In an effort to combat the alarming levels of air pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government is set to unveil a cloud-seeding project for artificial rain later this month. While its effectiveness remains uncertain, the move underscores the potential of technological advancements in addressing the climate crisis.
Although a novel approach for India, artificial rain has been induced before in countries such as the US, China, Australia, and the UAE. The first artificial rain experiment dates back to 1946 in New York, aimed at alleviating a severe drought.
Pollution, whether in the air, water, or other forms, poses a significant threat to public health. Air pollution, fueled by the reliance on fossil fuels for energy, is a pressing challenge even for developed nations. The adverse effects are evident in declining citizen health, with air pollution causing 7 million deaths annually and contributing to respiratory issues like asthma and lung cancer.
As 2023 unfolds as one of the hottest years on record, global pollution issues escalate, with Europe facing climate-related challenges like wildfires, floods, and heatwaves. Similar challenges are witnessed across continents, including heavy rainfall in Asian countries.
In addition to embracing technological innovations, simple yet impactful measures are crucial for environmental well-being. For example, Copenhagen’s Strøget underwent a transformative 2-year pilot project in 1962, banning cars. Despite initial opposition claiming it would harm businesses, the car-free street became a retail success and the city’s busiest shopping hub.
Cities play a pivotal role in safeguarding global ecosystems. Adopting nature-based solutions enhances climate resilience and restores biodiversity. Moreover, effective urban planning is essential to shield populations and settlements from climate risks like flash floods.
Transitioning to renewable energy sources is a wise move. Countries like India are actively phasing out fossil fuels, promoting electric vehicles, and committing to significant carbon emission reductions. China and Japan are leading in solar energy adoption, with China boasting a substantial solar power capacity of 306 GW in 2021. Tokyo mandates solar panels in all new houses constructed after April 2025.
For the past 30 years, Europe has harnessed the power of wind energy as a crucial step in climate action. Recently, the economic powerhouse, the USA, has begun investing in offshore wind farms, signaling a shift towards sustainable practices. The potential of offshore wind farms lies in providing a source of emissions-free energy.
Countries like Denmark, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands are taking ambitious steps by planning the construction of four artificial islands to significantly increase offshore wind capacity in the North Sea—equivalent to the output of 30 nuclear reactors. Meanwhile, a French start-up has innovatively combined solar and wind power in a single unit, producing 40% more energy than a conventional solar panel and ensuring a continuous energy supply 24 hours a day.
Numerous possibilities are being explored and implemented globally to address the evolving climate crisis. Every small-scale solution and initiative contributes to the broader effort, and in the long run, these endeavors will undoubtedly bear fruit for the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.