All posts by Abhilash Shukla

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The non-climatic benefits of fighting against climate change

Climate change is not just an environmental concern, but a multifaceted issue that has the potential to impact various spheres of human life. However, what many don’t realize is that addressing climate change can also have several co-benefits that can help to solve other non-climate related problems.

For instance, transitioning to clean energy sources such as wind and solar power can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also air and water pollution. This, in turn, can lead to improved public health and reduced healthcare costs. Moreover, investing in renewable energy sources can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, thereby increasing energy security and reducing the risk of price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

Also socio-cultural benefits such as building resilient communities, protecting cultural heritage, raising awareness and education, promoting social cohesion, preserving traditional knowledge, and preserving cultural identity can also be factored. Involving and engaging communities in addressing climate change and considering the cultural and social dimensions of climate change is crucial for creating a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Another important aspect is job creation. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy can open up new opportunities in industries such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation. Additionally, reducing greenhouse gas emissions can also help to reduce deforestation, habitat destruction, and other activities that contribute to the loss of biodiversity.

Specific use-cases demonstrating non-climatic benefits

I am targeting in this article to highlight various ways in which investment in sustainable practices and technologies can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in public health. From China’s investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency, to Copenhagen’s investment in cycling infrastructure and Singapore’s comprehensive water management program, each example demonstrates the positive impact that sustainable practices can have on both the environment and public health.

Additionally, many of the below examples will show the economic benefits of these sustainable practices, including cost savings on healthcare and energy consumption. The article emphasizes the potential for cities and states to make a meaningful impact on the environment and public health through strategic investment in sustainable practices.

LocationStudy Conducted byInitiativeReduction in Greenhouse Gas EmissionsImprovement in Other Area
Barcelona, SpainCity of BarcelonaComprehensive green roof program10%Decrease in incidence of heat-related illness
Bogotรก, ColombiaCity GovernmentImplementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system20% reduction in transportation emissionsImproved mobility for residents (increase in access to jobs, education and services)
CaliforniaCalifornia Air Resources BoardDeployment of solar power20%6,000 premature deaths avoided and $4.4 billion in health care cost savings. Improved air quality and reduced incidence of respiratory illness
CaliforniaCalifornia Department of TransportationPromotion of green transportation options10%Improved public health, decrease in obesity, heart disease and diabetes
ChinaTsinghua UniversityRenewable energy and energy efficiencyN/A4.3% reduction in PM2.5 (64,800 premature deaths avoided)
ColoradoColorado Energy OfficePromotion of clean energy25%Improved public health, decrease in air pollution and respiratory illness
Copenhagen, DenmarkCity GovernmentInvestment in cycling infrastructure22% reduction in transportation emissionsImproved public health (decrease in cardiovascular disease and obesity)
Copenhagen, DenmarkCity of CopenhagenComprehensive bike-sharing program, and Implementation of urban greening program10% – 15%Reduced incidence of obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Overall Improved public health, decrease in stress and mental health issues
Curitiba, BrazilCity of CuritibaComprehensive public transportation program20%Reduced incidence of obesity, heart disease, and stroke
Curitiba, BrazilCuritiba Municipal GovernmentComprehensive waste management system30%Reduced incidence of respiratory illness and diarrhea
Delhi, IndiaIndian Institute of TechnologyWaste Management and Recycling25% reduction in methane emissions from landfillsImproved sanitation and reduced risk of water pollution
Frankfurt, GermanyCity of FrankfurtComprehensive green building program30%Reduced incidence of respiratory illness, asthma, and allergies
Gujarat, IndiaGujarat Energy Development AgencyPromotion of solar energy20%Reduced incidence of respiratory illness
Jaipur, IndiaTERI (The Energy and Resources Institute)Solar Power Generation30% reduction in CO2 emissions from power generationImproved public health and reduced health care costs due to decrease in air pollution
London, UKGreater London AuthorityComprehensive green infrastructure program15%Reduced incidence of stress and mental health issues
London, United KingdomTransport for LondonComprehensive public transportation system20%Decrease in incidence of physical inactivity and obesity
MaineMaine Department of Marine ResourcesPromotion of sustainable fishing practices15%Decrease in incidence of mercury and other heavy metal exposure
Malmรถ, SwedenCity of MalmรถUrban greening program5%Reduced incidence of stress and mental health issues
MichiganMichigan Department of TransportationPromotion of sustainable transportation20%Improved public health, decrease in obesity, heart disease and diabetes
MinnesotaMinnesota Department of AgriculturePromotion of sustainable agriculture20%Decrease in incidence of pesticide exposure and other environmental health issues
Mumbai, IndiaCenter for Science and EnvironmentTransition to Electric Vehicles35% reduction in CO2 emissions from transportation sector50% reduction in air pollution-related deaths by 2030
New YorkNew York State Energy Research and Development AuthorityPromotion of energy efficiency25%Reduced incidence of respiratory illness, asthma, and allergies
OregonOregon Department of Environmental QualityConservation of wetlands0.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent per yearImproved water quality (decrease in the frequency of harmful algal blooms)
OregonOregon Department of ForestryPromotion of sustainable forestry15%Improved public health, decrease in air pollution and respiratory illness
OregonOregon Department of TransportationPromotion of sustainable transportation10%Decrease in incidence of obesity and heart disease
Rio de Janeiro, BrazilMunicipal Secretariat of Environment and Sustainability of Rio de JaneiroComprehensive solid waste management program15%Decrease in incidence of vector-borne diseases and other health issues related to poor sanitation
Seoul, South KoreaSeoul Metropolitan GovernmentComprehensive green city program30%Decrease in incidence of heat-related illness and other health issues related to urbanization
SingaporeBuilding and Construction Authority of SingaporeComprehensive green building program20%Improved public health, decrease in indoor air pollution and respiratory illness
SingaporePublic Utilities Board of SingaporeComprehensive water management program20%Reduced incidence of water-borne diseases
Sydney, AustraliaSydney Water CorporationComprehensive water conservation program15%Reduced incidence of water-borne diseases
TexasTexas Public Utility CommissionPromotion of wind energy15%Improved air quality and reduced incidence of respiratory illness
Toronto, CanadaCity of TorontoComprehensive green space program15%Decrease in incidence of stress and mental health issues
Toronto, CanadaCity of TorontoImplementation of green roof program10%Improved public health, decrease in heat-related illness and other health issues related to urbanization
Toronto, CanadaCity of TorontoTree planting program20%Reduced incidence of respiratory illness, asthma, and allergies
UKEnergy Saving TrustInstallation of energy-efficient measures in low-income households20% reduction in energy consumptionImproved health outcomes (reduction in respiratory symptoms, asthma, and allergies)
Vancouver, CanadaCity of VancouverImplementation of green infrastructure program20%Reduced incidence of respiratory illness, asthma, and allergies, Improved public health, decrease in heat-related illness and other health issues related to urbanization
Vermont, USAVermont Sustainable Jobs FundPromotion of local food systems20%Reduced incidence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease

