https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/el-nino-strengthened-rapidly-firmly-established-may-intensify-further-wmo https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/jaex64y0/El-Nino.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/0jjgel8f/WMO-forecast-for-temperatures-Sept-Nov-2026.png WMO forecast for temperatures Sept-Nov 2026. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/9n9dohmo/WMO-forecast-for-Precipitation-Sept-Nov-2026.png WMO forecast for Precipitation Sept-Nov 2026. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T12:41:07.959Z El Nino strengthened rapidly, firmly established, may intensify further: WMO Climate Change, El Nino, LA Nina, ENSO, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Celeste Saulo https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/botanists-identify-new-woolly-haired-flowering-plant-in-agasthyamala-biosphere-reserve https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/9iwtxfh2/img41.jpg Osbeckia ulotricha, clockwise from top left: leafy twigs; the upper and lower sides of the leaf; a stylar hair in a withering flower; and the flower. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T12:27:11.815Z Botanists identify new woolly-haired flowering plant in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Wildlife & Biodiversity, Western Ghats, Conservation of Western Ghats, Botanical Survey of India, new species, Shola grasslands, Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Flowering plant https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/nit-rourkela-patents-hybrid-energy-storage-system-to-extend-ev-battery-life https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/5cx42oyq/1000411871.jpg Photo of electric rickshaw for representation. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T12:17:24.011Z NIT Rourkela patents hybrid energy storage system to extend EV battery life Energy, Electric vehicles, Electric vehicle, Odisha, Electric Vehicle Technology, Hybrid energy, powertrain, battery technology, hybrid energy storage systems, NIT rourkela https://www.downtoearth.org.in/economy/can-warangals-gi-tagged-dhurries-escape-the-march-of-mechanisation https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/xkjp54zv/Warangal-Looms.jpg Workmen in a hand-operated loom near Warangal in Telangana. The area has been famous for its ‘Warangal Dhurries’ since the Mughal conquest of the region in 1687. But with weaving increasingly getting mechanised, these looms are today disappearing fast. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/zt2axuj7/Warangal-Looms.jpg Workmen in a hand-operated loom near Warangal in Telangana. The area has been famous for its ‘Warangal Dhurries’ since the Mughal conquest of the region in 1687. But with weaving increasingly getting mechanised, these looms are today disappearing fast. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T12:08:19.402Z Can Warangal’s GI-tagged Dhurries escape the march of mechanisation? Economy, Governance, Telangana, weaving, WARANGAL, Dhurries, looms https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/simply-put-natural-resources https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/9uapifqi/Simply-Put-3-Sept-hero-image-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/98c1e35e/Simply-Put-3-Sept-Nepal-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-03T11:54:57.043Z Simply Put: Natural resources Climate Change, climate justice, nepal floods https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-september-2-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/rzugd2w1/Gavel.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-03T11:28:21.040Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 2, 2026) Environment, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), National Green Tribunal, prayagraj, daily court digest, Deoria, Kitchener lake, Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA), Yamuna flood plain https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/as-water-stress-deepens-india-asks-thermal-power-plants-to-account-for-every-drop https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/e6tsxej2/Thermal-power-plants-India-water-use downtoearth en 2026-09-03T11:07:33.974Z As water stress deepens, India asks thermal power plants to account for every drop Energy, Energy, Water, thermal power plant, National Water Policy, Central Electricity Authority https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/india-needs-a-human-and-farmer-centred-model-of-agricultural-ai https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/x375khz9/Farmer-ploughing-field.jpg A farmer ploughing a paddy field in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T10:23:19.388Z India needs a human- and farmer-centred model of agricultural AI Agriculture, Science & Technology, Farmer producer organisations (FPO), Farmers, artificial intelligence, Small and Marginal Farmers https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/combat-desertification-cop17-seat-at-table-for-indigenous-peoples-coordinated-action-on-land-climate-biodiversity-both-left-waiting https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/xp0kc86z/Ladakh-tibetan-woman-yak-herder For communities whose lands and livelihoods are on the frontlines of desertification, drought and land degradation, meaningful participation is not simply a question of representation; it can shape whether the solutions adopted by the UNCCD reflect realities on the ground. