Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked tenth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 152 at 9: 50am this morning (March 14, 2025). Today’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy,’ referring to a health threat to residents, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and Uzbekistan’s Tashkent cities respectively occupied the first, second, and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 263, 168 and 164 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Dhaka’s air marks ‘unhealthy’ this morning The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

A recent genetic study of Asian elephants in northern Cambodia has revealed a larger and healthier population than previously estimated, offering renewed hope for the recovery of the endangered species. Conducted by the Fauna & Flora conservation group, the study involved collecting DNA samples from elephant dung in Cambodia’s northern plains. The analysis allowed researchers to identify individual elephants, estimate population size, determine their sex, and assess genetic diversity. The findings suggest that 51 elephants inhabit the Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries. Researchers also found that these elephants exhibit greater genetic diversity—an essential factor for long-term survival—compared to populations in other parts of the country. “With adequate habitat still available in the region, this population has the potential to expand if effectively protected,” the report states. Cambodia is home to an estimated 400 to 600 wild Asian elephants. The study highlights northern Cambodia as a potential "national stronghold" for the species, reinforcing the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts. Elephants can't pursue their release from a Colorado zoo because they're not human, court says However, habitat degradation and fragmentation remain significant concerns, said Pablo Sinovas, director of Fauna & Flora in Cambodia. He emphasized that the study provides a solid foundation for future conservation and landscape management efforts. The research, funded by USAID and Britain’s People's Postcode Lottery, was conducted in collaboration with Cambodia’s Environment Ministry. Genetic testing took place at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, with technical assistance from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Although the fieldwork was completed during the 2020-21 dry season, Sinovas noted that the slow reproductive rate of elephants means population numbers have likely remained stable since then. Encouraged by these findings, researchers hope to replicate the study in other areas of Cambodia and neighboring countries like Vietnam, where elephant populations are more fragmented. “We were pleasantly surprised by the results,” said Alex Ball, conservation manager at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Train hits and kills 2 wild elephants in Sri Lanka as 2 of its fuel-carrying tankers derail “Our goal is to expand this approach across Cambodia and beyond to gain a clearer understanding of Asian elephant populations, which will guide efforts to reverse their decline.” Source: With input from agency

Speakers at a discussion here on Thursday called upon the authorities  concerned to reclaim the river lands and disclose the name of encroachers in a bid to protect the water bodies as the rivers are living entities. “A river is a living entity. It cannot be strangled to death. River lands are never private. River lands must be returned to the rivers. The list of encroachers must be published within the next 1 month,” said former chairman of the National River Conservation (NRC) Commission Dr Muzibur Rahman Howlader. On the eve of the International Day of Action for Rivers to be celebrated on March 14, Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA) organised the discussion titled "The Present and Future of Bangladesh's Rivers" at the National Press Club in the capital, said a press release. Dr Howlader said destroying rivers is a criminal offense. “After the July revolution, the occupation of river lands is still going on at an irresistible pace. The river, water, and environment must be protected. It is the responsibility of every citizen to protect the rivers,” he said. The NRC commission’s former chairman stressed the need for intensive research over the country’s rivers and following the directives of the High Court to save the rivers. Addressing the discussion as the chief guest, Prof Anu Muhammad said without the rivers, Bangladesh would not exist. He called upon for a national consensus and ratification of the United Nations Watercourses Convention of 1997 to save the rivers. “All the government's decisions and projects that destroy the rivers must be canceled and the encroachers must be evicted as per the recommendations made by the river commission,” Prof Anu Muhammad said adding that Delta Plan 2100 must be reviewed. DHORA member secretary Sharif Jamil said a strong and effective river commission and river commission law should be formulated and implemented as per the court's directives. President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners Dr Adil Mohammad Khan said the river commission should be more active to ensure the full share of the water of the common rivers. “Why did the eviction drive of 66,000 encroachers suddenly stop? Many politicians and influential persons were involved in the grabbing of river lands,” he said. Dr Adil Mohammad said the situation has not changed even after the July mass uprising as the polluters are involved in killing the living entities, rivers. Dhaka University’s associate professor Dr Moshahida Sultana said local people should be involved in any decision-making related to the rivers. Industries have been built on the banks of the rivers only due to profit maximization, she said. DHORA Co-Convener SM Siddique while chairing the discussion said industrial factories are built on the banks of the rivers and river lands are leased to construct jetties for the factories, which creates a great problem.