The shift towards a more sustainable future is essential for addressing the pressing global issues of climate change, energy security, and resource depletion. A comprehensive approach that incorporates a variety of sustainable practices across different sectors can help to mitigate these challenges and promote economic development, social well-being, and environmental protection.

From renewable energy sources, sustainable land use practices, sustainable transportation options, energy efficient buildings, sustainable water management, sustainable waste management, sustainable urban planning, sustainable tourism, sustainable forestry and fisheries practices, green infrastructure, sustainable agriculture practices, sustainable urban development, green financing mechanisms, and reforestation projects, there are many ways to create a more sustainable future. Implementing these practices can lead to improved energy security, food security, public health outcomes, economic productivity, and resilience to extreme weather events.

Furthermore, investing in sustainable practices can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, lower energy costs, reduce poverty and improve economic competitiveness, improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, protect property and infrastructure, and protect habitats and biodiversity.


Would you like to connect & have a talk?

My daily life involves interacting with different people in order to understand their perspectives on Climate Change, Technology, and Digital Transformation.

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Scientific Papers and Citations for Human-caused Climate Change

Climate change is a complex issue that affects us all, and it is important to consider all perspectives and viewpoints. If you are skeptical about the scientific evidence, I would encourage you to take a look at the peer-reviewed research papers and documents that I have provided in this article. These studies, conducted by reputable scientists and published in respected journals, provide a solid foundation of scientific evidence that supports the reality of human-caused climate change.

Politics or no-politics, the importance are factual datasets and research, and the intent is not to blindly believe what IPCC says, however, the information they spread should give each individual enough points to dive in and research themselves. Although, the reports that IPCC publishes are widely accepted in the scientific community as they are based on solid scientific evidence.

It’s also important to acknowledge that there may be different opinions and views on climate change and it’s impacts, but it is essential to base our understanding and actions on robust scientific evidence, rather than opinions or emotions. I invite you to review the facts and evidence presented here, and to consider the potential consequences if we fail to take action to address climate change.

