Earth

A Time When We Count Plastic Waves on the Shore

It’s easy to overlook the plastic waste scattered on our beaches or floating in the ocean. But the reality is clear: plastic pollution is suffocating our oceans and destroying marine life

Published

2 months ago

December 27, 2024

Dipin Damodharan

Image credit: Naja Bertolt Jensen/Unsplash

What does the reality of our oceans look like today? Plastic pollution. Do we go to the beach without ever noticing a plastic bottle or plastic waste amidst the beauty of the waves and the vast sea? Or have we lost sight of nature’s true state, consumed by the exploitation we have allowed? It’s time we took a moment to reflect.

Today, one of the biggest challenges facing our oceans is plastic pollution. Since 2018, the world has produced 359 million metric tons of plastic. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually, with around 36% used for packaging—much of which ends up in landfills. In India alone, around 3.3 million metric tons of plastic waste is generated each year. And a large portion of this, approximately 8 million metric tons, ends up in the oceans annually.

Currently, our oceans are home to about 5.25 trillion plastic items, weighing a staggering 268,940 tons. By 2050, it is projected that there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish, according to a 2016 report presented at the World Economic Forum.

Disaster in the Deep Blue

Why is plastic waste so widespread in our oceans? As we walk along the beach, enjoying the beauty of the waves and the endless blue horizon, have we ever stopped to think about the plastic we might be overlooking? Beneath the surface, our oceans now hold vast quantities of plastic waste that are invisible to the naked eye, often carried by rivers or discarded carelessly by humans.

The plastic waste that litters the oceans consists of both macroplastics (larger objects such as bags and bottles) and microplastics (tiny particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastics). These microplastics, often less than 5 millimeters in size, are created as a result of exposure to sunlight, wave action, and other environmental factors. Even though these particles become so small, they do not disappear completely from the marine ecosystem.

Plastic waste, whether it’s a discarded plastic bottle, fishing gear, or other synthetic materials, poses a major threat to marine life. Marine creatures consume plastic debris, mistaking it for food, and suffer from serious health consequences. The damage is not limited to marine organisms; human beings are also at risk, as the toxic chemicals in plastics enter the food chain.

The Ecological and Economic Impact

The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching. For marine ecosystems, plastics lead to habitat destruction, toxic contamination, and loss of biodiversity. For humans, plastic waste affects fisheries, tourism, and coastal economies. Plastic waste also disrupts the functioning of marine ecosystems, which are essential for regulating the climate and providing food and oxygen for life on Earth.

Plastic debris floating on the water’s surface or sinking to the ocean floor threatens marine navigation and ship safety as well. The potential for harm is vast, and addressing the problem is crucial to preserving the future of our oceans.

Why Are We Still Struggling to Tackle Ocean Pollution?

Even as millions of tons of plastic waste flow into the oceans every year, why is there still no effective response to this environmental crisis? One reason is the lack of comprehensive research and detailed studies on the extent of microplastic pollution and its long-term impact on marine ecosystems. To understand the scale of the problem, we need to know how much waste is accumulating in the oceans and where the most significant concentrations are.

While commercial vessels and research ships have gathered some data, using plankton nets to collect ocean samples, this method only covers a small fraction of the vast oceans. The challenge is that the sheer size of the oceans makes it nearly impossible to assess the full scale of plastic pollution using current techniques. Moreover, long-term data on how plastic waste is changing over time is still limited.

The Impact of Plastic on Marine Life and Human Health

The effects of plastic pollution on marine life are devastating. Fish, birds, and other marine creatures often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion, which can be fatal. Some animals become entangled in fishing nets or plastic packaging, restricting their movement and leading to death. Even more concerning is the potential for toxic chemicals from plastics to enter the food chain, eventually reaching humans.

Moreover, plastic waste that floats on the surface or sinks to the bottom of the ocean poses a threat to navigation and shipping, making it difficult for vessels to safely navigate through affected areas. As plastics degrade over time, they release harmful chemicals into the water, further exacerbating the environmental damage.

