion).

Can cancer be cured?

Yes, most forms of cancer can be cured if they are detected early and treated promptly. But the fact is that in India, about 70% of patients come for treatment during advanced stage of this disease (stage 4), where chances of survival are not very high. Remember: early detection means cure.

How is cancer treated?

Cancer can be treated through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. There are also certain medicines that can help to treat cancer. It is common to have combination treatments, such as surgery with radiation or chemotherapy with radiation and so forth. To decide on the best treatment for a given patient, initial testing is done to make the diagnosis and to determine the type of cancer and how far the disease has progressed. The treatment is planned based on both the type and stage of cancer. The disease’s response to the treatment is assessed from time to time. The treatment generally needs to be given over a period of time. Once the planned treatment is completed, cancer patients need regular follow-up.

What can I do to prevent cancer?

• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Eat healthy food
• Be physically active
• Be aware of your body so that you can detect any changes as soon as they occur
• Keep alert for the warning signs of cancer. 

Keep Good Health

What is high blood pressure?

When the heart contracts, the blood is pumped from your heart through the arteries into your body. The blood puts a force against the blood vessel (or artery) walls. This pressure is known as systolic blood pressure. When the heart is relaxing before it contracts again, the existing pressure in the arteries is known as the diastolic blood pressure. Your blood pressure is a reading of this pressure. When that reading goes above a certain point, it is called high blood pressure or 'hypertension'. When you have high blood pressure, it is partly because your blood vessels become narrower, and more constricted forcing your heart to pump harder to move blood through your body. These changes cause the blood to press on the artery vessels walls with greater force. 

Blood pressure can be managed by embracing a healthy lifestyle and medication (only if prescribed) for most cases. In most cases, drugs are not necessary and lifestyle changes, followed religiously, can be adequate to bring the blood pressure to desired levels. In others, medicines may be required, but the dose of the medicines required will be much less with better blood pressure control, when combined with rigorous lifestyle measures.

So what are some simple ways to control your blood pressure?

Weight reduction

• If you are overweight then you must lose weight. Calculate your Body Mass Index and also measure your waist.

Balanced Diet

• Restrict your calories as soon as the pointer goes there, calculate the calories which you need to consume each day so that you take only as many calories as are required
• Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, include nuts in your diet and switch from refined grain foods to whole grains and whole pulses and the diet should be low on saturated fats and total fats. You can achieve 8-14 mm of Hg reduction in blood pressure through this diet.
• In general, for a person with mild to moderate physical activity in the cities -try not to consume too much visible fat in your diet through oils, ghee and butter.
• Restrict salty foods. Your total salt intake in a day should not exceed 6 grams (approx 1 teaspoon).
• Do not put extra salt in the salad or add it into your plate at the time of eating.
• Avoid or minimize alcohol.

Regular exercise

• Energize by working out for a minimum of half an hour every day.

Regular health check-ups

• Even if normal, visit the doctor regularly to get your basic parameters like blood pressure, plasma glucose, weight, and cholesterol checked.

Manage stress

• Walking is an excellent stress-buster. So are other forms of exercise like dancing, cycling, yoga and playing sports. Singing, playing musical instruments, meditation, vipassana can also help you to relax.

Avoid tobacco and smoking

Source:http://healthy-india.org/blood-pressure/prevent-blood-pressure-problems.html

Climate Change would affect Individuals too!

How does climate change affect human health?

Climate change is a global phenomenon and climatologists agree that it is difficult to reverse. This adversely affects the ‘fundamental pillars of health: air, food and water’ (WHO SEARO, World Health Day Factsheet 2, 2008). 

Large-scale environmental changes will cast an increasingly long shadow over the health of future populations, unless we effectively communicate these health (and concurrent non-health) risks, and enable that evidence to help society shape a sustainable way of living. - Professor Anthony J. McMichael

Global warming is gradual. But, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, like intense storms, heat waves, droughts and floods is on the rise. Consequences of climate change are usually dramatic, abrupt and affect entire populations. The ‘global burden of disease’ is sensitive to climate change, especially to temperature changes. Warmer temperatures also affect food production, clean water availability and spread of disease vectors (ibid). The World Health Organization in its ‘World Health Report 2002’ estimated that climate change was responsible in the year 2000, for approximately 2.4 per cent of worldwide diarrhoea, and 6 per cent of malaria in some middle-income countries (WHO India, Information Sheet 2, World Health Day, 2008). The most severe threat is to developing countries as it slows down the achievement of health-related Millennium Development Goals. Findings of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change A warming of about 0.2° C per decade is projected Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at or above current rates will induce changes in the global climate system at a greater pace in this century, than previously Extreme weather conditions, heat waves and heavy precipitation events will become more frequent Tropical cyclones will become more intense, with greater wind speeds and heavier precipitation Those with least resources have the least capacity to adapt and are most vulnerable

Plastic Free World

               I’m glad that the people have started talking about Swacch Bharat- Clean India. Many prominent men have come out of their shells and wielded the brooms and magazines have published their noble acts. All we have to understand is that clean India cannot emerge from cleaning but keeping it clean- without polluting. Instead of cleaning the public places with great investment of men and materials we can learn how not to pollute and deface these places. Plastic has made this earth sick. 

