Environment-News-The Economic Times 
AI robots fill in for weed killers and farm hands
Oblivious to the punishing midday heat, a wheeled robot powered by the sun and infused with artificial intelligence carefully combs a cotton field in California, plucking out weeds. - Aigen has robots running in tomato, cotton, and sugar beet fields, and touts the technology's ability to weed without damaging the crops.
Agroforestry push: Centre issues model rules to ease tree felling on farmland, boost legal timber trade
To boost agroforestry and simplify tree felling on farms, the Centre has introduced model rules easing procedures for farmers. These rules aim to increase tree cover, support climate goals, and double farmer incomes. The new framework streamlines permissions, improves traceability, and integrates trees into farming systems, fostering a legal and export-ready timber ecosystem.
Asia warming twice as fast as global average
Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average, with the 1991-2024 trend significantly higher than 1961-1990. This rapid warming fuels extreme weather events, impacting economies and ecosystems. In 2024, the region experienced intense heatwaves, glacier mass loss, and marine heatwaves, posing a threat to water availability and overall stability.
Madhya Pradesh: 5 Kuno cheetahs spotted near Morena dam
In Madhya Pradesh's Morena district, a group of five cheetahs was observed casually crossing a road near Pagara Dam, creating excitement among morning walkers. These cheetahs, originating from Kuno National Park, journeyed through Kailaras before arriving in the Jaura area. Forest officials have advised residents to stay vigilant as the animals are monitored.
Solar-driven water lift helps Kuno's cheetahs survive heat
A solar-powered water lift system has become crucial for the cheetah cubs in Kuno National Park, ensuring their survival during extreme heat. The system pumps water from the Kuno River through an 8.6-km pipeline to multiple locations, providing essential hydration for mothers and cubs.
UN adopts convention on workplace biological hazards
The first convention on protecting workers from the devastating impact of uncontrolled biological hazards was adopted at the United Nations on Friday. The Biological Hazards in the Working Environment Convention was adopted by the UN's International Labour Organization.
Zimbabwe to cull dozens of elephants to curb population and distribute meat to communities
Zimbabwe has announced plans to kill dozens of elephants to manage the population within the Save Valley Conservancy, where the current elephant population far exceeds the land's carrying capacity. The initiative aims to mitigate ecological damage caused by overpopulation. Meat from the culled elephants will be distributed to local communities, while the ivory will be secured by the state wildlife authority.
Deadly windstorms sweep Pakistan after heatwave, leaving 14 dead and over 100 injured
Powerful windstorms, following a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 45°C, have devastated central and northern Pakistan, resulting in at least 14 deaths and over 100 injuries. The destructive storms, characterized by high winds and reduced visibility due to dust, caused widespread damage to infrastructure, uprooted trees, and collapsed buildings. Pakistan's Meteorological Department forecasts more storms, raising concerns about further casualties.
From eco-anxiety to emotional fatigue: How climate change is affecting mental health
Climate change is not only causing environmental damage but also significantly impacting mental health, leading to eco-anxiety and ecological grief, especially among younger generations. Experts emphasize the need for integrated care models and increased awareness to address climate-related distress. Recognizing eco-anxiety as a valid concern and promoting emotional resilience are crucial for holistic climate action.
?From elephants to lions, animals from Mexico flee cartel violence?
Why renting bees is new agri buzzword
With bee populations declining due to habitat loss and climate change, Indian farmers are increasingly turning to 'rent-a-bee' services to ensure crop pollination. Nitin Kumar Singh, a scientist-turned-apiarist, rents out his bee colonies across India, boosting yields for litchi and apple growers.
Why are environmental protesters being criminalized?
Climate activists globally face harsh penalties for protesting. Australia has high arrest rates for environmental protests. New laws target disruptions with hefty fines and jail time. The UK and Germany also see increased legal action against protesters. Fossil fuel companies use lawsuits to silence dissent. Activists face murder in some regions. These actions reflect growing intolerance towards climate activism.
Dragon’s blood trees: Earth’s rarest trees under threat from climate change and goats
Extreme monsoon may lead to dip in sea fish catch: Study
A new study reveals that stronger, more unpredictable monsoons, driven by global warming, could devastate fish populations in the Indian Ocean. By analyzing ancient plankton shells, researchers found that past monsoon extremes led to collapses in marine productivity in the Bay of Bengal. These disruptions, caused by altered river runoff and ocean stratification, threaten the region's vital fisheries.