Using Satellites to Track Plastic Waste

Understanding the extent and movement of plastic waste in the oceans is key to mitigating its impacts. Researchers at the University of Michigan once proposed an innovative solution by leveraging satellite data to monitor plastic pollution. NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), launched in 2016, has been used to track microplastics in the ocean, helping scientists better understand their location and movement. The research conducted by the University of Michigan on using NASA’s satellite data to monitor and track plastic waste in the oceans was published in 2020.

This method utilizes radar to measure surface roughness, which can indicate the presence of plastic debris. Since microplastics tend to float on the ocean surface and are influenced by wind patterns, this system can help identify areas with high concentrations of plastics, allowing for more effective cleanup efforts.

Satellites that record wind speed can also detect changes in the distribution of microplastics. Through satellite imagery, researchers have observed that plastic pollution in the northern hemisphere’s oceans peaks during the summer months, while in the southern hemisphere, it rises during January and February. This data offers critical insights into seasonal changes in plastic distribution and can guide future cleanup operations.

Researchers have also used satellite data to monitor pollution flowing from rivers, such as those in China’s Yangtze River, and how it affects nearby ocean regions. This type of research can be crucial in understanding how industrial growth and population density contribute to increasing plastic waste.

Satellite Data for Cleanup Efforts

One of the key benefits of satellite-based research is its potential to aid ocean cleanup organizations. By identifying areas with high concentrations of plastic, cleanup operations can be more focused and efficient. These organizations can deploy specialized vessels equipped to collect and recycle plastic debris, significantly reducing waste in targeted regions.

However, the relationship between ocean surface roughness and microplastic concentrations is still under study. While the researchers have observed a pattern, they caution that the link may not always be direct. Other factors, such as surfactants in the water, could also be influencing surface conditions, so more research is needed.

The use of satellite-based systems like CYGNSS is still a developing area of study, and researchers are continuing to improve the accuracy of detecting microplastics and understanding the seasonal variations of their distribution

As of now, the research has shown promising results, but the methodology is still under refinement. The findings have been used to create maps identifying regions with high levels of microplastics. These maps are helping organizations and cleanup efforts focus their resources more efficiently.The use of satellite-based systems like CYGNSS is still a developing area of study, and researchers are continuing to improve the accuracy of detecting microplastics and understanding the seasonal variations of their distribution. Researchers are also working on refining cleanup technologies based on this satellite data to increase their effectiveness in addressing plastic pollution.

Time to Address Ocean Pollution

Plastic pollution is a growing threat, and the time to act is now. Governments, industries, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing plastic waste and preventing further harm to our oceans. Stronger regulations on plastic production and disposal, increased public awareness, and innovation in biodegradable materials are all part of the solution.

As we continue to confront this crisis, it is essential that we understand the full extent of plastic pollution in our oceans, track its impact on marine ecosystems, and work toward sustainable solutions that protect the environment for future generations. The health of our oceans is directly tied to the health of our planet—and it is up to all of us to make a difference.

It’s easy to overlook the plastic waste scattered on our beaches or floating in the ocean. But the reality is clear: plastic pollution is suffocating our oceans and destroying marine life. As we continue to pollute, we risk not only the health of our oceans but also the survival of countless species, including our own. It is time to take action before the waves of plastic drown the beauty of the seas we cherish.

Earth

Global Renewable Energy Future Hinges on Climate-Informed Planning, New Report Reveals

The findings underscore the urgent need for integrating climate data into energy strategies to meet the ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency goals set for 2030

Published

5 days ago

March 4, 2025

EP Staff

Image credit: WMO

As the global transition to renewable energy gathers pace, accurate weather and climate insights are becoming crucial for ensuring the reliability and resilience of energy systems, as well as for effectively planning electricity demand and supplies. A new report, 2023 Year in Review: Climate-driven Global Renewable Energy Potential Resources and Energy Demand, highlights the essential role of climate-informed and diversified energy solutions to meet global targets for renewable energy expansion.

The report, a collaborative effort from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), which is operated by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), underscores the need for a comprehensive approach in planning renewable energy systems.