• Make the manufacturing companies take back the packaging materials after delivery or installation at  customers' places
• Install automated vending machines for milk and edible oil
• Pack not lubricants  in small sachets but directly pour them into oil tanks of vehicles
• Insist manufacturing companies for packing eatables in tins or reusable containers and not in poly packs
• Ban the companies that manufacture polythene packs that violate the norms 
• Do not make people assemble in a few cities deserting all villages
• Go for packing things which are biodegradable available and practised still in villages
• Do not pack pesticides and manures or fertilizers in poly packs
• Forget the concept of 'Use and Throw' and shift to 'Use and Reuse'
• Punish the violators without leniency
• Before you pack think about your packing bag.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Photo: world-portal.org
 Observed Changes and their Causes

Human influence on the climate system is clear, and recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history. Recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and  natural systems. 

 Observed changes in the climate system

Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are  unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen.

Causes of climate change

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have increased since the pre-industrial era, driven largely by economic and population growth, and are now higher than ever. This has led to atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide that are unprecedented in at least the last 800,000 years. Their effects, together with those of other anthropogenic drivers, have been detected throughout the climate system and are extremely likely to have been the dominant cause of the observed warming since the mid-20th century.

Impacts of climate change

In recent decades, changes in climate have caused impacts on natural and human systems on all continents and across the oceans. Impacts are due to observed climate change, irrespective of its cause, indicating the sensitivity of natural and human systems to changing climate. 

Extreme events

Changes in many extreme weather and climate events have been observed since about 1950. Some of these changes have been linked to human influences, including a decrease in cold temperature extremes, an increase in warm temperature extremes, an increase in extreme high sea levels and an increase in the number of heavy precipitation events in a number of regions.

Future Climate Changes, Risks and Impacts

Continued emission of greenhouse gases will cause further warming and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems. Limiting climate change would require substantial and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions which, together with adaptation, can limit climate change risks. 

Key drivers of future climate

Cumulative emissions of CO2 largely determine global mean surface warming by the late 21st century and beyond. Surface temperature is projected to rise over the 21st century under all assessed emission scenarios. It is very likely that heat waves will occur more often and last longer, and that extreme precipitation events will become more intense and frequent in many regions. The ocean will continue to warm and 

acidify, and global mean sea level to rise

Future risks and impacts caused by a changing climate

Climate change will amplify existing risks and create new risks for natural and human systems. Risks are unevenly distributed and are generally greater for disadvantaged people and communities in countries at all levels of development

Climate change beyond 2100, irreversibility and abrupt changes 

Many aspects of climate change and associated impacts will continue for centuries, even if anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are stopped. The risks of abrupt or irreversible changes increase as the magnitude of the warming increases. 

Future Pathways for Adaptation, Mitigation and Sustainable Development

Adaptation and mitigation are complementary strategies for reducing and managing the risks of climate change. Substantial emissions reductions over the next few decades can reduce climate risks in the 21st century and beyond, increase prospects for effective adaptation, reduce the costs and challenges of mitigation in the longer term, and contribute to climate-resilient pathways for sustainable development.

 Foundations of decision-making about climate change 

Effective decision making to limit climate change and its effects can be informed by a wide range of analytical approaches for evaluating expected risks and benefits, recognizing the importance of governance, ethical dimensions, equity, value judgments, economic assessments and diverse perceptions and responses to risk and uncertainty.

Climate change risks reduced by mitigation and adaptation

Without additional mitigation efforts beyond those in place today, and even with adaptation, warming by the end of the 21st century will lead to high to very high risk of severe, widespread, and irreversible impacts globally (high confidence). Mitigation involves some level of co-benefits and of risks due to adverse side-effects, but these risks do not involve the same possibility of severe, widespread, and 

irreversible impacts as risks from climate change, increasing the benefits from near-term mitigation efforts.

