NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations

CWA # 523
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
Heatwaves: Global warming is a global warning

STIR Team
27 July 2021

Photo Source: EU/BBC

COVER STORY
by Rashmi Ramesh and Akriti Sharma

I
Heatwaves: A brief note on the phenomenon

In recent weeks, the world has witnessed record-breaking temperatures from the US to Siberia. On 29 June, in British Columbia, the temperature touched 50 degrees Celsius, setting the national record for the highest-ever temperature in Canada. On 28 June, in the US, Portland recorded an all-time high temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius, breaking the previous record set in 1965. On 4 July, in Europe, Finland recorded 33.5 degrees Celsius, which was its highest recorded temperature since 1914. On 24 June, Siberia recorded 48 degrees Celsius, which was its highest record. The record-breaking temperatures resulted in a prolonged heatwave which was attributed to the formation of a heat dome. The average death numbers increased unusually and evacuation orders were issued. Siberia, Canada, and the US are witnessing high temperatures consecutively for years. 

A heatwave can be defined as a prolonged period of excessively hot weather that is above the normal average temperatures. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) defines a heatwave as a phenomenon when the daily maximum temperature is higher than the average maximum temperature by at least 5 degrees Celsius for five or more consecutive days. However, some countries have devised their own mechanisms to define heatwave based on the regional temperature gradients. Heatwaves can occur on land, ocean, and polar regions.

Marine heatwaves (MHW) are those which occur when ocean temperature is exceedingly warm for a prolonged period of time. According to Marine Heatwaves International Working Group, "a marine heatwave occurs when the seawater temperatures exceed a seasonally varying threshold (usually the 90th percentile) for at least five consecutive days. Successive heatwaves with gaps of two days or less are considered part of the same event." 

While there are many factors causing marine heatwaves, ongoing studies show that a great amount of the heat from the atmosphere has gone into the oceans, implying that extremities in temperature can lead to warmer oceans. Currently, there is some evidence on the increasing frequency and intensity of the marine heatwaves. 

The impact of the MHW is substantial on the marine ecosystem and the food chain of the oceans. An impact on the growth of zooplankton due to warming oceans, will in turn, impact the health, nutrition, and growth of fish, marine mammals that feed on them. In 2011, the excessive heat resulted in fish being washed ashore on the western coast of Australia, prompting the scientific community to understand the effects of MHWs on marine life. 

Heatwaves in the polar regions serve as a climate alarm. Due to the high vulnerability factor, the polar regions are warming up at a higher rate than the global average rate. They are warming up about three times the average global rate. Consequently, there is a loss of ice sheets, permafrost, and wildlife. Glacier melt can result in rising sea levels, the formation of glacial lakes, and an increased risk of flash floods. However, the adverse impact of heatwave on the polar region will have global effects. 

The Heat dome effect

According to the National Oceanic Administration of the US department of state, a heat dome occurs when the atmosphere traps hot ocean air like a lid or cap. The phenomenon begins when there is an increase in the temperature of the ocean. When the ocean warms up due to the sun's rays for a longer period of time, hot water rises up, and cold water settles down due to convection. The rising hot water starts escaping from the ocean. The high pressure above the ocean acts as a lid. The hot air tries to escape the lid formed by the high pressure; simultaneously, the jet streams flowing from the west to east further push the hot air back towards the ocean, and as a result, the air sinks and get hotter resulting in the formation of heat dome. In the case of the US and Canada, the Pacific Ocean has played a significant role in the formation of heat dome. Prolonged heating of the Pacific Ocean resulted in the formation of the heat dome. 

In 2020, Death Valley, California, recorded a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius. Formation of heat dome is a usual phenomenon in the valley due to the complex geographic conditions; however, the formation of heat dome in populated regions such as the British Columbia and Oregon serve as climate alarm. ("Marine heatwaves explained", Marine Heatwaves International Working Group, updated in January 2021), (Eric Oliver, Markus Donat, Michael Burrows, et.al, "Longer and more frequent marine heatwaves over the past century", 10 April 2018), ("So, what are marine heatwaves?", NOAA, 8 October 2019), ("Fevers are plaguing the oceans- climate change is making them worse", Nature, 5 May 2021), (Jason Samenow, "The Northern Hemisphere has a punishing heat wave infestation", The Washington Post, 20 July 2021),(Mohammed Haddad, "Mapping the hottest temperatures around the world", Al Jazeera, 1 July 2021), ("What is a heat dome?", National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration),(Matt Craig and Sophie Kasakove, "Death Valley Hits 130 Degrees as Heat Wave Sweeps the West", The New York Times, 10 July 2021)
 

II
Heatwaves: A backgrounder

Strongest recorded heatwaves

The following section looks into the strongest heatwaves in terms of various factors, including temperature, impact, casualties, and duration. However, they are among the recorded heatwaves, and history is a witness to many more deadly heatwaves in the Global South that have not been reported.