“Whether it is solar power generation in drier-than-average conditions, wind power generation in regions experiencing shifts from La Niña to El Niño conditions, or hydropower generation in the face of fluctuating precipitation patterns, climate has a direct bearing on both electricity supply and demand. Such challenges also present unprecedented opportunities: the integration of climate insights into energy planning yields more reliable power generation, helps anticipate seasonal peaks in demand and strengthens the adaptability of future infrastructure development,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, IRENA Director-General Francesco Camera, and C3S Director Carlo Buontempo in a joint foreword.

The report focuses on the year 2023, which marked a transition from La Niña to El Niño conditions, significantly affecting climatic variables critical to the energy sector, including wind speed, solar radiation, precipitation, and temperature. Notably, 2023 was the warmest year on record until it was surpassed by 2024.

This report is being released ahead of the Sustainable Energy for All Global Forum, set to take place in Barbados on 12-13 March 2025.

According to a press statement issued by the organizations involved, the findings underscore the urgent need for integrating climate data into energy strategies to meet the ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency goals set for 2030.

Earth

Young Giraffe Defies the Odds with Remarkable Recovery After Pionnering Surgery

The remarkable recovery followed a carefully coordinated wildlife rescue operation, which brought together experts from around the world to ensure the animal’s survival

Published

6 days ago

March 3, 2025

EP Staff

1. The team working to splint the leg of the young giraffe. 2. The complex rescue operation. 3: Prof Francois Deacon with Dr Liza Dadone and Dr Steve Foxforth

A young giraffe, initially given little chance of survival after suffering a severe leg injury, is now walking with his herd just one week after undergoing a pioneering surgical procedure. The remarkable recovery followed a carefully coordinated wildlife rescue operation, which brought together experts from around the world to ensure the animal’s survival.

According to Professor Francois Deacon from the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa, the surgery, which took place on Wednesday, 19 February, was carried out on a remote game farm located between Dealesville and Boshof. The farm owner first noticed the young giraffe limping, suspecting a broken leg. Without hesitation, he contacted Dr. Andri Grobbelaar, a UFS PhD graduate specializing in giraffe healthcare and welfare.

The timing of the rescue was fortuitous, as a team of American veterinarians researching giraffe hoof health were visiting UFS, making them ideal collaborators for the operation.

Challenges of Performing Surgery in the Field

While the exact cause of the injury remains unclear, Professor Deacon speculates that the rough terrain on the farm may have contributed to the fracture. “The farm has rocky outcrops and uneven surfaces, so it’s possible the giraffe’s leg got caught between rocks or stepped into a warthog hole, leading to the fracture,” he explained.

Rescuing a wild giraffe, particularly in such a remote location, posed significant challenges. Immobilizing the animal safely required advanced capture techniques, and a team of five experienced wildlife veterinarians worked together to ensure the giraffe’s wellbeing. “The terrain made it difficult to get close enough to dart the giraffe, and once immobilized, we had to act quickly,” said Professor Deacon. Dr. Willem Daffue from the Kroonstad Animal Hospital led the surgical procedure, bringing his extensive experience in treating giraffes. “Time was critical, as prolonged immobilization could lead to severe health complications,” he added.

Surgical Procedure and Recovery

Upon examination, the veterinarians discovered the giraffe’s leg was severely damaged. The lower leg was loose and broken, with the risk that the bones could pierce the skin. Under sedation and local anaesthesia, the team cleaned the wound, removed the damaged bone fragments, and stabilized the leg using surgical stainless-steel pins. The leg was then reinforced with a thick splint supported by PVC pipes for added stability.

Professor Deacon highlighted the unique challenge of the procedure, as there were no existing references for splinting a giraffe’s leg in such a condition. To monitor the giraffe’s recovery with minimal disturbance, the team used drone technology to track the animal remotely.

Two American veterinarians, Dr. Liza Dadone and Dr. Steve Foxforth – both specialists in giraffe care from international zoo environments – played a key role in administering antibiotics and providing guidance on hoof care, further aiding the animal’s recovery.