Note: read with open and clear mind

1. Skepticism often centers around hidden agendas that have emerged in recent years, thus, the citations provided here are from papers and journals dating back from 1980s.
2. The external link may be broken, if so, copy and paste the title and information on Google to find the correct link.
3. Feel free to ask for clarification or raise doubts in the comments.
4. If you wish to add any other notable names, please share the name, paper/citation link, and award/recognition information.
5. If you disagree with the scientists’ publications, provide your basis and relevant links in the comments.
6. Use respectful language when commenting.
Continue reading Scientific Papers and Citations for Human-caused Climate Change

Agile Methodology: Points, velocity, Complexity, & effort estimation

In Agile Methodology, points and velocity have been seen as crucial elements for the success of many teams and projects. A few years back one of my teams was working on a new mobile application for a popular restaurant chain. The project was a complex one, as it required integration with the restaurant’s existing systems, as well as the ability to place orders and make payments through the app. As the team began to work on the project, they quickly realized that estimating the complexity and effort required to complete the various tasks and stories was becoming increasingly difficult. The team was struggling to come up with accurate estimates, and as a result, they were falling behind schedule.

In an effort to get back on track, I decided to understand along with the project manager assigned to the team on how exactly they are estimating stories. And to my surprise I learned that the version of points and velocity understanding is way to confusing for them. We began by assigning points to each task and story based on their relative complexity and effort required, then used velocity to estimate the number of points the team believed they could handle in a given sprint. Trust me, it might sound simple but it was nothing near to simple. In this article I will try to break some of the learnings that helped my team to understand things well.

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The LEFT and RIGHT (Skeptical view) debate on climate change

The debate on climate change can often be divided into two main camps: those on the “left” and those on the “right.”

People who are considered “left-leaning” (Also termed as Skeptical viewpoint) generally think that climate change is a big problem that needs to be dealt with right away. They usually support ideas like setting a price on carbon and making rules to limit the amount of greenhouse gases that are released. A lot of people on the left also believe that doing something about climate change is the right thing to do morally and ethically, and that countries that have been releasing a lot of greenhouse gases for a long time have a special responsibility to take action.

People who are considered “right-leaning” usually do not believe that climate change is as big of a problem and that it needs any immediate action. They may say that we do not have enough information to be sure that climate change is happening or that it is caused by human activity, or that it would be too expensive to do something about it. Some people on the right may also believe that people should be free to make their own choices and that economic growth is more important than protecting the environment.

It’s important to remember that not everyone who is considered “left” or “right” feels the same way about climate change. There are many different opinions on this topic and some people may not fit into one of these two groups or might hold a more nuanced position. Also, “left” and “right” can mean different things in different countries and situations.

Continue reading The LEFT and RIGHT (Skeptical view) debate on climate change

A note for transitioning from traditional to agile project management

Adopting agile project management? Learn how to excel by aligning team goals, re-evaluating success metrics & fostering collaboration. Say goodbye to traditional constraints and embrace agility for faster results. As a project manager, the transition to agile methodologies can bring about new challenges. Agile emphasizes small teams working in short intervals and continuously learning, which may be a departure from the traditional linear approach to project management that many project managers are accustomed to. However, with the right mindset and approach, project managers can not only adapt but excel in this new environment.

One of the initial steps for project managers leading an agile team is to comprehend the goals and objectives of the organization. By taking the time to understand the reasoning behind the organization’s adoption of agile, project managers can align their team’s goals and objectives with those of the organization. This allows them to demonstrate how organizational agility can aid their team in achieving these goals, and how their team can contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Continue reading A note for transitioning from traditional to agile project management

The dilemma of an entrepreneur acting as a project manager

An entrepreneur who has to also act as a project manager, the days are always filled with a constant act of balancing. In startups and budding businesses, you have to perform those roles side by side. On one hand, you had to lead and manage your teams ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, on other hand, you have to focus on growing your business and making sure that it is financially successful as well.

One of the primary challenges I have always heard from people in this dual role is time management, as frankly for an entrepreneur, there are a million things to do and always not enough hours in a day to do them. You have to constantly prioritize and make sure that you are focused on the most important tasks at hand and do not deviate from insignificant activities. Of course, some days such decisions are done right, and sometimes they are not.

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Demonstrating Newton’s laws of motion using Python code

Newton’s laws of motion are a set of three laws that describe the relationship between a body and the forces acting upon it. These laws were developed by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century and are still widely used in classical mechanics to describe the motion of objects.