The North American heatwave of 1936 resulted in record-breaking temperatures in almost 12 states of the US, and Ontario, and Manitoba in Canada. Few areas recorded more than 48.8 degrees Celsius mark, killing at least 5,000 Americans and 1,100 Canadians. The summer followed an extremely cold winter, leaving the population vulnerable to an extreme change in weather patterns. This heatwave, coupled with the Great Depression and imposed a heavy toll in economic and social terms.

The European heatwave of 2003 is one of the worst recorded heatwaves yet. July-August 2003 was termed as the hottest summer the continent witnessed since 1500 AD. The major cause for the extremely prolonged heatwave was attributed to the anti-cyclone over the western parts of Europe. The wave claimed the lives of at least 40,000 people across the continent, with France being the worst-hit country reporting 14,000 deaths. 

India-Pakistan heatwave of 2015 between April to June claimed more than 2,500 lives in India and more than 1,100 lives in Pakistan. Most numbers of fatalities in India occurred in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. South Asia, located in the tropical zone of the planet, is known for enduring extreme temperatures in summer. However, the intensity of the heatwaves is increasing every year in direct proportion to the changing climate. 

Heatwaves in Australia, in terms of intensity, are now on an increasing trend. The worst of heatwaves have been experienced in the past decade, and scientists attribute it to human-induced climate change. The direct result of the extreme heat is the bush fire that proves disastrous to the unique flora and fauna of the country. The time period from 2019-20 saw one of the most devastating wildfire seasons, with hundreds of such incidents in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Extreme summers in parts of Africa are not an unknown fact. Sub-Saharan Africa has been termed as one of the hotspots for heatwaves. Yet, these incidents do not find a record in global databases such as the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Belgium. EM-DAT has listed only two heatwaves in sub-Saharan Africa in the 20th century and 70 related deaths. However, in the same time frame, more than 80 heatwaves and 140,000 deaths were recorded in Europe. 

Geographical distribution of heatwaves

The phenomenon of a heatwave is on an escalation ladder since the 1950s, with the biggest increases in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Lewis (2020) used the concept known as 'cumulative heat' and assessed that heat produced in parts of Africa is increasing by 10 degrees Celsius. 'Cumulative heat' considers the excess heat or the temperature anomaly recorded above the average air temperature that indicates a heatwave. Studies show that southern, east, and northern Africa are under increased heatwave duration and intensity. A similar situation exists in parts of South America and the Middle East, where excess heat produced, is increasing by 10 degrees Celsius each decade. 

Heatwaves in Europe are reportedly increasing since the 1970s and more evident since 2003. Along with factors such as North Atlantic Oscillation, El Nino, and warming of the North Atlantic Ocean, anthropogenic activity-induced climate change and rapidly changing Arctic weather patterns are the primary causes for amplifying heat in the European continent. 

Climate Change and Anthropocene Epoch

In the past decades, extreme weather events are occurring frequently. The increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of such events can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change. After 1950, extreme weather events such as droughts, storms, and floods have unusually increased. The rise in global temperatures has further accelerated the occurrence of extreme weather events. According to the Fifth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the extreme weather events will increase as the global temperature rises. Globally and regionally, there is an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves.

According to scientists, a new epoch known as the Anthropocene epoch should be declared because the impact of human activity on the earth is profound. The current epoch, the Holocene, a period of stable climate since the last ice age, must come to an end. After 1950, human activity has dominated the earth's system. The rise in greenhouse gas emissions, rise in the sea level, melting of glaciers, deforestation has impacted the earth's climate in irreversible ways. However, the epoch is not yet officially recognized. The proposal of a new epoch highlights the irreversible damage human activity has done to the planet's ecosystem. The rise in the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events like heatwaves is one of the manifestations of anthropogenic climate change. ("Heat Waves Throughout History", History, 27 July 2020), ("Why Africa's heatwaves are a forgotten impact of climate change", Carbon Brief, 13 July 2020), ("Climate Concern: Extreme Heatwaves are not being recorded in sub-Saharan Africa", University of Oxford, 13 July 2020), ("India heat wave kills thousands", NOAA, 9 June 2015), ("European heat wave of 2003", Britannica, 2003), ("Australia suffers worst heatwave in century", Gulf News, 29 January 2009), (Eric Oliver, Markus Donat, Michael Burrows, et.al, "Longer and more frequent marine heatwaves over the past century", Nature Communications, 10 April 2018), (SE Perkins- Kirkpatrik and SC Lewis, "Increasing trends in regional heatwaves", 3 July 2020), ("An overview of the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events", Green Peace), (Ruonan Zhang, Chenghu Sun, Jieshun Zhu, et.al, "Increased European heat waves in recent decades in response to shrinking Arctic sea ice and Eurasian snow cover", 18 February 2020), ("The Anthropocene epoch: scientists declare dawn of human-influenced age," The Guardian, 29 August 2016)