A Promising Recovery

Just one week after surgery, the young giraffe is thriving and defying expectations. The game farm owner and staff have reported that the giraffe is walking with the herd and keeping pace with the others – a promising sign that his recovery is progressing well. “Over the next six to eight weeks, we will continue to monitor his condition. If healing progresses as expected, the splint will be removed, and he could have up to a 50% chance of making a full recovery,” said Professor Deacon.

The giraffe’s young age and relatively low body weight are contributing factors in his favor, giving hope that he may eventually return to full health. This extraordinary outcome is the result of a global collaboration, expert intervention, and an unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.

Earth

How IIT Kanpur is Paving the Way for a Solar-Powered Future in India’s Energy Transition

At IIT Kanpur, an ambitious solar energy project is reshaping the way India approaches renewable energy. By integrating solar power with smart grids and energy storage, the project aims to make communities more energy-independent and sustainable

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2025

Dipin Damodharan

A house in the residential lanes of IIT Kanpur campus, equipped with a 5kWp Solar PV system and Smart Meters. Image credit: Dipin Damodharan

The narrow roads within IIT Kanpur’s campus wind through a vibrant residential neighbourhood, where compact, beautifully designed homes house the staff. Above these homes, solar panels gleam in the sunlight—not merely as an aesthetic feature, but as a symbol of a much larger energy transformation underway. This gleam reflects a bold vision for India’s energy future, one that’s driven by solar power, smart technology, and community participation.

At the heart of this transformation is IIT Kanpur, located in India’s Uttar Pradesh, lighting the way toward an energy future powered by clean, renewable energy. With innovation as its cornerstone, IIT Kanpur is shaping a new model of energy independence for India—a model that could be replicated across the country.

The spark of change

In 2017, the Indo-US partnership, known as the US-India Collaborative for Smart Distribution System with Storage (UI-ASSIST), was launched, bringing together top institutions from both countries. Led by Washington State University in the U.S. and IIT Kanpur in India, the partnership also includes IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, IIT Bhubaneswar, and TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute). Their collective goal: to create scalable, sustainable solutions for integrating renewable energy into India’s power grid. “This new consortium demonstrates the U.S. and India’s commitment to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy in both countries,” said then-U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry. “We know that continued grid innovation will foster economic growth and enhance energy security in both the United States and India.”

IIT Kanpur’s residential area has become a testing ground for this vision. Out of the 51 homes in residential lanes 32 and 33, 30 houses were selected based on a shadow analysis survey. These homes have been equipped with 5kWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems and state-of-the-art smart meters, turning residents into active energy producers. This transformation was part of a larger vision to create a microgrid capable of providing energy independence to the community.

A model of solar empowerment

Imagine this: families, once entirely dependent on the grid, now waking up to homes powered by the sun. “In Lane 32, 12 of the 21 homes are now powered by solar energy, while 18 out of 30 homes in Lane 33 have solar PV installations,” says Shiv Kumar Singh, Research Establishment Officer at IIT Kanpur’s Department of Electrical Engineering.

These homes are no longer passive consumers. With 5 kW of solar capacity, they actively contribute to the energy network, providing power to the grid and helping to reduce the community’s overall carbon footprint. For IIT Kanpur, this project is more than just an experiment—it’s a proof of concept for how solar energy can be scaled beyond cities and industries and into residential communities.

The hidden power: Energy storage and control

At the core of this experiment lies a powerful duo: energy storage and smart management. According to Shiv Kumar Singh, the project integrates two centralized lithium-ion battery storage systems—one with a 140 kWh capacity and another with 100 kWh. These systems store excess solar energy generated during the day and return it to the grid during the evening, when the sun sets.

But it doesn’t stop there. The project is made even smarter by the use of data. Smart meters, installed throughout the system, constantly collect data on energy consumption. This data is fed into a SCADA control center, where it’s analyzed in real-time to optimize energy usage and ensure the grid operates as efficiently as possible. This intelligent, data-driven approach maximizes every watt of energy generated and consumed.