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a sweeping set of deregulatory measures, aiming to ease restrictions on industries by rolling back key environmental protections. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced nearly three dozen changes, arguing that these reforms will reduce burdens on businesses and stimulate economic growth. However, environmental groups have raised concerns, warning that these rollbacks could significantly weaken safeguards for clean air and water. Key Regulatory Changes: Review of Power Plant Emission Standards The Biden administration had implemented strict limits on greenhouse gas emissions from gas- and coal-fired power plants as part of its climate policy. Zeldin stated that the EPA would reassess these regulations, citing concerns over potential constraints on energy production. Reevaluation of Toxic Emission Limits on Power Plants Coal-fired power plants emit hazardous metals like mercury, and the Biden administration had introduced stringent rules to limit these pollutants. The EPA announced plans to review these regulations following lawsuits from nearly two dozen states, which argue that compliance costs are too high. Additionally, a potential two-year compliance extension is under consideration for affected industries. Hawaii volcano again puts tall lava fountains on display in latest eruption episode Reassessment of Wastewater Regulations for Power Plants Coal and steam-powered plants discharge toxic substances, including mercury and arsenic, into wastewater, posing health risks. While the Biden administration had tightened wastewater disposal regulations, the EPA now plans to revisit these restrictions, citing concerns over increased industry costs and higher residential energy prices. Expanded Uses for Oil and Gas Wastewater Currently, treated wastewater from oil and gas drilling has limited applications, such as agricultural use in select western regions. The EPA plans to explore new potential uses, including cooling data centers and fire suppression. Critics argue that wastewater may contain harmful contaminants, while supporters claim that modern treatment technologies can mitigate such risks. Modification of Petrochemical Emergency Planning The Biden administration had strengthened safety requirements for industrial and chemical plants, requiring more stringent risk management measures. These rules were intended to prevent incidents like the 2019 Texas explosion, which led to mass evacuations. The EPA is now reassessing these safety requirements, citing concerns about national security vulnerabilities due to increased public disclosure mandates. Review of Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirements The EPA’s mandatory emissions reporting program, which requires major industrial polluters to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, is under review. Zeldin described the program as an expensive bureaucratic burden that does not directly improve air quality. However, proponents argue that emission data helps companies identify cost-saving opportunities while reducing pollution. Reevaluation of Vehicle Emissions Standards The EPA plans to review emissions regulations for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles. Zeldin characterized these regulations as a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s push for electric vehicles (EVs), despite the fact that automakers were not mandated to sell EVs. Rolling back these standards would permit higher greenhouse gas emissions, though many automakers have already begun investing in cleaner technologies. Review of the 2009 Endangerment Finding The 2009 Clean Air Act’s Endangerment Finding determined that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health, forming the legal foundation for U.S. climate policies. The Trump administration had previously ordered a review of its legality, and the current EPA is now reconsidering its status. Experts warn that reversing the finding could have severe consequences for climate policy. Reconsideration of Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Regulations HFCs, potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning, have been subject to strict controls to curb their impact on climate change. Many countries have pledged to phase out HFCs, but the EPA is now reviewing these regulations, potentially loosening restrictions. Abolition of the ‘Good Neighbor Plan’ Scientists raise concerns as the US stops sharing air quality data This policy aimed to limit cross-state air pollution from power plants to reduce smog exposure in downwind communities. The EPA now seeks to terminate the rule, though the Supreme Court had already suspended its implementation, siding with states that challenged it. Restructuring of Scientific Advisory Committees The EPA’s Science Advisory Board and Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, responsible for guiding environmental policy based on scientific research, are being restructured. These panels play a crucial role in shaping regulations, and past administrations have been criticized for politicizing their composition. Reevaluation of Particulate Matter Standards Particulate matter, or soot, from industrial facilities can enter the bloodstream, leading to respiratory illnesses. The Biden administration had tightened regulations, citing research that linked exposure to premature deaths and