Water woes

Amidst the flood scenario in parts of southern India, talking of water scarcity may seem ironical. But new research shows that black carbon emitted from older diesel engines and from wood and dung used in traditional cook stoves is accelerating glacial melting in the Himalayas.

Concentrations of black carbon landing on glaciers in areas which are "supposed to be pristine, untouched environments" has alarmed the scientists.

What these particles do is to absorb sunlight that would normally be reflected from the snow and ice, accelerating melting.

One third of all the black carbon soot in the world is produced in India and China, with India lagging behind China in implementing procedures to reduce output.
Replacing older cookstoves with more modern ones and controlling traffic in the Himalayas, can both help manage the problem.

Estimates show that by 2035 many glaciers in the region will be gone. That will directly affect millions who depend on the glacier melt for their daily needs.

While on water, the UK Government is launching a new campaign urging Britons to stop wasting water and save 20 litres a day.

The average UK household uses over 100,000 litres of water a year, the equivalent of 150 litres per person per day – one of the highest usage figures in Europe.
Many parts of the country actually have less water available per head than many European countries, including Italy, Greece and France.

But in the long run, will campaigns be enough? Whether it be about cook stoves or wasting water? Shelling out a few more for a smokeless stove may seem the sensible choice except when every paise counts!

To many of the poor still relying on biomass, burning firewood is the easiest and cheapest option. AT least till hills lay bare!