III
Fallouts of the Heatwaves: Health, Economy and Environment

The impact of extreme heat on human health depends on various parameters including adaptation, preparedness, health policy, age, socio-economic conditions, and the amount of heat. Heatwaves can increase morbidity and mortality rates. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the number of fatalities due to extreme heat increased 2300 per cent between 1991-2010 making heatwave the most dangerous climate disaster. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,66,000 people died due to heat waves from 1998-2017. The impact of extreme heat was found to be more on the older population. The immediate health impacts include dehydration, heatstroke, heat rash, increase in body temperatures, and heart rate. Other health impacts include organ, cardiological, cerebral and respiratory diseases.  

Heatwaves can result in huge economic losses. Apart from human and wildlife loss, heatwaves can induce increased health costs and infrastructural damage. In 2020, the US spent USD 95 billion on climate-related disasters. Additionally, the agricultural losses, reduction in agricultural exports, increase demand for electricity also incurs huge costs. Extreme heat also results in a reduction in work productivity. Globally, two per cent of the total working hours are lost due to high heat.

Extreme heat can adversely affect crop yield. High temperature can increase stress levels in plants, decreased photosynthesis, pollen production, and seed absorption. This results in a decrease in grain number and weight. Reduction in food production can result in higher food prices leading to lesser access to food. In 2018, European heatwaves led to the widespread failure of harvest across the continent.

Heatwaves can have an impact on energy production. It can cause disruption in power generation and supply due to the high demand for power. Consequently, the high demand can result in power blackouts. Moreover, the transmission lines get damaged and there is an expansion in resistance of the lines. Extreme heat can affect the capacity of nuclear plants, renewables, and fossil fuels. The water bodies near the power plants get heated up, which can result in dressed heat absorption from the power plants resulting in energy inefficiency. 

Heatwaves can lead to increased leaf fall resulting in the conversion of carbon sinks into carbon sources. It can result in an unusual increase in precipitation levels in the arid regions. Additionally, extreme heat can lead to the melting of the glaciers and permafrost, which can accelerate the formation of lakes leading to an increase in the possibility of flash floods and glacial lake outbursts. Moreover, it can increase the possibility of sparking wildfires and the urban heat island effect. Extreme heat can prove to be fatal for wildlife and aquatic species.

Finally, heatwaves have more impact on vulnerable populations. The elderly population, economically poor, women, children are adversely affected by extreme heat. Furthermore, the impact has been seen more in lower and middle-income countries than the high-income countries due to variability in the living conditions and distribution of resources. (Sharon Campbell et al., "Heatwave and health impact research: A global review", Health & place, 2018), (TordKjellstrom et al., "Working on a warmer planet: The effect of heat stress on productivity and decent work",International Labour Organization, 2019),(Steve Miller et al, "Heat Waves, Climate Change, and Economic Output", Journal of the European Economic Association, 2021),(World Meteorological Organization, "The Global Climate 2001-2010. A Decade of Climate Extremes", 2013), ("Extreme Weather and Climate Change", Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions)
 

IV
Addressing the heatwaves: Common issues, different strategies  

The US, Canada, and parts of European countries are reeling under severe heatwave conditions, prompting emergency measures by the authorities. 

In Canadian small towns like Lytton, the heatwave has killed hundreds of people. Given the lack of fans or air conditioners at homes in towns, the government has opened cooling centers, to enable the residents and homeless, to take shelter. In order to limit traveling, educational institutions were ordered to be closed, and roads to be closed. Thousands of vulnerable people in terms of exposure to the heat and facilities were evacuated to safer places.

The United States has undertaken similar measures to manage the heat dome. On 29 June, President Biden said that the heatwave is related to climate change, and laid out a strategy to upgrade the country's infrastructure accordingly. Extreme temperatures have triggered major wildfires in the region, threatening flora and fauna. Nearly 50 instances of wildfires were recorded in Canada between 10-12 July. Both the countries have deployed firefighters on the ground and choppers pouring water to douse the fire. 