asthma. The EPA now argues that the existing standards are already effective and sees the regulations as an obstacle to economic activity. Review of Air Pollution Standards for Energy and Manufacturing Sectors The EPA’s national emission standards regulate pollutants known to cause cancer and other health issues. The agency is now considering exemptions, including a two-year compliance delay for facilities affected by these rules. Overhaul of the Regional Haze Program For decades, this program has reduced pollution that obscures scenic views in national parks. While air quality has improved, Zeldin argues that the program is being misused to justify shutting down industrial plants, and the EPA will review its implementation. Revision of the ‘Social Cost of Carbon’ Calculation The social cost of carbon helps quantify the economic impact of greenhouse gas emissions. The Biden administration set the figure at $190 per ton to account for climate-related damages. The EPA, following an executive order, is now considering eliminating the metric altogether, aligning with policies that prioritize fossil fuel production. Changes to the Coal Ash Regulation Framework Coal ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, contains hazardous pollutants such as arsenic and mercury. The Biden administration had tightened regulations to hold companies accountable for cleaning up coal ash sites. The EPA is now shifting regulatory oversight to individual states, raising concerns that environmental protections could weaken. Implications and Reactions Industry groups have welcomed these regulatory rollbacks, arguing that they will reduce costs and prevent excessive government intervention. However, environmental organizations have expressed alarm, warning that these changes could have long-term negative impacts on public health, climate action, and ecological protection. Japan fights a forest fire that has damaged dozens of homes and caused hundreds to evacuate As the EPA moves forward with these deregulatory actions, the decisions will likely face legal challenges from environmental groups and states opposed to weaker regulations. The coming months will determine how these policy shifts reshape environmental protections and industrial operations across the U.S. Source: With input from agency

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked thirteen on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 133 at 10:25am this morning (March 13, 2025). Today’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, referring to a health threat to residents, according to the AQI index. However, today’s air quality slightly improved compared to the past few days in the city.   When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi, Nepal’s Kathmandu and Pakistan’s Lahore cities respectively occupied the first, second, and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 199, 186 and 181 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’, ranks 6th worst in the world Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

An erupting Hawaii volcano once again began shooting fountains of lava that reached hundreds of feet high on Tuesday. Fountains reached heights of 400 feet (120 meters) to 500 feet (150 meters) in the early morning hours, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. This marks the 13th episode of on-again, off-again lava activity of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island that started Dec. 23. The latest episode didn't last long. Fountaining stopped abruptly in the afternoon, scientists later said. A webcam showed vigorous fountains of bright-red molten rock and billowing smoke midmorning Tuesday. Hours later, only smoke could be seen. On Monday afternoon, there were small, sporadic spatter fountains reaching 15 feet (5 meters) to 30 feet (10 meters) high. Spattering continued to increase during the night and into early Tuesday, the observatory said in a status report. No residential areas have been threatened by the eruption. People have been flocking to the park for views of the fiery show. Indonesia's Mount Ibu erupts, spewing red lava, thick ash, dark clouds into the sky Each episode has produced fountains ranging in height, with some reaching 600 feet (180 meters). The length of time for each fountaining episode has varied from several hours to several days. Episodes have been separated by pauses lasting from less than 24 hours to 12 days, according to the observatory.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked second on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 192 at 10:25am this morning (March 12, 2025). Today’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’, referring to a health threat to residents, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi, Mumbai and Nepal’s Kathmandu cities respectively occupied the first, third, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 248, 184 and 176 respectively. Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’, ranks 6th worst in the world The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has called on the Trump administration to abandon its plan to kill over 450,000 invasive barred owls in West Coast forests, arguing that it would be excessively costly. The lawmakers, numbering 19 and including Republican Rep. Troy Nehls from Texas and Democrat Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove from California, said the plan would cost $3,000 per owl. Tk 20 crore fines imposed in nationwide anti-pollution drives They questioned whether the killings would benefit the native northern spotted owl populations, which have been controversial due to logging restrictions in their habitats since the 1990s, as well as the closely related California spotted owl. Barred owls, native to eastern North America, began appearing in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s, quickly displacing the smaller spotted owls that require larger territories to breed. Federal officials estimate that 100,000 barred owls now inhabit the region, compared to just 7,100 spotted owls. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's plan, approved last year, would involve trained shooters targeting barred owls over 30 years across 23,000 square miles (60,000 square kilometers) in California, Oregon, and Washington. The plan did not provide a cost estimate, but the lawmakers suggested it could exceed $1.3 billion, based on costs from a grant awarded to the Hoopa Valley Native American Tribe to kill up to 1,500 barred owls. In a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers described the plan as an inefficient and inappropriate use of taxpayer funds, accusing the federal government of attempting to control environmental outcomes at great expense. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did not immediately respond to questions about the cost estimate and the owl removal program. The plan calls for the removal of more than 2,400 barred owls this year, with the number increasing to over 15,500 annually by 2027. Since 2009, researchers have been experimenting with shooting barred owls, and the results suggest that this strategy could halt the decline of spotted owls. About 4,500 barred owls have been killed on the West Coast in this research effort. The practice of removing one bird species to protect others has sparked debate among wildlife advocates, echoing past government actions, such as killing sea lions and cormorants to save salmon or removing cowbirds to protect warblers. The barred owl removals would be one of the largest efforts involving birds of prey. Nylon fence erected in 40 kms of Sundarbans to tackle human-wildlife conflict Researchers believe the barred owls spread into the Pacific Northwest through the Great Plains or Canada’s boreal forests, both of which have become more suitable for them due to climate change. Their presence has undermined decades of restoration efforts aimed at protecting spotted owls, which included logging restrictions during President Bill Clinton's administration that temporarily slowed the spotted owl's decline.

Nearly Tk 20 crore fines were imposed and 462 brick kilns were shut down in the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change’s nationwide anti-pollution drives. The nationwide initiative was aimed at tackling pollution through mobile court drives, which were carried out by the Department of Environment from January 2 to March 9, according to a press release on Monday. 14 illegal brick kilns demolished in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai A total of 598 mobile court operations were conducted during this period, it said. The drives focused on addressing a range of pollution-related issues, including excessive black smoke from vehicles, illegal polluting brick kilns, steel mills, noise pollution, hazardous waste disposal, lead/battery recycling factories, wetland encroachment, tire pyrolysis plants, charcoal factories, and air pollution caused by construction materials left in open spaces. Throughout these operations, 1,363 cases were filed, resulting in fines amounting to Tk 19.79 crore. As part of the crackdown on illegal brick kilns, 305 brick kiln chimneys were demolished, leading to the complete shutdown of these operations. Orders were issued for the closure of 157 additional brick kilns, while 60 kilns had their raw bricks destroyed. In another significant move, six trucks containing lead/battery smelting equipment were seized from five factories, which were subsequently shut down, the release said. Four mobile court drives were conducted in various areas of Dhaka, including Hatirjheel, Moghbazar, Adabor, Aftabnagar, Badda, and Dhanmondi, under the Air Pollution Control Rules 2022 on Sunday. These drives resulted in 11 cases and fines amounting to Tk 60,000. Business owners were issued warnings, and an immediate removal of construction materials was ordered. In the same vein, a mobile court drive was conducted in Narayanganj against a ready-mix factory under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2021. Three cases were filed, and a fine of Tk 50,000 was collected. HC orders dismantling of illegal brick kilns nationwide, report due by March 17 Moreover, 20 additional mobile court drives took place across several districts, including Panchagarh, Kurigram, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Jhenaidah, Bhola, Sirajganj, Meherpur, Moulvibazar, Pirojpur, Gaibandha, Shariatpur, Barguna, Thakurgaon, Bogura, and Sherpur. These drives resulted in 19 cases and fines totaling Tk 13.2 lakh. The operations led to the shutdown of 22 brick kilns, including their demolition and the extinguishing of fires, while three more kilns were ordered to close, added the release. DoE said these efforts would continue in the future, as part of the ongoing campaign to combat pollution across the country.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked eighth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 167 at 9:15am this morning (March 9, 2025). Today’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’, referring to a health threat to residents, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. China’s Beijing, India’s Delhi and Nepal’s Kathmandu cities respectively occupied the first, second, and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 228, 219 and 195 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. Dhaka’s air world’s 3rd worst this morning The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.