Characteristics of adaptation pathways 

Adaptation can reduce the risks of climate change impacts, but there are limits to its effectiveness, especially with greater magnitudes and rates of climate change. Taking a longer-term perspective, in the context of sustainable development, increases the likelihood that more immediate adaptation actions will also enhance future options and preparedness

 Adaptation and Mitigation

Many adaptation and mitigation options can help address climate change, but no single option is sufficient by itself. Effective implementation depends on policies and cooperation at all scales, and can be enhanced through integrated responses that link adaptation and mitigation with other societal objectives. 

 Common enabling factors and constraints for adaptation and mitigation responses

Adaptation and mitigation responses are underpinned by common enabling factors. These include effective institutions and governance, innovation and investments in environmentally sound technologies and infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and behavioral and lifestyle choices.

Response options for adaptation

Adaptation options exist in all sectors, but their context for implementation and potential to reduce climate-related risks differs across sectors and regions. Some adaptation responses involve significant co-benefits, synergies and trade-offs. Increasing climate change will increase challenges for many adaptation options.

 Effective adaptation and mitigation responses will depend on policies and measures across multiple scales: international, regional, national and sub-national. Policies across all scales supporting technology development, diffusion and transfer, as well as finance for responses to climate change, can complement and enhance the effectiveness of policies that directly promote adaptation and mitigation

Trade-offs, synergies and interactions with sustainable development

Climate change is a threat to sustainable development. Nonetheless, there are many opportunities to link mitigation, adaptation and the pursuit of other societal objectives through integrated responses (high confidence). Successful implementation relies on relevant tools, suitable governance structures and enhanced capacity to respond (medium confidence)

http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/syr/SYR_AR5_SPM.pdf

WORLD TOLET DAY- Swacch Bharat

WE, THE PEOPLE WHO CAN'T WAIT
WORLD TOILET DAY IS ABOUT 2.5 BILLION PEOPLE WHO LACK ACCESS  TO IMPROVED SANITATION

IT IS ABOUT THE ONE BILLION PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO DEFECATE IN THE   OPEN
IT IS ABOUT THE WOMEN AND GIRLS  WHO ARE PARTICULARLY AT RISK
AND IT IS ABOUT YOU WHO CAN'T WAIT TO CHANGE THE SITUATION

Toilets come in all shapes and sizes. We invite you to take a tour of some of the toilets that can keep you healthy, make you sick, create compost for your garden, and even allow you to "go" in space!

A porcelain seat connected to a piped water source or septic tank, this toilet uses fresh water to flush away waste.

Benefits:

• clean
• sanitary
• easy to use
• low maintenance
• can be mass produced

Drawbacks:

• reliant on municipal water systems
• uses large amounts of drinkable water
• more expensive than other systems

Pit latrines are the simplest form of sanitation and appear worldwide. However, pit latrines built poorly or lacking certain features can promote disease.

Benefits:

• inexpensive
• simple
• no reliance on formal utilities

Drawbacks:

• bad smell
• breeding grounds for insects
• if poorly lined, can leach contents into groundwater supply & spread disease

A pit latrine with a vent pipe allows odors to be exhausted from the pit while controlling flies. The superstructure can be relocated to a new pit.

Benefits:

• inexpensive
• simple
• no reliance on formal utilities
• reduced odor
• controls flies
• hygienic

Drawbacks:

• more expensive than the pit latrine
• must dig new pit every 6-9 months

This is the only option for millions of people around the world. Open defecation means using open land or waterways. This is the least sanitary option, and its effects are dramatic in urban areas.

Benefits:

• free
• no construction or infrastructure needed

Drawbacks:

• waste tracked by feet, flies and flooding
• rapidly spreads disease
• bad smell
• undignified or taboo in most societies

This toilet funnels waste into an airtight pit while a second receptacle accepts animal dung slurry (dung + water) and the two mix together underground. The pit generates methane gas and as the pressure builds, gas is pushed through a pipe connected to a cook stove.

A urine diversion system collects urine and wash water separately from solid waste, channeling them into a rocky filter bed that waters a small garden.

Benefits:

• high quality cooking fuel is produced for free (saving trees)
• hygienic
• no utilities required

Drawbacks:

• requires large livestock population to sustain*
• high up-front cost to install (~$500)
• complex and difficult to use/maintain

*instead of needing livestock, some biogas facilities are built to accommodate a bank of toilet stalls for people. These facilities work well at schools.

Aboard the International Space Station, toilets use high speed air to vacuum human waste into sealed packages for the return to Earth. Water is filtered from urine and returned to the drinking water reservoir. Astronauts use straps and restraints to attach themselves to this toilet while using it in zero-gravity.

Benefits:

• system works in zero gravity
• hygienic
• urine is filtered to create drinking water

Drawbacks:

• extremely complex
• difficult to use and maintain
• one space toilet costs $19 million