November, 2024 - Civitas Edge

Everything You Need to Know About COP29: Baku Summit and UNFCCC Negotiations

adminNovember 30, 2024November 30, 2024028 mins

The COP29 summit, held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11–22, 2024, brought global leaders together under the theme “Investing in a Livable Planet for All.” While it built on the momentum of COP28, which focused on the urgent need to triple renewable energy capacity and transition from fossil fuels, COP29 was marked by both optimism and significant challenges. Azerbaijan’s role as host, despite its reliance on fossil fuels, reflected the broader tensions in the global climate discourse.

The summit underscored the urgency of meeting the 1.5°C global warming target, with key discussions on climate finance, equitable energy transition, and adaptation strategies. However, disagreements on these issues led to delays in achieving consensus, leaving major topics unresolved for COP30. Developing nations, in particular, expressed dissatisfaction with the financial pledges, highlighting the ongoing divide between the Global North and South.

While the summit achieved some progress, including tripling funding for adaptation, the inability to make substantial advances on fossil fuel dependence and climate finance left many disappointed. Looking ahead to COP30, the global community faces an uphill battle to unite under a common goal and deliver the resources needed to address the climate crisis effectively.

Delhi Air Pollution: What You Need to Know About Causes, Health Risks, and Solutions

adminNovember 27, 2024November 27, 2024025 mins

Delhi, India’s capital, is battling a severe air quality crisis, with winter skies dominated by smog and AQI levels frequently surpassing hazardous limits. Vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and stubble burning in neighboring states converge with the city’s geography and climate to create an environmental disaster.

The health toll is staggering—residents lose an average of 9.5 years of life expectancy, with respiratory ailments and premature deaths spiking each year. Economically, the crisis costs billions in healthcare expenses and lost productivity, while also tarnishing Delhi’s image as a tourist destination.

While policies like the Graded Response Action Plan and the Odd-Even Scheme offer temporary relief, systemic solutions remain elusive. Promising technologies, such as smog towers and electric vehicles, and sustainable agricultural practices like bio-decomposers are underutilized due to high costs and poor implementation.

Global cities like Beijing and Mexico City offer hope, having tackled similar crises through stricter emissions norms, cleaner energy transitions, and robust public transport. For Delhi, the path forward demands regional cooperation, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and investment in long-term solutions.

With coordinated action across sectors, Delhi can reclaim its skies, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for its residents. The fight against pollution is daunting, but it’s one Delhi cannot afford to lose.

Missile Escalation in Ukraine: What ICBM Allegations Mean for Global Security

adminNovember 26, 2024December 1, 202406 mins

The article examines the critical developments following the delivery of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in October 2024. Key events include Ukraine’s precision strikes on Russian ammunition depots, Russia’s intensified retaliatory missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, and the deployment of North Korean troops to assist Russian forces. Mid-November saw the testing of Russia’s experimental “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile, escalating the conflict further.
On November 21, Russia allegedly launched an ICBM at Ukraine’s Dnipro, marking a dramatic escalation. Western analysts debated whether it was an ICBM or a long-range ballistic missile. This was followed by President Putin’s amendments to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, expanding the criteria for nuclear response to include threats supported by nuclear powers and severe challenges to sovereignty.
These developments, spanning advanced weaponry, international troop involvement, and shifting nuclear policies, underscore the intensifying complexity of the conflict as it enters its 1,000th day. The trajectory raises alarming global security implications.

From Invasion to Stalemate: Unfolding the Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022–2024)

adminNovember 25, 2024November 28, 2024016 mins

The Russia-Ukraine war, now over 1,000 days old, has profoundly impacted global geopolitics, economy, and humanity. The conflict began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, aiming to topple Ukraine’s government. Ukraine’s resilience, bolstered by international military and humanitarian aid, repelled initial advances, leading to prolonged battles in the Donbas region and beyond.
Massive human suffering, marked by civilian deaths, displacement, and destroyed infrastructure, underscores the war. Meanwhile, sanctions and military support from the West, coupled with evolving strategies like drone warfare, have prolonged hostilities. Amid escalating violence, peace remains elusive.