Newton’s laws of motion provide a fundamental framework for understanding the motion of objects and the forces that act upon them.

Here is an example of how you could demonstrate Newton’s laws of motion using Python code:

Newton’s First law of motion with Python code

An object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction, unless acted upon by a force.

# define a class to represent an object
class Object:
  def __init__(self, mass, velocity=0):
    self.mass = mass
    self.velocity = velocity
    
  def apply_force(self, force, time):
    # calculate the acceleration of the object
    acceleration = force / self.mass
    # update the velocity of the object based on the acceleration and time elapsed
    self.velocity += acceleration * time
    
# create an object with a mass of 10 kg and initial velocity of 0 m/s
obj = Object(10)
print("Initial velocity:", obj.velocity) # should print 0

# apply a force of 50 N for 1 second
obj.apply_force(50, 1)
print("Velocity after applying force:", obj.velocity) # should print 5 (50 N / 10 kg = 5 m/s^2)

# apply no force for 1 second
obj.apply_force(0, 1)
print("Velocity after applying no force:", obj.velocity) # should still print 5

Newton’s Second law of motion with Python code

Newton’s second law of motion states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object times its acceleration. In equation form, this is represented as:

F = ma

Where F is the force acting on the object, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration of the object.

Python code that calculates the mass and acceleration of an object based on the given variables:

# Define the initial and final velocities of the object
initial_velocity = 10  # m/s
final_velocity = 20  # m/s

# Define the time elapsed
time_elapsed = 5  # s

# Calculate the change in velocity
delta_v = final_velocity - initial_velocity

# Calculate the acceleration of the object
acceleration = delta_v / time_elapsed

# Print the calculated acceleration
print("Acceleration:", acceleration, "m/s^2")

# Define the force acting on the object
force = 50  # N

# Calculate the mass of the object
mass = force / acceleration

# Print the calculated mass
print("Mass:", mass, "kg")

This code will output the following values:

  • Acceleration: 4 m/s^2
  • Mass: 12.5 kg

The variables initial_velocity, final_velocity, and time_elapsed can be changed to different values to calculate the acceleration and mass for different scenarios.

Now the below Python code demonstrates this principle by calculating the force required to accelerate a 1 kilogram object at a rate of 1 meter per second squared:

# Define the mass of the object in kilograms
mass = 1

# Define the acceleration of the object in meters per second squared
acceleration = 1

# Calculate the force required to accelerate the object
force = mass * acceleration

# Print the calculated force
print(force)

This code will output the result 1, which represents the force required to accelerate a 1 kilogram object at a rate of 1 meter per second squared.

Newton’s Third law of motion with Python code

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

# Constants
GRAVITY = 9.81  # m/s^2
MASS = 1.0      # kg

# Initial conditions
y_0 = 0         # m
v_0 = 10        # m/s
t_0 = 0         # s
dt = 0.01       # s

# Create lists to store the position and velocity of the ball at each time step
y_positions = [y_0]
v_velocities = [v_0]
times = [t_0]

# Loop through time steps and calculate the position and velocity of the ball at each step
while y_positions[-1] >= 0:
    # Calculate the acceleration of the ball due to gravity
    acceleration = -GRAVITY

    # Calculate the velocity at the current time step
    v_current = v_velocities[-1] + acceleration * dt

    # Calculate the position at the current time step
    y_current = y_positions[-1] + v_current * dt

    # Append the current position, velocity, and time to the lists
    y_positions.append(y_current)
    v_velocities.append(v_current)
    times.append(times[-1] + dt)

# Plot the position of the ball over time
plt.plot(times, y_positions)
plt.xlabel('Time (s)')
plt.ylabel('Position (m)')
plt.show()

This code simulates the motion of a ball being dropped from a height of y_0 meters with an initial velocity of v_0 meters per second. The ball is subjected to the force of gravity, which is represented by the acceleration GRAVITY meters per second squared. The code uses a while loop to step through the simulation, calculating the position and velocity of the ball at each time step using the equations of motion:

acceleration = force / mass
velocity = velocity + acceleration * dt
position = position + velocity * dt

At each time step, the ball experiences a force equal to its mass times the acceleration due to gravity (F = ma). This force is the action, and the reaction is the equal and opposite force that the ground exerts on the ball. The code plots the position of the ball over time, showing how it bounces back up after hitting the ground due to the equal and opposite reaction force.


Would you like to connect & have a talk?