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T09:24:52.903Z Combat desertification COP17: Seat at table for Indigenous Peoples & coordinated action on land, climate, biodiversity — both left waiting Climate Change, Governance, Environment, Agriculture, Indigenous Peoples, Desertification, UNCCD, Communities, COP17 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/ammachi-finds-a-home-in-the-forest https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/ewgbpkkh/Amolops-ammachi.jpg Amolops ammachi. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T09:13:51.566Z ‘Ammachi’ finds a home in the forest Wildlife & Biodiversity, Tripura, Northeast, Kerala, Frogs, Amolops ammachi, Padmini Varkey https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/indias-weakening-southwest-monsoon-is-a-multi-sectoral-challenge https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/8y3f6k8f/Dry-rice-field.jpg A dry rice field. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T09:13:42.341Z India’s weakening southwest monsoon is a multi-sectoral challenge Agriculture, Climate Change, Energy, El Nino, Kharif, Southwest monsoon, Paddy cultivation, Long period average (LPA) rainfall, Southwest Monsoon 2026, Agrarian stress https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/nepal-floods-show-that-india-must-price-the-cost-of-infrastructure-failure-before-disasters-strike https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/pnieyeo1/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-1.41.57-PM.png Tunnel rescue team from India continued rescue operations in Chilime, in coordination with the Nepali Army. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T08:30:47.251Z Nepal floods show that India must price the cost of infrastructure failure before disasters strike Climate Change, climate resilience, chamoli disaster, infrastructure resilience, Glacial lake outburst floods, nepal floods, sikkim floods, Himalayan disasters, disaster risk, Trishuli valley, Himalayan infrastructure https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/when-the-gods-cant-fight-climate-change-the-panchubarahi-story https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/2xv50o3t/Satabhaya-Panchubarahi-Temple-on-31st-August-2026-Prasanjit-Lenka.jpg The Satabhaya Panchubarahi Temple on August 31, 2026. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/obdt5gy3/Satabhaya-Panchubarahi-Temple-in-2014-Ranjan-Panda.jpg The Satabhaya Panchubarahi Temple in 2014. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/dfk0moe1/Satabhaya-Panchubarahi-Temple-in-Nov-2025-Satyabadi-Biswal.jpeg The Satabhaya Panchubarahi Temple in November 2025. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T06:54:43.162Z When the Gods can’t fight climate change: the Panchubarahi story Climate Change, Odisha, Satabhaya village, Coastal Erosion, Kendrapada, Sea-level rise, Bagapatia https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/farming-can-help-drive-southern-africas-growth-if-countries-in-the-region-make-trade-easier https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/9c094jhq/South-africa-trade-agriculture In the past few years there have been instances of trade friction. Tension has been high between South Africa and some neighbouring countries, with three signalling their intention to limit imports from South Africa. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T06:46:48.978Z Farming can help drive southern Africa’s growth if countries in the region make trade easier Africa, World, Agriculture, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Farming, Economy, Trade, Southern Africa, eswatini https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/more-trees-are-needed-to-cool-down-european-cities-in-heatwaves-but-they-must-be-planted-nearer-to-homes https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/1b1srrod/iStock-2282252340.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-03T06:30:20.690Z More trees are needed to cool down European cities in heatwaves — but they must be planted nearer to homes Climate Change, Forests, Urbanisation, Trees, heat, Urban heat islands, tree shading, UK heatwaves 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-heavy-rain-threatens-madhya-pradesh-uttar-pradesh-and-west-bengal-flood-risk-rises https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/7fusvaj0/Rainfall.jpg A red alert has been issued for heavy rain in Madhya Pradesh, with excessive rainfall in several districts increasing the risk of flooding and waterlogging. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T04:58:19.281Z Daily weather tracker: Heavy rain threatens Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal; flood risk rises Climate Change, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Southwest monsoon, West Bengal, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/africas-solar-boom-is-bigger-than-official-statistics-reveal-ember https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/m019j61h/Africa-Solar.