Climate Change: Understanding, Effects, and Individual Efforts for a Better Climate Condition [By Ms. Tanaya Rajeev Gajbhiye, (B.Tech. Biotechnology)]

 

Climate Change: Understanding, Effects, and Individual Efforts for a Better Climate Condition

Ms. Tanaya Rajeev Gajbhiye, (B.Tech. Biotechnology)

 The temperature in India has been skyrocketing for a decade now. Growing up during the early 2000s, I thoroughly enjoyed the summer season. The warm weather, ice- creams and staying up late are what made me really look forward for the summer vacations. However, the lovely happy summer has now turned into something unbearable since the last few years due to the tremendous rise in the temperature.

India has been experiencing constant heat waves and the temperature in places like Delhi has gone as high as 52.1°C. Everybody needs to ask themselves, why is this happening? who is responsible for these immense rises in temperature levels?  What are the repercussions if this keeps going on? and the most important question what can” I “do to help the situation? The reason behind this all is “climate change”.

What is Climate change?

First and foremost, we need to understand what climate change actually means; According to the United Nations, Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.

Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

 

Robotics-assisted Phenomics tools (Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.))

 Robotics-assisted Phenomics tools

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.)

Phenomics, the study of an organism's physical and biochemical traits, plays a crucial role in crop improvement by providing valuable insights into plant characteristics and responses.  Plant phenomics research is at the forefront of modern science, driven by advanced technologies like robotics, imaging systems, and machine learning. It enables the rapid collection of vast datasets on plant traits and their responses to environmental factors, facilitating precise agriculture, genetic analysis, and the conservation of biodiversity. By integrating genomics and non-invasive imaging, it accelerates crop improvement efforts, addressing global challenges like food security and climate change adaptation. This interdisciplinary field continues to evolve with emerging technologies, making it pivotal for sustainable agriculture and environmental science. Here are some applications of phenomics in crop improvement:

1.      Identification of Desirable Traits: Phenomics helps identify and quantify desirable traits in crops, such as yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional content. This information guides breeders in selecting the best parent plants for crossing.

The Potential and Applications of Biochar: A Versatile Carbon-Rich Material (By: Rashmi Suryavanshi)

 The Potential and Applications of Biochar: A Versatile Carbon-Rich Material

Author: Rashmi Suryavanshi (M.Sc. Biotechnology)

Introduction:

Biochar, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous carbon-rich material produced through the process of pyrolysis. Pyrolysis involves heating organic biomass, such as wood or agricultural waste, in the absence of oxygen. This carbonization process creates a stable and durable form of charcoal that has a wide range of applications in various fields. Biochar is recognized for its unique properties, including its high surface area, porosity, and ability to retain and release nutrients, making it valuable in biological experiments, medicine, and agricultural applications. Various forms of biochar viz., pelletized, granular, and powdered can be visualized in the image below. 

Applications of Biochar: