Germany has launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered train in September 2018 because diesel-operated trains cause a lot of pollution. Built by French train maker Alstom, two trains painted in bright blue colour now operate on a 1.6km stretch in northern Germany. Hydrogen trains are eco-friendly because they are equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity through a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, a process that leaves steam and water as the only emissions. Excess energy is stored in ion lithium batteries on board.
World Health Organization has issued a strong warning about the effects of air pollution on children. On October 29, 2018, it released a report called Air Pollution and Child Health. It states that in 2016, 600,000 children died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air. What is worse is that 93% of the world's children under the age of 15 (1.8 billion) are exposed to high levels of PM 2.5 which are superfine air pollutants. Worst are those living in developing countries where 98 per cent of all children are exposed to very unhealthy air.
Green schools are taking initiatives to clean the polluted air around us
As we gear up for winter, we cannot ignore that this is the time when we experience the worst of air quality across cities and towns. The air we breathe is filled with toxic pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM 2.5, PM 10), lead (Pb), ozone (O3), among others, arising from multiple sources such as vehicles, industries and power plants.
Delhi has been infamous for its air pollution, for years, especially after the World Health Organisation reported it to be the most polluted city in the world in 2014.
Moreover, Delhi residents are not alone in grappling with air pollution. Many other cities such as Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna and Kanpur are also equally at risk.
Why has it become increasingly diffiicult to run even during early mornings?
Suddu was anxious. He tightly grabbed Papa’s hand to avoid getting lost in the crowd. This was the third medical store they had visited since morning to buy a mask. The first two in their locality had already run out.
“Papa, when will we go home? I am hungry,” said a visibly irritable Suddu. More than hunger it was the urge to get out of the crowded medical store. “As soon as we buy the mask, beta,” his father assured him. “But why is there such a long queue?”...
The girl would remember that winter fondly as the one when they made their last snowperson.
Her elder brother and sister and two girls and another boy from the neighbourhood had developed a ritual over the years. Every time it snowed substantially, they would leave all but one of their kãgers at home, put on their Duckback boots and homemade woollen gloves and head for the clearing between the walnut trees behind their mohalla.
Raghu is a sharp and witty school-going kid who lives in the suburbs of Delhi. He has a younger sister, Roshni, who has grown into her name because her young mind fills rooms and conversations with light. The kids have an uncle who lives in another state and brings a lot of gifts for them every year. Their mother always complains, half in jest, that he is spoiling the kids. He retorts by telling her that she is just jealous she did not have an uncle abroad when she was a little girl. The kids titter and resume opening their gifts.
One summer afternoon when Aman was sitting in a corner looking lost, Parth went up to him and said, “Hi, why are you sitting alone during recess?" Aman got up from his desk and walked out of the classroom. The recess ended and all the boys entered the class and made themselves comfortable in their respective seats. After the school got over, Parth walked up to Javed and asked him as to what is the matter with Aman, why does he stay gloomy and aloof.