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-03T04:48:08.470Z Africa’s solar boom is bigger than official statistics reveal: Ember Africa, Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, IEA, Ember, solar boom https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/when-rock-flows-like-a-river https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-03/jbnc8ppk/Langtang-Lirung.jpg Mt.Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) seen from Kyangjin Kharka village of Nepal. downtoearth en 2026-09-03T04:27:59.142Z When rock flows like a river Natural Disasters, Science & Technology, Nepal, tibet, Himalaya, Eurasian plate, Indian plate, Rasuwa Flood, Rasuwa, Langtang Lirung https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/nepal-tragedy-result-of-decades-of-engineering-mindset-that-assumed-rivers-and-mountains-could-be-re-engineered-at-will-sunita-narain https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/v5j5ea6g/Ms.-Sunita-Narain-Director-General-Centre-for-Science-and-Environment-CSE-and-Padma-Shri-Awardee.jpg Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). downtoearth en 2026-09-02T14:14:28.873Z Nepal tragedy result of decades of engineering mindset that assumed rivers and mountains could be re-engineered at will: Sunita Narain Environment, Natural Disasters, Nepal, nepal floods, Rasuwa Flood, Rasuwa https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/farmers-group-all-india-kisan-sabha-alleges-eviction-of-25000-forest-dwellers-in-tamil-nadu-is-illegal https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/25kag8sg/Agasthyamalai-Biosphere-Reserve.jpg Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve downtoearth en 2026-09-02T14:08:01.375Z Farmers' group All India Kisan Sabha alleges eviction of 25,000 forest dwellers in Tamil Nadu is illegal Forests, wildlife conservation, Tamil Nadu, Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, adivasis, forest dwellers, traditional forest dwellers, All India Kisan Sabha, Forest Rights Act of 2006, Meghamalai-Varusanadu, Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/new-fao-global-assessment-recognises-loss-of-soil-biodiversity-as-major-threat-to-soil-function https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/zzh983m5/iStock-823102012.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-02T13:03:21.221Z New FAO global assessment recognises loss of soil biodiversity as major threat to soil function soil biodiversity, soil health, FAO report, soil management, soil degradation, sustainable soils, soil threats, intensive agriculture, soil erosion, soil organic carbon, nutrient mismanagement, soil governance, soil monitoring, SDG 15, soil biodiversity loss https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/there-needs-to-be-an-urgent-change-in-the-way-indians-think-about-landfills https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/e4cd26pg/Bandhwari-Landfill.jpg The Bandhwari Landfill near Gurugram. downtoearth en 2026-09-02T11:42:36.172Z There needs to be an urgent change in the way Indians think about landfills Waste, Waste Management, Waste Disposal, Landfills, dumpyards https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-september-1-2026 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-08-13/3wt5zc4y/Gavel.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-02T11:06:59.759Z Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (September 1, 2026) Environment, Waste Management, Delhi, Wetlands, environmental norms, Belagavi, Decentralised sewage treatment plant, Ethanol plant https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/uttarakhands-apple-production-is-caught-in-a-cascading-chain-of-risks-here-are-some-insights-from-stakeholder-perspectives https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/p44jqpkj/apple-1.jpg A still of an apple cluster from an orchard in Mukteshwar. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/9f4dves7/pollination-2.jpg Pollination through honeybees is a critical link in apple production. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/ylepf8r8/apple-3.jpg Mixed cropping in apple orchards involves vegetable production supported by chemical pest control. https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/k4gl29j7/apple-4.jpg Premature apple harvesting and packing in response to market demand. downtoearth en 2026-09-02T10:35:21.739Z Uttarakhand’s apple production is caught in a cascading chain of risks. Here are some insights from stakeholder perspectives Climate Change, Agriculture, Pollination, Uttarakhand Agriculture, Apple farming, Apple orchards https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/simply-put-road-safety https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/89etxnqo/Simply-Put-2-Sept-hero-image-copy.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/whmxixhd/Simply-Put-2-Sept-Road-safety1-copy.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-02T10:29:57.778Z Simply Put: Road safety Governance, ROAD SAFETY, traffic rules https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/nepal-floods-what-we-now-know-about-the-glacier-collapse https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/67knhstn/Nepal-Floods.