Climate Change And How The World Is Responding: Can We Still Defy The Odds? | CNA Correspondent

Humayun’s Tomb to Danish Cuisine: A Global Overview of Climate Change & Sustainability Efforts

Key Concepts:

• Delta Blue Carbon Project: A mangrove restoration project in Pakistan’s Indus Delta.
• Biofiltration: Using plants and their roots to clean water, as demonstrated by James Kates’ Lake Victoria project.
• Zombie Projects: Electricity grid connection projects that have stalled, hindering renewable energy expansion in the UK.
• One Big Beautiful Bill: US legislation impacting federal subsidies for solar projects.
• Aforestation: The process of planting trees on land previously used for agriculture, as implemented in Denmark.
• EU Deforestation Regulation: A proposed EU law aimed at ensuring imported commodities are deforestation-free.
• Carbon Sequestration: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
• Urban Heat Islands: Metropolitan areas that are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.

I. Heritage Sites Under Threat: India’s Struggle with Climate Change & Pollution

For five centuries, Humayun’s Tomb has withstood natural disasters and human neglect. However, the Mughal-era structure now faces an “existential threat” from increasingly unpredictable rainstorms, air pollution, and insufficient maintenance. The porous sandstone of the tomb absorbs polluted water, leading to chemical reactions that weaken the structure. The Aak Khan Trust for Culture is leading conservation efforts, employing specialist craftsmen from Uzbekistan, alongside interventions like tree planting and improved drainage systems. This situation is representative of over 70 historic sites in central Delhi.

Across India, extreme weather and development are damaging heritage sites. The Sonar Fort in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, partially collapsed due to heavy monsoon rains. The Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Delhi exhibit visible discoloration caused by pollution and acid rain. The damage to the Red Fort is particularly severe, with soot easily coming off the walls due to decades of emissions from vehicles, construction, and factories. Researchers warn this pollution could permanently compromise the site and urge immediate action.

The Indian government states that 50% of the country’s electricity now comes from renewable sources, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2070. Early warning systems have been installed at many monuments, but officials emphasize that warnings alone are insufficient; adequate funding and resources for conservation are crucial. The Archaeological Survey of India received a 13% budget increase to 138 million last year, but some analysts believe this is inadequate, calling for comprehensive risk assessments, regular inspections, and increased funding for protective chemical treatments.

II. The Indus Delta: A Case Study in Climate Vulnerability (Pakistan)

The Indus Delta, the world’s fifth-largest delta system and home to the seventh-largest mangrove forest, is under siege from climate change and human activity. Seawater intrusion has increased salinity, while freshwater flow has decreased by nearly 80% since the 1950s. Approximately 5 million hectares of fertile land have been lost due to this intrusion. Contributing factors include irrigation, hydropower, and changes in glacial melt and rainfall patterns.

Fisherwoman Aminit Bibi was forced to relocate from Mahmud Tablu to Miru Tablu after rising sea levels swallowed her home. The abandoned village of Mahmud Tablu now lies submerged, illustrating the devastating impact on coastal communities. Experts fear major urban centers like Karachi are also at risk, facing threats from extreme climate, sea intrusion, and urban heat islands.

The Delta Blue Carbon Project, launched in 2015, represents a significant effort to restore mangrove cover, increasing it 300-fold. However, Pakistan remains among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change.

III. Innovative Solutions: From Lake Victoria to British Solar Power

James Kates is tackling plastic pollution in Lake Victoria, Uganda, with a floating island constructed from plastic waste and plants. This innovative approach utilizes biofiltration to clean the lake, removing pesticides, oils, and sewage, while also boosting tourism. Despite removing over 20 tons of plastic, Kates acknowledges it’s a small step given the continuous influx of waste – at least 10% of plastic waste from Kampala ends up in the lake. The lack of effective microplastic removal processes in water treatment facilities exacerbates the problem.

In the UK, 2025 has been a record-breaking year for solar power, with 40% of the country’s electricity generated by the sun at one point in May. While climate change has contributed to drier weather and clearer skies, reducing air pollution has also played a role. Currently, solar provides 6% of Britain’s total energy production annually.

The UK is pursuing solutions like increased battery storage and solar panel capacity, aiming to capture 45 gigawatts by 2030 – enough to power 9 million homes. However, the electricity grid is at capacity, with 700 gigawatts of projects awaiting approval. “Zombie projects” are being identified for termination to prioritize viable initiatives. Furthermore, the feasibility of solar power from space is being seriously considered, offering the potential for near-perpetual sunlight and predictable power generation.

IV. The US Solar Industry: Navigating Policy Shifts & Rising Demand

The Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” legislation eliminated federal subsidies that had supported the US solar industry for decades. Despite this setback, many solar projects are proceeding, driven by economic viability. A farmer in Connecticut is leasing land for a solar farm, envisioning a co-existence with livestock.

Experts believe solar is fundamentally economic even without tax credits, but the policy change necessitates a shift in business models. A major driver of solar demand is the projected increase in electricity consumption, fueled by the growth of AI data centers. Large-scale solar farms are being built rapidly, but permitting and grid compatibility issues remain challenges. Tariffs and regulatory uncertainty contribute to the “solar coaster” effect.

V. Denmark’s Sustainable Transition: From Farmland to Plant-Based Cuisine

Denmark is converting agricultural land into forests as part of a $6 billion government initiative to reduce fertilizer runoff and improve water quality. Aforestation is expected to enhance carbon sequestration in the soil and contribute to climate mitigation. The EU has pledged over $700 million to support landowners participating in this transition, aiming to plant 1 billion trees over the next two decades.

However, the EU’s broader anti-deforestation plans are facing implementation challenges. The EU Deforestation Regulation, designed to ensure sustainable sourcing of commodities like palm oil, is at risk of delay or repeal due to concerns about economic disruption.

Meanwhile, Denmark is actively promoting plant-based diets. The Copenhagen Hospitality College is training chefs in plant-based cuisine, emphasizing flavor and creativity. Denmark launched an industry roadmap in 2021 to increase the availability of plant-based foods, a surprising move given the country’s high per capita meat consumption. This initiative was driven by political momentum and integrated into a broader agricultural deal. 80% of Denmark’s agricultural land is currently used for livestock and feed crops, highlighting the potential for emissions reductions through a shift towards plant-based agriculture.

Notable Quotes:

• “It’s almost like our skin and it’s a skin is porous and you put a cling film around it, the cells start dying out…” – Comment on the impact of sealing porous building materials.
• “Warning alone is not enough… There needs to be adequate resources and funding for conservation…” – Highlighting the need for action beyond early warning systems.
• “We have been saying that solar is economic even without the tax credits.” – Expert opinion on the economic viability of solar power.
• “You could never explain it to a child….” – Lena Schilling on weakening EU climate targets.

This overview demonstrates a global pattern of escalating climate challenges and diverse responses, ranging from heritage site conservation to innovative technological solutions and policy shifts in agriculture and energy production. The urgency of addressing these issues is underscored by the tangible impacts on communities, ecosystems, and cultural landmarks worldwide.