Europe experienced the heatwave prior to the current floods that are severely affecting countries like Germany. Villages and towns were evacuated in Cyprus and Greece, with wildfires raging across Spain, Cyprus, Italy, Russia, and Greece. The Siberian wildfires, increasing each year in intensity and frequency, threatened the unique Arctic biodiversity. However, areas with a human population are under focus, rather than a widespread approach in dousing fires that are ravaging the Siberian landscape. The short-term strategy for tackling the current heatwave seems similar across countries. ("Heatwave: US firefighters struggle to contain wildfires while Canada announces new measures", Independent, 12 July 2021), ("US, Canada hit by new round of scorching hot temperatures", Hindustan Times, 12 July 2021), ("Hundreds believed dead in heatwave in Canada despite efforts to help", Business Standard, 2 July 2021)


Conclusion

Heatwaves are linked to the larger climate change issues that are being witnessed across the world in various forms. Acknowledging and reporting these events, particularly in South America and Africa, are the first steps towards effective management of heatwaves. 

Due to the link to anthropogenic activities, it is of utmost necessity to sustain climate action at the national, regional, and at international levels. Specifically with regard to the heatwaves, implementation of long-term heatwave action plans with mitigation and adaptation strategies must be in place in key regions that heavily reel under the effects of heatwaves and occasional heat domes. 


 

 

In brief
by Harini Madhusudan, Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok

Space: 52nd Anniversary of Moon Landing and the Artemis Program

On 20 July, the US marked the 52nd Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Landing on the Moon. It was named National Moon Day in 1971 by then-President Richard Nixon. And as NASA celebrates this historic moment, the same day, Jeff Bezos completed yet another historic moment for the US in Outer Space. This year marks a tribute to Michael Collins, who was the command module pilot of the four-member crew. Collins died on 28 April 2021, at the age of 90. On his journey, he is said to have observed the Earth as, "small, serene, and fragile." 'Buzz' Aldrin is the last crew member alive to celebrate this anniversary. On this occasion, acting NASA's chief historian Brian Odom says, "We're going to go back to the Moon, to pick up where we left off." Landing 14 people on the moon remains one of NASA's greatest achievements. But since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, humans have never gone back to the moon. This was mainly due to the exorbitant costs of these manned missions. 

Ideally, a crewed base on the lunar surface should be the next goal. It would act like a fuel station or a transit point for deeper space missions. However, the NASA budgets do not match their ambitions, despite the fact that the cost of missions has significantly reduced since the 1970s, to 0.4 per cent of the federal budget from 4 per cent in 1965. Consequently, manned missions also required a lot of public support and political support. In 2017, some of the policies initiated by Donald Trump began allocating funds to various projects of NASA, with the primary aim to return to the moon and an orbiting mission to Mars. NASA plans to build a mini space station that would orbit around the moon, launch the Orion capsules, and also take the first woman, and a person of color to the moon, especially to the lunar south pole. It was announced as part of NASA's Artemis Program, named after Apollo's twin sister from the Greek Mythology. 

The Artemis Program takes a renewed approach to NASA's immediate ambitions in Outer Space. First, it is developing new technology that will drive future missions with a careful combination of sophistication and sustainability. NASA is building the Orion Spacecraft, Exploration Launch Systems, and Space Launch Systems, for the manned missions to Moon and Mars. NASA has announced that these missions would be planned in collaboration with international and commercial partners, and establish sustainable structures on and around the moon to aid enhanced exploration of the Moon. In order to support the missions of the Artemis Program, all launch facilities at the Kennedy Space Center are being upgraded. The Biden administration has requested a $24.7 billion funding request, more than Trump's $19.4 billion for the program. This renewed interest in manned missions is combined with the need to diversify capabilities in Outer Space. President Biden's approach to the Artemis Program additionally looks at NASA's capability of robotic exploration of Outer Space. The Artemis Program will play an important role in the growth of the US commercial space industry. However, one can not help but sense the urgency in the nation's approach, similar to the sense of urgency during the Apollo missions of the Cold War. There also seems to be a deliverability rush on NASA to produce newer and sophisticated technology, quickly, and at a lower cost. The first mission of Artemis is expected in November 2021. (Alicia, "What is Artemis and Other Questions about Humanity's return to the Moon," 1 June 2021, Kennedy Space Center) ("Why did we stop going to the Moon?" Royal Museums Greenwich)
 

Pegasus Spyware: NSO Group hack 37 cellphones across the globe 

On 18 July, an investigation by the Washington Post and 16 other media partners reported, Israeli cyber-surveillance company NSO's spyware Pegasus was used by governments in "attempted and successful hacks" of 37 smartphones belonging to its citizens including journalists and human rights activists. The company has come under scrutiny for its services to authoritarian governments in providing surveillance of citizens. The investigation was titled the Pegasus Project, which was analyzed through interviews and forensic analysis of phones.

The smartphone belonged to right campaigners, activists, academics, journalists, media proprietors, government leaders, political dissidents, and opposition politicians. The investigation also disclosed two women close to Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi were also among the targets. The Washington Post reported: "NSO called the investigation's findings exaggerated and baseless." NSO Chief Executive, Shalev Hulio said: "The company cares about journalists and activists and civil society in general." He further said: "We understand that in some circumstances our customers might misuse the system and, in some cases as we reported in [NSO's] Transparency and Responsibility Report, we have shut down systems for customers who have misused the system."

The Times reported, the NSO system was sold to Azerbaijan, Bahrain, France, India, Mexico, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. The investigation found more than 50,000 citizens were under surveillance by the government. The list was accessed by the Forbidden stories, Paris-based journalism nonprofit, and Amnesty International, a human rights group. The Amnesty Security Lab examined 67 smartphones and concluded 24 have been infected and 13 more had been targeted. ("Israeli Spyware Maker Is in Spotlight Amid Reports of Wide Abuses," The New York Times, 18 July 2021)

As the number on the list increased, the report identified more than 1,000 people from more than 50 countries; including several Arab royal family members, at least 65 business executives, 85 human rights activists, 189 journalists, and more than 600 politicians and various government officials including cabinet ministers, diplomats, and military and security officers. Although it is still unclear about the number of infected devices. However, it is considered a gross violation of the basic human right to privacy. NSO has said: "We firmly deny the false allegations made in their report. Their sources have supplied them with information that has no factual basis, as evident by the lack of supporting documentation for many of their claims. In fact, these allegations are so outrageous and far from reality, that NSO is considering a defamation lawsuit."

The conjecture of the investigation stated that "smartphone can be hacked with a single text message" or a "zero-click" attack, which makes it hard to detect. Pegasus spyware is as NSO Group describes helps "government intelligence and law-enforcement agencies use technology to meet the challenges of encryption" during the criminal and terrorism investigation. NSO, an Israel-based technology firm was founded in 2010. It's not the first time NSO has been blamed, 2016 company's software was used against several leading news organizations, including a small number from CNN, the Associated Press, Voice of America, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, Le Monde in France, the Financial Times in London, and Al Jazeera in Qatar. NSO denies accusation and argues "it can't be held responsible if government misuse the technology." Earlier this month, NSO, in its legal battles with Amnesty International, WhatsApp, and Facebook released a document called, "Transparency and Accountability Report" which revealed it has 60 clients from 40 countries. ("Private Israeli spyware used to hack cellphones of journalists, activists worldwide," The Washington Post, 18 July 2021)
 

Flash Floods: The climate connection to the numerous floods around the worlds

On 20 July, Chinese media reported that at least 25 people had been killed after heavy rains hit the Zhengzhou city in the Hunan province. The sudden, heavy downpour resulted in the evacuation of 3,76,000 people as rivers started flowing uncontrollably onto the banks. The flash flood also resulted in a 20-meter breach in the Yihetan dam, causing worry and tension among the nearby residents. It is considered to be the heaviest rainfall since China began keeping records, 60 years ago. The city of Zhengzhou, which annually receives about 640.8mm of rainfall on an average, received over 617.1 mm of rainfall in a span of three days. 

The monsoon rains also caused immense devastation and damage in Himachal Pradesh, India. The weak infrastructure across the state was put to a test by the testy rains which caused houses and vehicles to float in the waterlogged areas. A number of roads turned into drains with water flowing through them. Other than the state of Himachal Pradesh in India, Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district also suffered a similar crisis due to a cloud burst. Asia is not the only region that endured heavy rains in the past week. Moving to Europe, there was substantial flooding in New England and Germany as well. It caused bridges to collapse and damaged cars in England while thousands are still unaccounted for in Germany since the flooding washed outhouses and vehicles and paralysed the communication lines in the country.  

In other instances, from around the world, thousands had to be rescued in the Philippines while hundreds were evacuated from Telangana and Goa in India. The stormy weather also caused inundations in Switzerland and Belgium. In Panama, thousands of residential properties were damaged due to floods. 

