Introduction Coal has been one of the most important natural resources shaping human civilization since the industrial revolution. As the primary source of energy for centuries, it has fueled industries, powered railways, generated electricity, and contributed significantly to economic growth and modernization. However, coal mining and coal combustion have been identified as major contributors to…
Introduction Mountain ecosystems are among the most fragile and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, biodiversity conservation, soil stabilization, climate regulation, and cultural heritage. These ecosystems support millions of people directly and indirectly through agriculture, forest products, and tourism. However, in recent decades, development initiatives and tourism have…
Introduction Volcanic eruptions are among the most powerful natural phenomena on Earth. They are capable of reshaping landscapes, influencing global and regional climate, disrupting ecosystems, and affecting human settlements. While destructive in the short term, volcanic activity plays a crucial role in soil enrichment, land formation, and maintaining the Earth’s geological balance. Between 2021 and…
Introduction In the 21st century, humanity faces the dual challenge of ensuring economic growth while safeguarding the environment. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, population growth, and technological expansion have created unprecedented opportunities but also generated critical environmental challenges. Climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, air and water pollution, and resource depletion threaten the very foundation of life on…
Introduction Climate change has emerged as a significant threat to global food security, ecosystem balance, and rural livelihoods, particularly in countries like India where agriculture remains the mainstay of millions. Erratic rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, soil degradation, and the loss of biodiversity are intensifying farming challenges. In this context, agroforestry has gained prominence as a…
Introduction In the era of climate change and depleting fossil fuels, the global energy demand is driving innovation toward sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Among the many renewable energy sources, biofuels, especially those derived from algae, are emerging as promising substitutes for conventional fuels. They offer the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security,…
Introduction In the global fight against climate change, reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions has become paramount. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technological approach designed to capture CO₂ emissions from industrial processes and power plants before they enter the atmosphere, then securely store them underground or use them for beneficial purposes. This method aims…
Introduction Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges, with rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and erratic weather patterns disrupting ecosystems and livelihoods. In this context, achieving net zero emissions—a state where the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere—has become a critical target for…
Introduction In an era where environmental degradation and resource depletion are major concerns, the search for sustainable solutions often leads us back to age-old practices that have long coexisted with nature. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) — the cumulative body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs regarding the relationship of living beings with one another and their…
Introduction Urbanization is a defining characteristic of the 21st century. As the global population continues to rise, more people are moving from rural areas to urban centers in search of better opportunities, economic growth, and modern lifestyles. One of the most significant outcomes of this demographic shift is the rise of megacities — urban areas…