My daily life involves interacting with different people in order to understand their perspectives on Climate Change, Technology, and Digital Transformation.

If you have a thought to share, then let’s connect!

Startup companies contributing to climate change mitigation

There are a number of startups out there that are tackling climate change head on. These companies come from different industries and are using a variety of methods to cut down on greenhouse gases and lessen the effects of climate change. This article showcases some of these innovative firms and their efforts to protect our planet. Please note, its just a small list and I do not have sponsorship from any one of them ๐Ÿ™‚

One company has developed a technology that captures and sequesters CO2 from industrial processes and uses it to make concrete stronger and more durable. Another company specializes in developing and operating facilities that convert waste into clean energy. There is a company that manufactures inverters and other technologies that help optimize the performance of solar energy systems. There is also a company that provides electric vehicle charging infrastructure and related services. Another company has developed a technology that captures CO2 from industrial emissions and uses it to produce chemicals and fuels.

So the idea is to share a small sample of many startup companies that are focused on developing and commercializing innovative technologies and services that directly or indirectly help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

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Electrifying world with Solar: How much Surface Area required?

Electricity powers our daily lives and drives economic growth, so it’s no surprise that some countries consume more electricity than others. According to recent data, the top 10 countries with the highest total electricity consumption are China, the United States, India, Russia, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. These countries have high demand for electricity due to factors such as large populations, industrialization, and economic development.

It has been an interesting exercise to mathematically assume how much surface area would be required to install solar panels in these countries to meet their electricity needs. However, please do understand that this article is purely an interesting hypothesis and not a concrete recommendation in any sense. It’s just a mere area-based assumption to see how much land we might need to electrify a country or this entire world.

China, the United States, and India are the largest consumers of electricity globally, with China alone accounting for almost 20% of total global electricity consumption. Russia, Japan, and Germany also have large and developed economies, which contribute to their high levels of electricity consumption. South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Canada also consume relatively large amounts of electricity due to their populations, industrial bases, and economic development. I assume that you possess the basic understanding that electricity consumption doesn’t necessarily reflect a country’s prosperity or well-being, but it is a significant indicator of economic and industrial activity.

Top 10 countries with the highest total electricity consumption (2019):

  1. China – 9,596 billion kWh
  2. United States – 4,178 billion kWh
  3. India – 3,599 billion kWh
  4. Russia – 1,295 billion kWh
  5. Japan – 1,196 billion kWh
  6. Germany – 647 billion kWh
  7. South Korea – 593 billion kWh
  8. Iran – 423 billion kWh
  9. Saudi Arabia – 358 billion kWh
  10. Canada – 347 billion kWh

Again, I am referring my last quote before banging on the complete article is that the ranking of countries by electricity consumption may change depending on the data source and time frame being considered for these assumptions. It is also important to remember that a country’s electricity consumption does not necessarily reflect its level of development or well-being.”.

Continue reading Electrifying world with Solar: How much Surface Area required?

Solving Euler’s formula for polyhedra, Navier-Stokes equations, and Feynman path integral using Python

Euler’s formula, the Navier-Stokes equations, and the Feynman path integral are three important concepts in the fields of mathematics and physics. Just to clarify, they are not a tall connected to one another directly, however, they are all related to our understanding of the world around us. We will be using the Python programming language to explore and solve these concepts. My assumption is that you understand all these formula’s and hence attempting to solve it using Python.

Euler’s formula is a tool that helps us understand the structure of three-dimensional shapes called polyhedra. It tells us the relationship between the number of vertices, edges, and faces that make up a polyhedron.

The Navier-Stokes equations, on the other hand, are used to study the movement of fluids. These equations are a set of mathematical statements that describe how fluids behave and are used to model the flow of liquids and gases in many different situations.

The Feynman path integral, named after physicist Richard Feynman, is a way of understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level. It allows physicists to make predictions about the actions of particles by considering all of the possible paths they might take and calculating the chances of each one occurring.

Solving Euler’s formula for polyhedra using Python code

This is a Python function that checks if a three-dimensional shape, called a polyhedron, follows a certain rule called Euler’s formula. To use the function, you need to give it three whole numbers, which represent the number of flat faces, straight edges, and points on the polyhedron. The function will then tell you if the polyhedron follows Euler’s formula by giving you either ‘True’ or ‘False’:

def satisfies_euler(V, E, F):
  return V - E + F == 2
Continue reading Solving Euler’s formula for polyhedra, Navier-Stokes equations, and Feynman path integral using Python