There is a clear indication that these extreme rain patterns are extraordinary and have been caused because of an unusual factor. Although the intensity of the rains in different parts of the world are not directly connected by any specific climatic condition, climate scientists have pushed local and national governments to recognise these massive rains as an impact of rising temperatures. The increase in temperatures across the world has provoked the atmosphere to retain more moisture which thus results in heavy rains during stormy weathers. Although the reasons for flash floods can be numerous, climate change is one of the most likely causes in the 21st century. The flash floods that occurred across the world are more prone to wreak havoc in cities where the rainwater cannot easily access the ground due to concretized roads, parking lots and empty spaces. As a result, the ground is unable to absorb the excessive water and causes logging in many low-lying areas.

If the world fails to bring about the much-required changes in their consumption and production processes, such weather conditions are bound to be a more frequent phenomenon. It would be prudent for people across the globe to prepare themselves, physically, mentally and financially, to shift out of their homes on short notices and return to utterly destroyed and damaged homes. However, the best way forward would be to consciously take a step in the direction of forcing local and national governments to actively engage in environment building and preventing further "man-made" natural calamities. (Extreme weather: What causes flash flooding?, The BBC 27 July 2021, Summer of floods: This climate connection behind the deadly downpours around the world, The Washington Post, 22 July 2021, Germany Floods: Can We Tell if Extreme Weather Is Linked to Climate Change?, Flood List, 20 July 2021)

S&T Nuggets
by Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok

Technology

The US: Ransomware group suddenly disappears  
On 13 July, the notorious ransomware group Ravil, responsible for attacking multiple American companies and websites, went offline. Although the reason behind the silence of the ransomware group is unclear, there are multiple theories that explain this sudden disappearance. It is possible that the group was caught by US agencies and caused its closure. The closure could also be caused by Biden and Putin's meeting where the two leaders promised to cooperate with each other. Lastly, Ravil could have decided to pull the plug to escape the attention of the media and police agencies. Regardless of the reason behind the sudden closure, the other ransomware seeking companies have tightened their grip over their activities. (David E Sanger, Russia's most aggressive ransomware group disappeared. It's unclear who made that happen, New York Times, 14 July 2021)

Taiwan: TSMC looking to expand its units in the US and Japan
On 15 July, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) indicated that the firm looked forward to expanding in the US and Japan to meet the increased demand for the chips. The company said that it will expand its production facility in China and will aim to increase its capacity at the US production unit. It is also looking forward to establishing a fabrication plant in Japan in the coming year. TSMC chairman said: "We are expanding our global manufacturing footprint to sustain and enhance our competitive advantages and to better serve our customers in the new geopolitical environment." The production unit in China is currently upgrading to produce over 40,000 wafers per month by 2023. (Yimou Lee, Ben Blanchard, TSMC eyes expansion in US, Japan to meet sustained chip demand, Reuters, 15 July 2021)

The US: Anthony Bourdain documentary raises ethical questions regarding use of AI
On 16 July, the New York Times reported that the documentary on Anthony Bourdain's life was gathering immense public attention because of a 45 second clip in the beginning of the documentary. The clip has caused a stir amongst the viewers because an AI software was given the task of mimicking Anthony Bourdain's voice with the help of his email written to a friend, while he was alive. The AI software was able to recreate his voice, cadence, inflection and tones by using several hours of audio. The technology used the available data and successfully created new audio clips. Despite the clip being a commendable feat in the film-making industry and in the use of technology and AI, it has raised some ethical questions regarding the misuse of such technology which can be used to misguide the public. (Bourdain Documentary's Use of AI to Mimic Voice Draws Questions, New York Times, 16 July 2021)  

UNESCO Report: Science Report 2021 highlights great gender disparity 
On 14 July 2021, UNESCO published the Science Report 2021. According to the report, women were still under-represented in areas of computing, engineering, mathematics and physics. The report highlighted the gender gap in science and technology and cautioned the world to push for resolving the issue. The report advocated that the global lack of skills can be addressed only by encouraging women's participation and inclusion in the upcoming scientific revolution. As of 2018, only 33 per cent of the researchers are women and the female population accounts for 28 per cent of the global graduates in engineering and 40 per cent of the computer science graduates. Only 22 per cent of the global scientists working on AI are women, according to the report. These figures portray a disturbing trend of the 21st century and must be given more attention in the coming years. (Natalie Marchant, The gender gap in science and technology, in numbers, World Economic Forum, 14 July 2021)