*Semi-urban field pilot: Network architecture overview.*

Driving the future of clean transportation

As solar energy begins to power homes, another puzzle piece is being put in place: clean transportation. At IIT Kanpur, two new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have been set up near the main gate and the nearby Community Centre. These stations are equipped with a variety of chargers, including 50kW DC fast chargers, 22kW AC chargers, and 7.6kW Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) chargers, integrated with a 25kW solar PV array.

This isn’t just about charging vehicles; it’s about creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where transportation and energy generation are interconnected. By using clean energy to charge electric vehicles, IIT Kanpur is contributing to a future where urban mobility is powered by renewable resources, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.

Smart and sustainable: The microgrid revolution

The centerpiece of this entire initiative is the microgrid, which is controlled and optimized by a sophisticated Microgrid Controller. This technology ensures that energy is distributed efficiently among solar PV systems, storage units, and EV charging stations, keeping everything balanced and functioning smoothly. Thanks to real-time data analysis from the smart meters and SCADA center, the system isn’t just reactive—it’s proactive, learning from its environment and optimizing energy use as it goes.

Urban field demonstration pilot at IIT Kanpur

With growing urban energy demands, India faces a unique set of challenges. Multi-story buildings, high air-conditioning loads, and reliance on Diesel Generators (DGs) for backup power add significant strain to the grid and contribute to pollution. IIT Kanpur is tackling these issues head-on with two groundbreaking sub-pilots that demonstrate innovative energy solutions.

*Shiv Kumar Singh explaining the project at the Smart Grid Control Centre at IIT Kanpur.Image Credit: Dipin Damodharan*

The first sub-pilot features a small, grid-connected microgrid designed to supply energy to two multi-story residential towers. By integrating Solar PV systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), this project reduces the reliance on DGs and provides a more sustainable, reliable energy source. During power outages, BESS ensures uninterrupted power for essential services, such as lifts and lighting in common areas.

The second sub-pilot showcases the potential of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system, which, inaugurated in November 2020, help reduce peak air-conditioning loads. By storing cool energy during off-peak hours, TES systems cut energy consumption during peak demand times. This system has already been installed at IIT Kanpur’s Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, where a 775 TRHR TES system is actively reducing air-conditioning loads, further enhancing energy efficiency.

The environmental impact

IIT Kanpur’s approach goes beyond technology; it’s about creating lasting environmental and social benefits. By integrating TES and solar PV systems, the initiative not only reduces peak load but also cuts carbon emissions, contributing to India’s carbon-neutral goals. The integration of BESS ensures that the urban microgrid remains reliable even during power outages, helping foster long-term sustainability.

The 775 TRHR TES system at the Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering plays a key role in reducing the building’s air-conditioning demand. By using phase change materials with glycol solution as the coolant, it absorbs off-peak energy to cool the building during peak periods, leading to significant energy savings.

According to a research paper (2022) by Suresh Chandra Srivastava, Sameer Khandekar, Shiv Kumar Singh, Vinay Kumar Tiwari, and Ankush Sharma from IIT Kanpur, this system has led to a reduction in peak load energy consumption, as verified through data recorded by the SCADA system monitoring the Institute’s power distribution network. By discharging during peak hours and charging during off-peak hours, the system helps reduce peak load and offers potential cost savings, as electricity costs are higher during peak times.

*Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system at IIT Kanpur’s Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering.Image Credit: Dipin Damodharan*

This technology has the potential for widespread adoption in smart cities and data centers across India, further advancing the country’s renewable energy vision.

Shaping India’s renewable energy future

India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with a significant portion coming from solar, is ambitious but increasingly attainable with projects like IIT Kanpur’s. With nearly 40% of solar PV installations expected to be on rooftops connected to the distribution network, initiatives like this one are essential for meeting the country’s renewable energy targets.

By demonstrating how solar energy, energy storage, and sustainable infrastructure can be integrated at the community level, IIT Kanpur is not just building a model for India—it’s creating a blueprint for the world. As the world shifts towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, IIT Kanpur is leading the way.

(This story is produced as part of the Internews Earth Journalism Network’s Science Communicators Workshop on renewable energy)