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-02T08:37:42.909Z Nepal Floods: What we now know about the glacier collapse Natural Disasters, Glaciers, Nepal, Rasuwa Flood, Rasuwa, Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/germanys-new-export-finance-rules-could-cut-climate-assessments-by-40 https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/ne3ki5ai/1000410524.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/qta739pj/1000410457.jpg downtoearth en 2026-09-02T07:33:57.237Z Germany’s new export finance rules could cut climate assessments by 40% Climate Change, Governance, Export, Climate finance, Germany https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/indias-233-gw-solar-module-manufacturing-capacity-faces-demand-and-upstream-integration-challenges https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/tamyd3sp/iStock-1170098138.jpg https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/36d73qx4/Hero-graphic-India’s-solar-manufacturing-tilted-in-favour-of-module-assembly.png downtoearth en 2026-09-02T06:57:25.797Z India’s 233 GW solar module manufacturing capacity faces demand and upstream integration challenges Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Clean energy, green hydrogen, solar PV, data centres, solar manufacturing https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/daily-weather-tracker-low-pressure-system-moves-towards-uttar-pradesh-heavy-rain-and-thunderstorms-likely-across-several-states https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/id39s0os/Daily-Weather-Tracker.jpg Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, with an orange alert issued. downtoearth en 2026-09-02T06:43:29.327Z Daily weather tracker: Low-pressure system moves towards Uttar Pradesh, heavy rain and thunderstorms likely across several states Climate Change, Uttar Pradesh, Southwest monsoon, India Meteorological Department (IMD), low-pressure system, Daily Weather Tracker, Southwest Monsoon 2026, heavy rain and thunderstorms https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/with-the-monsoon-in-its-final-month-nearly-half-of-el-niño-vulnerable-districts-across-25-statesuts-face-deficient-rainfall-dte-analysis https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/s31shdht/Northeast-India-Drought.jpg Much of Northeast India is experiencing drought-like conditions. downtoearth en 2026-09-02T06:19:08.861Z With the monsoon in its final month, nearly half of El Niño-vulnerable districts across 25 states/UTs face deficient rainfall: DTE analysis Climate Change, Drought, El Nino, Southwest monsoon, Southwest Monsoon 2026 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/a-landmark-un-report-says-world-will-overshoot-15c-climate-target-what-happens-now https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/h03iro19/1000410456.jpg As damage mounts, nations will have to cooperate to cut emissions as rapidly as possible and figure out how to safely and equitably pull carbon back out of the atmosphere. downtoearth en 2026-09-02T06:04:23.537Z A landmark UN report says world will overshoot 1.5°C climate target. What happens now? Climate Change, Climate Change, Paris agreement, climate crisis, Climate change action, Paris Agreement 1.5°C, 1.5°C target https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/nairobis-expansion-is-swallowing-up-rural-land-new-book-reveals-the-impacts-on-families https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-02/nkc3j2f7/file-20260817-60-qjuonh.avif The Nairobi skyline in the background seen from Gachie in neighbouring Kiambu county. downtoearth en 2026-09-02T05:05:08.480Z Nairobi’s expansion is swallowing up rural land: new book reveals the impacts on families Africa, Urbanisation, Cities, Nairobi, Kenya, Alcohol abuse, africa cities, universal basic income, land dispossession, smallholder farmers, kikuyu community, Africa urbanisation, Agriculture + Land, Africa rising, Khat, Land fragmentation, Political dynasties, Land redistribution, economic inequalities, African youth unemployment, Kenya Gen Z protests, Kenya colonialism https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/nepal-floods-expose-climate-finance-delay-gcf-took-seven-years-to-approve-glacier-risk-project-while-lenders-backed-hydropower-in-vulnerable-basin https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-01/qyz2wooh/HRD9f9bUAAcN5S.jpeg Indian tunnel rescue team making progress at Chilime and Langtang hydropower sites. downtoearth en 2026-09-01T13:48:47.049Z Nepal floods expose climate finance delay: GCF took seven years to approve glacier-risk project while lenders backed hydropower in vulnerable basin Climate Change, Natural Disasters, Governance, Economy, Climate finance, Hydropower, Disaster risk management, Green Climate Fund (GCF), GLOF, Glacial lake outburst floods, nepal floods, Himalayan Glaciers, Bhote Koshi, Trishuli basin https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/climate-change-is-strengthening-el-niño-corals-reveal https://cf-images.assettype.com/downtoearth/2026-09-01/4zzmtx82/Coral-reefs.jpg Coral reef and tropical fish in Sunlight. downtoearth en 2026-09-01T13:01:09.514Z Climate change is strengthening El Niño, corals reveal Climate Change, Wildlife & Biodiversity, El Nino, Pacific Ocean, Corals, equatorial pacific ocean, Fossil Corals