Israel: NSO Group denies involvement in illegal activities related to spyware
On 19 July, the defence ministry of Israel stated that the cyber products produced by Israel, such as spyware were used only for lawful purposes and for fighting crime and terrorism. The spyware used by Israeli group NSO has been mired in controversy since the media-led investigation which accused the spyware of assisting in hacking into 37 smartphones of individuals. NSO has reiterated that its software has been sold only to the law enforcement agencies and government bodies and denies its hand in illegal activities. The company spokesperson said: "Our technologies are being used every day to break up pedophilia rings, sex and drug-trafficking rings, locate missing and kidnapped children, locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings, and protect airspace against disruptive penetration by dangerous drones." (Israel says spyware exports are for lawful use only. Reuters, 19 July)

China: Failure of the microchip industry despite investments
On 19 July, the New York Times issued a report on the failure of China's semiconductor ambitions. The report comes after a member of the Tsinghua Unigrpoup filed for bankruptcy. The group was supposed to be China's microchip giant but has now run into numerous financial troubles. Despite these hiccups, the Chinese government continues to encourage the technology in the country, with an aim to becoming a global microchip exporter. A Chinese research think tank employee said: "It would be a failure if the technology turned out not to be usable. Tsinghua Unigroup has trained a new generation of semiconductor engineers and built a credible position in making memory chips." As of now, despite increasing investments in the field, the outcome has been disappointing for China. (Paul Mozur, The Failure of China's Microchip Giant Tests Beijing's Tech Ambitions, The New York Times, 19 July 2021)

Japan: Denso Corp. working on using CO2 from industrial processes for fuel
On 16 July, the Asahi Shimbun highlighted the research conducted by Denso Corp. on recovering carbon dioxide from production processes. The research is meant to help in achieving a carbon-free manufacturing industry and aims to implement the technology by 2030. A senior executive at Denso said: "the company will be heading toward a carbon-neutral factory system with the CO2 circulation technique." The idea behind the research is to retrieve the CO2 generated by industrial processes and combine it with hydrogen, producing methane which can be used as a fuel. The technology is still being pursued as the team deals with various challenges at making it perfect for public and widespread consumption. (Jumpei Miura, Denso developing tech to use CO2 from production to produce power, The Asahi Shimbun, 16 July) 

South Korea: Race to invent lighter, more powerful, next-generation batteries
On 19 July, SK Group's industrial gas manufacturing agency announced an investment of USD 52 million in a US-based battery manufacturer. In an interview with the Korean Herald, CEO of Group14 explained that battery makers are now focusing on creating batteries that have sponge-like properties which are filled with silicon. These batteries are thinner and twice as powerful than the normal batteries. He said: "We can either find ways to make cathode materials more energy-dense, or put more cathodes materials inside batteries. Group14 can shrink the anodes significantly. We can go from potentially to 60 percent of the volume of the battery cell down to maybe as little as 25 percent of the volume." (Kim Byung-Wook, Group14 CEO eyes batteries of tomorrow, The Korean Herald, 22 July 2021)

Space
India: ISRO conducts hot test of liquid propellant
On 14 July, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the third long-duration hot test of the liquid propellant Vikas engine, for the first manned mission to space, the 'Gaganyaan program.' The space agency said the test was conducted for the core L110 liquid stage of the human-rated GSLV MkIII vehicle, as part of the engine qualification requirements for the program. The engine was fired for 240 seconds at the ISRO Propulsion Complex facility Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. ("Third Successful Vikas Engine Long Duration Hot Test for Gaganyaan Program," ISRO, 14 July 2021)

NASA: Hubble returns after a month 
On 17 July, the Hubble space telescope was revived after a shutdown of more than a month following a computer glitch. The Head of Humble mission office Tom Brown said, "Hubble was successfully recovered into Normal Mode on Side A of the [SIC&DH]. This marked the first time we were able to progress beyond the problem we were seeing on Side B." He also said, "if all continues normally, Hubble will restart science observations this weekend." Soon after it was revived , NASA announced "it had identified the power control unit (PCU), which is part of the SIC&DH, as the source of the problem." ("Hubble Returns to Full Science Observations and Releases New Images," NASA, 20 July 2021)

US: Jeff Bezos successfully completes suborbital trip
On 20 July, Jeff Bezos soared 107 km in a 60-foot-tall spacecraft that liftoff from Blue Origin's Launch Site One facility and returned safely to Earth. The trip lasted for 10 minutes 10 seconds. Bezos said: "Best day ever." He also said, "we're going to build a road to space so that our kids and their kids can build a future." He was accompanied by three crewmates, including the world's oldest and youngest space travelers. ("'Road to space': billionaire Bezos has successful suborbital jaunt," Reuters, 20 July 2021)

Moscow: Releases footage for the first time, of live-fire test 
On 20 July, Russia's military released footage of a live-fire test for the S-500 Prometheus missile system. The launch took place at the Kapustin Yar shooting range in southern Russia. The Defense Ministry said, "The live firing conducted during trials confirmed the Russian military air defense equipment's specified tactical and technical characteristics and high reliability." The Russian military also said, the S-500 "is objectively unlike anything in the world and is designed to destroy the entire range of existing and future air and space attack weapons in the entire range of altitudes and speeds." ("Russia Shows Advanced S-500 Live Fire Test," The Moscow Times, 20 July 2021)

Russia: Launches lab module for International Space Station
On 22 July, Russia launched a long-delayed lab module for the International Space Station. The Nauka module was carried in a Proton-M booster rocket from Russian space launch facility in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Module is on an eight-day journey and is set to dock at the space station automatically on 29 July. The launch was initially scheduled for 2007. ("Russia launches lab module to International Space Station," The Indian Express, 22 July 2021)

Climate
Switzerland: Rising temperatures cause faster meltdown of Alpine glaciers
On 19 July, The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology released a study on the inventory of Swiss glacial lakes in the Swiss Alps. The study explains that climate change has caused a fast-paced change to the landscape of Switzerland and has added over 1000 lakes since 1850. At the beginning of the study, the scientists assumed this number to be in the hundreds, but the study proved that the figure is in fact much greater. The head of the study said: "We were surprised by the sheer numbers. The marked acceleration information was also surprising, almost 180 have been added in the last decade alone." The study further endorsed the fact that the Alpine Glaciers are losing over two per cent of their volume each year, a worrying trend in recent years. (Climate change has added over 1,000 lakes in Swiss Alps: study, The Hindu, 19 July 2021)

The EU: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism may start another trade war
On 14 July, the European Commission revealed its plan to impose tariffs on certain carbon-intensive imports which were otherwise escaping the cap-and-trade carbon-pricing scheme. The move was initiated to stop European firms from polluting outside of Europe, in countries which do not have strict nature protection laws. However, the CBAM has multiple legal issues to deal with before it can be accepted worldwide. The first issue is within the guidelines of the WTO which advocates free transfer and trade of products amongst its members. Even though the GATT considers environmental issues, the CBAM does not fall under it yet. CBAM could also be considered as an export subsidy which is also prohibited under the WTO. (Carbon border taxes are defensible but bring great risks, The Economist, 17 July 2021)

Brazil: Amazon Forest emitting more CO2 than absorb
On 14 July, The Guardian reported, scientists confirmed "Amazon rainforest is now emitting more carbon dioxide than it is able to absorb." The emissions are caused by large-scale fires which are set to clear land for soy and beef production. Scientists also highlighted, "losing Amazon's power to capture CO2 is a stark warning that slashing emissions from fossil fuels is more urgent than ever." The National Institute for Space Research, Luciana Gatti researcher said: "The first very bad news is that forest burning produces around three times more CO2 than the forest absorbs. The second bad news is that the places where deforestation is 30 per cent or more show carbon emissions 10 times higher than where deforestation is lower than 20 per cent." ("Amazon rainforest now emitting more CO2 than it absorbs," The Guardian, 14 July 2021) 

Arctic 
Russia: The race to build ice-breakers in the Arctic
On 15 July, the Moscow Times reported about the progress made by Russia in the field of building giant icebreakers in the Arctic to ensure its dominance in the region. While the world fights climate change, the meltdown of the Arctic has helped Russia in accessing a sea route which enables it to reach the Asian markets 15 days faster than the Suez Canal route. Travelling through the Arctic is usually limited until November, but now, due to the Arctic meltdown, it is easier to travel through the region with the help of ice-breakers. These nuclear powered icebreakers are 52 meters high and 173 meters long and are capable of breaking 2.8 meter thick ice. The general opinion in Russia advocates the use of these ships to ensure its growth as a regional superpower. (Marina Koreneva, Russia Races to Build Giant Icebreakers for Arctic Dominance, The Moscow Times, 15 July 2021)

Singapore: GIC invest USD 240 million in Arctic Green Energy 
On 27 July, Singapore GIC (GIU.UL) said they will be investing USD 240 million in Arctic Green Energy in order to support renewable energy firm expansion in Asia and Europe. The investment will aid in launching a new project and increase the capability of geothermal energy. Reuters reported: "Arctic Green Energy focuses on decarbonizing of the building sector and has a geothermal partnership with China's state-owned oil giant, China Petroleum & Chemical Corp." ("Singapore's GIC invests $240 mln in Arctic Green Energy," Reuters, 27 July 2021)


About the Authors
Rashmi Ramesh, Akriti Sharma and Harini Madhusudan are PhD scholars in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at NIAS. 

 

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